Paul Di'Anno

Born on May 17, 1958, Di'Anno (real name Andrews) grew up in England — spending his teenage years singing in various rock bands and working as a butcher and chef. He befriended bass player Steve Harris, who was looking to find a replacement for a singer that just left his up-and-coming heavy metal band in 1977, Iron Maiden. Di'Anno wasn't that impressed by what he'd previously seen of the band but decided to be tried out for the band, and got the job immediately. And the rest is history.... Fast track to 2006, and Paul has 2 new albums, The Living Dead, and The Classics - The Maiden Years and a new autobiography aptly named The Beast, Paul Di'Anno is showing no signs of slowing down. He is booking up quickly world wide for shows, and writing more material for another album. Read more to see what is new with Paul. Darrin B Rocksquad.net Dec 28th, 2006

Darrin: Gogmagog. Strange name but an eclectic group of musicians put together for a concept/rock opera type album. Neil Murray, Jannic Gers, Clive Burr and Pete Willis. How were these guys to work with? Were you satisfied with the final product? Paul: Yeah, Coverdale was supposed to be involved too... We worked together fine. I’ve known most of the people involved ages, so it was all fine. But the result was awful. Barrin: Battlezone. There were a couple instances of this band, but it seems the first time around claimed the most commercial success for you. Children of Madness in particular seemed to do well. What caused the amount of infighting in the original late 80’s lineup of Battlezone? Paul: My drug problem mostly, but also record company politics. Darrin: Was the great showing of fan support in the late 90’s for Battlezone's new lineup in Brazil a factor in you living there for a period of time? Paul: Yeah...I found a whole new audience in S America, and I really love the people there. Darrin: The years when Killers was recording and gigging, seemed to be very rocky for your personal life. Divorce, arrest, deportation. What effect did this have on you as an artist? Did the music keep you sane during this time? **for more information on Paul behind the scenes, purchase his book, The Beast** Paul: Sane is maybe the right word to use, but Yes; Music has always been a lifeline for me...I prefer life on the road to domestic life. That particular period was very destructive. And it wasn’t all self inflicted. Darrin: Now you are recording as Paul Di’Anno. You have 2 recent projects released in 2006. Let’s talk about The Living Dead. This is a reproduction of Nomad, from 2000 with some new material on it. Why did you go the route of a re-release, instead of an album with all new material? Paul: Nomad didn’t get a worldwide release. The living dead is a much better product. Better sound, decent artwork, the lot. There will be totally new material available later this year. Hopefully an entire album. My band in Sweden, The AK 47s, are working on it. Darrin: Where did you record the new material? What process did you use to select the musicians that recorded these tracks with you? Paul: A number of different places. Paolo and I have been working together before, so it seemed proper to do it with him. Darrin: The other album released in 2006 was The Maiden Years – The Classics. This is an album of you singing classic Maiden tracks from the past. Was it fun to put a new life and energy into these tracks? I know when you toured as Dianno, that you chose not to perform Maiden material. When did you decide it was right for you to perform Maiden tracks to your fans again. Paul: The first 2 Maiden albums are classic. No matter what I do I can’t escape that I was part of Maiden. I’ve started to accept that. BUT the first album suffers from bad production, and I wanted to give the songs a proper production, and get an updated sound. Darrin: Listening to some newer tracks your voice is amazing these days. What have you been doing to get such great control in your upper register. It seems like there is a new clarity in your voice. Paul: I’m not exactly a role model when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, but I do take better care of myself nowadays. I guess that answers your question. Darrin: Aside from touring, what plans do you have for 2007? Paul: Get some new songs recorded and out there. Darrin: How is it working out hiring different backing bands for different legs of tours? Do you find you get a decent level of consistency in the shows night to night? Would you prefer to have a gigging band that stays together for whole tours, or does this myriad of bands actually stop a lot of the on the road bullshit that kills so many bands? Paul: I really would prefer working with my main band, the Swedes. They’re quite mad, but also the best you can get...They follow the attitude of the different songs, and they are "more than metal" if you know what I mean. Darrin: Looking back these 30 short years, is there any decisions you would have made during your career? Are you satisfied to date with what you have accomplished? Paul: Face it: An upcoming artist today can not spell to 30 year career doing what you love. That says it all. Darrin: Last question for you Paul. I am going to give you a few names. Please give me any comments you may have about them: Dennis Wilcock – No Answer Johnathan King - Convicted Pedophile Bob Falck – No Answer Rob Halford - Great singer, nice bloke Clive Burr - Fantastic drummer, good mate Darrin: Paul, thank you for your time and your answers. I wish you the best on tour this year, as well as with the albums and the book.

Paul's Links www.myspace.com/diannothebeast www.pauldianno.com Buy Paul's New Stuff