Di’Anno - real name Paul Andrews - pleaded guilty in March to eight counts of benefit fraud amounting to more than £45,000; he was expected to serve at least four-and-a-half months in prison before being eligible for parole.
Di’Anno was charged after investigators at the Department of Work and Pensions received an anonymous tip-off that he was still performing live, despite saying he was unable to work. They reviewed YouTube videos of him onstage as recently as 2006, despite him claiming incapacity benefit since 2002.
So, first thing to do when you get out of jail? Announce a tour, of course.
Di’Anno will embark on a tour of Brazil, dubbed "Running Free Again,” which is expected to run between September 15 and October 16 (dates subject to change).
Says Di'Anno: "Back home again, and looking forward to 'Running Free Again', and seeing you all in a few weeks. Thanks for all the birthday wishes too. Also, relieved to say, I managed not to drop the soap! :)"
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden – Running Free
BBC - Top Of The Pops – 1980
See also:
Lady Gaga: ‘Iron Maiden changed my life’
Iron Maiden filming live DVD in South America this weekend
Iron Maiden to headline Sonisphere in Turkey
VIDEO: Iron Maiden cancels Rio gig following barricade collapse
