It has been announced that metal GOD Ronnie James Dio (Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Heaven & Hell) has been diagnosed with stomach cancer. He is starting treatment immediately at the Mayo Clinic. Wendy Dio, the wife and manager of legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW), has released the following statement;
“Ronnie has been diagnosed with the early stages of stomach cancer. We are starting treatment immediately at the Mayo Clinic. After he kills this dragon, Ronnie will be back on stage, where he belongs, doing what he loves best, performing for his fans.
“Long live rock and roll, long live Ronnie James Dio.
“Thanks to all the friends and fans from all over the world that have sent well wishes. This has really helped to keep his spirit up.”
His legions of fans and brothers in metal have been offering their support. Joining the ranks of his well-wishers is Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford, who spoke on a Canadian radio program about his musical peer and his wishes for a speedy recovery.
“Ronnie has dedicated his entire life to metal,” Halford explained. “I love him a lot and I’m very hopeful, because he is being treated by some of the top people… and I’m sure that he will get fit and he will get well and be back out to the metal stages of the world as soon as he possibly can. So he is in my thoughts and my prayers… not only for myself, but I think for millions of his fans all around the world. He is a wonderful man. I can’t wait for him to get well and be back out there singing his heart out.”
Legend has it that metal legend Ronnie James Dio adopted the horns-up sign from a hand signal often used by his ancestors to ward off the “evil eye” and other curses, and fans embraced it. Learn more HERE.
Ronnie James Dio, has performed with ELF, RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH, and his own band DIO. Other musical projects include the collective fundraiser “Hear ‘n Aid”. He is widely hailed as one of the most powerful singers in heavy metal, renowned for his consistently powerful voice and for popularizing the “devil’s horns” hand gesture in metal culture.
He is currently involved with HEAVEN & HELL, a project which also includes former BLACK SABBATH bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice. Their first studio album, “The Devil You Know”, was released on April 28, 2009. DIO had to cancel its European tour last week after Ronnie was diagnosed.
DIO’s last release was the “Holy Diver Live” CD, featuring a performance of the classic “Holy Diver” album in its entirety, from start to finish, recorded live for the very first time in 2005 in front of a sold-out London crowd.
So, Stick the Holy Diver CD in your car and stereo and ROCK one out for the legend that is DIO! and Check out the original video for Holy Diver and a live performance of Last In Line below.
DIO: Holy Diver
DIO: Last In Line
