In late 1975, Steve Harris founded Iron Maiden. The band’s vocalist at the time was Paul Mario Day, who also sang at Iron Maiden’s very first concert on May 1, 1976, at St. Nicholas Hall in Poplar, London. Unfortunately, Paul Mario Day never got the chance to record with Iron Maiden, but he later released solid albums with both Wildfire and More.
In recent years, Paul Mario Day has been fighting a tough battle with cancer, and is now releasing one final song, titled Unwanted Guest. It’s a powerful and beautiful track — and may be the last we hear from Paul Mario Day.
He is currently in hospice care in Australia, where he has lived since moving there in 1986, surrounded by loved ones. We wish Paul Mario Day all the best and will forever remember his contributions to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.
Paul Mario Day – Unwanted Guest
Through the open door, I choose to pass
Standing at the crossroads, am I strong enough to last?
No sun, no colour, no feeling in my brain
If my future is removed, will it take away the rain?
At the threshold of a dream, do I have the choice?
Twisted up in memories, words scratching at my voice.
It’s more than pain from my unwanted guest
Stop the bleeding heart that is beating in my chest
Been kissed by love’s desire while punished with the truth
My mind is screaming with the memories of my youth.
Born with so much time – never thought that I could waste
Could have fought much harder against the world I cannot face
Now it’s in my hands, the mystery cloaks the ground
Hope without experience. Will I see you around?
It’s more than pain from my unwanted guest?
Stop the bleeding heart that is beating in my chest
Been kissed by love’s desire while punished with the truth
My mind is screaming with the memories of my youth.
© Paul Mario Day 25 April 2025.
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