Paul Di’Anno, the former Iron Maiden frontman, recently shared an update on his health during an interview with Stonedead Festival. Two years after his significant knee surgery in Croatia, Di’Anno reported notable improvements, although his experience with the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has been far from satisfactory.
In his candid remarks, Di’Anno expressed frustration with the NHS, labeling it as “a piece of shit” and “completely broken.” He contrasted his positive experience in Croatia, where medical staff effectively managed his lymphedema—a condition causing swelling due to a compromised lymphatic system—with the inadequate care he received back in the UK. He criticized the lack of appropriate treatment options such as lymphatic drainage and the bureaucratic hurdles involved in obtaining necessary care like compression stockings.
Di’Anno’s knee surgery in September 2022 was part of an ongoing series of health issues. The procedure followed months of medical treatment and was funded in part by a crowdfunding campaign that raised over £11,000 from fans. He acknowledged the significant financial burden of his medical journey, revealing that his former Iron Maiden bandmates stepped in to cover the remaining costs once he had exhausted his funds. He expressed deep gratitude for their support, especially during a critical time when he was medevaced from Argentina and faced a near-fatal condition upon his arrival in England.
Despite these challenges, Di’Anno has continued to pursue his musical career. In December 2022, he recorded an album with his new project, Warhorse, in Split, Croatia. This new venture, Paul Di’Anno’s Warhorse, released their debut album in July 2024, showcasing Di’Anno’s enduring passion for music despite his health struggles.
