Heavy Metal Singer Ronnie James Dio Dead at 67

By PopEater Staff Posted May 16th 2010 08:01PM

Heavy metal legend Ronnie James Dio died early Sunday after a battle with stomach cancer. He was 67.

Dio's wife, Wendy, broke the news today on Ronnie's official website.

"Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May," she wrote. "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."

Dio's cancer was first announced last November. He was expected to take part in this summer's Heaven & Hell tour, which was subsequently canceled in May due to his health.

After stints with bands like Elf (formerly the Electric Elves), Dio was recruited by Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore to form Rainbow in 1975. Dio left the band in 1979 and quickly joined Black Sabbath as a replacement for Ozzy Ozbourne. Dio's first album with Black Sabbath was the iconic 'Heaven & Hell,' released in 1980.

Dio, who is often credited for creating the devil horns hand gesture, recorded two additional albums with Black Sabbath -- 'Mob Rules' and 'Live Evil' -- before leaving in 1982 over reported sound mixing issues on 'Live Evil.' He went on to lead his next band, Dio, shortly thereafter, where he was joined by Black Sabbath drummer Vinny Appice.

Dio would later reunite with Black Sabbath on 1992's 'Dehumanizer.'

Dio released 10 albums under his namesake band, including 'Holy Diver,' and remained with the band throughout, despite numerous departures and changes.

In 2006, he formed the band Heaven & Hell with Appice and Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler. Together, they released one studio album -- 2009's 'The Devil You Know -- as well as a live CD.

At a Los Angeles event in April, Dio gave Artisan News an update on his battle with cancer, saying, "If you're determined to beat it, then you have to go with what you believe is going to beat it for you."

Born Ronald James Padavona in Portsmouth, New Hampshrie, Dio released his first record in 1958 with Ronnie & the Redcaps. He was married twice -- first, to Loretta Berardi, with whom he adopted a son, Dan.

Dio's stage name was reportedly inspired by New York mafia member Johnny Dio.

For more on Ronnie James Dio, visit Spinner.

Tags: ronnie james dio

Comments

(54)

Sunday 16 May

By sunnybuff

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This man was one of the very best at what he did. His influence and vocal style was absolutely unique and unmatched. Today a piece of me died along with RJD. He will be remembered by many, and never forgotten.

Monday 17 May

By Zero

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Immortal !!!

By taulbeelxngtn

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The world is FULL of kings and queens that blind your eyes and steal your dreams, it's heaven AND hell.....RIP, DIO...you are the man o'metal, for sure!!

By Kablowski

Dio.... Holy Driver ....got to get awawy.. get away....
RIP Ronnie James Dio

By diannat69

rest in peace ronnie james dio, you rock, your music will live on thank you,

By Earnest

The whole music world lost a hero in Ronnie.... His voice will be missed here in Earth, but it's herd loudly in Heaven !!
God bless your family !!!!

By luckys313

This is a sad day indeed we've truely lost one of the greatest
musician/performers to ever walk the earth. Its been one helluva
ride. RIP my dear friend for you will surly set the heavens a glo
when they light your star.You will be missed like no one could
know.You are finally "Over the Rainbow"

By david jenkins

i remember ronnie james dio with the black and blue concert he was awesome will never forget R/I.P

By Karen

RIP Ronnie James Dio, Love the song Holy Diver fave song ever done. GOD Speed

By Jeff

Dio was with the first band I ever saw Black Sabbath! He is the reason I became a Die Hard Metal Head and a Horror writer! What a Talented Individual and a caring person. Mr. Dio, you will be sorely missed Rock On Forever! DIO! DIO!! DIO!!! DIO!!!!

By evesin

It's difficult to type through the tears but Ronnie will live on through his albums and CDs and his voice will sing to me always.

Wemdie....my love and prayers to you and Ronnie's son Tony and all the family members and friends who are left with the pain and heartbreak of his loss in their hearts.

Ronnie has a gig in Heaven Saturday night! Many of his friends will be there.

By Bill Pepe

What more can be said, you will be missed, R.I.P.

By Lou

God Speed RJD.....

By Tom

Heaven or Hell?

Wednesday 19 May

By Dan

You will be missed Ronnie Butt not forgotten !!! Long Live Rock-n-Roll...Thanks to Ronnie...

By B

My first concert was Mob Rules tour. I could not beleive the powerfull voice that came from this man. I will always be a fan of the man and the music. R.I.P metal god

By jvf01

R.I.P. DIO...you will always live on in music...p.s. see you on the other side.

By Wayne

To the 12,000 that voted 17 year olds give lap dances....WTF

By What?!

Dio will awake in another life in front of the Supreme Being.

By Jim

Dio was without a doubt the CLEANEST and THE BEST singer ever. You never heard one profane word out of this guys mouth! A true ICON to those who have to put parental warnings on their albums just to make money. Thru his career, he was light years away from the next metal singer...he only got better. I wonder why this voice was hidden from American Idol? He was THE METAL GOD I looked up to....you will be missed :(...

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