PAUL DI'ANNO: 'I Still Do MAIDEN Songs Because That's What People Want To Hear'

In the February 17 edition of the Belfast Telegraph, former IRON MAIDEN frontman Paul Di'Anno is interviewed about his past drug use and his recently published autobiography.

Over the course of his 25-year career, Di'Anno has spent time in prison, had five wives, was the original vocalist for Brit metal legends IRON MAIDEN and has taken more drugs than he can remember.

So it comes as a bit of a surprise to these ears when the Cockney singer claims he's turned his back on his wild days.

"I've given all that up mate," says the charismatic vocalist. "I've got my old lady indoors and I'm a reformed character now. Well ... okay, I can still be a little naughty every now and again, can't I?"

Di'Anno is a rare breed. He's a true one-off, wild man of rock. Some of his tales in his autobiography even seem far-fetched by his own standards, but the singer insists that everything is true.

"When I started writing my book, I decided to tell the whole truth. You've tales of groupies, drug abuse, and violence, the whole lot. But it was also about a nine-year period of my life when everything was a little nuts. I've left that behind and grown up a little I think."

Now that Di'Anno has calmed down from his wild days, he's found himself out on the road a lot more. He's just back from a tour of South America and is preparing for a massive European tour.

"I'm knackered to tell you the truth, but I love what I'm doing. Being on stage is the best drug in the world, but I'm starting to wind down a little. I don't want to do this forever and be like one of those old farts still trying to be young. I'm 46 and the idea of behaving like the ROLLING STONES p****s me off."

It's somewhat refreshing to learn that Di'Anno is still close to the members of IRON MAIDEN and still keeps in contact with them.

"I still do MAIDEN songs in my set because that's what people want to hear," he says. "I'm proud of the time I spent with the band and I hope they never split up."

After being one of the most central influences on heavy metal back in the early Eighties, how does it feel to be regarded as a living legend?

"I'm just the same geezer I always was. My relationship with my fans is a strange one because I treat them like my mates. In my book I'm just the same as everyone else except I was bloody lucky in life."

(Thanks: MaidenFans.com)