Paul Di’Anno has shocked fans by announcing that 2013 will be his final year as a performer.

The colorful ex-Iron Maiden front man has struggled against jail stints, poor health and addiction issues to keep delivering rock shows since rising to fame with the NOWBHM outfit in 1980.

The news took followers by surprise, many of whom replied with expressions of astonishment and urging him to rethink his decision.

It had been reported he was working on a new solo record, but it’s not known whether he’ll complete the project before retiring.

Di’Anno, real name Paul Andrews, fronted Maiden for their first two records before being replaced by Bruce Dickinson. Often outspoken in his attitude to the band, he fluctuated between criticizing and supporting his former bandmates.

He went on to play with a number of bands including Gogmagog, Praying Mantis and Battlezone. He was last jailed in 2011 after UK benefits investigators discovered he’d been performing concerts across the world while claiming he was incapable of working due to a back complaint.