Director Wes Orshoski has opened up about a key behind-the-scenes challenge during the making of his documentary "Di'Anno: Iron Maiden's Lost Singer": IRON MAIDEN management initially refused all participation.
"The very first thing I did after signing a contract with Cleopatra was call IRON MAIDEN management," Orshoski told Billboard. "MAIDEN manager Rod Smallwood was very kind, but immediately told me that neither he nor any of the current bandmembers would be participating. Obviously, it was a massive bummer, but not unexpected. In the end, though, I'm very happy to say that Steve Harris and the rest of the guys do appear in the film."
The documentary chronicles the final years of IRON MAIDEN's original vocalist PAUL DI'ANNO, who passed away on October 21, 2024, aged 66. The film features James Hetfield (METALLICA), Gene Simmons (KISS), Steve Harris (IRON MAIDEN), and members of EXODUS, SLAYER, MEGADETH, OVERKILL, and SEPULTURA.
Orshoski filmed between 2017 and 2023, capturing DI'ANNO at his lowest — wheelchair-bound, broke, and fighting to survive — and his dramatic recovery in Croatia thanks to devoted fans and medical support. Metal Hammer called it "a harrowing insight into Di'Anno's frustration and frailty... with an abrasively real, warts-and-all approach."
DI'ANNO first came to prominence as the original vocalist of IRON MAIDEN, recording the landmark 1980 self-titled debut and the 1981 follow-up Killers before being replaced by Bruce Dickinson.
The film is already playing in U.K. cinemas. Its North American theatrical premiere takes place June 9, 2026 at the Lumiere Music Hall Theater in Beverly Hills, followed by a Q&A with director Orshoski. Digital VOD and DVD/Blu-ray also launch on June 9.