ITP is very sorry to report this, as ITP author just woke up to this awful news. RONNIE JAMES DIO vocalist of BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW, his own band DIO, HEAVEN AND HELL and ELF passed away this morning to stomach cancer.
RONNIE JAMES DIO is one of the most grounded, sweetest and charismatic people in all of metal, a real sweet, unpretentious, nice guy with an awesome voice. The metal horns (\m/ \m/), is in part created and perfected by RONNIE JAMES DIO, and extension of Italian culture (and Ronnie's grand mom).
ITP sends condolences to RONNIE JAMES DIO's friends, fans, bandmates and family as RONNIE JAMES DIO is most certainly a metal hero, idol, inspiration and a very great, courageous man.
FROM WENDY DIO:
Message from Wendy Dio
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.
- Wendy Dio
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FROM BLABBERMOUTH.NET:
Wendy Dio, wife/manager of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW), has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:
"Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45 a.m. [on Sunday] 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private goodbyes 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."
It was only a month ago that Dio, 67, spoke about his battle with cancer with the Artisan News Service on the "black carpet" of the Revolver Golden Gods Awards, which took place on April 8 at Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles. When asked about how he had been feeling since he was diagnosed with the disease late last year, Dio said, "Well, I feel good and bad at times. It's a long process. Chemotherapy is a... I never realized what a difficult thing it was to go through. It's a real cumulative effect — the more you have, the more it piles up on top and it takes longer and longer to get over it. I find it very difficult to eat. I don't like to eat anyway, so I guess that's OK. But I know I have to. But this makes it very, very hard. But if you're determined to beat it, then you have to go with what you believe is going to beat it for you, and in this case it's that. I go to a great hospital in Houston called M.D. Anderson, which I think is the best hospital in the world, I have the best doctor in the world, Dr. Ajani, who I really trust and I really believe in, so I think I've done all the right things. It makes me feel positive about my life and positive that there is a lot more of it to live."
Earlier this month, HEAVEN & HELL canceled its summer tour plans in Europe due to Dio's treatment for stomach cancer. The band said in a statement that Dio wasn't "well enough to tour this summer. We hope that everyone understands and want to thank fans and industry colleagues for their continuing support at this time."
Born Ronald James Padavona in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Ronnie James Dio had performed with ELF, RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH, and his own band DIO. Other musical projects included the collective fundraiser "Hear 'n Aid". He is widely hailed as one of the most powerful singers in heavy metal, renowned for his consistently powerful voice and for popularizing the "devil's horns" hand gesture in metal culture. He was most recently involved with HEAVEN & HELL, a project which also included former BLACK SABBATH bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice. Their first and only studio album, "The Devil You Know", was released on April 28, 2009.
In April, Dio appeared at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards in Los Angeles to accept the award for "Best Vocalist." As members of ALICE IN CHAINS presented the award to him, the crowd chanted, "Dio! Dio! Dio! Dio!"
FROM AP NEWS:
Ronnie James Dio, whose soaring vocals, poetic lyrics and mythic tales of a never-ending struggle between good and evil broke new ground in heavy metal, died Sunday, according to a statement from his wife and manager. He was 67.
Dio revealed last summer that he was suffering from stomach cancer shortly after wrapping up a tour in Atlantic City, N.J., with the latest incarnation of Black Sabbath, under the name Heaven And Hell.
"Today my heart is broken," Wendy Dio wrote on the singer's site, adding he died at 7:45 a.m. "Many, many friends and family were able to say their private goodbyes before he peacefully passed away.
"Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all," Wendy Dio continued. "We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us ... Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever."
The statement was confirmed by publicist Maureen O'Connor, who said Dio died in Los Angeles. He had been treated at a Houston hospital, according to his site.
Though Dio had recently undergone his seventh chemotherapy treatment, he was hopeful to perform again. Earlier this month, Heaven And Hell canceled its summer tour, but Dio did not view being sidelined as a permanent thing.
"Wendy, my doctors and I have worked so hard to make it happen for all of you, the ones we care so much about, that this setback could be devastating, but we will not let it be," he said in a statement. "With your continued love and support, we ... will carry on and thrive. There will be other tours, more music, more life and much more magic."
Dio rose to fame in 1975 as the first lead singer of Rainbow, the heavy metal band put together by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, who had just quit Deep Purple.
Dio then replaced legendary vocalist Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath in 1980 with the critically acclaimed album "Heaven And Hell," considered by many critics to be one of the finest heavy metal albums of all time. His on-again, off-again tenure with Black Sabbath touched off an intense debate among fans as to which singer was the true essence of the band _ a discussion that lasted until his death.
He also enjoyed a successful solo career with his self-titled band, Dio, in between his three stints with Black Sabbath (1980-82; 1992; and 2007-2009, when the band toured as Heaven And Hell, to differentiate it from Osbourne-led versions of Sabbath).
FROM BLABBERMOUTH.NET and CLASSIC ROCK MAGAZINE UK:
According to U.K.'s Classic Rock magazine, two major concerts are being planned to celebrate the life of the late Ronnie James Dio.
The gigs — dubbed Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up And Shout" Memorial Concerts — will take place in London and Los Angeles in the fall.
Although no official details have yet been revealed, there is speculation that the shows will feature the surviving members of HEAVEN & HELL — Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice — with JUDAS PRIEST's Rob Halford filling in for Dio on vocals. However, it should be stressed that this information has not yet been corroborated by an official source and should be treated as a rumor only.
http://video.rr.com/?v=nNaJ1lHRZF77DWs8gTkcbCXAOeQH5sS2
FROM AL RAVAGE (RAVAGE):
"The metal world will never be the same. Ronnie James Dio has died.
"I remember first hearing [DIO's] 'Don't Talk To Strangers' on a metal compilation tape in the early '90s. I was just getting into metal and I thought it was an OK song, and that DIO was a band worth looking into, but when my brother brought home the cassette tape of 'Holy Diver' a few weeks later, I became a DIO addict. After that, I quickly bought the whole DIO back catalogue and I don't think there was any album I looked forward to more than a new DIO release — or a new recording featuring Dio — as his work was so consistently great. The Dio eras of SABBATH and RAINBOW were instrumental in helping me get into and appreciate those bands.
"My first real metal concert was seeing DIO on the 'Angry Machines' tour at the Strand Theatre in Providence, Rhode Island in 1997 — a great show...and I had the privilage of seeing him a few more times over the years.
"I will be forever bummed that I won't get to hear 'Magica Part II' or a second HEAVEN & HELL album.
"That's two great metal singers lost in a very short period — as Tony Taylor from TWISTED TOWER DIRE also died recently. This, in a word, sucks.
"Ravage in peace, Ronnie. Your metal will live on forever like a Rainbow in the Dark."
FROM DAVE DROVER (MEGADETH):
"I am at an absolute loss right now upon hearing that Ronnie has passed away. I had the pleasure of touring both Canada and America in 2007 when MEGADETH toured with HEAVEN & HELL (BLACK
"If you are lucky enough in your lifetime to actually meet one of your idols (let alone tour with them) and they turn out to be even nicer than you could have envisioned, that is something you would truly treasure. Lucky for me, I will cherish those memories forever."
FROM SEBASTIAN BACH (SKID ROW):
"Crying right now in remembrance of my hero and friend, Ronnie James Dio.
"Dio died this morning and he was a major, major part of my life. I got to do shows with him and work with him and I loved Dio my whole life.
"Thanks so much.
"The world has lost one of the best.
"Your last album was your best. Of course."
FROM ORIGINAL JUDAS PRIEST SINGER AL ATKINS:
"Ye, the incredible has happened. The world today lost one of the greatest vocalists on the planet.
"Al and the band would like to pass on their condolences to Wendy [Dio, Ronnie's wife/manager] and the rest of the Dio clan. Ronnie's
"Rest in peace, Ronnie. God bless."
FROM REDEMPTION GUITARIST Nicolas van Dyk: "I lost a musical hero today, and the news has hit me harder than I thought it would.
"Ronnie James Dio was one of the first concerts I saw, and 'Holy Diver' one of the first records I bought once I started liking this thing called 'heavy metal.' Over the years, I have seen him perform more than anyone else (with the exception of my friends in DREAM THEATER, given our tour together!) and the past several times I've seen him with BLACK
"I was hoping that Ronnie would be able to perform a guest vocal on a future REDEMPTION
"My thoughts and prayers go out to Ronnie's family and friends. The world of heavy metal has lost its voice.
"Rest in peace, Ronnie."
In November 2008, Nicolas van Dyk was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, which he describes as "a particularly bad form of blood cancer which is generally considered incurable and which has a five-year survival rate of 34%."
FROM GLENN HUGHES (DIO):
"It is a very sad day today... I have lost a very dear friend.
"Ronnie was a true leader of heavy
"Ronnie gave me wisdom, and showed me great compassion when he was in ELF, all those years ago, when we were on tour together in my time in DEEP PURPLE. He was a beautiful soul, kind, considerate and a wonderful teacher.
"Some day I'll be bringing your
"I'll miss, you mate."
FROM EDDIE TRUNK:
"This is a blog I truly wish I was not writing.
"My hands are shaking on the keyboard, so excuse the typos.
"I lost a dear friend today, someone who I loved way beyond just the brilliant music he gave the world for decades.
"Sadly, it has been confirmed that Ronnie James Dio has lost his battle with cancer.
"In my 27 years in the business I have never met anyone like Ronnie.
"I am fully aware of people that I deal with, and people that deal with me, because it's the business and what we do, but Ronnie was way beyond that. Nobody ever gave me the public show of support and respect back like Ronnie, and our friendship went way beyond the business.
"I will never forget the first time I did a TV interview with him. I had done years of radio but when I first started as a host at VH1 Classic doing interviews under the show name 'Hangin With...' Ronnie was one of the first to come in. I was wrapping up the interview and thanked him for coming by when he stopped me in mid-sentence and said, 'No, thank you. More artists should be thanking you because your the real deal and you keep us alive.' On camera, out of nowhere, early on in my TV career.
"That was Ronnie James Dio. One of the classiest, most sincere, real people you could ever know.
"Sometimes it's hard to find nice things to say about people when they pass. Not Ronnie. I could go on forever with similar stories and so can anyone else that had the honor to call him friend. I have memories and stories for a lifetime that I will cherish forever, way too many to get into here, especially in my current state as I type this.
"Video of the last time I saw Ronnie is on the home page of [my official web] site. It was at the Golden Gods [Awards] in L.A. April 8th of this year. I had asked him to be a guest on 'That Metal Show' a few days earlier. Wendy [Dio, Ronnie's wife/manager] called me the day before this interview and said he was not well and they were headed to the doctor. You could imagine how thrilled I was to see him on the red carpet for the awards the next day. He told me he had a bad reaction to a treatment but was okay. Needless to say, I was hoping the same recovery would happen when news came my way early this morning that he was not well. Tragically it didn't.
"The man fought this as bravely as anyone could as you can see by how he looks and sounds in the clip.
"Ronnie and I spoke on the phone when he was first diagnosed privately. It was a great conversation.
"I always knew how he felt about me and after we spoke he knew how I felt about him.
"I really need to process this. It is a tough one, to say the least. Between RAINBOW, DIO and SABBATH, his voice was consistently the most heard on my radio shows, and that will never change; the music truly will live on forever and I will see to that on my end, for sure.
"To his fellow fans, friends and family, I express my deepest sympathy for your loss and I shed the same tears as all of you today.
"We have lost a legend. A brilliant musician but way beyond that, and more importantly, one of the classiest nicest people you could ever hope to know.
"Rest in peace, my friend. You will be missed, but know I and so many more you touched will be sure you are never forgotten through your music and love and friendship you gave us all."
Ronnie being interviewed by Eddie Trunk at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards on April 8, 2010 at Club Nokia in Los Angeles:
FROM SCOTT IAN OF ANTHRAX:
"Rest in peace, Ronnie James Dio. Horns at half mast. Such a huge loss...
"So many memories of Ronnie. Toured together many times. He always had a kind word and a smile and he LOVED the Yankees.
"In 2004 on the DIO/ANTHRAX tour I would get the Yankee score every inning for Ronnie while he was on stage. He was so into it.
"Saw BLACK SABBATH on the 'Black & Blue' tour [featuring BLACK SABBATH and BLUE ÖYSTER CULT] at Madison Square Garden [in New York City] in 1980. First row center.
"Ronnie was king of the world. Top 3 shows of all time."
FROM RALPH SANTOLLA (DEICIDE, OBITUARY, DEATH, ICED EARTH):
"There's not a person in metal today that doesn't owe something to Ronnie James Dio. I had the honor to meet him once, and to see him perform many times, including on [1980's] 'Black and Blue' tour [featuring BLACK
"I'll be featuring his
"Rest in peace, and God bless you."
FROM WHITE WIZZARD:
"Ronnie James Dio will always be.
"Ronnie can never die.
"From the depths of the soul came a voice the earth will only know once, but the universe will know forever. His words were of magic and the fantastic while always laced with a sense of hope and positivity.
"In a world of so many difficult realities, Ronnie helped us all escape into his world... one filled with magic and a surreal sense of never losing the child within. He is forever an example of the free spirit of life and imagination. His soul is now forever stardust... the magic in his heart lives on because he believed in the energy and light he channeled, and there is something infinite in the knowing that his
"This life is an adventure... and Ronnie James Dio lived it to the fullest with a passion for his craft and with a drive to deliver the best performances and experiences to his fans worldwide. Even in his last performances with HEAVEN & HELL, he was always on fire with that big aura of light that surrounded him.
"The earth lost a very important soul today... but his energy is all around us now and universal. Death can never take that away."
FROM LIONS SHARE:
"Our hearts are broken; our mentor and friend Ronnie James Dio has left us. This is a very sad day in our lives.
"When LION'S SHARE did the Monsters Of The Millennium tour (LION'S SHARE, DIO, MOTÖRHEAD and MANOWAR) [in 1999], Ronnie was very supportive and helped us a lot.
"We will dedicate our upcoming shows to Ronnie by playing one or two of his songs.
"Our thoughts go to his family in this difficult time.
"Ronnie, you are our favorite singer of all time. We love you
FROM DREAM THEATER's MIKE PORTNOY:
"Rest in peace, Ronnie James Dio... one of the greatest of all time.
"Looks like Dime [late PANTERA guitarist 'Dimebag' Darrell Abbott], Randy [Rhoads; late OZZY OSBOURNE guitarist], Cliff [Burton; late METALLICA bassist] and Bonzo [late LED ZEPPELIN drummer John Bonham] just scored the ultimate singer.
"This is one of the saddest days in metal ever."
FROM WARRIOR SOUL:
"Today the world has lost the greatest vocalist in the history of hard rock.
He was also the nicest and warmest human being I have met in the music
"I had the good fortune to meet Ronnie on many different occasions throughout the years. He was always interested in what others had to say. He always listened. He never forgot a face and he would always have some wise words to impart. You always left his presence a little more enriched. He was always encouraging and he has been a tremendous inspiration in my life.
"I'm just one of the millions whose hearts and lives he touched.
"To call him a metal vocalist is short-sighted. He was much, much more than that.
"He will never be replaced and we will never see or hear the likes of him again.
"Hail to the King."
FROM THE QUIREBOYS:
"We were fortunate to have played on various
"Long live rock and
FROM LACUNA COIL ANDREA FERRO:
"I briefly met Ronnie during a soundcheck in Milan, Italy and he [was] really kind, not to mention how amazing and magic his voice was.
"Rest in peace!"
FROM SOUNDSTORM:
R.I.P. Ronnie, you will always be the voice of Rock.
Surely you shall have a special place among the stars.
FROM TROUBLE: R.I.P.
RONNIE JAMES DIO
(1942-2010)
"If your circle stays unbroken
Then you're a lucky man
Cause it never, never, never has for me
In the palace of the virgin
Lies the chalice of the soul
And it's likely you might find the answer there.
FROM JUDAS PRIEST:
"We are filled with great sadness at the terrible news about our friend Ronnie James Dio.
"Our condolences and love go to Wendy [Dio, Ronnie's wife/manager] and Ronnie's family.
"Ronnie was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed."
EX METAL CHURCH SINGER RONNIE MONROE:
"The reason I stepped out from behind the kit was Ronnie James Dio's voice. There will never be another one like it; from soothingly melodic to downright gritty, he was and still is the inspiration for myself and millions of other singers around the world.
"He may be gone but his legacy remains, and what a stellar one it is...
"R.I.P, Ronnie, and thank you!"
FROM SLASH:
"Ronnie died at 7:45 a.m. this morning, but his music will live for eternity."
FROM (EX) ATTACKER VOCALIST BOB MITCHELL:
"Metal legend Ronnie James Dio dead at 67.
"I can't believe that I am actually experiencing this. I am truly devastated. But in his death, I find strength to carry on. I have my family, my work at the hospital and the support of my closest friends.
"This is a very sad day, to say the very least. I am truly hurt by the loss of our friend and hero, Ronnie James Dio.
"If there are any of you who recently had a falling out with someone you care for deeply, please remember to hold them close to your heart, because as it is still proven, life is way too short.
"Many of my heroes are fading, but their works and legacies are the only things to hang on to and cherish.
"I feel really bad for the younger fans of music today as they will never have what our generation had. There is no one to look up to with these future bands. These kids will not have a DIO, a JUDAS PRIEST, a Dean Martin or a BEATLES. Think of what is out there now.
"To any of the veteran bands, please continue to carry the torches and lets show the young ones what rock and metal is really about. Let us use our wisdom to guide them and make them appreciate what once was and can possibly be.
"I keep Ronnie James Dio in prayer and always will to his family, friends, former bandmates and his fans. Let us unite and bid a respectful farewell to our fallen father of hard rock and heavy metal."
FROM DANNY VAUGHN (TYKETTO):
"It's difficult when bad news comes to you from the online news headlines. It's impersonal and it often makes it more difficult to grasp the reality of what has happened. So I'm still shaking my head in denial that Ronnie James Dio is gone. Aside from listening to, and covering, his
"The first time we met we talked about album artwork and the meanings behind some of his. I had only really been in the big world of touring rock bands for a couple of years at that point and was anxious to learn anything I could from someone like him. Let's face it, nobody had a voice like that. It seemed impossible that a sound so huge and powerful could come out of such a slender frame. So I asked him for any advice about keeping his voice fit. Vocal exercises? Eating and exercise regimens? Prayer?? Lol! He gave me a very gentle smile and looked almost embarrassed when he answered me and said, 'I gotta be honest with you, I don't know. I just walk out on stage and the voice is there.' And that has turned out to be a statement that I never forgot and have used again and again as I've walked out on stage.
"I saw Dio live not too long ago and he was still belting it out, all the songs I know and love so well, in the original keys. I was as stunned then as I was when I saw the 'Holy Diver' and 'Last In Line' tours.
"I don't know why, but it really hurts that he's gone.
"My thoughts go out to Wendy Dio, whom I have not had the pleasure of meeting. I know she will take some comfort in the fact that Ronnie was one of the best-loved people in music."
EX DIO GUITARIST ROWAN ROBERTSON:
"I am privileged to have been a part of Ronnie James Dio's life and music. His closest ones are in my thoughts."
In the late 1980s Robertson heard that Dio was looking for a new guitarist. He sent a tape to the record company Phonogram. After six months of waiting, he got a reply that stated that at that moment they were not interested in him. At the encouragement of his friend and fellow guitarist Sean Manning (HURRICANE) the tenacious Robertson then contacted the DIO fan club who then asked him to send his demo tape to them.
Robertson, who was 17 years old at the time, got a great response from DIO after receiving the demo through the fan-club channels. In late January or early February 1989 Robertson was flown to Los Angeles for an audition with DIO. He was auditioned twice. Immediately after the second audition he was invited to join the band. The press-release for the addition of Robertson to DIO was sent out on July 18, 1989 and the press was invited to meet the newest DIO guitarist on July 20, 1989 at Oliver's Pub in New York City.
The first DIO album Robertson started working on with DIO was "Lock up the Wolves". These sessions included Jimmy Bain, Vinny Appice and Jens Johansson. The band had already begun writing and recording when Jimmy Bain and Vinny Appice were suddenly excused from the band. They were replaced with Teddy Cook and former AC/DC drummer Simon Wright.
"Lock up the Wolves" was released in 1990, and the band embarked on a tour in support of the album.
Robertson stayed with DIO until Ronnie James Dio rejoined BLACK
Dio and Robertson had been writing songs for an album to be released in May 1991 which ended up being shelved. When the DIO band was put on ice, Robertson started work on an instructional video for guitar players. It was released on Star Licks in July or August 1991. He then teamed up with vocalist Oni Logan (ex-LYNCH MOB) and drummer Jimmy Paxson (from TRIANGLE) and began to write and record on an album together for Atlantic Records.
FROM KISS:
"We mourn the tragic passing of the great Ronnie James Dio. In addition to his powerhouse vocal ability, Ronnie was a true gentleman who always emanated great warmth and friendship to us and everyone around him. We will miss him."
FROM OZZY OSBOURNE:
"Rest in peace Ronnie"
FROM RITCHIE BLACKMORE:
"Ronnie had a unique and wonderful voice. He will be sadly missed in the rock and
FROM LARS ULRICH (METALLICA):
"Dear Ronnie,
"I just got off stage in Zagreb. I was met with the news that you've passed on. I'm kind of in shock, but I wanted you to know that you were one of the main reasons I made it onto that stage to begin with.
"When I first saw you in ELF, opening for DEEP PURPLE in 1975, I was completely blown away by the power in your voice, your presence on stage, your confidence, and the ease with which you seemed to connect to 6,000 Danish people and one starry-eyed 11-year-old, most of whom were not familiar with ELF's music. The following year, I was so psyched when I heard the results of you joining forces with my favorite guitar
"In the fall of 1976, when you played your first show in Copenhagen, I was literally in the front row and the couple of times we made eye contact you made me feel like the most important person in the world. The news that you guys were staying in town on your day off somehow embedded itself in my brain and I made the pilgrimage to the Plaza
"Over the years I've been fortunate enough to run into you a half dozen times or so and each time you were as kind, caring and gracious as you were in 1976 outside the hotel.
"When we finally got a chance to play together in Austria in 2007, even though I may not have let on, I was literally transformed back to that little snot-nosed kid who you met and inspired 31 years earlier and it was such a fucking honor and a dream come true to share a stage with you and the rest of the legends in HEAVEN & HELL.
"A couple of weeks ago when I heard that you were not going to be able to make it to the Sonisphere shows that we would be sharing this June, I wanted to call you and let you know that I was thinking of you and wish you well, but I kind of pussied out, thinking the last thing you needed in your recovery was feeling obligated to take a phone call from a Danish drummer/fan boy. I wish I'd made that call.
"We will miss you immensely on the dates, and we will be thinking of you with great admiration and affection during that run. It seemed so right to have you out on tour with the so-called 'Big Four' since you obviously were one of the main reasons that the four bands even exist.
"Your ears will definitely be burning during those two weeks because all of us will be talking, reminiscing and sharing stories about how knowing you has made our lives that much better.
"Ronnie, your voice impacted and empowered me, your
"Much love."
FROM DUFFS's (BROOKLYN, NEW YORK):
R.I.P. - The world has lost a monster talent, and a super sincere, gracious, down to earth rock n' roller. Seriously, he was like the nicest guy in the world. It's true. Crank up some tunes today and raise the "malocchio" high in tribute to one of the original Gods of Metal...
FROM DRAGONFORCE:
Another very sad day for metal. Rest in Peace Ronnie James Dio.
FROM CHEMICAL BURN:
Rest in Peace: Ronnie James Dio and Debbie Abono! Legends and Inspirations!
RELAPSE RECORDS AND METAL SUCKS:
The rumors have been confirmed; Ronnie James Dio lost his battle with stomach cancer and passed away at 7:45am this morning. He was 67.
FROM METAL SANAZ:
RIP ...... RONNIE JAMES DIO :(
FROM ARMORED SAINT:"Ronnie James Dio.
"His name shall be part of the very definition of the term heavy metal.
"All of us in this community owe a big part to him as he helped shape our entire genre. And he did it with complete originality and sincerity. He is the real deal.
"By now you've read much about him and how every person who'd had the pleasure of meeting the man use the words 'kind,' 'nice,' 'humble' and so on. I can tell you that these descriptions are truly accurate.
"I had the honor of being on tour with Dio on two occasions. Once on his 'Magica' tour in 2001 while I was in ARMORED SAINT and then later in 2004 while I was touring with ANTHRAX. I would watch Ronnie every night side stage and I was continuously blown away by his high level of performance. I must have seen over 40 shows from this vantage point and I never, ever saw or heard a single flaw. You always knew he was a great singer but It was then that I was convinced that he was a gift to us from some other place. Then there's all the times I saw him with SABBATH.
"I can't even go on…
"When you have the privilege of meeting someone like Ronnie — an idol, a legend — you almost expect a person like this to be overly confident, cocky, and they deserve to be, really. But Ronnie was the complete opposite. He really was the most humble, sincere and kind person you'd ever meet. He would always find time to stop in his tracks and say a few words to you. He was so down to earth and generous.
"Through his humility he's taught us all that a man is not measured by the size of his wallet, or trophy collection, but instead by the size of his heart.
"I myself am glad that he chose the profession of singing because even though his body has been taken from us, his voice will stay here for all eternity.
"We're all trying really hard here, but Ronnie, we can't thank you enough."
wishes Ronnie James Dio a safe journey to Valhalla, where he joins the pantheon of Metal Gods who have left us a legacy of music & memories.
FROM ARCH ENEMY:
R.I.P Ronnie James Dio.
"Today is an immensely sad day for the heavy metal / hard rock community as we mourn the loss of one of the most amazing talents in the genre. Ever.
"A master of his craft and a true gentleman. Funny, smart and witty. He will be much missed by the ARCH ENEMY camp.
"Dio's voice will echo in eternity!"
.
FROM CARNIFLEX:
R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio. (July 10, 1949 - May 16, 2010) Horns everywhere are raised in your honor.
FROM SKINLESS:
Horns Up For Ronnie James Dio!!!
R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio :(
FROM MICHAEL WILTON AND QUEENSRYCHE:
Devastated at the passing of Ronnie James Dio. He was a major influence in my love and passion for music."Ronnie James Dio was undoubtedly one of heavy metal's greatest performers and will continue to influence the world of heavy metal forever. He was certainly a very big influence on QUEENSRŸCHE and along the way became a cherished friend too. We will all miss him greatly, but Ronnie will live on every time we raise our metal horns high! The man on the silver mountain will always be our rainbow in the dark."
FROM TESTAMENT:
"A true metal legend always in our hearts."
"Got word [Sunday] night coming off stage [in Holland] that Ronnie Dio passed and it's a great loss to the world.
"I love Ronnie a lot.
"From day one when I met Ronnie, he was so genuine; humble and the sweetest person in the world. Since day one until two weeks ago when I saw him. Genuine Ronnie first and foremost: 'How's the children? How's the family? How's the health?'
"That's one thing about Ronnie — it's never about the
"I am truly going to miss you, Ronnie. I love you.
"Rest in peace."
FROM AGGRESSIVE DISORDER:
"It comes with great sadness that we must bid farwell to a true icon, and one of the best voice in metal: Ronnie James Dio. We offer our deepest condolences to His wife Wendy, and all his family, friends and bandmates. After seeing the internet rumors earlier today crushed by Ronnie's wife and manager, we were happy to hear he was still with us. Only to have the official word come hours later that he was gone. Ronnie inspired each and every member of Aggressive Disorder. His legacy will carry on, and continue to grow. Ronnie James Dio may be gone, but will never be forgotten. He will always be The Man On The Silver Mountain!"
FROM IMMORTAL:
"Today is a heavy day, as we mourn the passing of the mighty Ronnie James Dio."
FROM CATHOLICON's Blasphyre: "What started off as a great Sunday turned horrible as soon as I turned on my computer. The internet was rife with a false rumor of Ronnie James Dio's death yesterday, which I thankfully got to the bottom of and ignored; only to find out that he did in fact pass away the very next day around 7:45 AM this morning. Dio and Tony Martin were what made me love Black Sabbath (never as big of a fan of the Oz man, sorry!); and Dio was by far the best lyricist and had the best stage presence. I never got to see him with Sabbath or Heaven & Hell (which I truly consider to be the real Black Sabbath); but I count myself lucky to have at least seen him with DIO in the 1990's and got to hear him sing Rainbow in the Dark and Evilution at least once live. This sucks. Horrible news. Dio was the coolest and most down to earth of the Black Sabbath vocalists. Not pompous or brain dead or trying to turn himself into a household brand name like his predecessor (sorry again, Ozzy fans), and he was supremely talented in every respect. This just fucking sucks. What can people do but keep making music in his honor. Rest in Peace, Ronnie."
FROM DAVE ELLEFSON (MEGADETH):
"Just arrived home from our best-ever tour of South America, and our first-ever for Central America. I had a great time documenting the trip via video blogs, all of which can be seen in the MegaFanClub [official MEGADETH fan
"What an amazing journey!
"Of course our bright beam from the tour's glow was dimmed today when we learned of the passing of Ronnie James Dio. He was truly one of the 'good guys' in this business and a consummate pro, someone we can all take a que and learn from. We are all fans of his and he did many great things for MEGADETH and its members, starting starting as far back as his 'Dream Evil' North American tour in which we were the support band during the 'So Far, So Good...So What' tour. . . I'm very thankful to have gotten to know and tour with him in both MEGADETH and with Tim 'Ripper' Owens [former JUDAS
"Our prayers go out to him and his family at this time.
"Other than that, time to rest before the European trek starting end of May in Lisbon, Portugual.
"See you then!"
FROM BILLY CORGAN (SMASHING PUMPKINS):
"R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio. I only got to meet him once and I can honestly say he was the nicest person I have ever met in music.
"Ronnie was a true gentleman, and obviously one of the best rock singers there will ever be. What a sad loss today.
FROM ROBB FLYNN (MACHINE HEAD) :
"Dio was a true gentleman.
"MACHINE HEAD had the opportunity to open for HEAVEN & HELL in May of 2007, and having never met or toured with Ronnie James Dio, it was a HUGE honor for all of us.
"On the first night of the tour in Phoenix, Arizona we celebrated, uh, quite heavily, and though the Dio dressing was heavily fortified with an army of security, I somehow managed to bullshit my way in and say hello. He had no idea who I was, but acted like we were old friends. After that, he always made a point to poke his head in our dressing room and say 'hi,' or give Dave [McClain, MACHINE HEAD drummer] shit about 'his San Antonio Spurs choking,' or sometimes just to give us a $100-dollar bottle of wine they were going leave in their dressing room. All class.
"He was a powerhouse singer. Incredible tone, and grit. His voice onstage was FUCKING LOUD!! Shockingly loud!! We were lucky enough to watch from side stage almost nightly, and all of us were blown away by how loud his voice was.
"His memory was staggering. He remembered my wife's name almost a year later, after only a brief one-minute introduction, and it charmed her to no end. He remembered my name a year after touring with him, in a crowd of people, without missing a beat, and asked how my kids were and kissed me on both cheeks when we said goodbye. I turned to my friend and was like, 'Dude, Dio just remembered my name and kissed me on the cheek, fuckin' High 5!!'
"When my parents moved to Fremont, California as I began the seventh grade, it was a pretty lonely time for me. I became friends with a girl named Lori Kibby who played me the first heavy metal record I would ever hear. It was BLACK SABBATH's 'Heaven and Hell'. It terrified me, enthralled me, captured me entirely. The imagery, the name, the title, it made me want to listen over and over and over again, in particular the songs 'Heaven and Hell', 'Children Of The Sea' and 'Die Young'. My first garage band, (the awesomely-named INQUISITOR) covered 'Stand Up And Shout'.
"Would I have found metal without him? Maybe. But man, I feel so very fortunate to have had Ronnie James Dio as my first guide into the awesome world of metal.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything you've done for music, Ronnie.
"Horns."
FROM STU BLOCK (INTO ETERNITY):
"I'm still taking in the fact that we have lost yet ANOTHER timeless metal
"R.I.P., Ronnie James Dio. A life that was lived to the fullest and also influenced thousands and thousands of musicians. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
"Cancer is a battle for many people these days; the world is losing many talented,loving and wonderful people. Do what you can to prevent and/or help find a cure.
"Stay healthy, my friends!"
FROM WOLF:
"We are very sad this day. We have lost THE greatest, most powerful and biggest voice in hard rock and metal. For WOLF, Ronnie James Dio, was/is a great inspiration and we will always keep his voice alive listening to his
"You will be sadly missed. May your music live on and on forever."
FROM LIZZY BORDEN BASSIST Marten Andersson: "Ronnie, I know you have been really sick for a while now so I know this is one of the horrible outcomes when you deal with a horrible decease like cancer (trust me, I know, seeing first-hand my mom getting chemo pushed into her body). Still, hearing about this hit me right in the heart.
"I seriously didn't know I would feel this strongly about your passing. The influence and strength you gave me through your
"I know in time I will have nothing but great memories of your amazing music and the person you were but right now this is a very difficult to deal with for me (and the million of metal family members you have around the world).
"You were the man, the legend!! We will all miss you but you will not be forgotten; your music will live on forever.
"Have a safe journey!"
FROM EDEN's CURSE MICHAEL EDEN:
"Today is my worst fear realized. I've lost my favorite
"Ronnie James Dio was the singer's singer. Heart, soul and an aggressive energy that no singer could touch. He took risks in the early '80s with album covers and made things look bigger than life to all of us who were teens at the time watching from either beside the stage or in the crowd.
"Ronnie always had time for his fans and was a man who taught life-changing lessons to many of us who would some how end up slaying the dragon along with him in our own bands.
"On behalf of EDEN'S CURSE and myself, I'd like to give our deepest sympathy to Wendy Dio [Ronnie's wife/manager] who is truly the best rock 'n'
"Wendy managed Ronnie with her company Niji Management, whom I'd personally like to thank, and always made sure I had passes and or tickets when the band would play Chicago going back over two decades.
"Wendy has a heart of
"We all love you, Wendy.
"I'm still very much in shock as is the collective metal community.
"I loved Ronnie beyond words and have decided with the members of EDEN'S CURSE to include one of Ronnie's metal gems in tribute to his loving memory which will appear on our third release, 'Trinity', due out this coming fall 2010."
FROM DANKO JONES:
"I just heard that Ronnie James Dio died today. This news is very sad. He was the greatest rock
"In 2004, I got to meet Dio and he was so gracious and down to earth, then he got up on stage and schooled everyone.
"We all have the records — 'Heaven And Hell', 'Mob Rules', 'Holy Diver', 'Last In Line', 'Dream Evil', 'Rainbow Rising', 'Long Live Rock’N'Roll'. I can't listen to them today because it's too hard, but tomorrow I will crank these up.
"R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio."
FROM NIKKI SIXX (MOTLEY CRUE):
"Ronnie was one of the kindest souls I have ever met and his talent was beyond inspirational to so many of us. I still have this image of him standing on stage in front of 100,000 belting out 'Man on the Silver Mountain' and remember the shivers it sent up my spine. He will be missed by all of us.
FROM BRIAN TICHY (SESSION DRUMMER: BILLY IDOL, OZZY OSBOURNE):
"It is a sad day...
"R.I.P Ronnie James Dio!!
"I had hoped the rumor stayed just that. Sadly I was wrong...
"The world is not as cool now...
"I am another shocked, saddened and hurt fan, just like the millions of Dio fans around the world.
"I have been cranking 'Heaven and Hell', 'Mob Rules', 'Holy Diver' and 'Last In Line' since they came out. I loved so much about those records, but without Ronnie and his insane vocals, they would not have been as believable.
"Ronnie made you believe! His amazing talent, charisma and power combined were nothing short of magic!
"Listen to the first three songs on 'Mob Rules'! That is mastered dynamics the likes of which can barely be touched by any vocalist ever!
"He never changed with the times! He couldn't! He's Dio! He has to be the one guy you can count on!
"I am happy to have at least have met him briefly and told him how much of a fan I am and that he was one of the mighty elite that inspired me to never stop trying to achieve goals. I was nervous, and he was nothing but kind and classy!
"I had hoped that someday I could keep time for him. That's OK; I will crank 'Mob Rules' and 'Holy Diver' in the
"Thanks to Ronnie for all the powerful music!
"Ronnie James Dio ruled, rules, and will rule!
"LOOK OUT!"
FROM GARY HOLT (EXODUS) :
"What more can be said about Ronnie that hasn't been said by so many others. He was the kindest, most humble metal god I've ever had the pleasure and honor of touring with.
"I first met him at Foundations Forum about two to three weeks before our tour with them during [BLACK
"We had many golden moments hanging out with him, while he allowed me to relentlessly badger him for stories about Ritchie Blackmore and the time spent singing for my favorite band, RAINBOW.
"R.I.P. Your impact on me won't ever be forgotten."
FROM WARMACHINE:
"I am devasted to learn that Ronnie James Dio has passed.
"The world has lost a true legend and pioneer.
"I feel truly blessed to have met him years ago backstage at his show in Toronto. Before I could even introduce myself, Ronnie already knew my name and, to my surprise, was even familar with my
"I could not believe it. Ronnie James Dio, the legend, my idol and one of my biggest childhood inspirations, knew who I was.
"I cannot express the joy I felt just to be standing in his presence.
"Ronnie and I talked for almost an hour. He shared his words of wisdom, and told me to hold on to my dreams. I'll never forget it.
"I will always be greatful to Ronnie for his time, his hugs and, of course, his amazing music.
"You will be sorely missed, Ronnie...
"Long live the King of Rock N
FROM IRON MAIDEN:
"It is with huge sadness we hear that Ronnie has lost his battle against stomach cancer, and our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Wendy and family at this terrible time.
"From his earlier years in ELF, BLACK
"Ronnie was not only an incredibly gifted singer but also a wonderfully warm, intelligent and generous person and this shone through both on and off stage leaving a positive mark on everyone he came into contact with. A longstanding friend of MAIDEN, we played many shows together over the years and we will all miss him greatly.
"The world has lost an irreplaceable talent and, first and foremost, one of the finest human beings you could ever wish to meet."
FROM TONY IOMMI (BLACK SABBATH/HEAVEN AND HELL):
"Yesterday 16th May my dear, dear friend Ronnie James Dio passed away at 7.45am L.A. time.
"I've been in total shock; I just can't believe he's gone.
"Ronnie was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. We had some fantastic times together.
"Ronnie loved what he did, making
"I can honestly say it's truly been an honor to play at his side for all these years.
"His music will live on forever.
"Our thoughts are with Wendy Dio [Ronnie's wife/manager] who stood by Ronnie until the end. He loved her very much.
"The man with the magic voice is a star amongst stars, a true professional.
"I'll miss you so much, my dear friend."
FROM TIM "RIPPER" OWENS (EX JUDAS PRIEST/ICED EARTH):
"A sad day, just a very sad day!!!
"We have lost a great human being and the best
"Ronnie was my hero and my friend, I will miss him and his kind words. He taught me so much on stage and off stage.
"I also would like so say that my heart is heavy for Wendy Dio [Ronnie's wife/manager], and we should all keep her in our thoughts and prayers.
"I do not think of Wendy without Ronnie and I don't think of Ronnie without Wendy.
"We all love you, Wendy... and we all will miss you, Ronnie, and we love you for everything you have given us!"
JOHN TARDY OF OBITUARY:
"OBITUARY would just like to say what a huge influence Dio was to this band and to the face of metal! He was one of the good guys in music and will be greatly missed!
"We had the opportunity, only once, to actually talk with Dio. He came up to us and I was amazed that he even knew who OBITUARY were! In that one, short conversation, it was clear what a kind person he was.
"We no longer have Dio here with us, but we will have his music forever in our souls!"
FROM BRIAN MAY OF QUEEN:
"It's a shock to hear that Ronnie has gone. Even though we had all known he was battling with cancer for some time, he was such a wiry fighter, and of such an amazingly optimistic nature, I think I assumed he would go on forever.
"Well, he fought to the very end... was gearing up to go back out on tour.
"I know this will be a very hard blow for my friend Tony Iommi.
"When I last saw Ronnie in Los Angeles, he was as full of life and positivity as anybody I've ever known .. and sang up a storm with HEAVEN & HELL in the Universal Amphitheatre.
"In my opinion, Ronnie was one of the creators of the genre of heavy
"I don't know if he invented the devil-horn salute, but he was certainly the man who, more than ever, made it a universal symbol, a worldwide salute of metal.
"He was universally loved in the community of rock
FROM OPETH:
"I saw the news last night and I hated them.
"Ronnie James Dio is gone…. I love him almost like a family member, and I feel empty and lonely knowing he's not around anymore. He sits on my wall as he has since my family moved in here. Can't bring myself to hear him sing right now, even though I think it might be comforting if I did.
"I was fortunate enough to meet him and share a few drinks with him once, and it's a memory I will treasure to the end of my days. He blew my mind, quite honestly.
"Thank you, Ronnie James Dio, for everything!
"Our collective condolences goes out to his families and friends and the musicians that were fortunate enough to work with him.
"I was thinking about this for quite some time, and I think we can say for sure that even if he was taken from us too soon (100 years from now would've been to soon), I'm sure he felt happy with his life and what he had achieved. But it hurts, though, it really fucking hurts…. I can't stop thinking about it.
"There is a massive hole in my heart.
"Love you, Ronnie. Rest in peace.
"Your fan, Mikael Åkerfeldt"
FROM EX THERION VOCALIST MATS LEVEN:
"The first
"Ritchie Blackmore had already recorded the first rainbow album and this was his last tour with the Mark 3 lineup of DEEP PURPLE.
"I bought the first RAINBOW album and when I heard Ronnie's voice I soon forgot about DEEP PURPLE.
"The second album, 'Rising', is one of the important albums of my life and the
"Like many others, I was disappointed when Ronnie left RAINBOW, but instead I enjoyed the new material with BLACK
"I'd never seen Ronnie live but in 1983 he did his first DIO show in Sweden at Draken in Stockholm and I finally got to see him. I remember there was a fight in the front row and Ronnie stopped the band in the middle of a song and sorted it all out.
"SOUTHPAW supported DIO in Sweden in 1998 and I got to meet him, he was incredibly nice and a true gentleman — I treasure that memory.
"I was sneaking behind the monitor desk at one of his soundchecks and it was cool to hear his incredible voice from the monitors…no, it was like a PA on stage ha ha…it was very, very loud.
"After that I've seen him 3-4 times again with DIO. One memorable show was in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 2004 before 6000 fans; they loved him. Also saw three shows with HEAVEN & HELL. The first one at Sweden Rock in 2007 was without a doubt the best and also one of the few times that I had tears in my eyes at a concert. The impact of 'I' and 'Sign Of The Southern Cross' was incredible.
"When I recorded with Cozy Powell in 1997, he told me some great stories and I was hoping that one day Ronnie, Cozy and Ritchie might reform the classic [RAINBOW] lineup. That day in April 1998 when Cozy died was a sad one and now, those last 24 hours have been heartbreaking.
"Our hero is gone but his voice and
"My sincerest condolences to Ronnie's close ones."
FROM THE DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL:
The organizers of the annual Download festival — which returns for an eighth year to Donington Park, United Kingdom from Friday, June 11 to Sunday, June 13 — have issued the following update:
"The rock world was in a state of shock [yesterday, May 16] when it was announced that Ronnie James Dio, one of the finest vocalists ever to walk the earth sadly passed away.
"The legendary singer, who fronted bands including BLACK SABBATH and DIO, had been battling with stomach cancer since the end of 2009.
"As our tribute to the great man, we've revealed that the second stage at this year's Download will official be called the Ronnie James Dio Stage."
Writing on his Twitter profile, festival organizer Andy Copping said, "The second stage at Download this year is to be renamed the Ronnie James Dio stage as a tribute to the great man with the incredible voice."
EX DIO KEYBOARDIST JENS JOHANSSON:
"I hesitated a bit to write something about this. In a way it feels weird to use this sad day to attract attention to myself. Then I realized I also feel a bit strange to not even comment in public.
"I joined DIO-the-band for about a year in the early Nineties, that's how I got to know Ronnie. Him, and let's not forget Wendy [Ronnie's wife/manager], who is still very much alive. They were a team.
"When they took me in to the DIO family, I felt a bit like a cold puppy coming in from the rain. I had previously just left Yngwie's band which was a really fun and creative situation, but it was at the same time also tremendously chaotic and stressful.
"My time in DIO was simply one of the best times in my life.
"Ronnie was one of the best people I ever met, very different from the usual musicians and other suspects in this wretched industry. I think this is something you will hear over and over — you have heard it before he was gone, and you will also keep hearing it after he is gone. Quite simply, because it's the truth. And especially towards fans.
"If you didn't realize it by now, you can ask anyone who met him. Ronnie was the guy signing autographs in the cold rain after the point where any mere mortal would have crawled back into bed. It was insane. His dedication to the fans was not from this world. He is the guy that finally made it dawn on me who it is who actually pays the bills — it is the fans. (Well, at least he tried. If I didn't quite learn, that is my own fault.)
"Well, it could be everyone knows all that already, so what else can I say that you don't already know or could find out from Wikipedia?
"Since I was a Dio fan myself long long before I even met him, I think I have some perspective.
"His voice was like a tank... I never heard him have a bad day. I have honestly never met anyone else like this in my whole life. Even if he stayed up all night drinking and talking, he would still deliver 150% the next day.
"From his performing, you'd think he was 22 years old, his whole life... but if you look at how much he accomplished, you'd think he lived to the age of 120.
"He was very funny. Fond of British humor, like Monty Python.
"My best memories of the time with him are either him laughing at something I or someone else said, or me laughing at something he said, or any of the many running gags that he created.
"His lyric-writing really has depths you don't immediately see when you read them first. Read them again and think.
"He was very intelligent. He was, without a question, NOT some sort of devil worshipper or satanist. He grew up in a small town and was what I would call just a 'very decent person.' He had higher morals than most people I have met, and definitely he had higher morals than I have. He just didn't particularly believe in God of the Christian bible, I think. But he was really spiritual and thought about deep issues, a lot.
"I never saw him do any hard drugs. He was, to me, the embodiment of the
idea: if you want to get anywhere, stay off the hard stuff.
"There was the relentless charity work for 'Children of the Night.' But that you may have heard about already and can read more about on the Internet; just google for the phrase.
"I realize this may sound like I'm trying to paint too soft a picture. I am really racking my brains here and I couldn't think of anything bad to say about him even if I tried. The only thing I can think of is that his character definitely had a surprising bite when something pissed him off; he didn't suffer fools lightly. If you were a fool in his path, and all options of patience, understabding and politeness had been exhausted, then he didn't hold back verbally... beware, fool, you might have two assholes all of a sudden, or your head might be rolling on the floor! I, of course, found this extremely amusing (unless it was me who was the unwitting fool, which I think happened, like, once).
"I don't exaggerate when I say I feel him being gone is a loss for humanity, but I still try to look at the glass as half full. Imagine if he would have died at 27 like so many other geniuses. As a listener I'm thankful for that grace, and as a person I'm thankful I got to know him.
"We will all die at some point; he never beat around the bush when speaking or writing about death.
"Cancer sucks, and I don't know what I think would suck more, him gone today, or him alive for another year but in severe pain. I'm also not sure if Ronnie would have wanted us to be too sad. (Of course, a bit sad! I'm not suggesting we go dancing in the streets with joy screaming 'lolololololololo' like those crazy Palestinians after 9/11 here.)
"He dedicated so much of his own life to bring happiness to other people.
"Let's mourn a genius and a great guy who is lost to us now. But let's mourn in a way that he constantly wrote about, by deciding that we should live each day, including this one, to its fullest, even if it is a sad day.
"You don't know if this day is your last day, and if it is you don't know what will follow.
"The music he made will remain after me, or anyone reading this, will be gone. So unless you did already, put some of it on. If it puts an evil smile on your face, then your day is better. That's all any musician can ask from you."
FROM SOLITUDE AETURNUS:
"Like most everyone I know, I am in a great state of sadness.
"Ronnie James Dio was the ultimate heavy metal figure. Why? Because he conducted himself the way every one of us should: treating fans and friends with respect above and beyond the call of the duty (b.t.c.o.d) and giving his best to us at all times. Oh, and let's not forget that he was the BEST! A true professional and a model human being.
"Make no mistake, the prime influence and building block in SOLITUDE AETURNUS was/is and always will be Dio-era BLACK
"Thank you, Ronnie, and family for all that you've given to us. We are grateful and strive to live by your example."
FROM GRAHAM BONNET:
"It was a horrible day yesterday.
"I want to thank him for being a good friend, and drawing the map for me, when I was in doubt of the role I would play in RAINBOW.
"My musical background was so different from his but I listened and learned the way to be a replacement, as such and followed the master of hard rock singing, and the name he used to call me — 'Gray'... the only American that abbreviated my name that way. It was funny to hear...
"Thanks, Ron!! And Wendy, I know, will keep him in her heart forever.
"My love goes out to him and his family...
"Only one Ronnie!"
NIKE ROCKKETT OF ONSLAUGHT:
"The news of Ronnie's death is so very sad and a major loss to the world of metal...
"You may not quite understand the massive influence the great man had on ONSLAUGHT, with us being a thrash metal band, but believe me, he did.
"We have all been huge, huge fans for as long as we can remember. His voice would send shivers down the spine, beautiful and yet so immensely powerful...
"One of my favorite all-time
"We were all looking forward to seeing HEAVEN & HELL and meeting up with Ronnie in August, when we were due to share the billing at this year's Bloodstock
"Our deepest condolonces go out to Ronnie's family and the HEAVEN & HELL guys.
"He will never be forgotten; his name and his incredible work will live forever.
"R.I.P., legend."
FROM WRITER/BWBK.COM EDITOR/DIO- BIOGRAPHER MARTIN POPOFF:
Martin Popoff, author of biographies on RAINBOW, BLACK
“Heavy
One quick find memory of many. I remember being backstage with "Metal" Tim Henderson quite a time ago, one of the first times I met Ronnie, and through he comes, there he is right in front of us. A quick few words later, he’s off, and Tim and I just look at each other stunned and say, 'OK, did Ronnie James Dio just ask us if we had every thing we needed, and could he go get us a beer?!' It’s a little thing, but that was Ronnie. Time and time again after that, he made you feel like we were all in this together, the subconscious undercurrent being that we were all warriors defending a maligned
But as Henry Rollins would say, it’s the work. Once Ronnie had worked his way through 45s in the late ‘50s and THE ELECTRIC ELVES and ELF, well, he bound onto the metal scene and never stopped impressing a demanding heavy metal audience, yes, with his down-to-earth, upstate New York kindness but also with his regal voice, authoritative songcraft and lyrics of comfort for the misfit and downtrodden.
Indeed, in terms of material, rock-solid legacy, when all is said and done, I think most studiers of the form would agree that Ronnie was instrumental, alive and in command through no less than six of the most classic and timeless heavy metal
Like I say, there will be more famous hard rockers taken from us, but no more famous a metalhead. Ronnie’s loss, in our – in his – community, is as big and as crushing as it gets, and this huge void is felt both because of the man’s accomplishments and because of his unanimously beloved stature in the eyes of the entire metal community.”
FROM OVER THE RAINBOW:
Greg Smith: "I have lost someone who I looked up to as a teenager and that person became my good friend. I shared many laughs, stories, drinks and good times with him on and off the road.
"Ronnie, I will miss you terribly and always think fondly of the times we spent together and of your tremendous talent.
"Till we meet again, my friend!"
Joe Lynn Turner: "Today we not only lost a legend but we lost a friend.
"Ronnie was a true gentleman of rock... always kind and giving. I was proud to know him... everyone he touched was raised higher. His energy and legacy will live on... and I — as a fellow member of RAINBOW — will continue to sing his praises and his songs.
"May God hold him in his hands... RIP."
Bobby Rondinelli: "I was very sad to hear of Ronnie's passing. He was one of the best singers and writers ever, and every time I saw him he was a total gentleman. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten."
FROM KING DIAMOND:
"It's with a heavy heart that I pay my respects to Ronnie James Dio.
"What an amazing singer and entertainer.
"Throughout my career, he has always been in my top 10 list of vocalists. The mystery and emotion in his vocal style always lured me in for more.
"Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure to meet him in person, but, fortunately, I did have the extreme pleasure of experiencing his uncanny frontmanship in concert so many times I can't even count it. I saw him with ELF, RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH, and almost had one of my wishes fulfilled when HEAVEN & HELL asked KING
"I always had the highest respect for him and he will forever have his
"My deepest sympathy goes out to Ronnie's family.
"I wish you a safe journey to the other side."
FROM BILL WARD (BLACK SABBATH):
"My wife and I have sent our condolences and have felt very sad with the news of Ronnie's passing.
"We wish to extend our positive thoughts and love to all those who loved Ronnie, and we salute him as a singer, performer, songwriter and arranger.
"We plan to make no further statements and prefer to remain private at this time."
FROM CHUCK GARRIC:
"I called Ronnie a couple of times but he was really sick," said Garric. "He was living in privacy and I gave him his privacy. ... I just dropped him a line to tell him I was thinking about him."
Garric played in the band DIO in 1999 and 2000.
"Getting to play with Ronnie is what launched my whole career," Garric said. "I wouldn't be in ALICE COOPER if it hadn't have been for Ronnie James Dio. He gave me my break."
"He was one of the nicest and sweetest guys you could imagine," Garric said. "I felt at home as soon as I walked into the rehearsal room and played with Ronnie. It just felt natural and comfortable. He was just a pleasure to be around."
FROM CRAIG GOLDY (DIO):
"Words simply fail me.
"There is a hole in my soul and I am unable to comprehend what has just happened.
"Words being one of many of Ronnie's ultimate creative recourses unleashed upon the world have now become my weakness.
"Please forgive me if I miss the mark in my aim to honor the most amazing man I have ever known.
"Ronnie James Dio is and was more than a legendary musician, friend and fellow band member, he was my family. He is the reason anyone really even knows who I am at all and why I exist. He rescued me from sleeping in a car on the streets of San Diego and Los Angeles and brought me into his world where dreams come true, kindness to strangers and fans, warmth, humility and integrity are paramount and where creativity could be without boundaries that could change people's lives forever.
"I know he changed mine. Not just through his music and the voice that turned his unique abilities into a legend, but who he was as a person and how he treated me and everyone he came in contact with directly and indirectly.
"He was so very good to me.
"I have so many memories of his kindness not only to me and his fans, but to perfect strangers as well.
"I was introduced to his talent before I met the man.
"Because of his incomparable talent for lyrics, I knew him before I even met him.
"He loved to read me his lyrics before he recorded the songs they belonged to because he knew that I would crack the code and would understand what he meant before he would have to translate them.
"He loved to be understood and I understood him, and that was where our special connection began so many years ago.
"We will all ache for the music that could've and should've been. However, we will be eternally grateful for the music, the man and the legend that we were given for such a short period time.
"Rest in peace, my dear friend. I will miss you deeply always and forever."
FROM JAMES "MUNKY" SCHAFFER (KORN):
"What a tragic loss for the metal world.
"I think that he was actually my second concert that I [ever] saw in Bakersfield.
"We wouldn't have this [flashing devil's horns] without him.
"But the music that he left the world with, he'll always be alive in those recordings.
"I actually did have a chance to meet him once — [he was] a really humble, sweet guy."
FROM RONNIE STIXX (EX VICIOUS RUMORS SINGER):
"It has taking me a few days to take in the death of my hero...
"When I heard he had cancer, I said to myself, 'he is going to beat this,' and when I heard he passed, I was crushed.
"When I heard the news of his passing on Sunday morning, I canceled a gig that I had booked that same night with my BLACK SABBATH/DIO tribute MOB RULES.
"There are just no words any one can say to ease the pain of this loss.
"Ronnie James Dio took us on a journey deep with our minds and soul... with a voice of an angel that no else has ever done. And has given us the sign of things metal — 'the mighty metal horns.'
"Ronnie has now truly earned his wings of steel in heaven. There is only thing one can say about Ronnie Jame Dio — long live the king of rock 'n' roll.
FROM IAN GILLAN (DEEP PURPLE):
"My dear friend Ronnie,
"Departed but not gone. Resting peacefully (for a while) but never forgotten.
"I've had a sackful of mail since your passing; a sharing of grief and sorrow.
"We all remember your huge voice, of course — my ears are still ringing: Your wicked humour and sense of decency: The utter professionalism and personality that inspired so much respect from your friends in
"The list goes on but the quality that stands out above all others is your enduring generosity. The one thing that we all treasure, the gift you gave us was your kindness.
"We all agree you were the kindest man we ever knew.
"Catch up later, mate."
FROM STEVE WILLIAMS (POWERQUEST):
"Well, it's five days on from hearing the terrible, saddening news of the passing of Ronnie James Dio. I wanted to let the news sink in before commenting officially but, in all honesty I still can't quite believe that he has departed.
"Ronnie was a massive inspiration and influence to me from the time I first heard his vocals in the early 1980s on [SABBATH's] 'Heaven And Hell' record. I was 11 years old and here I am 27 years later still remembering that time as if it were only a short time ago. Whether it was with SABBATH, RAINBOW, DIO or latterly HEAVEN & HELL, there is no doubt in my mind that we have lost a truly legendary figure and one of the gentlemen of rock as well.
"I had the pleasure of seeing Ronnie James Dio fronting both DIO and SABBATH over the years. I particularly recall two shows above all others. Firstly BLACK SABBATH (supported by TESTAMENT) in Southampton, U.K. on the 'Dehumanizer' tour in 1992. This was an incredible show that many of us who were there still talk about to this day. Secondly, the 'Holy Diver' tour in 2005 once again in Southampton. This show will stick in my mind forever.
"The 2005 show fell on my birthday and my friend Andre Bargmann (former POWER QUEST drummer and at the time, drum tech for Simon Wright. Andre went on to tech for Vinny Appice in HEAVEN & HELL, amongst others) contacted me the day before to ask if I would be going to the show. Needless to say, I was already planning to attend but Andre made some arrangements for myself and my girlfriend to meet Ronnie and the rest of the band backstage, where I was presented with a signed drum skin with birthday wishes from all the guys. This has had pride of place on my studio wall ever since, and will continue to do so.
"Ronnie was so welcoming and friendly, as were the rest of the guys as well, and it was a real privilege to be able to spend just a few minutes chatting and talking about music. It's just one of those things that I will never forget and I'm very thankful for.
"Although Ronnie may have left us, his immense legacy will live on in the wonderful music he leaves behind. Not just for those of us who have followed his career for years but also for future metal/rock fans and musicians.
"On behalf of myself and the POWER QUEST family, I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to Wendy [Ronnie's wife/manager] and all her family and friends at this most difficult of times."
FROM ANDREAS KISSER (SEPULTURA):
"It was really sad; all the band knew him, meeting backstage on many ocasions, some of our crew worked with him on his solo stuff and HEAVEN & HELL as well, also hanging out in Brazil, which he visited many times and where he is loved, not only because of his magical music but also because he was one of the sweetest persons in the world, anybody that ever met him can tell you that.
"I had the privilege to jam with him on a show in Sao Paulo, in 2006 he invited me to play 'Mob Rules', the last song on the show and with a lead part!!!! I will never forget; it was one of the happiest days of my life. Only a real master could be so kind.
"My condolences to Wendy Dio [Ronnie's wife/manager], family, friends and fans all around the world. He will be missed, the voice of metal, unique."
FROM GIL MOORE (TRIUMPH):
"He was a great singer. And it's a tragedy to see him die so early in life. I mean, he wasn't young, but he sure wasn't old.
"He had one of the best voices. His first record with RAINBOW … that really blew me away. I just about wore out the cassette playing it. This guy had a freight train of a voice. He really did.
"We would see Ronnie backstage. He would show up at TRIUMPH shows with quite a bit of regularity. He'd show up at our show and come backstage. And he was always a great guy."
FROM KEVIN BALDES (LIT):
"Anybody who has ever met Ronnie James Dio will tell you, without a doubt, he was the nicest guy in rock n' roll. And now, let me be yet one more person to confirm this statement.
"Ronnie James Dio was not only a rock star, he was a legend. However, these labels and these roles never took precedent over who he really was at the core... and that was a warm, decent, gracious human being.
"Ronnie was a glowing example of kindness, not only for entertainers and musicians to learn from, but a lesson for all people in general. And when it came to music, it seems this was his calling from day one. A calling to live music. To feel music. And most importantly, to share music. Share it with the masses. And Mr. Dio did just that. He did it through his own brand of metal and he did it with an unwavering passion and conviction that came from the purest place in his heart.
"Dio forged his own path and it was a path from which he never strayed.
"On May 16th,
"Ronnie James Dio was, and always will be, the
"You will be truly missed."
FROM CARMINE APPICE:
"I've known Ronnie since his days with RAINBOW. He was the best heavy metal singer to ever live. He had so much power in his voice it was so intense. He wrote great metal anthems.
"I really got to know him well when my brother [Vinny Appice] started working with him in BLACK SABBATH, then DIO. He was part of our family, coming to family functions for holidays, weddings etc. He even came to my bachelor party and wedding in 1983. He was friends with my kids; he was family.
"We spent all day Saturday [May 15] at the hospital. It was sad to see him like that.
"He was truly loved by millions and by all the people he worked with.
"All his close friends were around him at this time. Again, truly loved by all his friends; amazing love from all.
"It is hard to believe he is gone. His spirit of life will live on in his music and we will never forget Ronnie James Dio, the great heavy metal singer, a friend for years and a brother to my brother Vinny.
"I've sent my sympathies out to Wendy [Ronnie's wife/manager] and Ronnie's family, as well as my brother Vinny, along with Geezer [Butler] and Tony [Iommi].
"Ronnie, we love you bro. 'You will be missed' is an understatement!!
FROM RACHEL BOLAN (SKID ROW):
"The first time I met Ronnie was in Limerock, Connecticut at Skip Barber Racing School. We drove fast cars all day and talked about
"I was a bit nervous about meeting him because, after all, it was Ronnie James Dio! However, after five minutes of conversation, I felt totally at ease because of his genuine and friendly nature.
"He was the voice of my youth. I will always hold him in highest regard as a person and as a vocalist.
STEVE MORSE (DEEP PURPLE):
"Ronnie Dio was a real musician. He was a guy that everybody liked, and always sang loud, in tune, and strong, with that famous voice. I watched him patiently deal with fans at the stage
"Everybody that ever met him will miss him, as well as anybody who ever heard him sing.
FROM HERMAN RAREBELL (SCORPIONS):
"Ronnie Dio was a real musician. He was a guy that everybody liked, and always sang loud, in tune, and strong, with that famous voice. I watched him patiently deal with fans at the stage
"Everybody that ever met him will miss him, as well as anybody who ever heard him sing.
FROM SCORPIONS:
"The passing of Ronnie James Dio is a huge loss to the world of rock and
"He will be missed by millions of fans around the world.
"He was an amazing artist, lovely human being, and a dear friend.
"We will miss you, Ronnie."
FROM YNGWIE MALMSTEEN:
"I'm deeply saddened by the devastating news.
"Ronnie was a dear friend and without a doubt the most brilliant of all rock sirens. He lives forever in our hearts and will never be a equaled.
"Long live Ronnie James Dio."
JACK BLACK (TENACIOUS D):
"Dio has always been my favorite heavy-metal vocalist. Not just for his musical chops but also for the passion he poured into every performance. His use of beautifully haunting melodies leading to volcanic eruptions of raw rock power led to some of the great anthems of the genre.
"When Dio, who died May 16 at 67, performed live, he would stalk the stage like a dragon slayer. His commitment and theatricality were spellbinding. As a teenager I was profoundly moved by the life-affirming fire of his songs. They were filled with glory. They made me want to climb mountains and battle demons.
"To listen to Dio is to be transported to an ancient time of mystery and joy. His songs were an escape for millions of kids looking for release from the usual bull found on the FM dial.
"I had a chance to work with him, and he was about as cool a person as you could hope to meet. He was generous and soft-spoken, humble and serene, and had a tremendous sense of humor.
"Thank you, Dio.
TENACIOUS D was featured in DIO's video for the song "Push" In addition, Ronnie appeared in Black and Gass' rock comedy "Tenacious D: The Pick of Destiny".
In the film, Dio plays an apparition of himself — a kind of heavy metal Yoda — who counsels the 10-year-old Black on how to make good his dreams of rock grandeur. "The kid's sitting on the bed and he starts to sing to a huge poster of me — he's asking me what to do, saying all he really wants to do is rock 'n' roll," Dio said in a 2006 interview. "Then I come alive from the poster and tell him: Go to Hollywood where you'll meet your partner and rock 'n' roll forever."
FROM ALEX SKOLNICK (TESTAMENT):
"This past weekend, we lost Ronnie James Dio, not only one of the best singers in hard rock and heavy
"When someone of his stature of passes away, there is a collective void felt by millions of fans, creating a sense of unity. This feeling takes on an even more sad, surreal quality when it is someone that you were on a first-name basis with.
"Twice I had the magnificent fortune of being on the same bill with Ronnie. On both these tours, the differing schedules of his band — BLACK SABBATH in 1992 and HEAVEN & HELL in late 2008 (same band, different name) — made our encounters infrequent, as is often the case with headliners and support acts. But whenever we did bump into each other, he always went out of his way to say hello.
"His knack for remembering everybody’s names was nearly as legendary as his vocal ability. He remembered everyone on the crew, everyone's friends, wives and girlfriends and made each person feel the center of attention when he spoke to them. So while we did 'know' each other, I don't pretend to have known Ronnie well. It's not as if we ever spoke by phone.
"Actually, that's not true…
"One day, I was trying to reach my friend Lorenzo, who was on DIO's sound crew. This was the early '00s and our tours were crossing paths in Cleveland. I'd been unable to make the DIO concert, but another friend of mine went to the show and bumped into Lorenzo, who told him to say hi to me and pass on his new phone number.
"When I called a day or so later, the voice didn't sound like Lorenzo's. 'Alex Skolnick! How are you? I've always liked your guitar playing.' He asked what I was up to and how this person was and how that person was, asking me to please say hello to these people for him. This guy obviously knew me and others I knew, but I didn't recognize his voice. Who could it be? I hesitantly asked. He laughed and said 'Alex, it's Ronnie Dio!'
"My jaw dropped. He explained that either he'd lost his cell phone and had been borrowing Lorenzo's or vice versa (I forget), then nicely offered to pass on the message and have him call me, then we said goodbye. Whatever the situation was, I barely processed it and it scarcely mattered…I was on the phone with Dio!
"I immediately thought of the DIO concert I attended in 1984 in San Francisco, the first concert I ever went to without adult supervision. I remember asking my father for permission. He didn't understand who I was talking about. 'DEVO?' he asked.
"A friend and I took BART (the metro train) to the concert which was held at the Cow Palace Arena.
"The DIO album 'Holy Diver' had become part of the soundtrack for my high school years and those of countless other teens of the mid-'80s. Seeing him live, I felt for the first time like I was hearing music for my generation.
"Although DIO's draw would shrink somewhat in the '90s (thanks in part to the music industry's collective turn against '80s hard rock acts) Ronnie James Dio still stands as one of a small handful of vocalists in the hard rock/metal genre who was ever able to sell out arenas under his own name. The other two that come to mind are Ozzy Osbourne, whom he replaced in BLACK SABBATH, and Alice Cooper.
"When he emerged on the national scene in the '70s, he sang with enough rasp, grit, dirt and guttural quality to stand side by side with throaty greats of the time such as Bon Scott of AC/DC. But unlike Scott and others, whose sound was fueled by cigarettes, bourbon, and other, less legal substances, Ronnie took care of his voice with a discipline on par with an opera and Broadway singer. Never a 'notorious rock star' like his contemporaries, he lived his life in moderation, resulting in an unshakeable constancy and flawless execution that concertgoers could count on, right up until the end.
"Indeed, at the 'Metal Masters' shows [featuring HEAVEN & HELL, JUDAS PRIEST, MOTÖRHEAD and TESTAMENT] barely a year and a half ago, the universal consensus was that Ronnie, then in his mid-60s, had never sounded better. On that tour, I frequently found myself standing on the grass with friends after our set, listening to Ronnie, Tony [Iommi], Geezer [Butler] and Vinny [Appice] filling the star-filled August sky with songs like 'Heaven And Hell', 'Children Of The Sea' and 'Neon Knights'. It was about as perfect a summer evening as one can imagine. Now Ronnie is a part of that star-filled sky.
"He will forever be missed and remembered."
FROM KEVIN BOLEMBACH (NON FICTION):
"The music of Ronnie James Dio has been an integral part of my life since I was nine years old.
"My first concert EVER was BLACK SABBATH with BLUE ÖYSTER CULT on the 'Heaven And Hell' tour in 1980 — an event that completely changed my life.
"Over the years I have seen many incarnations of DIO and SABBATH, but my dream was to see a reunion of the classic 'Heaven and Hell' lineup. My prayers were answered at Radio City Music Hall in early 2007 when giants once again walked the earth under the banner of HEAVEN & HELL.
"There has never been another singer with more heart, soul, or insight in to the human condition than Ronnie James Dio, and there never will be.
"Rest in peace, Ronnie, and thank you for your priceless gifts. You will not be forgotten."
FROM CRIMSON GLORY:
"Ronnie was a wellspring of immeasurable talent and a shining example of the persistence, hard work, dedication, passion and creativity that it takes to become a true legend in the
"Ronnie James Dio was easily one of the most influential artists in modern music; that influence can be heard and felt in countless bands that have emerged over the last forty years, including us!
"With the recent passing of our own
FROM MY DYING BRIDE:
May we take this opportunity to express our sadness at the death of Ronnie James Dio and our condolences to his family & friends. We toured with him and his band back in 1996 throughout the US where he treated us with a great deal of respect, which we shall never forget. This is a sad time for all who knew and loved him and Rock has lost one of it’s great endearing characters.
FROM HEAVEN AND HELL/DIO KEYBOARDIST SCOTT WARREN:
"How can I express what 17 years next to Ronnie now means to me? He has led me on an incredible journey. I have been blessed by his presence, and his voice. He was my surrogate father, my brother, my friend, my teacher AND my loyal advocate. Our fearless leader. He never let us down. He was never not out to prove it. Because he 'WAS' it. Just a class act. Life without him will never be the same. Yet it is not because of these things, that I know He IS in Heaven. But that's another story.
"I will miss you, my dear friend.
"RJD RIP"
ROB CAVELLO (PRODUCER):
"Ronnie was the first major artist to take me seriously as an A&R guy and a producer. I have so many amazing stories about the man, his character and musicianship they could fill a book. He truly was a giving and caring individual and I was blessed to have met him.
"Here's one short story: I was with Ronnie, Tony [Iommi], Geezer [Butler] and Vinny [Appice] at Rockfield studios in Wales. We had just finished the song 'Time Machine' for the 'Wayne's World' soundtrack and we were starting on the follow-up LP, 'Dehumanizer', with Reinhold [Mack] producing. I was totally jetlagged and half passed out on the living
"It's one of my fondest musical memories... They sounded so amazing together!"
FROM Y&T:
"At this current moment in time this is very difficult for me as I'm extremely saddened by the news of his passing so I may not so eloquently say exactly what I feel, but here it is, just the same.
"Though I can only speak of Ronnie as an acquaintance, his impact on me has been one of positivity and I will forever remember his spirit. This is not simply because he has been so kind to me over his career, but because he has reinforced the feelings I have for the way one should lead their lives as an entertainer and as a man.
"His talent speaks for itself, but his kindness to his fans and commitment to his art was exceptional. This man, with such an amazing and uncanny voice that had lasted for his entirety, has taught me a few things about how to be selfless, yet frank and unapologetic about life as a public figure and artist. As I have witnessed, Ronnie, no matter how tired, would greet every fan with true sincerity and complete attention, never belittling them, nor seeming to show any trace of being impatient with the commitment that comes with being a star.
"When I think back as Y&T started our first of many shows on tour together for the 'Meanstreak' record in 1983, I remember my feelings about hearing his voice for the first time. We had just walked into the hall as Dio was sound-checking. I had made it half way across the concert hall, looking for our backstage room as he started to sing. I stopped in my tracks and looked back in amazement as this incredibly huge voice bellowed out from the PA speakers. I was both taken aback and incredibly intimidated by his ability. Absolutely astonished, is all I could feel.
"Since that time, the band had become friends with the Dio bunch and have had many interactions throughout the years after.
"I remember when we were recording our 'Contagious'
"I terribly mourn the loss of him and celebrate him to the highest. We have all lost a legendary vocalist and, as far as I'm concerned, a fine man beyond reproach. For myself, I have lost what I considered a true friend in what can often be a cut-throat and unfriendly business.
FROM DAVE MUSTAINE (MEGADETH):
"Everybody that's ever met Ronnie, they've got different types of stories," Mustaine said. "We've heard types of stories about his voice and how great he was as a man. And we've heard stories about his different lineups that he's been with.
"One of the things that I remember him most for was 'Sixteenth Century Greensleeves' and 'Man On The Silver Mountain', which was the first record that I'd ever gotten from him with [RAINBOW guitarist Ritchie] Blackmore.
"We had gone out on tour with him when [
"I remember talking to Ronnie — we were in catering — and I go, 'Hey, Ronnie, I just wanna thank you for taking us out on tour.' He goes, 'Yeah, man. Thanks to you for coming, too.' And I said, 'No. I mean, really. Thanks. It's really cool.' And he goes, 'Look, we could both sit here and give each other handjobs or we could smoke this joint. What do you think?' And I was like, 'Well...' So, needless to say, we smoked a joint and I passed on the handjob."
FROM TRACY G. (FORMER DIO GUITARIST):
"My condolences for Wendy Dio and all the Dio family for their loss. My prayers are with all of you.
"I worked with Ronnie for six years and it was a truly amazing time.
"Long live Ronnie James Dio, one of the greatest rock vocalists ever!"
FROM DORO PESCH:
"I'm so sad and heartbroken it's still hard to even believe what has happened. It feels like losing one of my best friends.
"Ronnie was such an incredible inspiration to me both as a
"I'm so grateful that we were able to support DIO many times throughout the years.
"Ronnie meant the world to me. I love him so much and miss him so deeply.
"Rest in peace, Ronnie. Your spirit will live on forever. We love you."
FROM DEATHRIDERS:
when dio died so did the soundtrack of our childhood.
FROM CLINT LOWERY (SEVENDUST):I am a diehard Ronnie James Dio fan, I love that man. I had a chance to shake his hand in Europe. Growing up, I was his biggest fan and he got me through so much. I loved every guitar player that he ever played with. Dio was a part of every part of my musical school — some of the first songs I learned were Dio songs. What got me through teenage years were Dio songs; he was a huge influence on my life. I'm so sad that he's passed. The night he died we played a few songs during our set and the whole crowd joined in. He is going to be missed but he was such a huge contribution to metal that he's never going to die; he's put his legacy on earth and his music and influence will live on forever.
FROM MIKE INEZ (ALICE IN CHAINS):
"I've never met a person in this profession who has inspired me more than Ronnie James Dio. He was just a great example of a man who not only loved the craft of making
every night to make our days just a little bit better, a little more magical. We
were lucky to see and hear this great man traveling around the planet, plying
his trade. Being a craftsman. Being... well, just being Ronnie.
"To just say that Ronnie Dio was a 'legend' or an 'icon,' ironically, would be
selling this man extremely short.
"Even though he left us with an astounding and incredible body of work, his greatest gift is simply that he was 'one of us'... all of us. Or at least that good part in us that we should all try to nurture and grow."
FROM ROSS "THE BOSS" FRIEDMAN (EX-MANOWAR GUITARIST):
"Sunday, May 16th was a very sad day indeed for the
"First, my deepest sympathies to Wendy [Dio's wife/manager] and his family.
"He was always the sweetest person you could ever want to meet! Surely one of the greatest
"My Dio story goes back to 1980 when I was in a band called SHAKIN' STREET. We were supporting BLACK
"Ronnie, R.I.P. brother."
FROM RYAN ADAMS:
11 new solo tunes came out of nowhere. Day after Dio’s funeral they just fell out. Soft mellow acoustic jams- lots of New Orleans scenery and vibe from the trip… I am official very excited again.What a light and a treasure this man was. Bless ya RJD.
FROM UPSTATE (NEW YORK) METAL:
"When we were young musicians, we thought success was playing a show in Binghamton." -Ronnie James Dio #RIPDIO and thanks for the shout out! Why hasn't Cortland renamed themselves Dioland? I would much prefer to work in Dioland than Cortland.
FROM PHIL ANSELMO (EX PANTERA/DOWN/SUPERJOINT RITUAL):
We played Switzerland at a festival a week ago, and we played with AC/DC in Bucharest, Romania, and sadly enough to say, that HEAVEN & HELL show — BLACK SABBATH was supposed to play and [Ronnie James] Dio wasn't doing good. We actually got a phone call before the man passed saying that this could be it. And sure enough after we played the gig we woke up the next morning to the news that he had passed. Just to go out here and say it — Ronnie James Dio was probably one of the coolest motherfuckers in the biz. A lot of people could say that and just be talking nice, but I'm being very sincere here. PANTERA first did a gig with BLACK SABBATH and Dio in '93, I believe. It was in Italy. He was just the most down-to-earth motherfucker. He toked weed with us after the gig, he sent "War Pigs" out to me, he was just a very, very engaging person. Really, really sweet, real down to earth. He kept in touch throughout the years, and DOWN ended up playing some shows with SABBATH and Dio a couple years ago. Once again, I just wanna let everybody know that this guy was just one of the true good guys of this entire fuckin' business, man.
FROM VINNIE PAUL ABBOTT (PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN/HELL YEAH):
Well, Ronnie James was just a fuckin' amazing human being! We did the first Golden Gods Awards that were held in the United States together and we filmed this skit, I got to spend about four hours with Ronnie just hanging out at his house. Not only was Ronnie one of the most amazing fuckin' singers to have been in heavy metal, but he was just a great fuckin' super-cool dude!.
FROM WATAIN: Of course, it was. In any civilized country it should have been. It's always sad, in a way, but at the same time I'm not the kind of person who cries rivers when someone dies. I think death is something great. I know that Dio is in a really good place right now, a place that he earned during his lifetime. Of course, it's all of a sudden [that he died], but he lives on forever. If you have cancer and if you're very sick, then perhaps death is better, like a great hole is open for you and you know you're home.
FROM SPV/STEAMHAMMER RECORDS:
"It is with deepest sadness that we mourn the loss of a true legend, an amazing man, and one of the best rock/metal voices ever. The entire staff at SPV offers our deepest condolences to Ronnie James Dio's friends and family. He was truly one the best artists we ever had the pleasure of working with, and the memories that we have of him and his
FROM RONNIE JAMES DIO STAND UP AND SHOUT CANCER FUND:
For all the Ronnie James Dio fans that were unable to attend his memorial service on May 30th, you can now make a $35.00 donation to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund and get the special Dio memorial package which includes a T-shirt (see image on left, click to enlarge), the memorial booklet and the memorial button.
The shirts come in the following sizes: M, L, XL, 2XL and 3XL. California residents, please add .0975% sales tax. Shipping for the USA, Canada and Mexico is $10.50, shipping for the rest of the world is $15.00. You can pay via PayPal on RonnieJamesDio.com or you can send cash, check or money order to:
The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund
12400 Ventura Blvd. #837
Studio City, CA 91604
USA
Please include your shirt size when ordering on PayPal or sending a check.
The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund mission statement:
The Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund was formed to bring awareness and education about cancer with the understanding that cancer screening and prevention is of vital importance in avoiding this deadly disease that robs families of their loved ones.
The
The fund is committed to providing free cancer screening programs and testing to all people regardless of their ability to pay.
The foundation will support community outreach programs and help provide the necessary equipment and personnel to test and screen people for cancer.
The fund also provides financial support to those individuals and families afflicted with cancer that cannot access treatment due to the overwhelming financial burden of medical treatments.
-- The fund is committed to the early detection and prevention of cancer through facilitating access to medical screening and medical educational
-- The fund supports programs designed to integrate medical knowledge into local communities such as cancer screening programs, education on nutrition in cancer prevention, exercise and overall wellness.
-- The goal of the fund is to reduce the risk of developing life threatening cancers by offering access to preventative medical services.
-- Furthering the commitment for patients to access to quality medical care related to cancer, the fund seeks to assist families burdened by the cost of caring for loved ones with cancer.
Ronnie James Dio died from stomach cancer May 16th at age 67.
LA, CALIFORNIA MARKS RONNIE JAMES DIO DAY: RONNIE JAMES DIO MEMORIAL SERVICE METAL INJECTION: DIO's HEAVY METAL FUNERAL-GREATEST METAL FUNERAL EVER! Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-R.I.P. RONNIE JAMES DIO-\m/ -l-
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