Ronnie James Dio (Official Tribute Thread)

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QUEEN Guitarist: RONNIE JAMES DIO 'Was One Of The Creators Of The Genre Of Heavy Metal' - May 17, 2010
QUEEN guitarist Brian May has posted the following message on his web site regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"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."
 

Astrid Kirchherr65

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Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

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QUEEN Guitarist: RONNIE JAMES DIO 'Was One Of The Creators Of The Genre Of Heavy Metal' - May 17, 2010
QUEEN guitarist Brian May has posted the following message on his web site regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"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."

:grinthumbAmen Brian , I agree...class act to the end...others should take a lesson in grace and humility in the face of grave health...

It can be done..Ronnie your a brilliant warrior :bow:
 

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Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

Godspeed to the man on the silver mountain! Thanks for the music, Ronnie!

LONG LIVE RJD!!!
 

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FALCONER Guitarist Pays Tribute To RONNIE JAMES DIO - May 17, 2010
Guitarist Stefan Weinerhall of the Swedish metal band FALCONER has issued the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"The No. 1 hero, idol, inspiration is gone! The man who was immortal!

"Without wanting to be one of all who sees a chance to be heard now, I have to say that no other artist's passing could have affected me in the way as his did.

"All of a sudden the creative flame went out, not only because of his musical works but also for his humble ways and down to earth persona although he was the king. This from a man who never met him but allways will carry him with!!

"Your legacy will allways live on!!!

"R.I.P. Ronnie James GOD Dio."
 

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ANTHRAX Singer JOEY BELLADONNA: DIO 'was A Big Inspiration, Influence And Dear Friend Of Mine' - May 17, 2010
ANTHRAX singer Joey Belladonna has issued the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"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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LIZZY BORDEN: RONNIE JAMES DIO 'Was A Master Of His Trade, A True Original' - May 17, 2010
LIZZY BORDEN frontman and namesake has issued the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"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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KING DIAMOND: RONNIE JAMES DIO 'Will Forever Have His Music Playing In My Home' - May 17, 2010
Danish heavy metal vocalist King Diamond (KING DIAMOND, MERCYFUL FATE) has issued the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"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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Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

OVER THE RAINBOW Members Pay Tribute To RONNIE JAMES DIO - May 17, 2010
OVER THE RAINBOW members Greg Smith (formerly of RAINBOW; 1994-1997), Joe Lynn Turner (formerly of RAINBOW; 1980-1984), and Bobby Rondinelli (formerly of RAINBOW; 1980-1983) have issued separate statements regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

Greg Smith: "I have lost someone who I looked up to as a teenager and that person became my good friend. I shared many laughs, stories, drinks and good times with him on and off the road.

"Ronnie, I will miss you terribly and always think fondly of the times we spent together and of your tremendous talent.

"Till we meet again, my friend!"

Joe Lynn Turner: "Today we not only lost a legend but we lost a friend.

"Ronnie was a true gentleman of rock... always kind and giving. I was proud to know him... everyone he touched was raised higher. His energy and legacy will live on... and I — as a fellow member of RAINBOW — will continue to sing his praises and his songs.

"May God hold him in his hands... RIP."

Bobby Rondinelli: "I was very sad to hear of Ronnie's passing. He was one of the best singers and writers ever, and every time I saw him he was a total gentleman. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten."

OVER THE RAINBOW is:

Joe Lynn Turner (RAINBOW 1980-1984) - Vocals
Bobby Rondinelli (RAINBOW 1980-1983) - Drums
Greg Smith (RAINBOW 1994-1997) - Bass
Jürgen "J.R." Blackmore - Guitar

OVER THE RAINBOW's most recent touring keyboardist, Paul Morris (RAINBOW, 1994-1997), replaced Tony Carey, the original keyboardist for OVER THE RAINBOW, prior to the band's performance in front of 12,000 fans at the Sweden Rock Festival on June 4, 2009 in Sölvesborg, Sweden.

Like all members of OVER THE RAINBOW (with the exception of Jürgen "J.R." Blackmore), Paul Morris was also a member of RAINBOW. He recorded and toured with them from 1994 through 1997.

In the '70s, '80s and '90s, RAINBOW released over 20 albums (five gold, four silver), seven Billboard Hot 100 and Mainstream Rock tracks, six Top 75 U.K. songs and at least seven MTV frequently played videos. Since 1998, former members of RAINBOW and their respective management offices were overloaded with requests for RAINBOW to reunite. Rondinelli, Smith and Turner agreed that the only legitimate way to accomplish this was to employ a Blackmore on guitar.

Jürgen Blackmore is a critically acclaimed guitarist in his own right and agreed to join this endeavor after realizing how intense the demand was for a RAINBOW "reunion." OVER THE RAINBOW marks the first time that four members from three different eras of RAINBOW have taken the stage together along with J.R. Blackmore.
 

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'Rockline' To Pay Tribute To RONNIE JAMES DIO - May 17, 2010
The July 7, 2010 edition of the nationally syndicated radio show "Rockline" will be a tribute to legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio — best known for his work with BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW and his own band DIO — featuring clips of interviews with the singer that were originally broadcast between 1981 and 2009.

Hosted by Bob Coburn, "Rockline" airs at 8:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 p.m. ET,

For more information, visit RocklineRadio.com.
 

Lynch

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Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

Am I the only one that gets goosebumps while reading some of these letters?
 

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