Paul Mario Day: Iron Maiden's First Singer Dies

British musician Paul Mario Day, a prominent figure in the heavy metal scene and the first singer of Iron Maiden, has died at the age of 69.

His death was announced by his band, More, yesterday on social media. However, the cause of death has not yet been announced.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the great singer of More, 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 album 'Warhead'," the post reads.

Paul Mario Day was hired by bassist Steve Harris in 1975 when he founded Iron Maiden. He was the band's first singer, remaining with them until 1976, when he was replaced by Dennis Wilcock.

As revealed later in the documentary Iron Maiden: The Early Days, his departure was due to a lack of stage presence.