It feels strange to look back now and realise that seeing Paul Di’Anno perform a set of classic early Iron Maiden at this year’s Stonedead Festival in August would be the last time I would ever see him play live again. Just under two months, and three gigs later, he’d be dead, at only 66 years of age.
Like many music fans of my age, and indeed younger, Paul Di’Anno’s short tenure with Maiden left an indelible mark on my formative listening habits. Sure, Maiden would go on to even greater heights and there are Bruce-era albums that visit my turntable more regularly these days, but those first two Iron Maiden albums, 1980’s self-titled debut and 1981’s follow-up, Killers, contained a raw primal energy that was so thrilling to a 15-year-old discovering heavy music for the first time, especially coupled with Derek Riggs’ phantasmagorical artwork.
Stonedead, at Newark Showground, is a music festival that prides itself on being a throwback to the glory days of Monsters Of Rock at Castle Donington when it was a one-day affair, with up to seven bands on show. Its concession to modern-day rock festival practices is to host a Friday evening pre-party, and it was at this that Di’Anno would be performing a set of Maiden songs this year.
I’ll be honest and say that expectations between myself and my rock-loving mates with whom I always attend these events were not exactly high. Obviously, Paul’s ongoing health issues, being confined to performing in a wheelchair for the last few years, not to mention a voice that’s not always held up to its former power, were an issue, and the effects of Storm Lilian had meant a late opening to the arena and no backdrop as the high winds placed the whole event in peril.
By about eight o’clock, when Paul and his band were set to take the stage, the mood at the festival was more celebratory. Despite the wind, the arena was bathed in the glow of a warm sunset and no rain was forecast. As the various bars in the arena got steadily busier, suddenly the opening riff of Sanctuary cut through the air like a hot knife through butter.
Sanctuary was the first Iron Maiden song I ever heard and the first Iron Maiden single I ever bought. I still have it. The riff grabbed people's attention, heads turned stagewards. But above and beyond the easily recognisable riffing, centre-stage, and in seemingly very fine voice, was Paul Di’Anno.
I’m sure singing sat down plays havoc with your vocal chords and breathing, but as Di’Anno’s band ripped through Charlotte The Harlot and Prowler, it became increasingly clear that Di’Anno’s voice was in robust form. At 66, you’re never going to be the singer you once were, but there was a clarity, tunefulness and power that belied the perception he hasn’t been able to cut it in more recent years.
Needless to say, Di’Anno’s rough-hewn, barrow-boy charm was more than evident as he spoke to the crowd. A crowd increasingly getting into what was happening on stage. You couldn’t fault the setlist either (well, apart from the fact that it was 'only' ten songs, maybe). Six songs from the debut, four from Killers. Wrathchild induced the first serious bout of headbanging, which only heightened when it was followed by a riotous Murders In The Rue Morgue, while the anthemic Remember Tomorrow was a stern vocal test that Di’Anno passed with flying colours.
Genghis Khan gave the singer a much-needed breather, before a final triptych of Killers, an epic Phantom Of The Opera and Running Free brought the hour-long set to a close with cheers resounding around Newark Showground. And then, as swiftly as they slipped on stage, Di’Anno and his band were gone.
You never know what fate has waiting for you just around the corner. And as people resumed their revelling, talk was of how unexpectedly impressive Di’Anno’s performance had been, but soon moved on to other things. Now we’ll never see Paul Di’Anno onstage again.
The headlines haven’t always been favourable over the years, but Di’Anno’s place in heavy metal history has long been established. As a fan I shall miss his garrulous, boisterous presence. But I’m so glad the last time I saw him on stage he was as good as this. R.I.P. Paul.
