Happy Birthday today (May 17) to Paul Di’Anno. The former Iron Maiden frontman is 61. Other rockers celebrating include Nine Inch Nails mainman Trent Reznor (54), ex Pearl Jam drummer Dave Abbruzzese (51), Great White drummer Audie Desbrow (62), singer/guitarist Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age (46), former Dio keyboardist Claude Schnell (61), and former Yes drummer Bill Bruford (70).
Iron Maiden was formed 1975 out of east London by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Paul Di’Anno fronted Iron Maiden from 1978 to 1981 and the band were pioneers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and achieved initial success in the early 80’s. Iron Maiden’s self-titled debut in 1980 became a classic of the genre mixing punk energy with metal riffs. The band released their second album Killers in 1981 as well as the live EP Maiden Japan. Di’Anno left the band in 1981. Cheers to Paul Di'Anno on his birthday today! A true rocker. For more on Paul Di’Anno, check out his official website here.