This is a sad day to hear for me and for millions of metalheads and fans around the world. Ronnie James Dio died yesterday on May 16, 2010 as a result of stomach cancer that he was diagnosed with last year.
Ronnie played perhaps the biggest part of influence for heavy metal singers for many years to come, including my favorite current vocalist Marco Hietala of Tarot and Nightwish. He was best known for his work in his band Dio as well as in Elf, Black Sabbath, Hear 'n Aid, Heaven And Hell, Munetaka Higuchi, The Vegas Kings, Ronnie & The Rumblers, Ronnie and The Red Caps, The Elves, Ronnie Dio & The Prophets, and last but not least Rainbow, who I did a post of a week ago.
Here was what Dio's wife Wendy had to say about his death on his official website:
"Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever."
R.I.P. Ronnie! You will always be one of my favorite vocalists. Your fans will never forget your amazing voice and the passion that you had for music! Even though you are not with us on earth right now, because of you metal will live on forever! \m/ And so will you.
Ronnie James Dio
1942-2010
3 comments:
An icon who will be missed. May he rest in peace and feel the love his fans are emitting.
Thanks for this post, James.
Go rock Heaven & Hell, Dio "Metal God"! \m/
(BTW, Dio is the Italian word for "God" and was originally the name of a mafia boss. And the horns, also known as "la mano cornuta", is said to be inspired by a gesture used in Italy to ward off the devil.)
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