Profile of Paul Di’Anno, Iron Maiden’s Early Vocalist
This documentary offers an engaging yet challenging profile of Paul Di’Anno, who served as the lead vocalist for the heavy metal band Iron Maiden from 1978 to 1981. While the film is respectful, it does not shy away from portraying the complexities of its subject’s personality.
Paul Di’Anno, born Paul Andrews in 1958, is recognized by fans and rock historians alike for his contributions to Iron Maiden’s first two albums. However, the band’s major commercial success came after his departure, with Bruce Dickinson taking over lead vocals on their breakthrough album, The Number of the Beast. This transition positions Di’Anno as a figure somewhat analogous to Stuart Sutcliffe or Pete Best in Beatles history, though Iron Maiden’s frequent lineup changes complicate direct comparisons.
Archival Footage and Vocal Style
The documentary includes archival footage of Di’Anno in his prime, showcasing his distinctive gravelly voice that leans more toward punk than traditional metal singing. This footage is engaging even for those unfamiliar with Iron Maiden’s early work. Despite his vocal talents, the film reveals why Di’Anno did not continue with the band, as his behavior often proved to be challenging.
Director Wes Orshoski’s Approach
Director Wes Orshoski follows Di’Anno through a difficult period in his life, spanning before, during, and after the Covid-19 pandemic. During this time, Di’Anno’s health deteriorated significantly, including a dislocated knee that left him unable to walk. The film captures his frequent complaints about the NHS, which delayed surgery until his overall health improved.
In an effort to assist him, Croatian superfan Stjepan Juras and his friends crowdfunded enough money to bring Di’Anno to Zagreb, where medical treatment is more affordable than private care in the UK. Their dedication is notable, especially considering Di’Anno’s difficult temperament. At one point, he criticizes them for arranging the wrong type of taxi transport, illustrating his sometimes abrasive nature.
Health Struggles and Career Revival Attempts
While undergoing surgeries and experiencing a modest career revival in Croatia, Di’Anno fails to adhere to prescribed rehabilitation and exercise programs. Instead, he falls back into depression and poor health, continuing to smoke cigarettes and expressing frequent dissatisfaction. This aspect of the film highlights the challenges of following a subject who is often uncooperative and self-critical.
The documentary’s focus on Di’Anno’s less likable traits sometimes makes viewers wish the camera would shift to other characters, such as Juras or the Croatian nurse who becomes engaged to Di’Anno but later disappears from the narrative. Additionally, the Norwegian rockers who serve as Di’Anno’s backup band in Croatia—middle-aged men who appear to have day jobs in IT or education—could have offered an interesting alternative perspective.
By the film’s conclusion, the audience may find any of these secondary figures more appealing than Di’Anno himself, who often comes across as ungrateful and self-pitying.
