Sometimes, you can hear a song, and it just stops you in its tracks. Unwanted Guest, the final song from Paul Mario Day, is one such song. Although gravely ill, the man who sang in the very first version of Iron Maiden has managed to record one of the most moving songs that you will ever hear. It is an unashamed look at his own impending passage from mortality to his passing.
For those who may be unfamiliar with Paul Mario Day, he was Iron Maiden’s vocalist from December 1975 to October 1976. The singer went on to form the band More as well as Wildfire with Martin Bushell before fronting a re-formed Sweet. He also guested on a number of different tracks, including Band Of Brothers by Airforce.
Paul Mario Day is currently in a hospice in Australia, being cared for by his family.
“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.”
With the aid of guitarist Verner Pramschufer, bassist Laurie Marlow and Andy Kirkcaldie on drums, Paul Mario Day has created something special.
“I was so impressed by the track that I felt it needed a wider audience,” Chop told us, “so I contacted some people that I know in the industry, including you guys at MetalTalk, to help get it out there.”
Despite the subject matter, this beautifully recorded track does not pull any punches whatsoever. The song is pain, mystery and confusion but most of all love. Lyrically, this reads like a final love note to Paul Mario Day’s wife, Cecily.
As the song breaks out from its two verses, there is a musical uplift going into the chorus, which seems to belie Paul’s description of his cancer as an unwanted guest.
The dichotomy between “Been kissed by love’s desire while punished with the truth” is so stark it is compelling. There is light and shade in this song, which is akin to David Bowie’s Lazarus.
Unwanted Guest is a powerful and irresistible piece of lyrical artwork.
With the musicians currently re-recording the music in Australia, MetalTalk will share the song in the coming days.
Unwanted Guest is Paul Mario Day’s swan song. It could even be described as a self-epitaph. Make no mistake; this is not a song of self-pity. This is Paul Mario Day, standing proud and brave, saying, “screw you, cancer.”
You may take my body, but you will never take my love and my spirit.
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.
