Scotscub57 yrsI just heard that we lost another great rock legend here Ronnie James Dio, he batteled his way through stomach cancer, I guess it got too much for the wee man with one of those powerful voices in rock/metal here. this is really sad news to the world of rockers & metalheads out there, he''s being around since the Cliff Richard days , he got his big time when he joined Black Sabbath & Rainbow days of the late 70''s early 80''s before he got his own band Dio together , I still feel saddened to hear about this news here, we''d like to wish Ronnie,James Dio and family all of our condolences here, we loved him as a metal/rock star.
Heavy metal veteran Ronnie James Dio dies, aged 67
1 hour 9 mins ago
Ronnie James Dio, the pint-sized heavy metal singer who replaced Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath, died on Sunday, five months after being diagnosed with stomach cancer, his wife said. He was 67. Ronnie James Dio of British heavy metal group ''Heaven and Hell'' on stage …More
Enlarge photo .The rocker, born to an Italian-American family in New Hampshire as Ronald James Padavona, also led his own band, Dio, whose 1983 song "Holy Diver" is a classic-rock radio staple.
He also helped popularize the "devil horns" hand sign, a heavy-metal motif in which the index and little fingers are extended, while the other fingers are held down with the thumb.
"Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away," Wendy Dio, who also managed her husband, said in a statement.
"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."
She did not say where he died, but previous statements had said he was seeking treatment in Houston.
Dio first achieved prominence in 1975 when he joined Rainbow, a group led by former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore.
"Ronnie had a unique and wonderful voice. He will be sadly missed in the rock and roll world," Blackmore said in a statement.
He moved over to Black Sabbath, the leading exponents of heavy metal, after Osbourne was ousted in 1979. He recorded three albums with the band before quitting. He reportedly complained there were not enough photos of him in the artwork for the group''s 1982 concert album "Live Evil," and guitarist Tony Iommi referred to him as a "little Hitler."
Dio formed his own band in 1982, with former Black Sabbath drummer, Vinny Appice. The group enjoyed success the following year with the album and song "Holy Diver." It recorded 10 vastly inconsistent studio albums amid frequent lineup changes through 2004.
The Rolling Stone Album Guide said the group''s albums contained "plenty of sludgelike guitar, dime-store satanism and the sort of vocal vibrato usually found in ageing Salvation Army workers."
Dio briefly rejoined the remains of Black Sabbath to record the 1992 studio album "Dehumanizer," by which stage the group had already lost most of its fans.
Dio reunited with Iommi, Appice and Black Sabbath bassist/lyricist Geezer Butler in 2006 under the banner Heaven & Hell, taking their name from the title of the first album Dio recorded with Black Sabbath. The group toured, and released a studio album last year.
Dio disclosed last November that he had been diagnosed with the early stages of stomach cancer, and would immediately start treatment. Two months ago, he reported that the main tumour had shrunk considerably, and visits to his cancer clinic in Houston had been reduced.
But earlier this month, Heaven & Hell said it would cancel a planned summer tour of Europe because of Dio''s illness.
"Horns at half mast. Such a huge loss," said Scott Ian, rhythm guitarist with metal group Anthrax, which toured with Dio''s band in 2004.
Ian recalled that Dio was also a huge fan of the New York Yankees baseball team
Scotscub57 yrs… band in 2004.
Ian recalled that Dio was also a huge fan of the New York Yankees baseball team, and that he updated the singer with the latest scores while he was performing on stage.
Created17/05/2010edited once00 M******wVery sad news... :(
R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=593kvEcf23s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNXlfnyxAtI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywN0-YNfvnM
Created17/05/2010edited once00 Scotscub57 yrs'The nicest man in metal'
Dio 1942-2010
Scott Ian, Anthrax: "Ronnie was the nicest man in metal. Every day on tour he'd have a kind word, a smile and a clap on the back. I feel honoured and privileged to even have shaken hands with Ronnie let alone be able to say we were friends."
Dee Snider, Twisted Sister: "A king, one of the greatest voices of our time and a prototypical headbanger."
Geoff Tate, Queensryche: "He 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!"
David Ellefson, Megadeth: "Truly one of the good guys in this business and a consummate pro, someone we can all take a cue and learn from. He did many great things for Megadeth and its members, 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."
Shawn Drover, Megadeth: "I swear to you he is one of the nicest human beings I have ever met, period. Many a night on tour with Heaven and Hell, Glen Drover and myself would have amazing conversations with Ronnie about his career, fully knowing he had probably told these stories 10,000 times – and yet he answered every question with a big smile. I can recall so many times making eye contact with Glen, sharing the exact same thought: 'Dude, I can't believe we are hanging with Ronnie James Dio!' If you are lucky enough in your lifetime to actually meet one of your idols 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."
Robb Flynn, Machine Head: "He was a true gentleman. On the first night of our tour with Heaven and Hell I somehow managed to bullshit my way into his dressing room to 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 us a $100-dollar bottle of wine they were going leave in their dressing room. All class."
Judas Priest: "We are filled with great sadness at the terrible news about our friend. Ronnie was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed."
Slash: "His music will live for all eternity."
Mike Portnoy, Dream Theatre: "One of the greatest of all time. Looks like Dime, Randy, Cliff and Bonzo just scored the ultimate singer."
Sebastian Bach: "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."
Quireboys: "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."
Danko Jones: "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 – I can’t listen to them today because it’s too hard, but tomorrow I will crank them up."
Scotscub57 yrs'You're the reason the Big Four exist'
Lars Ulrich, Metallica: "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.
"In the fall of 1976, when you played your first Rainbow 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.
"When we finally got a chance to play together in Austria in 2007, even though I may not have let on, I was transformed back to that little snot-nosed kid who you met and inspired 31 years earlier. It was such an honor and a dream come true to share a stage with you.
"When I heard that you were not going to be able to make it to the Sonisphere shows this June, I wanted to call you and let you know that I was thinking of you. 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 thrash 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."
Ritchie Blackmore, Deep Purple and Rainbow: "Ronnie had a unique and wonderful voice. He will be sadly missed in the rock and roll world."
Glenn Hughes, Deep Purple and Black Sabbath: "I have lost a very dear friend. 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. I'll miss you mate."
Ozzy Osbourne: "Rest in peace, Ronnie."
David Coverdale: "I'm so very sad. My thoughts, prayers and condolences to his family and friends."
a memberR.I.P Ronnie James Dio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmSt1oEIshE
Scotscub57 yrsRock in Peace Ronnie James Dio \m/
Rainbow - Stargazer (long studio version)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6IPBN6ARkE
Rainbow - Stargazer (+ Lyrics)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SedQcg-65a8
Rainbow - Kill the King
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3ZfrCPKEqM
Rainbow Man On The Silver Mountain
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFH36je9Hro
1983 Ronnie James Dio "Man On The Silver Mtn" (Rock Palace)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOyFE-1LAI0
Dio - Don't Talk To Strangers Live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwX8yF8k0ls
Dio - Rainbow In the Dark
Gone but never forgotten, thanks Ronnie for the metal years!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUXSTY9AW-s
S****pAlways in ours hearts and minds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xurOqU8Dm_c&feature=related
Scotscub57 yrshi guys, there's a huge campaigne here to get Dio's Holy Diver into the charts through facebook, if we all could get this appeal going & give the wee man with the most amazing voice in rock a great send off & also to help cancer charities at the same time, then let's do it, i'll find out more about it soon, forget pop etc! let's give Ronnie a good send off here all over the world. lol he'd be looking down at what all the fuss is about, we want everybody to know about this classic rock legend here.so let's do it.
I'll keep you posted on here. Thanks.
Scotscub57 yrsHeaven and Hell- Bible Black(complete song)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jou8JA-lxt8
Bible Black - Heaven and Hell [Official Music Video]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUs3i9oCs3U
Scotscub57 yrsLemmy and Ronnie James Dio chatting
16 December 2008 — Lemmy and Ronnie James Dio chat about the new Metal Xmas song and album they've made. These two metal legends are on form, and Lemmy's santa hat looks particularly fetching.
The metal xmas album is out now: It’s the ultimate antidote to too much turkey, unwrapping another pair of socks and the X-Factor winner being the Christmas No.1 again. With a cast of rock and metal’s finest giving their own unique twist to Christmas classics old and new this is definitely not an album for the faint hearted. Featuring all brand new studio recordings, this is Christmas as you’ve never heard it before! Those invited to join the party include Alice Cooper, Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Lemmy, Steve Lukather, George Lynch, Steve Morse, Tommy Shaw, Geoff Tate, Chuck Billy, Vinnie Appice and Simon Phillips with special guest appearances by Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top and Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47CjshSuWHY
Scotscub57 yrs'A god, a hero, a pioneer, a legend'
Toni Iommi, Black Sabbath, Heaven and Hell: "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. I can honestly say it’s truly been an honor to play at his side for all these years. The man with the magic voice is a star amongst stars, a true professional. I’ll miss you so much, my dear friend."
Vinny Appice, Sabbath, Heaven and Hell: "Ronnie was everything to me. He was my best friend, he was my brother. I sat behind him on my drums each night and he sent chills down my spine with his singing, inspiring me to push it further. I can only think of how fortunate I was to make music with him that was in his heart."
Jens Johansson, Dio: "Ronnie was one of the best people I ever met, very different from the usual musicians and other suspects in this wretched industry. You heard it before he was gone, and you will keep hearing it after he is gone. Quite simply, it's the truth."
Doug Aldrich, Whitesnake: "I was blessed to share some music with him, but mostly, I am thankful his friendship. Ronnie was a good-hearted caring man."
Lemmy: "I'm truly upset, especially since he seemed to be rallying at the Golden Gods show. Bon Voyage, Ronnie. Rest in peace. I'm devastated."
Jeff Waters, Annihilator: "It will be strange to live and work in a world and business where he's no longer on tour, at the festivals, putting out his music."
Jon Schaffer, Iced Earth: "Ronnie was the most genuine person I've ever met in the music industry. We've all had run-ins with our childhood heroes, and sometimes it can be a disappointing experience. This was definitely not the case with Ronnie – he was a wise, kind, and special person, and a dear friend who will be greatly missed."
Biff Byford, Saxon: "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. To absent friends."
Mick Box, Uriah Heep: "Whenever our paths crossed we always shared a laugh or two. He was a true gentleman of the highest order and a shining example to us all. He will now be singing in rock 'n' roll heaven, which is our loss and their gain."
Jon Oliva, Savatage, Trans Siberia Orchestra: "I always considered Ronnie a god, a hero, a pioneer, a legend, and one of the nicest people I have ever met. He gave Savatage their first break when he took us on tour so many years ago. The world has lost more than an icon: we lost so much more."
Rob Zombie: "It is a very sad day for the world of metal when an artist as unique and special as Ronnie James Dio leaves us."
Burton C Bell, Fear Factory: "Thank you for your wisdom, your inspirational words and your spiritual vision. Your voice will always resonate within me."
Mastodon: "Thank you for your unbelievably powerful voice, your dedication to your fans and for paving the way for generations of aspiring musicians, present and future."
Joel Stroetzel, Killswitch Engage: "He was the definition of metal. He always inspired me. I will continue to be infinitely thankful for all of the music he has created over the years."
Scotscub57 yrsBloodstock honours Dio
The main stage at this year's Bloodstock festival will be renamed in memory of Ronnie James Dio, organisers have announced.
The singer was supposed to headline the event with Heaven and Hell in August, before the band cancelled their summer festival season a short time before Dio died.
Just after Download announced its Second Stage would be renamed the Ronnie James Dio Stage, Bloodstock has arranged a similar mark of respect.
Organiser Paul Gregory – who designed the artwork for two Dio live albums – says: "I had the privilege of doing Angry Machines and Inferno: Last in Live for Dio. I only got the opportunity to meet him once but he was a true gentleman.
"As the UK’s only true outdoor metal festival, it seems only fitting that we pay tribute to a man who has done so much for our beloved genre."
Meshuggah have just been added to the festival bill for Catton Park, Derby, on August 13-15. A new headline act will be announced on June 15.
Meanwhile, Metal Hammer magazine's production editor will run in the 5km Race for Life this weekend in memory of Dio. The women-only event takes place all over the UK and seeks to raise money to search for a cancer cure via the charity Cancer Research.
Vanessa Hards says: "Cancer has taken too many people I love, and Dio is the final straw. I hate running with a passion and I'm only doing it because it's an excellent cause."
Scotscub57 yrsRonnie 'didn't go easy'
Heaven and Hell bassist Geezer Butler has shared his experience of Ronnie James Dio's last days, revealing the singer was in unbearable pain and "didn't go easy".
But Butler says he's glad the band shared the last three years together, and has paid tribute to Dio's wife Wendy, who's a "saint" in his eyes.
And he explains how the legendary frontman began experiencing stomach pains early last year.
Butler says: "On the first leg of our North American tour in 2009, Tony Iommi's hand ligaments were in a bad way, Vinny Appice'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 but Ronnie's stomach pains were worsening."
Dio was diagnosed with cancer in November, leading to the cancellation of a UK tour. Heaven and Hell began announcing summer festival appearances a few months ago while Wendy reported her husband's chemotherapy was going well.
But just days after the band pulled all their live shows, Dio passed away.
Butler says: "Last Wednesday Wendy invited us to lunch. 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.
"On Friday Wendy called to say she'd taken Ronnie to hospital. The pain had become unbearable. The doctor eventually sedated him. More and more friends were coming to visit. We took turns holding Ronnie’s hand, whispering our thoughts to him. Wendy wouldn’t leave his side – she stayed curled up on his bed the whole night.
"On Saturday 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 11pm most of us left, leaving Wendy her privacy to say her last farewell.
"At 7.46am on Sunday, as we were preparing to leave for the hospital, Gloria called Wendy to see if she wanted anything – and she broke the sad news that 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.
"Most people who were there for those last days chose to keep their thoughts private, but I’ve been overwhelmed by requests 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.
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."
Scotscub57 yrsOzzy and Dio weren't at war
Ozzy Osbourne says there was no bad blood between him and Ronnie James Dio, who replaced him in Black Sabbath in 1980.
Speaking after Dio died of cancer at the weekend, Ozzy says he sent messages of encouragement as soon as he heard of the 67-year-old's illness.
A public memorial service will take place on Sunday, May 30 at Los Angeles' Hall of Liberty, which Wendy Dio says is to be a "celebration of his life and music, and is open to all his friends and fans from around the world."
Osbourne's wife Sharon survived colon cancer in 2002. Speaking at the press launch of his new album Scream, he explains: "As soon as I heard he'd been diagnosed I sent him some encouragement. I've been through that situation. It's always somebody else until it lands at your doorstep and you're like, 'What do I do? How do you get round this?'
"He had a great voice. People thought me and him were at war. At first, I suppose a bit of theatrics would be involved. But it's been 30 years."
Meanwhile, big-name bands have been adding to their words of tribute to Dio by playing live versions of his tracks. Metallica performed the intro to Children of the Sea and Mike Portnoy's side project Transatlantic jammed Heaven and Hell and Holy Diver, while Van Halen have publicised a 1976 recording of them playing Rainbow.
Scotscub57 yrsI went to my local rockers bar last night, it was brillinat for some of the fans that couldn't get down to this years High Voltage festival in London this weekend, they played the entire Heaven & Hell albums & some more classic Ronnie James Dio songs , it felt superb, what an atmosphere it was. To Ronnie James Dio thanks for some of the greatest heavy metal songs you've sang over the years.
Long Live Rock'n' Roll.
Scotscub57 yrsAll Star Dio Tribute Band Announced
Former Dio band members Rudy Sarzo (bass), Craig Goldy (guitar), Simon Wright (drums) and Scott Warren (keyboards) are teaming up to pay tribute to the late Ronnie James Dio.
They will be playing shows in the UK and Europe under the name of the Dio Disciples. They’ll be joined by vocalists Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens and Toby Jepson.
The dates are to be confirmed shortly.
Scotscub57 yrsI went along with some friends to see Dio's Disciples last night they where supported by early 80's band The Rods one of the members happens to be Ronnie's cousins, a three piece band who where really good, when Dio's Disciples came on it was so good to hear the wee man's songs being played life on stage again, some from his solo bands, some Raibow classics & some from the Dio era of Black Sabbath,such Children of the sea,Man on the silver mountain, Holy Diver,Last in Line,Rainbow in the Dark, Long Live Rock & Roll as well as many of Ronnie's classic songs, also knowning the money raised was going towards a cancer charity in the name of Ronnie James Dio, well worth going if this bands comes to your town/city, I'll be looking forward to the next one, I hope it's not on the same night as Whitesnake was last night here in Glasgow.