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| He's running free... |
Maiden’s first two albums are a compelling fusion of punk and heavy metal, blending everything that made that moment in time unique. And that made Paul Di’Anno just what Maiden needed as a lead vocalist.
Di’Anno had an unpolished, angry, raspy style, perfect for songs like “Prowler,” “Running Free,” “Wrathchild,” and “Killers.” He brought a menace to the stage and looked like he might kick your ass after completing the set.
But that’s probably underselling Di’Anno, who also could straight out sing in an emotive, soulful way, as evidenced with songs like “Remember Tomorrow” and “Strange World.”
I am someone who firmly believes Bruce Dickinson greatly elevated Iron Maiden. Founder and bassist Steve Harris wanted someone with greater vocal range, stage presence and professionalism, and found him in Dickinson. Maiden would not have achieved the heights it reached had Bruce not joined the band.
But that does not diminish Di’Anno’s contributions in the slightest. They are immeasurable. And those first two albums are still damned good. Today they sound as fresh and unique as ever, and still make it into my rotation.
RIP Paul, and thanks for the music.
5 comments:
I’ve heard a lot of older punk and hardcore dudes say that Paul (along with Motörhead) bridged the gap between punk and metal for them. Without Paul and those early Maiden albums there would definitely be a little less grit and grime in the world of metal. RIP to a true talent and performer.
Same here man. I don't know what I'm more impressed with, your shrewd comment or the fact that you got an umlaut over the o in Motorhead.
Steve Harris actually hates it when people describe the first two albums as punk-influenced. And honestly, I can kind of see why. Punk instrumentation tends to be pretty simple, and I couldn't see a punk band playing something like "Phantom of the Opera".
But putting all music debates aside, I was saddened to learn of Paul's death. While I agree Bruce's arrival truly marked the beginning of Maiden's golden era, Paul still paved the way for that and those first two albums are great in their own right. "Murders in the Rue Morgue" is a personal favorite of mine.
Hi Ian, yeah, I get it, and absolutely the first two Maiden albums are far more metal than punk. "Phantom" is a clear indication of where the band was headed. But also, if you played the opening beats of "Running Free" for example to a neutral fan, the punk is clear (to me at least). Maybe, punk-tinged rather than influenced?
I would say early Maiden and Motorhead had some punk "attitude". They sped things up and just had more of an edge. At the same time, Maiden was definitely influenced by Thin Lizzy. Lizzy's Phil Lynott was well-regarded in punk/postpunk circles.
The first Maiden video I ever saw on MTV had Di'Anno fronting it. I think it was "Wrathchild". A great frontman, but also a bit of a drama queen and hypochondriac.
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