Ex-Iron Maiden singer joins gig in man's memory

Former Iron Maiden lead singer Blaze Bayley will take part in a metal music gig in memory of a man who died from pancreatic cancer.

Xen Angeli, from Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, organised the concert following the death of his brother, Anj Avraam, a lead vocalist who passed away eight weeks after being diagnosed, aged 42.

Mr Angeli said his sibling was "a massive Iron Maiden fan" and aims to raise £2,000 for the Pancreatic Cancer UK charity.

The Angel of Rage gig on 6 September will feature the Wolfsbane frontman along with local metal bands at Worcester music venue The Marrs Bar.

Mr Avraam was "passionate about music, especially metal, and was a pioneering player of Worcestershire's alternative music scene from the early 90s", the charity said.

He was also "prolific lead vocalist who dabbled with the guitar, joining several bands", it added.

Mr Angeli said it felt "poetic to have a bunch of metalheads screaming, making lots of noise for my brother, for such an incredible cause".

He said he had been at a gig with brother Mike and "Blaze Bayley was there".

"We kept saying 'oh man, Anj would have loved this, it should be all three of us here'.

"We contacted Blaze's management, reaching for the stars," he said.

"We were over the moon to hear he was more than happy to be involved. Anj would be speechless.

"One of his favourite singers is going to be singing for him… he would be elated."

Anj Avraam died eight weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

Bayley said he was doing the gig for the right reasons and it was "nice to have been asked".

He added: "The fiancée that I have right now went to the same school as Anj and she was an Iron Maiden fan as well of the same kind of era.

"It's nice to do something in a way that celebrates rather than mopes around."

The singer added he did not do "many charity concerts".

"But this one [I'm doing]... especially since it's happened to someone who [was] not just a fan of Blaze Bayley music and Iron Maiden, but someone who actually made music as well, and dying at such a young age it's so tragic."

Xen Angeli said he was "over the moon" to hear Blaze Bayley was "more than happy to be involved"

The gig is the second Mr Angeli has organised in his brother's honour.

Half of the money made through ticket sales will go to the charity.