There is less than a month left until the major operation that should change the life of the legendary singer Paul Di’Anno. At the end of August in Zagreb, Croatia, Paul will undergo three operations, the most significant of which is one of the most difficult and complicated orthopedic operations; installation of custom-made bone, which extends from the thigh to the lower leg. According to the doctor’s observations, Paul should, after 7 years, get up from the wheelchair and start walking again in September 2022.
Numerous fans around the world gathered to help him achieve this goal in various actions, which was preceded by eight months of treatment in Croatia. Likewise, Iron Maiden did not forget their singer from the first two albums and covered a huge part of the costs. Paul founded his new band/project WARHORSE in Croatia and recorded the first songs. On that occasion, he released a special DVD single with two songs and a series of videos showing his treatment and progress in Croatia. All fans have the opportunity to receive a signed DVD single together with an event t-shirt from the Zagreb concert on May 21. Only 666 singles were released for this occasion, and less than 40 are left for sale. If you want to get this unusual bundle signed by Paul Di’Anno, hurry up, because all the sizes of the t-shirt are slowly disappearing and will only be available this month. For those who don’t get to buy this special bundle, from August 1 at http://www.maidencroatia.com/riggs they will be able to buy a special t-shirt with an illustration made for Paul Di’Anno by the legendary Derek Riggs, the father of the famous monster Eddie.
Jimmy Kay from Canada’s The Metal Voice spoke to legendary former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’anno and Iron Maiden Author and publisher Stjepan Juras. Di’anno’s and Juras spoke about their meeting with Iron Maiden main man Steve Harris and manager Rod Smallwood after many years backstage at Maiden’s Show in Croatia.
The two also talked about the two new Di’anno singles to help raise funds for Di’anno’s medical expenses.
Stejpan was asked about the new to Di’anno songs that will be released to help raise funds for Di’anno’s medical costs ` “In April we ran out of money and did not know what to do and we said you know what we can’t ask people for money again unless we give them something. Now we need to give them something and people will buy and donate. I suggested we make two singles and sell them in a bundle with T-shirts. The reaction was very good. We made 666 bundles and in just 10 days we sold almost 500”
Di’anno was asked about his experience in meeting Steve Harris and Rod Smallwood after all these years in person
“Last weekend was absolutely amazing. Me and Steve (Harris) have always talked about Football (in the past) we always have. But we haven’t met for a long time (in person). I met up with Steve’s sister Linda first (that day) I haven’t seen her in about 30 years and then Steve and then Rob (Smallwood) as well and it made my whole year. Last time I saw Rod Smallwood was in Rock in Rio about 7 years ago but I missed the Maiden show cause I was swamped with Bloody press and stuff.”
When asked was it awkward talking to Steve Harris after many years “No. it was great, I wish I wasn’t in this sort of position (needing medical assistance). It was quite emotional. Now if it had been the first time we spoke together in 30 years it would have been maybe a little bit more weird. But as I said we talked about Football (in the past) and Steve phoned me up a couple of times from the Bahamas. We are two London boys from the East end, we are both a couple of happy go lucky geezers. I owe Steve dinner big time because he looked after my Mrs. after the last Maiden tour in the states in Connecticut in Hartford. He really looked after them he gave them backstage VIP and stuff. When I get my legs back I’ll take him out to dinner. The next day (after the Maiden show in Croatia) Steve called me but I missed the call but I did text him back. What annoys me is everyone is spreading rumours around that we don’t like each other (him and Iron Maiden) and stuff like that, I ain’t got nothing with Iron Maiden at all and I tell you the show was brilliant (when he saw them perform in Croatia) absolutely amazing. “
Jimmy Kay from Canada’s The Metal Voicespoke to early Iron Maiden guitarist Terry Wapram (Buffalo Fish). Wapram spoke about the one-off performance under the band banner of IDES OF MARCH to commemorate forty years since the release of Iron Maiden‘s debut album. The show will take place at the Beermageddon Festival on Sunday 30th August in Bromsgrove, England.
IDES OF MARCH is fronted by PAUL DI’ANNO, who will be performing for the very final time at BEERMAGEDDON. The band is completed by TERRY WAPRAM and TERRY RANCE on guitars, DOUG SAMPSON on drums and SPEED HARRIS (Dean Moraity of HI-ON MAIDEN) on bass.
Watch the interview below.
When asked about his time in Iron Maiden
“I think I went in the band about June / July in 1977 and came out of the band late February 1978, so I was in the band around 8 months. What first happened was Dennis Wilcox (Iron Maiden Singer at the time) came to the Marquee Club because was doing the photography for this band called ‘Bearded Lady’ and I was there with the band called ‘Hooker’ and I was seen there. I don’t really know the full story but there had been problems with Iron Maiden guitarist at the time Dave Murray and Bob Sawyer. Well there was some problem and they were going out of the band and Dennis approached me and I went down and played with Iron Maiden and got the job. They were moving away from the two guitar thing and wanted to try keyboards. When I joined Ron Rebel Mathews was on drums then something went wrong with Ron and they put out an ad for a drummer and keyboard player. Then Thunderstick came in on drums and Tony Moore on keyboards. ”
“I spent a lot of time rehearsing with them than playing live. I think I played around 5-6 gigs with them. After one gig Tony Moore left and when I didn’t really show any interest in being in a two guitar line up I left and they moved on without me.”
When asked if he made any small musical contributions/ inflections to the songs in the early days
“Phantom of the Opera springs to mind, I was very impressed when I was first shown that riff. I really thought it crossed the barrier into a whole other thing. It was like their version of Bohemian Rhapsody where there was so many pieces. I would be sitting down with Steve Harris and Tony Moore and we would be looking at the pieces, so there was a good involvement in that. I spent a massive amount of time sitting around at Steve Harris’ house tinkering around with songs with him.”
When asked about the ‘Ideas of March’ Final performance of Paul Di’anno
“We were approached by Steve Goldby to do something to commemorate the 45th anniversary (of the debut Iron Maiden album) and he wanted to get to as close as he could to one of the very early line-ups. In the ‘Ides of March’ we were all in at slightly different times. Terry Rance was in at one of the earliest lineups, Paul Di’anno was of course on the first two iconic albums.and Doug Sampson joined the band after me. The line up I was in had Thunderstick and also Ron ‘Rebel’ Mathews who played drums earlier on. ”
When asked about the set list on the final performance
“A really good chunk of the first album, some of the second album Killers plus some of the more obscure releases from around that time. We are looking at it in a way where we will be faithful to recorded versions, we may just tweak things a little to how it would have been in our own time. For instance some of the songs were played slower initially before it was recorded, it didn’t take away from it it kind of made it powerful and more steady. I’m not saying we are going to play everything slow but there will be some touches to do with how the individual people played the songs at the time. It’s kind of like a time machine. ”
When asked if the rest of the band without Dianno will continue on after Paul’s final performance
“I don’t know, everyone is very positive though. I got a very good feeling about this from the first production meeting we had. I am not sure but I have a really good feeling because Terry Rance and I work very well together. I think there could be a possibility I just don’t know. I think the rest of us would consider doing things as there are more offers coming in. I would give Steve Goldby his due on this.”
This will be vocalist PAUL DI’ANNO’s final ever live performance. After experiencing serious health difficulties in recent months, Paul has now taken the advice of his doctors and will retire from the live stage in 2020 after the IDES OF MARCH performance at BEERMAGEDDON. It is going to take one mighty effort for Paul to pull off this performance but he is determined to go out in style and give his fans one memorable final thank you and goodbye.
Paul said: “It’s been a tough four years waiting to play again. I hope to be standing for this show and I’m really looking forward to it. Standing up would be great – if not, Hell on wheels coming to ya!”
A forthcoming biographical documentary movie on Paul Dianno’s life is currently in the making and the producers will be filming the BEERMAGEDDON performance on 30th August. The movie is being created and directed by Wes Orshoski, the man responsible for ‘Lemmy’ – The Movie’ and more details about the film will be released during 2020.
IDES OF MARCH, fronted by PAUL DI’ANNO and including four former IRON MAIDEN members, will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of IRON MAIDEN’s debut album in a headline BEERMAGEDDON FESTIVAL performance in Bromsgrove, England on Sunday 30th August 2020.
IDES OF MARCH has been specially formed for this totally unique occasion and this will be a one-off and never-to-be-repeated performance. The band line-up is:
Paul Di’Anno – Vocals (ex-Iron Maiden)
Terry Wapram – Guitar (ex-Iron Maiden)
Terry Rance – Guitar (ex-Iron Maiden)
Doug Sampson – Drums (ex-Iron Maiden)
Speed Harris – Bass (Hi-On Maiden)
This will be vocalist PAUL DI’ANNO’s final ever live performance. After experiencing serious health difficulties in recent months, Paul has now taken the advice of his doctors and will retire from the live stage in 2020 after the IDES OF MARCH performance at BEERMAGEDDON. It is going to take one mighty effort for Paul to pull off this performance but he is determined to go out in style and give his fans one memorable final thank you and goodbye.
Paul said: “It’s been a tough four years waiting to play again. I hope to be standing for this show and I’m really looking forward to it. Standing up would be great – if not, Hell on wheels coming to ya!”
The IDES OF MARCH setlist for BEERMAGEDDON will include plenty of surprises with some songs being played live for the first time in literally decades. Stand by for further announcements during the run-up to August.
BEERMAGEDDON tickets are available at http://www.beermageddon.co.uk. A weekend ticket includes free camping, free parking and hot showers with no fees whatsoever. BEERMAGEDDON has sold out for the last eight years so make sure you don’t miss out.
Guitarist Terry Wapram said: “Really looking forward to working with these guys. Our paths have crossed many times but we never played together. Should be a killer line-up and a very special night.”
A forthcoming biographical documentary movie on Paul’s life is currently in the making and the producers will be filming the BEERMAGEDDON performance on 30th August. The movie is being created and directed by Wes Orshoski, the creator of ‘Lemmy – The Movie’ and more details about the movie will be released during 2020.
Jim Beerman, festival organiser added: “BEERMAGEDDON has always been about creating magical moments, and as an old school Metalhead I can think of nothing better than closing this years festival with IDES OF MARCH, musicians who have played such a pivotal role in the history of Metal, playing songs from arguably one of the greatest debut albums ever released, plus so much more. It doesn’t get any more magical than that.”
Jimmy Kay from Canada’s The Metal Voicerecently spoke to former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’anno. Di’anno spoke about his new live album which will be released on January 31 2020Hell Over Waltrop Live in Germany on Metalville records, working on new material and his thoughts on K.K. Downing rejoining Judas Priest for 50 year anniversary celebrations.
Watch the interview here:
When asked about his new live Album
“We recorded a lot of nights on Tour with our sound engineer (Producer)Thomas Mergler who we have been friends with for a long time. That recording was the weirdest concert we played because it was mostly pop bands on the bill from what I remember but fortunately there were load of metalheads there as well. The show was in 2006 with my German band at the time Phantoms Of The Opera at a city festival in the small Westphalian town of Waltrop. The thing is we had such a horrible onstage sound because the guy from the festival obviously worked and did sound with pop bands and you know didn’t have a clue what to do with a rock band. A couple of months back I got a message from Thomas Mergler from Germany and he said he found the live tapes of that gig from and he would clean them up and he did.”
When asked about playing Iron Maiden Songs on Tour
“I have been playing these songs for a long time and you have to find different ways to make them interesting for yourself so I play the songs a little more punkier and heavier which keeps the amusement up a bit, you have to find different ways of doing it. Just like Ozzy has to play a bit of Black Sabbath, playing a few songs from the band he came from so do I. I did make a mistake many years ago in America with Battlezone we didn’t play any Maiden songs and the crowds were ready to lynch us. But I am very proud of my heritage with Iron Maiden I want to play some of the songs. I’m thinking next time tour I should be playing a lot of songs off of my repertoire of music but also if we have to do a couple of Maiden songs I would like to do something different and play the songs people have not heard in a long time.”
When asked if he is working on new music
I’m working on new songs with a friend of mine who’s we’ve known each other all our lives pretty much guitarist Chop Pitman who plays in the band Airforce with former Iron Maiden drummer Doug Sampson. Chop is coming up with a couple of great ideas and he sent them over to me and we will see where it goes from there. In terms of style it will be back to classic metal it’s all a mixture of Sabbath type stuff and a little punk metal stuff. As a musician I don’t like to stick to one niche which can be a bit suicidal I suppose but I do like venturing a little bit into something different but it will be heavy for sure. But first and foremost is I’ve really got to concentrate on my health and I think coming out with a new album would be great but I can’t make any definite plans right now.”
When asked if K.K. Downing should rejoin priest for their 50 year anniversary tour
“I’ve got a lot respect for K.K. he’s a brilliant guitar player and yes I think K.K. Should be back for the 50th anniversary I don’t see why they would say no. It would be great.”
Hell Over Walltrop – Live in Germany, the result is 100% kick-ass rock without tricks and overdubs. The band presents itself in top form and serves the audience various classics from Iron Maiden’s early phase and from the solo career of Paul Di’Anno
Jimmy Kay from Canada’s The Metal Voice recently spoke with former IRON MAIDEN Singers Paul Di’Anno who announced his new band ANGELS OF CHAOZ. Di’Anno gave The Metal Voice an update about his current health situation and spoke in detail about a Battlezone Reunion and the songs on the first IRON MAIDEN album, Killers album and Maiden Japan.
Watch the interview here:
When asked about an update on his current health situation
“I have had some problems with my legs over the years, wear and tear jumping around like a loony on stage and my knees started to give out. What happened is the fluid in the right knee started to get infected and went into my chest and I did a couple of shows in the wheel chair I went back to Argentina and did some shows and I had a bit of a fall. By the time I got back to England I went to see the surgeon for my knee, I got home dropped my luggage and then I went off to the hospital, I came back in the afternoon and then I collapsed. I was dying of an abscess basically. I was lucky enough I had my phone with me and I called up the ambulance and they took me off to the hospital and I was there for 8 months. When they saw me the Doctor said we don’t think you are going to make it through the night, they didn’t tell me that until a couple of days after that. A huge big abscess on my chest in my clavicle eating my bone and breast bone away. The abscess was the size of a rugby ball, it was huge, they shrunk it with about 40 pills a day for 8 months in the hospital I couldn’t move. They are saying it’s from the fluid on the knee but it could have been something else i picked up traveling in South America, India like what happened to Steve Grimmett.(Grim Reaper).”
“It’s all clear now but the thing is I got to make certain that I do the operation on my knees so it’s all delaying everything. So now I’m trying to get my knees fixed. I have a special designer knee being built for me at the very cheap sum of 86,000 pounds, I got to pay for that and then I found out from my dentist the other day all the pills I am taking is making all my gums shrink and now I’m going to lose all my teeth as well if I’m not carefull. They are going to try and take my right knee out completely towards the next few months obviously the best surgeon in the country he’s booked up with other patients I’ve got to wait for him.They let me out of the hospital after 8 months just before Christmas last year and I went into a care home which was a f****** nightmare, the home was where people would go to die, a bunch of 80 and 90 year olds I was the youngest one there and most of them had dementia.”
When asked about why his former band Architects of Chaoz decided to go on without him
“I was so sick and they decided that they want to carry on without me and I said that’s ok you can do that. I wrote all the lyrics in Architects of Chaoz and I got the name of the band, so F*** You. So we got a new band now called The Angles of Chaoz , F*** You.. I’m a bit too stressed out to write at the moment. I asked the boys in Argentina to start getting a few tracks out to give me something to do,so I can start writing to it, there is a few bits and pieces going on. When we do work we work quickly, I’ve got a lot of lyrical content in me, rest assured, a lot of anger, frustration and being pissed off I’m not going to have a problem with that . Also I will be going to Russia about Christmas time doing something with an orchestra.”
When asked if he would do a Iron Maiden show with all three Iron Maiden singers on the bill
“Yes, if something good would come out of it of course I would, yeah. It would be great to see all the guys again”
When asked if he would ever do a resurrect his old band Batttlezone
“We are in talks at the moment, that’s no secret, me Steve Hopgood are up for it, Graham Bath is up for it been trying to get a hold of John Wiggins he has not been forthcoming at the moment but my old Bass Player Colin Riggs will be involved as the Bass player . It’s still Battlezone but different genres of it. ”
Di’anno also spoke in detail about the songs on the first Iron Maiden album, Killers album and Maiden Japan
The former IRON MAIDEN singer originally formed ARCHITECTS OF CHAOZ a couple of years ago with musicians from his longtime German touring backing group THE PHANTOMZ. AOC’s debut album, “The League Of Shadows”, was subsequently recorded and released in 2015
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 