May 17, 2010
 Dio
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On Sunday morning, Heavy Metal Godfather Ronnie James Dio succumbed to stomach cancer at the age of 67. Dio announced in November that he had been diagnosed with the illness, and would immediately start treatment. Two months ago he reported that the main tumor had shrunk considerably, and visits to his cancer clinic in Houston had been reduced. But earlier this month, his band Heaven & Hell was forced to cancel its summer tour of Europe because of his illness.
His wife and manager Wendy Dio posted a message on Dio’s website saying, “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.”
Dio first achieved prominence in 1975 when he joined the group Rainbow with former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. He later replaced Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath and recorded three albums with the band. After quitting Sabbath, Dio formed his own, self-titled band in 1982. The group enjoyed success with the quintessential hit “Holy Diver” and went on to record 10 studio albums through 2004. Finally, in 2006, Dio reunited with his old Black Sabbath bandmates under the moniker Heaven & Hell. They toured and released a new album last year.
Metal and Hard Rock luminaries from all over the globe have been posting online their thoughts and memories of Dio. Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich wrote a long post on his band’s website about his life-long admiration for Dio. “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,” Ulrich wrote in his open letter to Dio. ”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… 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… Ronnie, your voice impacted and empowered me, your music inspired and influenced me, and your kindness touched and moved me. Thank you.”
Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian tweeted, “RIP RJD. 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.”
 Dio with Heaven & Hell
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Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx, who became friends with Dio while touring in Europe, said the rocker will be missed. “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,” Sixx said. “Those of us that had the opportunity to know Ronnie can tell you what a wonderful and passionate man he was.”
Just stopped in to say hello
Hello
bye now.
Bobby