As you can tell, Paul is quite the outspoken and bouyant personality. I thank him for not dodging any questions and shedding light on some things that most Maiden/Di'Anno fans probably never knew. Of course, this interview is not the typical blabbering about keys, notes and self-importance. Much like his book…Di'Anno can be brutally honest and sometimes controversial. That being said, all Maiden fans should run out and purchase the new book…even people who aren't fans might enjoy reading it.

Antagonistic and fun as ever…here is Mr. Paul Di'Anno!

Aerik Von (Raging-Metal): First off Mr. Di'Anno, having been lucky enough to have an advance copy of the book through a friend I must say that it was not what I expected from a musicians autobiography. While the Iron Maiden days are covered in the manner I expected I found the book far more unsettling and honest than books like Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" which contained a good deal of dirt but in times tried to find a way to soften the blow whereas your book has some frightening honesty that I would never expect from a book on a musicians life. How do you feel about exposing such harsh details to the world and your fans at this point in your life?

Paul Di'Anno (Iron Maiden, Killers, Di'Anno, Battlezone, etc.): I just wanted to get it all out and off my chest in the most honest way possible. It was my manager Lea Hart (and Dale Webb the co author) that suggested the book, and I said I'd only do it if it was "Non Rock n Roll". You know like the rest of those self congratulating "Bullshit I love Myself Biography's". I know the book will shock a lot of people, but that's better than just giving them another 20 odd years of the same old crap that they are used to reading. Who's really wants to read a load of bollocks about what songs we are changing the guitar solos in etc. I thought it was time that someone stood up and gave people some truth...even if it shocks em.

AV: While many rock musicians are consumed by the fame and drugs that plagued you and almost ended your life, career and freedom so many times, is you ever afraid of repeating the downs of your career again or do you feel that this book has finally put some of those demons to rest for you?

PD: I have mellowed out a lot now I guess and that's probably something to do with getting older. However I would not have changed a thing that I have done in my life coz it was one roller coaster of a ride and I enjoyed every fucking moment of it. Let's just say that those Demons are currently taking a rest and I'm not so drug mad any more....unless you can spare me a little line or two.

AV: One note about your life of great interest in such turmoil based times…how do you feel as a Muslim in the current world? With so much that has gone on you stand as one of the few western Islamic figures in today's world? I've heard of your conversion before but most I mention it too are surprised at the knowledge.

PD: I would rather not answer anything concerning my faith as it always get misinterpreted no matter what I say.

AV: Most importantly, what last things would you like to say about the book? I found it extremely well written and down to earth but in many places it might be an uncomfortable read for the average Maiden/Paul Di'Anno fan. What was your biggest goal in releasing this book and do you feel that in the early stages of its release that you've met any of these goals?

PD: The biggest goal in my releasing this book was so that I did not need to carry this around in my mind any longer. I've always had this knack of pissing people off, but that's just me and I guess the book may also piss some people off too, but at least they'll read something worthwhile in the process of being pissed off. Besides that it seems that every other fucker has something to say about me (true or false) and now people can read it like it really is. The book is a lot like me...not pretty, but honest and worth waiting for.

AV: In many ways you reminded me of Bon Scott in your early days. You both had a similar look and sound vocally in some ways, as well as a good deal of charm and energy. You even both ran the line of risks…which he sadly is no longer here to tell the tale while you have survived. Did this comparison become common among the punters?

PD: Yeh a lot of people have compared us both over the years and I can see why. Bon Scott was a MAN...a Great man, whom I respected and admired for his honesty to life. We were both similar in that we didn't want to compromise to the Great Rock n Roll lie, and I am proud that I actually met Bon's during his heyday.

AV: Who were the singers who influenced your vocals while starting in Maiden? Your voice covers many aspects of heavy music and cannot be traced to any one group of singers.

PD: I was mostly into punk when I was starting out and apart from a few special voices such as Bon Scott, I wasn't really into most of the Metal vocalists with the same outfits and same old vocal styles. I guess I used to get more of a buzz listening to Johnny Rotten really.

AV: You are considered a cult legend by many Iron Maiden fans. I personally enjoy the "Killers" record over all Maiden actually (it was my first Maiden record ten years ago as it was for many in the early 80's) as it was your most streetwise and unpretentious record. With that being said…do you ever feel that most Maiden fans give you fair due with your work in Iron Maiden twenty years later?

PD: Who knows? The fans have read so much bullshit about me (behind my back) over the years that it's hard to know anything truthful anymore. I guess the fans that still support me are the one's that didn't care about all the crap that was thrown at me when I couldn't fight back.

AV: How are your terms with your former band mates currently? Do you still speak with Steve or any of the other members of the band? Do you ever listen to the records they have made since your departure from the band?

PD: I don't see any of Maiden and haven't done for years. I have only good feelings towards them, but I don't listen to their records as they don't really interest me. I wish them all the best in what they do.

AV: Have you ever considered any form of re-union with Iron Maiden, even if for a one song/concert experience? Is that something that you would find enjoyment in at this current stage of your career?

PD: Don't know really; ask me again in 6 months time.

AV: A long debated lyric of yours from this period is the song "Remember Tomorrow". I've heard some pretty interesting (and many idiotic) interpretations of these lyrics. Would you PLEASE help us out and give us the story behind this song?

PD: "Remember Tomorrow", kind of as what you do now/today can dictate what will happen later in your life.
In my case it's totally true which means I should have fucking listened to my Mum a bit more eh.

AV: Before I end the Iron Maiden related portion of your career is there any final words you would like to impart on us about your time in this act?

PD: It's all been said really.

AV: Which of your solo albums do you consider your favorite work? While many remember you for your work in Maiden I found Battlezone's "Fight it Back" to show you to be more than the just a former Iron Maiden front man. Which work do you think defines your solo career?

PD: Without a doubt "Nomad" as this is my finest album ever.

AV: In your solo career you have worked with Dennis Stratton (another fine vocalist as well as a guitarist) of Iron Maiden. Are you able to shed any light on what he is doing at the moment? Will you ever combine forces with Mr. Stratton in the future?

PD: He is working in a pub covers band in the East End of London playing kind of middle of the road pop and rock music. I think he plays about 3 times a week as he works as a telephone technician for British Telecom during the day. He also plays occasionally with Praying Mantis, but I have heard that he has really hated that for years, but does it to get to travel a bit. Dennis is a reasonable guitarist and has a really good voice, but spent too much time and far too many years in pubs with his mates away from the real music business I guess.

AV: Many people have wondered why you moved on from Battlezone to Killers. Was the name change simply because of new members or was there a different intent for the record. Also to note…can you explain as to why Menace to Society has two different covers?

PD: I always have to change and could not and cannot stay put with the same thing for too long. The name change was due to it being 2 different bands and directions. I have no idea why there are 2 different covers; you had better ask the record company.

AV: Do you have any recordings from your solo career that you did not feel totally comfortable with in terms of playing or direction? Many artists find dissatisfaction with one or two albums when they have been working as long as you have.

PD: I have made some shit records and some fantastic records, but that's me and I'll always be that way. Everything felt comfortable at the time, but time moves on and so do I.

AV: What records have you released that are rare/hard to find that you would like to see released to the public once again?

PD: I don't really know and don't really care.

AV: Nomad is a new start for your career in many ways and it received a decent amount of press. Are you happy with both the commercial and critical success of this album?

PD: Well it certainly was not a commercial success, as it was just an underground record really. The critical success has been great though.

AV: How was the crowd when you played at the Wacken Open Air gig? It must have been nice to be on such a large stage! It must be nice to have a festival of such a large size recognize you and to let you shine on a bigger stage.

PD: It was pretty good (I think) I was charlied up and pretty pissed up too, but people tell me it was great, I don't really remember.

AV: What does the immediate future hold for Paul Di'Anno and his recording career? Are you working on a new album or is touring the priority? (Or for the fans biggest hopes can we expect some of both!)

PD: Ask my manager, as I just take each day as it comes. So long as I can work/Eat/Shit/Shave, and have a few large lines of coke and a bottle of Jack I'm happy.

AV: As a personal question of interest to me for some time…what bands do you feel best represent the future of metal as one who was part of forming one of the biggest legends in the genre?

PD: I really wouldn't know and don't have a clue, mostly I listen to The Ramones, and most of them are dead.

AV: I am now going to ask the cheesy rock journalist question…what message to all of your current and future fans would you know like to leave?

PD: Thanks to all you fuckers who stuck by me and stuck your fingers up at all the cunts/wankers that kept putting me down all of the time. You are REAL fans!! Oh and don't forget to get me a few (Large) drinks when you see me next...I LUV YOU BARSTARDS!!!!!

AV: All I can say is thank you Paul and I hope your book and future endeavors are all a success. From the
Raging-Metal and SLP we wish you the best of times!

PD: Thank you too darling.