Ronnie James Dio RIP
The heavy metal legend succumbs to stomach cancer aged 67.
Ronnie James Dio, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbbath, Rainbow and Dio, passed away yesterday aged 67. Dio was diagnosed with stomach cancer in November 2009 and had recently cancelled a string of summer shows with the reformed Black Sabbath (under the 'Heaven And Hell' moniker).
His manager and wife Wendy Dio wrote on Dio's site:
“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.”
Tributes from the heavy metal world have been flooding in since the news.
Xfm's Ian Camfield wrote: "As far as Ronnie as a person is concerned, he was the most well mannered, professional rock star you could ever wish to meet. As someone remarked to me earlier, he was a real lesson in how to conduct yourself at all times". Read Ian's full tribute now.
Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx: "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".
Billy Corgan tweeted: "Ronnie was a true gentleman, and obviously one of the best rock singers there will ever be. What a sad loss today.
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."
And in a long open-letter to the frontman, Metallica’s Lars Ulrich closed with, "Ronnie, your voice impacted and empowered me, your music inspired and influenced me, and your kindness touched and moved me. Thank you".
And here's a clip of Dio on fine form. We salute you!
Tagged as Black Sabbath, Tributes
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