Ronnie James Dio (Official Tribute Thread)

[That 70s Guy]

Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

blabbermouth

IMPELLITTERI: RONNIE JAMES DIO 'Was The Greatest Metal Singer Of All Time' - May 18, 2010
IMPELLITTERI guitarist Chris Impellitteri has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"We are saddened by the passing of Ronnie James Dio. In our opinion, Ronnie was the greatest metal singer of all time. His unique vocal style influenced legions of metal singers around the globe. His music was addictive, unique, and powerful!

"Dio deserves to go down in the history books with Elvis, Lennon, and Michael Jackson. Ronnie was the voice of metal and inspired an entire world to stand up and shout!!

"At last year's Sweden Rock Festival, IMPELLITTERI performed on the headlining stage with HEAVEN & HELL which was a complete honor!!

"As a child, I used to go see Ronnie play in the arenas with BLACK SABBATH, and now many years later having played on the same stage with him was mind-blowing!! And I can tell you we worked our asses off to play great because we knew he would deliver when he took the stage!!

"I personally met Ronnie a few times and he even bought me a drink!! He was a true gentlemen and inspiration to everyone in my band!

"I am now and always will be a Dio fan.

"Long live Ronnie James Dio!!"

 

[That 70s Guy]

Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

blabbermouth

GEEZER BUTLER: 'RONNIE Really Was A Special Person, Blessed With A Unique Voice And Presence' - May 18, 2010
Bassist Geezer Butler (BLACK SABBATH, HEAVEN & HELL) has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"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 three 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 two- or three-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 [Iommi] hand ligaments were in a bad way, Vinny's [Appice] 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."

 

[That 70s Guy]

Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

blabbermouth

VIRGIN STEELE Frontman: DIO's Legacy, Kindness And Understanding, And Music Will Live On And On - May 18, 2010
VIRGIN STEELE frontman David DeFeis has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"In what has already been a sad spring season, I was further saddened on Sunday to hear that Ronnie James Dio passed away. I always thought that if anyone could...he would be the one...to live forever.

"I had the good fortune to meet Ronnie several times, and share wine and wonderful conversations with him. He was a truly gracious, noble man, with an outstanding voice and major talent as a composer and lyricist.

"Ronnie always made me feel very warm, welcome and wanted in his presence.

"I was introduced to him by my good friend and longtime VIRGIN STEELE photographer Gail Flug. Gail had known Ronnie for many years, and one evening when we were at a DIO gig, she said, 'Hey, Ronnie, I want you to meet my friend David,' and I began to say, 'Hi, Ronnie, it's so very nice to meet you, I am a huge fan of your work, my name is David, etc. etc.,' and he looked me straight in the eye and said, 'I know who you are, my son.' That totally floored me.

"I have met many musicians over the years from all walks of life, some who have achieved huge success, some just starting out, and everything in between, and you know, many of the ones who I have come across who possessed not an ounce of the talent, or achievements of a Ronnie James Dio, often wouldn't even give me the time of day, and then here was this amazing man, who has accomplished so much in music and in life, so graciously acknowledging me, and validating my accomplishments. This, to me, was...incredibly moving and oh so very special. I'll never forget that, or my talks with him about music, history, and the way the world turns. Seeing him perform with RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH and HEAVEN & HELL throughout the years was always an extraordinary treat.

"I personally think that Ronnie was one of the best vocalists to ever grace a stage or studio. His voice had so much power, and expressive feeling and was always so incredibly musical. I will miss his dramatic, metal music, his god-like vocals and enchanting stage presence. But I know that his legacy, his kindness and understanding, and the music he created will live on and on."

 

[Lynch]

Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

blabbermouth

GEEZER BUTLER:

---snip---

"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.

OMG, Geezer's letter here is great, yet is breaking my heart. I thought I was over the tears, but I just realized I'm not yet.

 

[That 70s Guy]

Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

 

[Lynch]

Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

That's cool man!

 

[That 70s Guy]

Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

 

[That 70s Guy]

Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

blabbermouth:

DEEP PURPLE Bassist On DIO's Passing: 'A Huge Part Of My Life Just Disappeared' - May 19, 2010
DEEP PURPLE bassist Roger Glover has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW, ELF):

"A huge part of my life just disappeared. Words are not enough, emotions are too much.

"My sincere condolences to Ronnie's family and friends."

Glover and DEEP PURPLE drummer Ian Paice produced ELF's first album, and ELF toured all over the world as the support act for DEEP PURPLE.

Ronnie James Dio was the featured singer on the tracks "Love Is All", "Homeward" and "Sitting In A Dream" on Glover's 1975 album, "The Butterfly Ball".

 

[That 70s Guy]

Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

blabbermouth

EUROPE's JOHN NORUM Says He Nearly Recorded With DIO - May 19, 2010
EUROPE guitarist John Norum has told U.K.'s Classic Rockmagazine of plans he had to record with the late Ronnie James Dio.

"I met Ronnie only recently, and he told me of a song he'd written that he was keen to have me play guitar on," he said. "We never got beyond talking about the idea, but it was a serious plan."

Norum — whose new solo album, "Play Yard Blues", will be released on July 17 through Mascot Records — was shocked to hear of Dio's passing on May 16 after a six-month battle with stomach cancer.

"Ronnie was one of those great characters whom you thought would go on until he was 100," Norum told Classic Rock. "It seems very strange to think that we will no longer see him onstage, or hear any new songs. His death has left a huge gap that nobody else can hope to fill."

 

[That 70s Guy]

Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

blabbermouth

DIO Drummer SIMON WRIGHT: RONNIE 'Was Like A Father To Me' - May 19, 2010
Drummer Simon Wright (DIO, AC/DC, RHINO BUCKET) has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"[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."