Original Iron Maiden frontman PAUL DI'ANNO is facing time behind bars after pleading guilty to benefit fraud.
The rocker, who left the band in 1981, claimed incapacity benefit in his native England from 2002 after telling authorities he was unable to work because of nerve damage in his back.
Di'Anno, real name Paul Andrews, was investigated after an anonymous tip-off revealed he was still performing on stage.
At Salisbury Crown Court on Thursday (10Feb11) he admitted eight counts of benefit fraud and fraudulently claiming more than $67,500 (£45,000).
Honorary Recorder Judge Andrew Barnett, who presided over the hearing, told Andrews, "You have got the sense and courage to plead guilty to these matters, but you have to understand that they are very serious. Although all sentence options will be open, you should prepare yourself for a prison sentence - and an immediate one at that."
He will be sentenced on 11 March (11).