Paul Mario Day, who sang in the first version of Iron Maiden, has released his final song Unwanted Guest at MetalTalk today. The song is an unashamed look at his impending passage from mortality to his passing and is a powerful and irresistible piece of lyrical artwork.
The accompanying video features photos from the Cart Day at the Cart & Horses in 2019, when Paul Mario Day performed with Airforce and Buffalo Fish, delivering spirited sets of songs during the afternoon.
Paul Mario Day may have only been a member of Iron Maiden for less than a year, but it was clear then that his effortlessly strong voice set the benchmark for all those that followed.
Even at the Cart & Horses in 2019, his voice still combined the raw resonance and edge of Di’Anno and the range and power of Dickinson.
There were early discussions about Paul Mario Day returning to the Cart & Horse, The birthplace of Iron Maiden, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first Iron Maiden performance on 1 May 1976, but with Paul currently in a hospice in Australia, being cared for by his family, that, sadly, will not happen.
Now, Unwanted Guest does not pull any punches whatsoever. The song is pain, mystery and confusion, but most of all love.
With the aid of guitarist Verner Pramschufer, bassist Laurie Marlow and Andy Kirkcaldie on drums, Paul Mario Day has created something special.
Paul Mario Day and his wife Cecily wished to share Unwanted Guest with the world—and with support from Chop Pitman, MetalTalk are proud to make that possible.
“Paul and I go way back,” Airforce guitarist Chop Pitman told MetalTalk. “We were discussing his declining health. He mentioned to me that he had just recorded a new track, and it will be his final recording.”
In 2019 at the Cart & Horses, the penultimate song was Iron Maiden, where Paul Mario Day’s blood-curdling scream at the end of the song conveyed a heart full of emotion from such a great day.
Now with Unwanted Guest, Paul Mario Day is standing proud and brave, saying, “screw you, cancer.”
If you wish to pass a message back to Paul Mario Day, leave a comment below, and MetalTalk will see that it is passed along.
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.
