Iron Maiden’s original singer dead at 69: Paul Mario Day was band’s first vocalist and was with them when they formed in 1975

Tributes have been paid to a heavy metal legend after his death aged 69.

Iron Maiden’s original frontman Paul Mario Day has passed away, his band announced. 

A statement was shared online today by More, a group he was with following his time with Iron Maiden after being there at their launch in the mid-1970s.

Iron Maiden played a key role in a late-Seventies movement dubbed the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, or NWOBHM.

They performed alongside similar acts at festivals including what became a regular annual showcase at Donington in Leicestershire.

More said: ‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the great MORE vocalist Paul Mario Day.

‘Paul was a huge part of the [New Wave of British Heavy Metal] from his time in an early version of Iron Maiden and of course his fantastic performance on the “Warhead” album.’

‘He was a well loved figure in British rock music and played many memorable shows not least the legendary 1981 Monsters of Rock show at Castle Donington with AC/DC, Whitesnake/David Coverdale as well as tours with Iron Maiden Def Leppard and many other legendary artists.

Paul Mario Day and guitarist Kenny Cox of heavy metal group More are seen performing on stage at the Monsters of Rock festival at Donington Park in Leicestershire in August 1981

Heavy metal group More are pictured in November 1980 – left to right: drummer Frank Darch, bassist Brian Day, singer Paul Mario Day, guitarist Kenny Cox and guitarist Laurie Mansworth

‘Mike Freeland remembers him fondly as a “bloody great vocalist!”

‘It’s an honour for us to continue to play his music and we will always think of him every time we hit the opening notes to “Warhead”.

‘We send our deepest condolences to Paul’s family and friends and also the many fans around the world who love his music.

‘Play his music loud and sing along! Thank you. Rock in peace Paul.’