He admitted having claimed 45,479 pounds ($72,790, 53,700 euros) after saying that nerve damage to his back prevented him from working.

The Department of Work and Pensions found out he had toured from 2002 to 2008 -- while claiming incapacity benefit, housing benefit and local authority tax payments.

The tattooed rocker was arrested last year on arriving back at London Heathrow Airport.

At Salisbury Crown Court in southwest England, he was bailed to return for sentencing on March 11.

"Prepare yourself for a prison sentence," judge Andrew Barnett told him told the singer.

Di'Anno, real name Paul Andrews, sang on the British heavy metal godfathers' first two albums "Iron Maiden" (1980) and "Killers" (1981).

The 52-year-old co-wrote songs including "Remember Tomorrow", "Running Free" and title track "Killers" before being sacked and replaced by Bruce Dickinson.