A week ago today, the Metal world lost an icon and I lost a hero. Ronnie James Dio may have succumbed to Stomach Cancer but he was far from defeated. Over the course of the week, many musicians released statements regarding the impact of Ronnie James Dio on their lives. This post is a collection of those statements so while it’s a long post, it’s definitely worth taking the time to read. Dio was a hero and true leader and I still can’t believe he’s gone. He will always be remembered as the little guy with the huge voice and an even huger heart. Enjoy this Remembrance of Ronnie James Dio.
Tony Iommi – Black Sabbath/Heaven & Hell
“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.”
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Geezer Butler – Black Sabbath/Heaven & Hell
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 3 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 2 or 3 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 hand ligaments were in a bad way, Vinny’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 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.
Love ya,
Geez
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Vinnie Appice – Black Sabbath/Dio
“Hey, Ron, I never thought the day would come so suddenly.
“Ronnie was everything to me. He was my best friend, he was my brother. I sat behind him on my drums each night and played, watching him sing, hearing his roaring voice through my monitors. Every night he sent chills down my spine with his singing, inspiring me to push it further and play the best I can to the limit.
“I always knew how lucky I was to be in a band with him, but to become friends was even more special.
“When I met Ronnie I was a kid, 21 years old, eyes wide opened. He took me under his wing, he showed me the way, he was the greatest teacher and inspiration in my life and most of all, the greatest rock singer in the world!
“My heart is so broken. We are now in a world without him and I will miss him so much. I can only think of how fortunate I was to make music with him that was in his heart. Music that will remain to be listened to by all his fans all over the world, whom he adored and loved!
“Ronnie, I love you, man!!”
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Simon Wright – AC/DC/Rhino Bucket/Dio
“[On Sunday] I lost my best friend. He was like a father to me.
“I tried so hard to help him win his battle; I was right there with him.
“He said to me one day, ‘We’re a team and we’re gonna beat this.’
“I know he loved you all and was helped by your cards and prayers.
“I am having a very tough time writing this, and I want you all to know I feel lucky and blessed to have known him.
“Now, he has no more pain.
“I miss him so much.”
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Craig Goldie – Dio/Budgie
“Words simply fail me.
“There is a hole in my soul and I am unable to comprehend what has just happened.
“Words being one of many of Ronnie’s ultimate creative recourses unleashed upon the world have now become my weakness.
“Please forgive me if I miss the mark in my aim to honor the most amazing man I have ever known.
“Ronnie James Dio is and was more than a legendary musician, friend and fellow band member, he was my family. He is the reason anyone really even knows who I am at all and why I exist. He rescued me from sleeping in a car on the streets of San Diego and Los Angeles and brought me into his world where dreams come true, kindness to strangers and fans, warmth, humility and integrity are paramount and where creativity could be without boundaries that could change people’s lives forever.
“I know he changed mine. Not just through his music and the voice that turned his unique abilities into a legend, but who he was as a person and how he treated me and everyone he came in contact with directly and indirectly.
“He was so very good to me.
“I have so many memories of his kindness not only to me and his fans, but to perfect strangers as well.
“I was introduced to his talent before I met the man.
“Because of his incomparable talent for lyrics, I knew him before I even met him.
“He loved to read me his lyrics before he recorded the songs they belonged to because he knew that I would crack the code and would understand what he meant before he would have to translate them.
“He loved to be understood and I understood him, and that was where our special connection began so many years ago.
“We will all ache for the music that could’ve and should’ve been. However, we will be eternally grateful for the music, the man and the legend that we were given for such a short period time.
“Rest in peace, my dear friend. I will miss you deeply always and forever.”
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Bill Ward – Black Sabbath
“My wife and I have sent our condolences and have felt very sad with the news of Ronnie’s passing.
“We wish to extend our positive thoughts and love to all those who loved Ronnie, and we salute him as a singer, performer, songwriter and arranger.
“We plan to make no further statements and prefer to remain private at this time.”
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Jeff Pilson – Dokken/Dio
“Saying a few words about Ronnie Dio is like being asked to describe an epic movie in one sentence. It just so barely even scratches the surface.
“I still can’t believe he’s gone. And as the reality becomes more apparent, I get sadder and sadder. But then something will happen like getting in my car and ‘Stand Up and Shout’ will come on the radio and it almost feels like the first time I’ve heard it. I mean, I’ve played the song hundreds of times and heard it thousands, but it all suddenly becomes so clear and Ronnie’s message comes barreling out of the speakers. The empowerment, the voice that says, ‘Yes, you can do it — anyone can.’
“That was Ronnie. The common man who was anything but common. A big voice and an even bigger heart. That was my friend.
“I’m gonna miss him in ways I’ve never missed anyone else. But thank God, I’ll always have his body of work — all that wonderful music — to fall back on. Memories and music.
“I’m so privileged to have known, much less worked, with him. And I honestly believe the world is a better place for all he achieved, for all the joy he brought so many people — myself included.
“Rest in peace, Ron. You truly will never be forgotten!”
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Rudy Sarzo – Quiet Riot/Ozzy Osbourne/Whitesnake/Dio
“I’m saddened beyond words. I will miss the sound of your voice, your magical presence and your wondrous stories. My only consolation is that your now free from your pain.
“I love you, Ronnie.”
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Rowen Robertson – DIO
via Twitter: “I am privileged to have been a part of Ronnie James Dio’s life and music. His closest ones are in my thoughts.”
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Jens Johansson – Dio
“I hesitated a bit to write something about this, in a way it feels weird to use this sad day to attract attention to myself. Then I realized I also feel a bit strange to not even comment in public.
I joined Dio, the band, for about a year in the early nineties, that’s how I got to know Ronnie. Him, and let’s not forget Wendy, who is still very much alive. They were a team. When they took me in to the Dio family, I felt a bit like a cold puppy coming in from the rain. I had previously just left Yngwie’s band which was a really fun and creative situation, but it was at the same time also tremendously chaotic and stressful.
My time in Dio was simply one of the best times in my life.
Ronnie was one of the best people I ever met, very different from the usual musicians and other suspects in this wretched industry. I think this is something you will hear over and over – you have heard it before he was gone, and you will also keep hearing it after he is gone. Quite simply, because it’s the truth. And especially towards fans. If you didn’t realize it by now, you can ask anyone who met him. Ronnie was the guy signing autographs in the cold rain after the point where any mere mortal would have crawled back into bed. It was insane. His dedication to the fans was not from this world. He is the guy that finally made it dawn on me who it is who actually pays the bills – it is the fans. (Well at least he tried, if I didn’t quite learn, that is my own fault)
Well, it could be everyone knows all that already, so what else can I say that you don’t already know or could find out from Wikipedia? Since I was a Dio fan myself long long before I even met him, I think I have some perspective.
His voice was like a tank… I never heard him have a bad day. I have honestly never met anyone else like this in my whole life. Even if he stayed up all night drinking and talking, he would still deliver 150% the next day. From his performing, you’d think he was 22 years old, his whole life… but if you look at how much he accomplished, you’d think he lived to the age of 120.
He was very funny. Fond of British humor, like Monty Python. My best memories of the time with him are either him laughing at something I or someone else said, or me laughing at something he said, or any of the many running gags that he created.
His lyrics writing really has depths you don’t immediately see when you read them first. Read them again and think.
He was very intelligent. He was without a question NOT some sort of devil worshipper or satanist. He grew up in a small town and was what I would call, just a “very decent person”. He had higher morals than most people I have met, and definitely he had higher morals than I have. He just didn’t particularly believe in God of the Christian bible, I think. But he was really spiritual and thought about deep issues, a lot.
I never saw him do any hard drugs. He was to me the embodiment of the idea: if you want to get anywhere, stay off the hard stuff.
There was the relentless charity work for “Children of the Night”. But that you may have heard about already and can read more about on the internet, just google for the phrase.
I realize this may sound like I’m trying to paint too soft a picture. I am really racking my brains here and I couldn’t think of anything bad to say about him even if I tried.
The only thing I can think of is that his character definitely had a surprising bite when something pissed him off, he didn’t suffer fools lightly. If you were a fool in his path, and all options of patience, understanding and politeness had been exhausted, then he didn’t hold back verbally… beware, fool, you might have two assholes all of a sudden, or your head might be rolling on the floor!
I of course found this extremely amusing (unless it was me who was the unwitting fool, which I think happened like, once.)
I don’t exaggerate when I say I feel him being gone is a loss for humanity, but I still try to look at the glass as half full. Imagine if he would have died at 27 like so many other geniuses. As a listener I’m thankful for that grace, and as a person I’m thankful I got to know him.
We will all die at some point, he never beat around the bush when speaking or writing about death. Cancer sucks, and I don’t know what I think would suck more, him gone today, or him alive for another year but in severe pain.
I’m also not sure if Ronnie would have wanted us to be too sad. (Of course, a bit sad! I’m not suggesting we go dancing in the streets with joy screaming “lolololololololo” like those crazy Palestinians after 9/11 here.)
He dedicated so much of his own life to bring happiness to other people. Let’s mourn a genius and a great guy who is lost to us now. But let’s mourn in a way that he constantly wrote about, by deciding that we should live each day, including this one, to its fullest, even if it is a sad day. You don’t know if this day is your last day, and if it is you don’t know what will follow.
The music he made will remain after me, or anyone reading this, will be gone. So unless you did already, put some of it on.
If it puts an evil grin on your face, then your day is better. That’s all any musician can ask from you.”
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Iron Maiden
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
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Henry Rollins
Backstage at the venue. Listening to Rainbow. Tonight’s walk in CD is burning away in my laptop. All Dio all night. Ronnie James Dio, the great vocalist of Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, DIO and Heaven & Hell passed away this morning. What a loss. I have been getting mail all afternoon about it. Yesterday about this time, there was an internet rumor of his passing and it was great to hear that it wasn’t true. I came back from the gym a few hours ago and Angel, our merch man told me that it was indeed true. What a voice, what a loss. Dio’s passing made me think of my old bandmates in Black Flag as we used to listen to those records quite a bit. Damn, at least he left some amazing records behind. The Metal world is stunned, I am sure. Ronnie James Dio, one of the greatest singers ever.
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Lars Ulrich – Metallica
“Dear Ronnie,
“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. The following year, I was so psyched when I heard the results of you joining forces with my favorite guitar player. You guys sounded so right for each other and I instantly became RAINBOW’s #1 fan in Denmark.
“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. 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. RAINBOW came to Copenhagen a couple more times over the next few years and each time you guys blew my mind, and for a good three years were my absolute favorite band on this planet.
“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.
“When we finally got a chance to play together in Austria in 2007, even though I may not have let on, I was literally transformed back to that little snot-nosed kid who you met and inspired 31 years earlier and it was such a fucking honor and a dream come true to share a stage with you and the rest of the legends in HEAVEN & HELL.
“A couple of weeks ago when I heard that you were not going to be able to make it to the Sonisphere shows that we would be sharing this June, I wanted to call you and let you know that I was thinking of you and wish you well, 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’ 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.
“Much love.”
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Brian May – Queen
“It’s a shock to hear that Ronnie has gone. Even though we had all known he was battling with cancer for some time, he was such a wiry fighter, and of such an amazingly optimistic nature, I think I assumed he would go on forever.
“Well, he fought to the very end… was gearing up to go back out on tour.
“I know this will be a very hard blow for my friend Tony Iommi.
“When I last saw Ronnie in Los Angeles, he was as full of life and positivity as anybody I’ve ever known .. and sang up a storm with HEAVEN & HELL in the Universal Amphitheatre.
“In my opinion, Ronnie was one of the creators of the genre of heavy metal. I’m not an expert on his work — there are many people much more knowledgeable than me… but our paths crossed many times over the years, and I had clear glimpses of his unique spirit and personality. He was in many ways the antithesis of the current mould of TV-bred singers. He had no apparent desire for fame, in the sense that so many ‘X-Factor’ contestants seem to. He was not a TV face, a ‘celebrity.’ He just loved doing what he did. So, to his millions of fans, there was an unquestionable feeling of reality to his persona, his songwriting, and his performances. His lyric-writing was very distinctive, and set a style in heavy metal which has influenced many bands over the years. To me, it was as if his mind operated in layers — on the surface, a hard-working honest singer, with a great humanity and strong sense of humour — and underneath, in the world of his songs, his subconscious seemed to be populated by hobgoblins of all kinds, and palpable evil forever on the march. His lyrics, dark and mysterious, in tune with the metal ethos, always represented the sword of goodness in triumph over evil.
“I don’t know if he invented the devil-horn salute, but he was certainly the man who, more than ever, made it a universal symbol, a worldwide salute of metal.
“He was universally loved in the community of rock music, and will be sorely missed.”
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King Diamond
“It’s with a heavy heart that I pay my respects to Ronnie James Dio.
“What an amazing singer and entertainer.
“Throughout my career, he has always been in my top 10 list of vocalists. The mystery and emotion in his vocal style always lured me in for more.
“Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure to meet him in person, but, fortunately, I did have the extreme pleasure of experiencing his uncanny frontmanship in concert so many times I can’t even count it. I saw him with ELF, RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH, and almost had one of my wishes fulfilled when HEAVEN & HELL asked KING DIAMOND to go on tour with them in the USA last year. Unfortunately, my back problems prevented that dream from coming true.
“I always had the highest respect for him and he will forever have his music playing in my home.
“My deepest sympathy goes out to Ronnie’s family.
“I wish you a safe journey to the other side.”
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White Wizzard
“Ronnie James Dio will always be.
“Ronnie can never die.
“From the depths of the soul came a voice the earth will only know once, but the universe will know forever. His words were of magic and the fantastic while always laced with a sense of hope and positivity.
“In a world of so many difficult realities, Ronnie helped us all escape into his world… one filled with magic and a surreal sense of never losing the child within. He is forever an example of the free spirit of life and imagination. His soul is now forever stardust… the magic in his heart lives on because he believed in the energy and light he channeled, and there is something infinite in the knowing that his music will live forever.
“This life is an adventure… and Ronnie James Dio lived it to the fullest with a passion for his craft and with a drive to deliver the best performances and experiences to his fans worldwide. Even in his last performances with HEAVEN & HELL, he was always on fire with that big aura of light that surrounded him.
“The earth lost a very important soul today… but his energy is all around us now and universal. Death can never take that away.”
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Lemmy Kilmeister – Motorhead
“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”
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Biff Byford – Saxon
“Today I heard my friend Ronnie Dio has lost his battle.
“It is a great loss to us all.
“I first met Ronnie in the early Eighties when we played with BLACK SABBATH and BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, the infamous ‘Black And Blue’ tour.
“I first heard him sing on ‘The Butterfly Ball’ and from that moment I understood what great singing was all about; he was at the top of his game from then on.
“His voice was always powerful and soaring; his phrasing was uniquely his, copied by many but never bettered.
“I will miss him as we all will.
“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.
“Deepest condolences to his family.
“Somewhere in the night a candle burns for you
“To absent friends.”
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Joey Vera – Armored Saint/Fates Warning/Anthrax
“His name shall be part of the very definition of the term heavy metal.
“All of us in this community owe a big part to him as he helped shape our entire genre. And he did it with complete originality and sincerity. He is the real deal.
“By now you’ve read much about him and how every person who’d had the pleasure of meeting the man use the words ‘kind,’ ‘nice,’ ‘humble’ and so on. I can tell you that these descriptions are truly accurate.
“I had the honor of being on tour with Dio on two occasions. Once on his ‘Magica’ tour in 2001 while I was in ARMORED SAINT and then later in 2004 while I was touring with ANTHRAX. I would watch Ronnie every night side stage and I was continuously blown away by his high level of performance. I must have seen over 40 shows from this vantage point and I never, ever saw or heard a single flaw. You always knew he was a great singer but It was then that I was convinced that he was a gift to us from some other place. Then there’s all the times I saw him with SABBATH.
“I can’t even go on…
“When you have the privilege of meeting someone like Ronnie — an idol, a legend — you almost expect a person like this to be overly confident, cocky, and they deserve to be, really. But Ronnie was the complete opposite. He really was the most humble, sincere and kind person you’d ever meet. He would always find time to stop in his tracks and say a few words to you. He was so down to earth and generous.
“Through his humility he’s taught us all that a man is not measured by the size of his wallet, or trophy collection, but instead by the size of his heart.
“I myself am glad that he chose the profession of singing because even though his body has been taken from us, his voice will stay here for all eternity.
“We’re all trying really hard here, but Ronnie, we can’t thank you enough.”
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Tim “Ripper” Owens – Judas Priest/Iced Earth
“A sad day, just a very sad day!!!
“We have lost a great human being and the best singer of rock in the world.
“Ronnie was my hero and my friend, I will miss him and his kind words. He taught me so much on stage and off stage.
“I also would like so say that my heart is heavy for Wendy Dio [Ronnie’s wife/manager], and we should all keep her in our thoughts and prayers.
“I do not think of Wendy without Ronnie and I don’t think of Ronnie without Wendy.
“We all love you, Wendy… and we all will miss you, Ronnie, and we love you for everything you have given us!”
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Gary Holt – Exodus
“What more can be said about Ronnie that hasn’t been said by so many others. He was the kindest, most humble metal god I’ve ever had the pleasure and honor of touring with.
“I first met him at Foundations Forum about two to three weeks before our tour with them during [BLACK SABBATH’s] ‘Dehumanizer’ tour, for about ten minutes while he waited outside for his cab. I introduced myself, said it was an all time honor to meet and tour with him and said see you soon. Fast forward to the first day of the tour, and he sees me and says, ‘How are you doing, Gary?’ I would not have been offended if he never knew my name the whole tour, but he remembered it from a ten-minute chat around three weeks earlier.
“We had many golden moments hanging out with him, while he allowed me to relentlessly badger him for stories about Ritchie Blackmore and the time spent singing for my favorite band, RAINBOW.
“R.I.P. Your impact on me won’t ever be forgotten.”
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Lizzy Borden
“So sorry to hear about Ronnie James Dio…
“We played some festivals with Dio over the years and at everyone my band and I would always be in the audience after our show watching the master at work, and he was always perfect…
“One of my great memories of Ronnie was the first night we ever got played on the radio; it was at a Dio show. He was playing two shows in one night and we were out in the parking lot waiting for the second show to start along with a few thousand others, and then bam! Our song came blasting on the radio out of every car in the lot. It was a night I will never forget and the Dio show that followed was magical!!!
“I’ve seen Ronnie perform many times and am grateful that I had the opportunity to be on the side of the stage at the last HEAVEN & HELL show in California. Ronnie’s voice was so loud, so powerful and pitch-perfect, it was truly an amazing thing to witness.
“We recorded our version of [RAINBOW’s] ‘Long Live Rock And Roll’ way back on our first EP and we still close our show with it most nights…
“There will never be another like him; Ronnie was a master of his trade, a true original and every time I flash those horns, (which is a lot) I will be thinking of the man on the silver mountain, Ronnie James Dio.”
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Mike Portnoy – Dream Theater
Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy (also of Avenged Sevenfold) called today “one of the saddest days in metal ever” and opined that the deceased Dimebag Darrell, Randy Rhoads, Metallica’s Cliff Burton, and Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham just gained the “ultimate singer.”
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Richie Blackmore
“Ronnie had a unique and wonderful voice. He will be sadly missed in the rock and roll world.”
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Billy Corgan – Smashing Pumpkins
“Ronnie was a true gentleman, and obviously one of the best rock singers there will ever be. What a sad loss. … I only got to meet him once and I can honestly say he was the nicest person I have ever met in music.”
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Jay Jay French – Twisted Sister
“He possessed one of the greatest voices in all of heavy metal, and had a heart to match it,” said Twisted Sister guitarist Jay Jay French, whose band toured with Dio since 1983, and was to do so again this summer at European rock festivals. “He was the nicest, classiest person you would ever want to meet.”
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Michael Sweet – Stryper
I want to express my sincere, deepest love and support to Ronnie James Dios family, friends and fans around the world. I had the opportunity of meeting Ronnie back in the late eighties. We (Stryper) were performing with Dio at Irvine Meadows and Ronnie was a true gentleman with a huge, kind heart. Ronnie’s music (Rainbow, Dio and Black Sabbath) influenced us musically and inspired us as musicians. We’re proud to be covering “Heaven and Hell” and hopefully in some small way we will be able to pay respect and tribute to an amazing talent and human being. God Bless you Ronnie.
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Nikki Sixx – Motley Crue
“Ronnie was one of the kindest souls I have ever met and his talent was beyond inspirational to so many of us. 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. He will be missed by all of us.
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Judas Priest
We are filled with great sadness at the terrible news about our friend Ronnie James Dio – our condolences and love go to Wendy and Ronnie’s family – Ronnie was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed.
ROB, GLENN, K.K., IAN & SCOTT
16th May, 2010
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Graham Bonnett
“It was a horrible day yesterday.
“I want to thank him for being a good friend, and drawing the map for me, when I was in doubt of the role I would play in RAINBOW.
“My musical background was so different from his but I listened and learned the way to be a replacement, as such and followed the master of hard rock singing, and the name he used to call me — ‘Gray’… the only American that abbreviated my name that way. It was funny to hear…
“Thanks, Ron!! And Wendy, I know, will keep him in her heart forever.
“My love goes out to him and his family…
“Only one Ronnie!”
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Kyle Glass – Tenacious D
“Dio was a great inspiration for us and one of the nicest and most gracious people we’ve been lucky enough to work with. His talent and spirit will be missed.”
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Joey Belladonna – Anthrax
“Ronnie was a big inspiration, influence and dear friend of mine. He was a true gentleman and kind hearted individual. He always would go out of his way to make you feel welcome and important. Without a doubt he was one of the best, top notch and a class act. I will truly miss him.”
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Geoff Tate – Queensryche
“Ronnie James Dio was undoubtedly one of heavy metal’s greatest performers and will continue to influence the world of heavy metal forever. He was certainly a very big influence on QUEENSRŸCHE 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! The man on the silver mountain will always be our rainbow in the dark.”
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Dave Ellefson – Megadeth
“Just arrived home from our best-ever tour of South America, and our first-ever for Central America. I had a great time documenting the trip via video blogs, all of which can be seen in the MegaFanClub [official MEGADETH fan club].
“What an amazing journey!
“Of course our bright beam from the tour’s glow was dimmed today when we learned of the passing of Ronnie James Dio. He was truly one of the ‘good guys’ in this business and a consummate pro, someone we can all take a que and learn from. We are all fans of his and he did many great things for MEGADETH and its members, starting 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 [former JUDAS PRIEST and current YNGWIE MALMSTEEN vocalist]. Wendy Dio [Ronnie’s wife/manager] looked after Ripper’s European tour where we played several shows with HEAVEN & HELL and we got to have many good moments with Ronnie during that tour. He is missed by us all.
“Our prayers go out to him and his family at this time.
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KISS
“We mourn the tragic passing of the great Ronnie James Dio. In addition to his powerhouse vocal ability, Ronnie was a true gentleman who always emanated great warmth and friendship to us and everyone around him. We will miss him.”
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Scott Ian – Anthrax
“Rest in peace, Ronnie James Dio. 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.
“In 2004 on the DIO/ANTHRAX tour I would get the Yankee score every inning for Ronnie while he was on stage. He was so into it.
“Saw BLACK SABBATH on the ‘Black & Blue’ tour [featuring BLACK SABBATH and BLUE ÖYSTER CULT] at Madison Square Garden [in New York City] in 1980. First row center.
“Ronnie was king of the world. Top 3 shows of all time.”
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The Quireboys
“THE QUIREBOYS were saddened to hear of the passing of Ronnie James Dio today…
“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. He will be sadly missed, but his voice shall live on.
“Long live rock and roll.”
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Andrea Ferro – Lacuna Coil
“I briefly met Ronnie during a soundcheck in Milan, Italy and he [was] really kind, not to mention how amazing and magic his voice was.
“Rest in peace!”
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Glen Hughes
“It is a very sad day today… I have lost a very dear friend.
“Ronnie was a true leader of heavy metal… an icon and a visionary… There will never be another like him.
“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.
“Some day I’ll be bringing your microphone up there with me, and we’ll sing a song, and share a Vindaloo together…
“I’ll miss, you mate.”
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Ozzy Osbourne
“I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Ronnie James Dio. Metal has truly lost one of its greatest voices. My heart goes out to his family and to his many fans.”
He added: “Love and respect.”
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Kerry King – Slayer
“Few people have had the ability to carry a song like Dio, literally demanding your attention as he effortlessly recreated live the amazing things he did on record,” King said. “It’s odd how things get taken from you quickly…I just saw him a month ago. I know I was lucky to have known Ronnie. One of the nicest guys in the business, without a doubt. He will be hugely missed.”
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Duff McKagan – Guns N’ Roses/Velvet Revolver
“My part in this ‘summer music playlist’ it is going to be a touch bittersweet as it turns out.
“Last weekend, Ronnie James Dio succumbed to his battle with stomach cancer. From what I understand, Ronnie fought like a warrior to the end.
“I was supposed to pick a new-ish song for this list, but when it comes to rocking out in the summertime, sometimes you just got to go a little bit old-damn-school.
“‘Last In Line’ is an ass-kicker right up there with anything, punk, rock, and/or metal, and us rockers owe a bit of reverence to this great man.
“R.I.P., RJD!”
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Steve Vai
“Dio was a shining light of rock/metal authenticity. He was a completely dedicated artist with massive talent. It’s likely that his vital contributions will continue to inspire well into the future. He is now legend. But more than all this, Ronnie was a really cool guy. I mean reeeally cool.
“God bless you, brutha.”
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Blaze Bayley – Wolfsbane/Iron Maiden/Blaze
“Very saddened by the news of the passing of Ronnie James Dio. He was the inspiration for me to start singing and join a metal band after seeing him perform in Birmingham Odeon many, many years ago on the ‘Holy Diver’ tour.
“My thoughts are with Wendy [Ronnie’s wife/manager] and the family.
“On the few occasions I met Ronnie, he was an absolute gentleman, hero and superstar and an example to us all.
Thank you, Ronnie, for your wonderful work.
“Rest in peace.”
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Jon Lord – Deep Purple
“I would like, along with my wife and daughters, to express my sadness at the passing of Ronnie Dio.
“[Ronnie was] a friend of many years standing and a truly delightful man. His voice was an instrument of power and of beauty, and was a seminal influence in rock music. His loss is even more devastating when considering how much more he would have had to offer us.
“My heart goes out to dear Wendy [Ronnie’s wife/manager], and my thoughts are also with Roger [Glover, DEEP PURPLE bassist] and Ritchie [Blackmore, ex-DEEP PURPLE/RAINBOW guitarist], who were so close to him for so long.
“I will always cherish the memories of those remarkable nights at The Royal Albert Hall in September 1999 when, sitting on the stage with all the massed musicians of DEEP PURPLE, the London Symphony Orchestra et al, Ronnie sang Roger’s lovely song ‘Sitting in a Dream’ and brought us smiles and tears, and goosebumps as big as they come.
“I shall forever connect that song with that moment and with Ronnie.
“Rest in peace, my friend.”
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Jon Oliva – Savatage, Jon Oliva’s Pain, TSO:
“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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Dave Meniketti – Y&T:
“I feel the necessity to say something about Ronnie to my friends here on this forum. 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 Vinnie selflessly coming in the studio to help Jimmy work out how to play the beat to LA 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.”
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Michael Anthony – Van Halen/Chickenfoot
“I don’t know anybody that didn’t grow up listening to his stuff. You know, VAN HALEN, we used to do from the first RAINBOW album, we did ‘Man On The Silver Mountain’. I remember one time, the second VAN HALEN tour we were doing some festivals in Europe, and we actually played on the same show as Ronnie’s band. Real powerful voice, you know, and definitely a driving force in hard rock music, that guy was.”
“[Ronnie] was a great guy. I remember when we opened for them, all of us were back at the hotel having some drinks; it was his birthday, and I remember us all just hanging out, and he was just a great guy.”
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Ian Gillan – Black Sabbath/Deep Purple
“My dear friend Ronnie,
“Departed but not gone. Resting peacefully (for a while) but never forgotten.
“I’ve had a sackful of mail since your passing; a sharing of grief and sorrow.
“We all remember your huge voice, of course — my ears are still ringing: Your wicked humour and sense of decency: The utter professionalism and personality that inspired so much respect from your friends in music.
“The list goes on but the quality that stands out above all others is your enduring generosity. The one thing that we all treasure, the gift you gave us was your kindness.
“We all agree you were the kindest man we ever knew.
“Catch up later, mate.”
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Chuck Billy – Testament
“Got word [Sunday] night coming off stage [in Holland] that Ronnie Dio passed and it’s a great loss to the world.
“I love Ronnie a lot.
“From day one when I met Ronnie, he was so genuine; humble and the sweetest person in the world. Since day one until two weeks ago when I saw him. Genuine Ronnie first and foremost: ‘How’s the children? How’s the family? How’s the health?’
“That’s one thing about Ronnie — it’s never about the music, never about the business, just being a person, a human being. Just truly concerned with how the family was and our health.
“I am truly going to miss you, Ronnie. I love you.
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Bob Daisley – Ozzy Osbourne
“With the sad passing of my friend and colleague, the world has lost a great man. Not only was he a unique singer, musician and writer, he was a very special human being.
“Long live rock ‘n’ roll and long live the memory of the great Ronnie James Dio. He’ll be sadly missed in many ways. Bless him.”
“Rest in peace.”
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