Legendary Heavy Metal Vocalist RONNIE JAMES DIO Dies - May 16, 2010

Great collage Ryan. My eyes welled up. As far as the Ozzy camp, Sixx..... you can believe that although there is a huge rivalry and Sharon is a winch.... they aren't heartless people..... maybe classless (Sharon) at times, but I don't think there are many people on this earth that could truly dislike a guy like Ronnie.

Bryant

I had the TV on last night and Donald Trump's Apprentice came on. There was a moment on there where Sharon showed that she wasn't the heartless bitch that she has been known to be. She was talking about her fight with cancer and dedication that one of the other contestants had to a charity that benifited autistic children. Anyway Sharon teared up and broke down.
It appeared to be genuine.
 
I had the TV on last night and Donald Trump's Apprentice came on. There was a moment on there where Sharon showed that she wasn't the heartless bitch that she has been known to be. She was talking about her fight with cancer and dedication that one of the other contestants had to a charity that benifited autistic children. Anyway Sharon teared up and broke down.
It appeared to be genuine.
As long as the network tv cameras are on.

Anyway, this may be the biggest loss in Metal history so far. RIP.
 
1983 - Holy Diver album: The reason I got into metal.
I had the good fortune to have seen him twice, once with Dio (the band) and another with Heaven and Hell.
Rest In Peace old friend, we will miss you dearly.:worship:notworthy:worship:notworthy:cry::cry::cry::cry:
 
:cry:R.I.P. Ronnie

i made a tribute listening session to Ronnie

1. i played Heaven and Hell on vinyl
2. i played Rainbow Live in Munich 1977 dvd
3. i played Time Machine video compilation
 
any statements from these band?
motorhead
iron maiden
testament
tony iommi or the rest of heaven and hell
 
Definitely a terrible Sunday, and I'm completely bummed about the loss of yet another legend from my metal upbringing. RIP RJD, A world class singer, and a class act to boot. :(
 
any statements from these band?
motorhead
iron maiden
testament
tony iommi or the rest of heaven and hell

From Tony Iommi:

My Dear Friend Ronnie
17th May 2010
My Dear Friend Ronnie
Yesterday 16th May my dear, dear friend Ronnie James Dio passed away at 7.45am LA 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 music and performing on stage. He loved his fans so much. He was a kind man and would put himself out to help others. 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 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. RIP - Tony
 
Today KNAC.com played Dio all day. Was a great tribute (even if the could pull more songs instead of repeating many), listening only to Ronnie at the office. As long as the music lives, he will too in spirit.

BTW, that is a great work Ryan thanks for post it here.

From ironmaiden.com

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 Sabbath and Dio, right through to his most recent days fronting Heaven and Hell, Ronnie, time and again, proved his genius as a frontman, always giving his all to his fans and his music. 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.

Steve, Bruce, Adrian, Dave, Janick, Nicko and Rod

http://www.testamentlegions.com/news-v5.htm

Nothing on Motorhead official site
 
I feel the need to post again since I was not really in any state of mind to do so yesterday, or at least to put any words in my original reply. As many have said, here and elsewhere, this has got to be the saddest day in metal history. I cannot think of another musician's passing, past or future, that hit me or will hit me, the way this did. There are other idols I have that I would consider more "favorite" artists than Dio. However, he was one of the first metal idols I had. I remember a friend in high school in late 1983 lending me the cassette of Holy Diver. To be honest, I was not a metalhead yet. I was into VH, Kiss, and some other hard rock bands. Holy Diver changed my life, and my take on hard rock and heavy metal as well.

I hope you don't mind me sharing my feelings from yesterday. You may remember a thread I posted a while back about how my iPod has a tendency to be possessed? Well, it did it again (kind of) yesterday...

I listen to my ipod so that I am always hearing songs that I have "least recently" played (there is a setting for it). My main metal playlist is over 2000 songs, but I only bring in the 100 least recently played songs at a time. There were 2 Dio songs and Gates of Babylon in that group of 100. I listen on shuffle so it's like my own radio station.

We (the family) had a busy day. I had some yardwork to do and then we were to head over to my in-laws for a barbeque (was a niece's b-day today). The last song that finished playing in my earphones before I finished my outdoor work was One Night In The City. This was about 2pm EST. I paused my ipod , showered, and headed out of the house. I had not gone online for anything all day.

About 5pm I get a text from a friend. It said, "hear about Dio?". In my heart I knew it wasn't good, but I still asked. Nothing really shocks me anymore, but needless to say I left the party and went back home.

After reading online that this was true, I cracked a beer, did a shot of Jaeger, (did I mention the bat-hit) and went for my ipod, which was still paused in the same spot that I had left it 3 hours prior. I of course skipped back a track to the beginning of One Night in the City. As soon as I heard his voice, I lost it. I left it on and 5 songs later, Gates of Babylon came on.

A couple hours passed and I had to go back to my inlaws to pick up the family (the in-laws are only 1.5 miles away). My wife asked if I was sad. I told her, "yeah, there have been better days!" Then my 7 year old daughter - who by the way loves the song Lady of the Lake, and has been saying "Dio" and flashing the \,,/ since she was about 3 - asked why I was sad. When I told her, she innocently asked "we can't listen to his songs anymore?!?" I heard that and :cry:. I said "no, Gabriella....you can listen to him forever."

I need a tissue. By the way, the other Dio track in the group was Hungry for Heaven. :cry::worship:waah:
 
I heard about this yesterday at work when I was looking at my Facebook feed on my cellphone and started seeing posts about Ronnie's passing. Needless to say, the last hour or so of work was rather difficult to deal with.

I am quite glad that I got to see Dio 4 times since 1986 and Heaven and Hell in 2007.

The last 2 days have been spent playing Ronnie's music. It's not the same, but it's helped me get through the thought of his passing. :cry:
 
different comments coming from Blabbermouth;


Lemmy comment, a message from a god to another god ...

Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister of MOTÖRHEAD has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"I'm truly upset, especially since he seemed to be rallying at the [Revolver] Golden Gods show [on April 8, 2010 at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, California].

"Bon Voyage, Ronnie. Rest in peace.

"I'm devastated"


lemmydio.jpg


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Jon Oliva's reaction;

Jon Oliva (mastermind of SAVATAGE and JON OLIVA'S PAIN, co-creator/songwriter of the TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA) has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"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."

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Y&T guitarist/vocalist Dave Meniketti has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"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 Vinny selflessly coming in the studio to help Jimmy work out how to play the beat to 'L.A. 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."

menidio.jpg
 
On the sad news that Ronnie James Dio passed away May 16th.
Ritchie had this to say : "Ronnie had a unique and wonderful voice. He will be sadly missed in the rock and roll world."- Ritchie Blackmore

On MySpace too, several bands had joined the mourning of the metal voice.
 
Terrible, terrible news. I still can't believe it.

RIP Ronnie James Dio. You will certainly be missed, but your music and legend will live on forever!! LONG LIVE ROCK AND ROLL!!!!!!!!!!
 
from Blabbermouth:

Bassist Geezer Butler (BLACK SABBATH, HEAVEN & HELL) has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"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 three 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 two- or three-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 [Iommi] hand ligaments were in a bad way, Vinny's [Appice] 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, 12th May 2010.

"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, 14th May 2010.

"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, 15th May 2010.

"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, 16th May 2010.

"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."