Ronnie James Dio, singer/songwriter for Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell and his self-titled band Dio, has passed away at age 67 after a battle with stomach cancer. Dio has long been hailed as one of the most powerful vocalists in the history of heavy metal, and was known for popularizing the devil horns hand gesture during his stint with Black Sabbath — a gesture that he said his grandmother used to ward off the evil eye.
The AP reports that even as he endured grueling chemotherapy treatments to rid his stomach of cancer, Ronnie James Dio showed the fiery passion that made him a metal legend, flashing his famous devil’s horns as he lay in his hospital bed.
Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx, who became friends with Dio while touring Europe, said the rocker will be missed.
Sixx said,
“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”
“Ronnie was one of the kindest souls I have ever met and his talent was beyond inspirational to so many of us.”
“Those of us that had the opportunity to know Ronnie can tell you what a wonderful and passionate man he was.”
Ronnie’s Wife Wendy posted the following message on ronniejamesdio.com
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.
– Wendy Dio
Ronnie leaves behind his Wife Wendy, son Daniel, grandchildren Julie and Joey, Father Pat and millions of saddened fans around the globe.
Dio – Rainbow In The Dark
Heaven and Hell – The Mob Rules
Heaven and Hell – Neon Knights
On behalf of the writers and Mob of readers here at SciFiMafia, our hearts go out to Wendy and the rest of Dio’s family, friends and fans. It may seem cliche’ but Ronnie truly was a Rainbow In The Dark, he will be missed.
\m/ >,< \m/
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