Ronnie James Dio, heavy metal legend and vocalist for Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell and Dio, died early this morning in Houston, after a battle with stomach cancer. He was 67 years old. His wife, Wendy Dio, posted the following statement on his website:
Message from Wendy Dio
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
You can leave your condolences on Ronnie’s fan page on Facebook
Stay tuned right here for more information on the House of Hair Ronnie James Dio Tribute Show…
Time is a never ending journey
Love is a never ending smile
a rock n roll legend,that will be missed.his music will live on.rock n roll forever.god bless you ronnie james dio for everything you have done.god bless you’r family.r.i.p.david stover sr.
david stover sr.elizabethtown,ky.rock n roll forever.ronnie james dio,will live in my heart.rock on.
you are a rock legend who will be missed dearly to your family im sorry for your loss and god bless you
I am deeply saddened by the loss of this amazing man Ronnie James Dio.It saddens me more to see that rev,phelps plans to protest his memorial.How sad that in this day and age we still deal with prejduce,so instead of being angry I will take example by Ronnie’s amazing wife and follow her grace and not feel anger towards small minded people.What a legacy he leaves beind,God Bless to the family and fans.
I saw Dio at the Kiel Opera Center in St. Louis back in the 80’s (duh), and got a chance to meet him on his tour bus. We had to stand on the bottom rungs because he was so short, but he was damn friendly. Watching the movie “Heavy Metal” with him belting out “The Mob Rules” during that movie tuned me on more to Black Sabbath than anything Ozzy did and was one of the greatest things in the development of my heavy metal music in the formative years of my life. I will miss Dio, who I consider the greatest heavy metal crooner ever (even more than Bruce Dickinson of the band I consider the greatest heavy metal band EVER) and I truly hope he rests in peace as he has brought so much joy to my life with his music and his love for life. Rainbow had a song called “Long Live Rock and Roll”; it should be changed to “Long Live Ronnie James Dio!” God speed RJD!