Iron Maiden has earned a lot of love from fans over five decades, stemming from giant riffs, well-constructed metal, and vocalists who know how to belt out a tune. The longest-serving singer is Bruce Dickinson, who is arguably one of the best three vocalists in the history of metal.
But he might not be the best singer in Maiden lore. According to former frontman Blaze Bayley, the best vocalist in the history of the iconic band is Paul Di'Anno, who sang on the band's early albums. He left the band in 1981 due to a drug issue and not being able to fulfill the obligations that went along with an upcoming tour.
Di'Anno was replaced by Bruce Dickinson for much of the rest of the band's run, though Bayley was the singer from 1994 to 1999. He participated in two studio albums, The X Factor and Virtual XI.
Blaze Bayley doesn't see Bruce Dickinson as Iron Maiden's best singer
"There are different eras of Maiden, of course, but in my mind, only Paul is the legend," Bayley told Metal OBS. "After that, we carry the name, we carry the torch of Iron Maiden. I may become a legend, Bruce may become a legend. But the legend of Iron Maiden belongs to Paul on those first two albums...Other people will say different things, but in my opinion, you listen to some of the songs on the first two albums, it's so different to everything else that was going on."
This isn't to say Bayley is wrong, of course. He has a right to his opinion, and it was steeped in intimate knowledge of Iron Maiden. Instead, Bayley's approach to who was the best vocalist in the band's history only shows the depth of talent that Maiden has had.
As far as purity of voice, Dickinson will be difficult to beat, as far as many fans are concerned. He has an epic voice that he could likely have used in any number of ways. To use his instrument to augment a legendary heavy metal group only made everyone better. He can do whatever is needed to help propel a song forward.
Neither Bayley nor Di'Anno should be easily dismissed, though. Bayley, because of the time he joined the well-established band, won't be viewed as an icon himself, but Di'Anno will because he helped set the tone for what the group would become. That, obviously, is one of the best metal bands ever.
Unfortunately, Di'Anno died in 2024 after years of health issues. His cause of death was a heart condition. Besides Maiden, he performed with several other bands. He should be rightfully remembered as a fantastic vocalist, and clearly Blaze Bayley will recall him that way.
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