The legendary rock band shares the heartbreaking news of the death of their founding member and frontman

The music world was rocked on Monday by the news that Paul Di'Anno, founding member and former frontman of legendary band Iron Maiden, has died.

He was 66.

Iron Maiden shared the news in an emotional post on social media.

“We are all deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Di'Anno today.” read a post on the band's X account. “Paul's contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and helped set us on the path we have been on as a band for almost five decades. His groundbreaking presence as a frontman and vocalist, both on stage and on our first two albums, will be fondly remembered not only by us, but by fans around the world.”

The band's bassist Steve Harris was quoted in the post.

“It’s just so sad that he’s gone,” Harris said. “I only recently had contact with him when we wrote to each other about West Ham and its ups and downs. At least he was still performing until recently, being outside whenever he could was something that kept him going. We will all miss him. Get some rest, buddy.”

The band concluded the post by saying, “We were very grateful to have had the opportunity to meet him and spend time with him again a few years ago.”

“On behalf of the band, Rod and Andy and the entire Iron Maiden team, we extend our deepest condolences to Paul’s family and close friends,” the post reads. “Rest in peace, Paul.”

PEOPLE magazine reported that Di'Anno performed lead vocals on Iron Maiden's first two albums, “Iron Maiden” in 1980 and “Killers” in 1981.

The website said Di'Anno had publicly addressed health issues, including fundraising for knee surgery in 2021. The website said Di'Anno said he had a “golf ball-sized abscess.” in his leg and almost died after sepsis before surgery.

PEOPLE Magazine said that Di'Anno said he struggled with “infections after infections after infections” in the years following his knee surgery and that he recently said he had pneumonia last year.