Ronnie James Dio 10th July 1942 - 16th may 2010  

 

 

Ronald James Padavona was born on 10 July 1942.  He was a professional musician from 1957 right up until his death.  The name Dio came from Johnny Dio, a mafia hood.  Ronnie first used it professionally in 1961.

Dio’s first big hit was 'Love Is All’ from Roger Glover’s 'The Butterfly and the Grasshopper’s Feast’. It was a number one hit around the world including Australia.  Dio joined Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow in 1975 and recorded three albums with the band.  In 1979, he left Rainbow to replace Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath. That line-up reunited in recent years as Heaven and Hell  and released their one and only album 'The Devil You Know’ in 2009.

After being diagnosed with stomach cancer, Dio started treatment immediately at the Mayo Clinic. In March, after 7 chemo’s, Wendy Dio reported that the outlook was good and that Ronnie would return to work.
However on May 4, Heaven and Hell had to cancel their European tour.

R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio, one of the world’s greatest metal vocalists

WENDY DIO - "Today (May 16th) my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am. 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."

You can leave your condolences on Facebook.

Tributes to the great man come flooding in.
Wendy Dio has asked that in lieu of sending flowers, please make a donation to the Ronnie James Dio "STAND UP AND SHOUT CANCER FUND." Please send donations to the Niji Entertainment Group, 12400 Ventura Blvd. #624, Studio City, CA, 91604. Thank you.

There will be a Public Memorial Service for Ronnie James Dio on Sunday, May 30th at 2:00 PM at The Hall Of Liberty located at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068.

This will be a celebration of the life and music of Ronnie James Dio and is open to all of his friends and fans from around the world.

For those of you that will be flying in from out of town or out of the country, we have made special rates at various local hotels available to you! Just go to the official Facebook Page for hotel information!

Legendary BLACK SABBATH/HEAVEN & HELL bassist Geezer Butler has offered the following thoughts on the passing of his bandmate and "soul mate" RONNIE JAMES DIO

"It’s impossible to express in mere words the relationship Ronnie and I, Wendy and my wife Gloria had. He was much more than a friend, fellow musician, band mate. If I have a soul, then he is part of it. I truly believe God, fate, destiny, whatever it’s called, brought us together again in 2006, after not seeing each other for 14 years, to do one final tour, which turned into 3 major tours and an album. We were having a blast together, enjoying each other’s company more than we had ever done before, talking about maybe doing one more album, when fate intervened again. 

We were planning on doing a 2 or 3 part North American tour, after having toured South America and Europe in Spring /Summer 2009, but on the first leg of the North American tour, Tony’s hand ligaments were in a bad way, Vinny’s shoulder became dislocated, and Ronnie was having terrible stomach pains. We decided to cut the tour, get healthy, and carry on the following year. Tony and Vinny had successful procedures to fix their ailments, but Ronnie’s stomach pains were worsening. I saw him at the Dio Halloween party, but he wasn’t drinking, unusual for Ronnie who liked his tipple. He was telling me he had made an appointment with a specialist, to see what it was ...

Wednesday, May 12th

Wendy invited Gloria and I to lunch in Santa Barbara. A few close friends of Ronnie and Wendy, Omar, Simon, Paul, Tim, and Diana, had dropped by. Ronnie had no appetite whatsoever- the disease and the chemotherapy were taking an immense toll. As usual, we talked sports and had a laugh together- it would be the last time. That night, I had a beautiful email from him, that I will treasure forever. I sent him an email saying I’d see him during the following week.

Friday, May 14th

Wendy called to say she had taken Ronnie to hospital. The pain had become unbearable. We got to the hospital around 2 p.m. The doctor eventually sedated him. More and more friends were coming to visit- we took it in turns to hold Ronnie’s hand, and whisper our thoughts to him. Wendy wouldn’t leave his side- she stayed curled up on his bed the whole night. Gloria’s assistant, Debi, kept her company. I emailed Tony to prepare him for bad news.

Saturday, May 15th

There was no mistaking Ronnie’s room. There were around 25 to 30 friends outside his room. We knew the end was imminent. We all wanted to say our goodbyes. It was a day filled with tears and reflection. In the evening, the chaplain came, and we all gathered around Ronnie’s bed and prayed. Ronnie wasn’t going easily. At 11 p.m., most of us left, leaving Wendy her privacy to say her last farewell. The devastation was palpable.

Sunday, May 16th

7.46 a.m. As we were preparing to leave for the hospital, Gloria called Wendy to see if she wanted a coffee or any breakfast- she broke the sad news. Ronnie had just passed away.

Wendy Dio has been a true saint through all this. She has been with Ronnie every step of the way. Her courage has amazed us all. Even as I write, she is ensuring Ronnie has the finest send off possible. God bless you, Wendel.

Most people who were there for those last days chose to keep their thoughts private. I wanted to keep my thoughts private, too, but I’ve been overwhelmed by emails, and requests from the media and fans for comments.

I can truly say I’ve never known anyone to have such loyal, loving friends, fans, and family as Ronnie. He really was a special person, blessed with a unique voice and presence. He loved his fans - he would stay meeting and talking to them until the early hours of the morning. One of my fondest memories of him comes from last year, at the Sonisphere Festival, Knebworth. He noticed my sister and her husband at the side of the stage. During our opening song, he took the time to go over and hug them. Just a little thing like that made him special to me. Of course his music will live on forever, as will his influence. I have never seen so many tributes from so many musicians and fans, so many good wishes, no cynicism, just pure love and appreciation for a great man.

God bless you Ronald – thank you so much for the wonderful memories."  

Vinny Appice: "Hey Ron, I never thought the day would come so suddenly. Ronnie was everything to me. He was my best friend , he was my brother. I sat behind him on my drums each night and played, watching him sing, hearing his roaring voice thru my monitors. Every night he sent chills down my spine with his singing, inspiring me to push it further and play the best I can to the limit. I always knew how lucky I was to be in a band with him, but to become friends was even more special. When I met Ronnie I was a kid, 21 years old, eyes wide opened. He took me under his wing, he showed me the way, he was the greatest teacher and inspiration in my life and most of all, the greatest rock singer in the world! My heart is so broken. We are now in a world without him and I will miss him so much. I can only think of how fortunate I was to make music with him that was in his heart. Music that will remain to be listened to by all his fans all over the world, whom he adored and loved! Ronnie I love you man!!"
Dave Meniketti: "I feel the necessity to say something about Ronnie to my friends here on this forum. 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 CD how the guys were across the parking lot rehearsing and we would each hang out at each others places. I remember the full bar, in a road case, that Ronnie had for their rehearsals and thought "how cool is that". I remember Vinnie selflessly coming in the studio to help Jimmy work out how to play the beat to LA Rocks when he was having trouble with the groove.

And I mostly remember how Ronnie had entrusted me to be the first singer on the 'Stars' single for the Hear N' Aid project. His guidance as I sang the track was both knowledgeable and respectful, always in control and always a gentleman. I have many more personal memories that I will keep to myself, but suffice it to say that this man was a true star.

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.

Long live Ronnie James Dio."

LARS ULRICH has issued the following open letter to the recently deceased Ronnie James Dio:

"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 6000 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 player. You guys sounded so right for each other and I instantly became Rainbow's #1 fan in Denmark.

"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 Hotel to see if I could somehow grab a picture, an autograph, a moment, anything. A few hours later you came out and were so kind and caring... pictures, autographs and a couple minutes of casual banter. I was on top of the world, inspired and ready for anything. Rainbow came to Copenhagen a couple more times over the next few years and each time you guys blew my mind, and for a good three years were my absolute favorite band on this planet.

"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 and 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 music inspired and influenced me, and your kindness touched and moved me. Thank you."
BIFF BYFORD - Today I heard my friend Ronnie Dio has lost his battle, it is a great loss to us all. I first met Ronnie in the early eighties when we played with Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult, the infamous black and blue tour.
I first heard him sing on butterfly ball and from that moment I understood what great singing was all about, he was at the top of his game from then on. His voice was always powerful and soaring his phrasing was uniquely his, copied by many but never bettered. I will miss him as we all will. The last time we met was in Finland last year, both bands stranded in an airport
with flight delays what do you do, go to the bar get drunk and tell rock and roll stories, he told great stories. Deepest condolences to his family.

Somewhere in the night a candle burns for you.
To absent friends
DAVID ELLEFSON  (MEGADETH): "He was truly one of the 'good guys' in this business and a consummate pro, someone we can all take a cue 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. Wendy Dio looked after Ripper's European tour where we played several shows with HEAVEN & HELL and we got to have many good moments with Ronnie during that tour. He is missed by us all. Our prayers go out to him and his family at this time. Long Live Ronnie James Dio."
Jon Oliva: "Two days have passed and I still cannot come to grips with the tragic passing of Ronnie James Dio. My heart is sad once again. I have always considered Ronnie as a God, a hero, a pioneer, a legend, and one of the nicest people I have ever met. Ronnie gave Savatage their first break when he took us on tour so many years ago. We were so young and did so many stupid things on that tour. But Ronnie let it all go, and took care of us. The world has lost more than an icon...we lost so much more than that this past Sunday. I can't properly express my sadness. Thank you, Ronnie, and for all you have given us as a musician, but most of all for your sweet and caring soul. You will be missed, and we will celebrate your life forever."
QUEENSRŸCHE "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 Queensryche 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."
MATT HEAFY - Trivium had the privilege of meeting Dio while touring with Heaven and Hell in Japan in 2007.  We were just happy to be on the shows and didn’t expect to spend any time with any of the guys.  Every single night of that tour Heaven & Hell blew our minds; we were fans in awe of how good they were.  They had it all and to watch a group of musicians that deep into their careers so absolutely on top of their game like that was inspiring.  

One night after a show in Nagoya, I was able to pop in real quick to say “hey” to Dio in his dressing room. I've been able to meet many heroes of mine in my life, but few have made impression on me like Ronnie James.  He greeted me not as a support band member, but he welcomed me as a fellow musician and performer.  He gave me a hug, invited a couple of us into his room where we all sat and talked and drank wine together.   I remember our conversation crystal clear to this day.   I told him how I met Bruce Dickinson on his BBC radio show and was asking Bruce about vocals and vocal techniques, and I shared with Dio that Bruce felt that I had started to develop my own vocal style and with work someday would further develop a stylistic similarity to Dio.  Dio smiled and chatted about how he knew that Bruce was a fan of his voice, and from there we were able to just relax and talk shop about vocals and singing.  Although it was a quick visit, Ronnie made me feel at home and was a really sweet dude.  He gave us props, we finished our wine, we hugged and said "See ya tomorrow."  It was amazing that I received vocal coaching from quite possibly the greatest metal voice of all time.  I am truly grateful for the time he gave me and his personal insight into our shared craft.  For that I will always be thankful.  

LIZZY BORDEN - "So sorry to hear about Ronnie James Dio…We played some festivals with Dio over the years and at everyone my band and I would always be in the audience after our show watching the master at work, and he was always perfect… One of my great memories of Ronnie was the first night we ever got played on the radio; it was at a Dio show. He was playing 2 shows in one night and we were out in the parking lot waiting for the 2nd show to start along with a few thousand others, and then bam! Our song came blasting on the radio out of every car in the lot. It was a night I will never forget and the Dio show that followed was magical!

"I’ve seen Ronnie perform many times and ‘em grateful that I had the opportunity to be on the side of the stage at the last Heaven and hell show in CA. Ronnie’s voice was so loud, so powerful and pitch perfect, it was truly an amazing thing to witness. We recorded our version of 'long live rock and roll' way back on our first ep and we still close our show with it most nights… There will never be another like him; Ronnie was a master of his trade, a true original and every time I flash those horns, (which is a lot) I will be thinking of the Man on the silver mountain, Ronnie James Dio." 

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 and Hell asked King Diamond to go on tour with them in the USA last year. Unfortunately my back problems prevented that dream from coming true. I always had the highest respect for him and he will forever have his music playing in my home. My deepest sympathy goes out to Ronnie’s family. I WISH YOU A SAFE JOURNEY TO THE OTHER SIDE."   
CHRIS IMPELLITTERI - "We are saddened by the passing of Ronnie James Dio. In our opinion, Ronnie was the greatest metal singer of all time. His unique vocal style influenced legions of metal singers around the globe. His music was addictive, unique, and powerful !

Dio deserves to go down in the history books with ELVIS, LENNON, and MICHAEL JACKSON. Ronnie was the voice of metal and inspired an entire world to stand up and shout !!

At last years Sweden Rock Festival Impellitteri performed on the headlining stage with Heaven & Hell which was a complete honor!! As a child I use to go see Ronnie play in the arenas with Black Sabbath, and now many years later having played on the same stage with him was mind blowing!! And I can tell you we worked our asses off to play great because we knew he would deliver when he took the stage!!

I personally met Ronnie a few times and he even bought me a drink!! He was a true gentlemen and inspiration to everyone in my band!

I am now and always will be a Dio fan.

Long Live Ronnie James Dio!!"
TONY HARNELL (ex-TNT) - "Since yesterday I have been thinking about how much this man impacted my life and the decision I eventually made to become a singer a few years after hearing him for the first time. Rainbow Rising was given to me by a high school friend when I was about 15 years old. I played it every day 'til I wore out the 8 track cassette tape. This album was one of two that were my introduction to hard rock and metal. For hard rockers this is our first mega loss I would say. Ronnie was such an inspiration to so many singers in our genre I can't imagine what 'metal' singers would sound like without him. On top of all this he was a really nice man that cared deeply about his fans and his friends. As I listened to Stargazer yesterday I felt the sheer power of Ronnie's energy. He is still with us, if not in body, for sure in spirit and he and his voice and music will carry on. 'There's no sun in the shadow of the wizard, See how he glides, Why he's lighter than air'
Love Live Dio!"

HAIL! - "We are saddened by the loss of one of our heros - Ronnie James Dio. Our sympathies and prayers go out to Wendy and all of Ronnie's family and friends. We loved you in life and will miss you."   
DUFF McKAGAN "My part in this 'summer music playlist' it is going to be a touch bittersweet as it turns out. Last weekend, Ronnie James Dio succumbed to his battle with stomach cancer. From what I understand, Ronnie fought like a warrior to the end. I was supposed to pick a new-ish song for this list, but when it comes to rocking out in the summertime, sometimes you just got to go a little bit old-damn-school. 'Last In Line' is an ass-kicker right up there with anything, punk, rock, and/or metal, and us rockers owe a bit of reverence to this great man. R.I.P., RJD!"   

DARRELL ROBERTS - Beginning May 16th 2010 my world will never be the same. For me, Dio was just one of those people that seemed like they would be around forever. Flawlessly singing those songs for eternity. Although early Black Sabbath with Ozzy will always be one of my favorite bands, And guitar riffs like "Into The Void"," Hole In The Sky" and "War Pigs" were a HUGE influence on me,,,,I didn't really become obsessed with Sabbath until I heard "Heaven and Hell". 

It was the perfect voice combined with the perfect music to create magic! 

One of my fondest memories was created many years ago when I first moved to Los Angeles. I was staying with a couple friends in North Hollywood that were from my hometown of Cincinnati/Dayton Ohio. One of my roommates was a huge Dio/Sabbath fan and said she heard that Ronnie hung out at a little pub in the Valley. After a little research we found the pub and sure enough, there he was sitting at the bar,,,,It was Dio! I was barely old enough to get in, had never really met a "famous" person and was basically a Dio super groupie. To my amazement, he was the most down to earth ,unpretentious, super cool guy I had ever talked to. We sat for a couple hours drinkin beers and talking about music, guitar players and life in general. I couldn't believe it! I had just moved to LA and I am sitting having beers and talking music with Ronnie James Dio?!!! I thought LA was the greatest place on earth,,,,Well it wasn't LA, He was just that special and it's never really happened since then. 

In the last year and a half, since my departure from Five Finger Death Punch I have had a few offers to join bands or someone's project. I half jokingly said, "Unless your last name is Dio, Osbourne or Hetfield" I respectfully decline-LOL! What I meant was that I have always wanted to do my own thing, put my own band together and feel like it's now or never. BUT,,,,If given' the chance to work with Dio (on any level) presented itself I would be there in a split second. On more than one occasion, I put packages of my work together and dropped them off at Wendy Dio's place of business,,,,But sadly never got the call. 

 I have always imaged walking on a stage, guitar feeding back, and ripping into the Mob Rules riff with Ronnie standing next to me and that ridiculous voice roaring through my monitor....Oh a boy can dream can't he? 

I guess May 16th, 2010 put an end to that fantasy, But only to a degree. I still have my Albums, CD's, Videos, memories and imagination. 

Long live the most metal MOTHERF**KER and greatest singer EVER! 

All my love and appreciation to Ronnie James Dio! Thanks man!---Darrell Roberts

SEBASTIAN BACH: "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"
THE QUIREBOYS: "The Quireboys were saddened to hear of the passing of Ronnie James Dio today. We were fortunate to have played on various festival bills with Ronnie and his band - a really nice guy and one of the greatest rock voices. He will be sadly missed, but his voice shall live on. Long live rock and roll."
Tobias Sammet: "It is impossible to find any words for what went through my head and what Ronnie means for me as a vocalist, and as a fan boy too. He gave us so much enchanting music, poetic lyrics and great vocals. To me he was the epitome of the perfect heavy metal vocalist. With Edguy we have had the chance to share the stage with Ronnie on several occasions and so I've been given the opportunity to meet him about ten years ago. He was a very nice person with a tremendous charisma who made you feel very appreciated in his environment. I wanted to have him on several Avantasia albums but the schedule never allowed it; he was always busy, always had many things on his schedule, a real workaholic and full of visions and enthusiasm. Ronnie, you will always be remembered as one of the biggest vocalists in the history of music! Rock'n'roll will never forget you - rest in peace!"
DANNY VAUGHN (TYKETTO): "It's difficult when bad news comes to you from the on line 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 music for many years, I met Ronnie a couple of times over the years and I'll tell you what everyone else that has ever met him will tell you. He was one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet. Friendly, engaging, intelligent, gracious, I felt like we had been good friends after 5 minutes of conversation.

The first time we met we talked about album art work 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."
RONNY MUNROE (ex-METAL CHURCH): "R.J.D. 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 down right 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!"
BOB MITCHELL (THE BOB MITCHELL BAND): "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 to 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 RJD in prayer and always will to his family, friends former band mates and his fans. Let us unite and bid a respectful farewell to our fallen father of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal.

God Bless."
Crystal Viper - "This was truly hard time for us. 2 days after the funeral of our friend Janusz Soloma of Stos (who died on stage while performing with the band on May 8, 2010 in Myslowice, Poland, after suffering a heart attack), we heard the terrible news about Ronnie James Dio. What can we say? Of course the family lost its member, lot of people lost great friend, and the world of music lost incredibly talented musician and artist. But Dio was someone else. He was the voice of Heavy Metal, the icon.

"Metal fans who are familiar with the sound of Crystal Viper, with no doubt could hear the huge influence he had on our band - yes, songs like 'Sleeping Swords,' 'Gladiator (Die By The Blade),' or the newest one - 'Secret Of The Black Water,' very actually inspired by such all time classics like 'Holy Diver' or 'Heaven And Hell.' Ronnie James Dio was also one of the biggest influences and one of the favorite vocalists of Marta - and again, people who witnessed the Crystal Viper shows, can only agree with these words.

"We're not afraid to tell these words: if there would be no Dio, then there would be no Crystal Viper in the shape you know. Dio was, no, Dio is - as through his music he is immortal - the voice of heavy metal. Now The Man has returned to the Silver Mountain, the King has returned to his temple. Rest in Peace, dear friend. You were our Rainbow In The Dark."

TAIRRIE B (MY RUIN): "Just read that Ronnie James Dio has passed away. It's another sad day in metal with the loss of one more rock God and true talent taken too early. May he join the other legends in heaven while is voice burns bright like a rainbow in the dark with the music he left behind. Gone but will never be forgotten."
DANKO JONES: "I just heard that Ronnie James Dio died today. This news is very sad. He was the greatest rock singer of all time. I’ve said it on record many many times. He will be greatly missed by all of Rockdom. 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 & 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."
HATE GALLERY's Janne Jarvis: "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 business. 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 who's 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."
The Poodles: "The light in the dark and one of our childhood heroes died Sunday morning. We will always honour and remember your humble ways, outstanding performance and music that will live with us forever. Thank you for your gift to generations of music lovers. May there be light on your way to the other side."
STRIKER: "Rest in peace Ronnie James Dio. Today is one of the saddest days in metal history. None of us ever had the privilege to meet Ronnie in person, but he was an undeniable influence on everything we have ever done. Dio was the father of heavy metal. Our sincere condolences to Wendy Dio and the entire family, we are all thinking of you. We wrote "Voice of Rock" on our latest album as a tribute to Dio when we first heard he had been diagnosed. This is our tribute to the greatest Heavy Metal singer who ever lived. The Voice of Rock will never die. You will never be forgotten."
KEERY KING "Few people have had the ability to carry a song like Dio, literally demanding your attention as he effortlessly recreated live the amazing things he did on record. It's odd how things get taken from you quickly...I just saw him a month ago. I know I was lucky to have known Ronnie. One of the nicest guys in the business, without a doubt. He will be hugely missed."
SHREDDING THE ENVELOPE Guitarist / Vocalist Dave Reffett: "Wow what a loss. My heart is filled with sadness today as I'm sure all of yours are. Ronnie James Dio was the best there will ever be. Period. A great man. One of my most cherished memories was when me and one of my friends pawned one of my speaker cabinets to go see Ronnie perform at Red Rocks with THE SCORPIONS and Deep Purple. Ronnie stole the show with that magical voice of his and his larger than life spirit that rippled through the massive venue. During the last song which was 'Rainbow In The Dark' I took my chance and ran down front to shake the great ones hand. It was a day that will stay with me forever. His music, his talent, his essence will live on forever and will continue to inspire and uplift millions. God bless you Ronnie. Our genius Our Hero! My prayers go out to Wendy, his friends, family, fans and band mates."
STU BLOCK (INTO ETERNITY): I'm still taking in the fact that we have lost yet ANOTHER timeless metal musician. 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!"
The Rest:

BOB DAISLEY "Today, with the sad passing of my friend and colleague, the world has lost a great man. Not only was he a unique singer, musician and writer, he was a very special human being. Long live Rock ‘n’ Roll and long live the memory of the great Ronnie James Dio. He’ll be sadly missed in many ways, bless him."

RUDY SARZO "I'm saddened beyond words. I will miss the sound of your voice, your magical presence and your wondrous stories. My only consolation is that your now free from your pain. I love you, Ronnie."

JOEL GAUSTEN (MISFITS): "50+ years of music. The voice to the soundtrack of generations has passed. There will never be another. RIP Ronnie James Dio."

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 and Ronnie's family - Ronnie was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed."

RITCHIE BLACKMORE: "Ronnie had a unique and wonderful voice. He will be sadly missed in the rock and roll world,"

TESTAMENT: "A true metal legend always in our hearts."

OZZY OSBOURNE - "Rest in peace Ronnie"

SLASH -: "Ronnie died at 7:45am this morning, but his music will live for eternity."

ANTHRAX: "Dio, Italian for God. Words won't do the man justice so we won't even try. Horns up always!"

 

 

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