Ronnie James Dio (Official Tribute Thread)

[That 70s Guy]

Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

blabbermouth

ROYAL HUNT: RONNIE JAMES DIO Was 'A Great Artist And A Kind, Caring And Bright Person' - May 19, 2010
Denmark-based hard rock/progressive metallers ROYAL HUNT have released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"[On Sunday, May 16] we lost an amazing man, a fantastic musician, a true legend — Ronnie James Dio.

"We offer our deepest condolences to his friends and family.

"Being huge fans of his talent, we've been privileged to meet Ronnie James Dio in person while supporting his band a few years ago… and will always remember him as a great artist and a kind, caring and bright person… a true gentleman."

 

[That 70s Guy]

Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

blabbermouth:

KORN Guitarist On DIO's Passing: 'What A Tragic Loss For The Metal World' - May 20, 2010
Tim's TV conducted an interview with KORN guitarist guitarist James "Munky" Shaffer earlier this week. During the chat, Munky spoke about the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW) on May 16 after a six-month battle with stomach cancer.

Commented Munky: "Jonathan [Davis, KORN singer] and I were so bummed. He came to me in the bus the other day, and he was almost in tears. And I'm like, 'Dude, what's wrong?' And he was like, 'I've gotta tell you something. Ronnie James Dio died.' And I was like, 'What? Are you ****ing kidding me? Wow.'

"What a tragic loss for the metal world.

"I think that he was actually my second concert that I [ever] saw in Bakersfield.

"We wouldn't have this [flashing devil's horns] without him.

"But the music that he left the world with, he'll always be alive in those recordings.

"I actually did have a chance to meet him once — [he was] a really humble, sweet guy."

 

[That 70s Guy]

Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

blabbermouth:

Ex-ANTHRAX Singer NEIL TURBIN: DIO 'Was To Heavy Metal What ELVIS Was To Rock 'N' Roll' - May 20, 2010
Former ANTHRAX and current DEATHRIDERS frontman Neil Turbin has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"As a teenager, I got to witness the BLACK SABBATH and BLUE ÖYSTER CULT concert live at the Nassau Colosseum (actual concert they recorded the 'Black and Blue' film) in 1980. I was knocked back in my seat by the power of Ronnie James Dio's vocals and the the sound of BLACK SABBATH combined with the visual of giant crosses and flames lighting up the arena and explosive pyrotechnics echoing throughout! I did see the amazing KISS 'Alive II' tour at Madison Square Garden in 1978, but I had never witnessed anything as powerful and heavy as Ronnie Dio singing 'Heaven and Hell' in 1980. I even got to see 'Blizzard of Ozz' and meet Ozzy and the incredible Randy Rhoads in DEF LEPPARD's dressing room when they were introducing themselves, but my first and most distinctive concert memory was the power and the fury that was emanating from Ronnie and BLACK SABBATH.

"I had always perked up when I heard RAINBOW with Ronnie James Dio singing on the radio or at a friend's house. Ronnie James Dio's mighty soaring vocals stood out above any other vocalist period.

"As they say, good things come in small packages. In Ronnie's case, he had such a consistent super powerful voice with great tone, poise, stage persona, charisma and ultimate confidence.

"Through my association of working with DIO keyboardist Claude Schnell from 1996 to 1999 on his solo material/project, I had the opportunity to meet Ronnie James Dio for the first time at Vinny Appice's birthday party at a Mexican restaurant in Northridge, California. It was a dream come true and a great honor for me, that Ronnie was so personable and down to earth, but even went out of his way to buy me a drink when Claude told Ronnie that I was singing for him at the time. I later went with Claude to see DIO perform at the Galaxy Theater with Tracy G. I told Claude that nothing could top the DIO 'The Last in Line' tour concert I saw in Paris in 1984, except that 'Black and Blue' concert in 1980. I also told this to Vinny when we went to his house later that night after his birthday party.

"In 2004 I met Ronnie James Dio and Craig Goldy backstage at SCORPIONS/WHITESNAKE at Universal Ampitheater and Ronnie remembered me. Unlike the NAMM shows where Ronnie is always mobbed signing autographs and I never really had the chance to speak with him there. This time was different. I told Ronnie that I saw many of his great performances, including a show at the Greek Theatre when ANTHRAX was opening as I was walking in from the parking lot. I couldn't believe that the place was more than half empty for ANTHRAX and less than three-quarters full for a DIO concert, but that didn't matter, Dio still roared and commanded the stage. I told Ronnie that I was amazed by his stage presence and persona, not just his great voice. Then I asked Ronnie: 'What exactly are you thinking about when you are on that stage?' Ronnie looked at me straight in the eyes with pure tenacity and said to me, 'That's MY stage!!!!'

"I'll never forget that look that Ronnie gave me when he told me this and the honest talent and confidence that he possessed.

"Ronnie wasn't about ego; he was real people, with no B.S.

"I will always remember Ronnie not only for his soaring voice and his medievel lyrics and great visual imagery, but for his great spirit and honest persona.

"Ronnie was not afraid to tell it like it is, but he was a true gentleman and had great class.

"I was blessed with the opportunity to know Ronnie James Dio personally and he was a wonderful person, who was willing to be completely honest with me and share his knowledge and experience. For that I have a deep respect for him for the way he treated me.

"Ronnie James Dio was a true four-star general of rock royalty. Ronnie James Dio was to heavy metal what Elvis was to rock 'n' roll!!!! Ronnie James Dio is the king of heavy metal!!!!

"My sincere condolences and support to Wendy Dio, Rock Feinstein and to Ronnie's family and friends for your great loss.

"Ronnie, thank you for rocking hard 'till the end! You are the true hero of heavy metal and an inspiration to us all for generations!!!!"

 

[That 70s Guy]

Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

blabbermouth:

OZZY Says He 'Sent Encouragement' To DIO After RONNIE Was Diagnosed With Cancer - May 19, 2010
Ozzy Osbourne told QMI Agency in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on Wednesday before an afternoon news conference to promote his new solo album, "Scream", that Ronnie James Dio's ultimately fatal battle with stomach cancer hit close to home.

"As soon as I heard I heard he had been diagnosed with cancer, I sent him some encouragement," Osbourne said. "Having been through that situation myself with (my wife) Sharon when we were doing (the reality TV show) 'The Osbournes', it's always somebody over there. When it lands at your doorstep you're like, 'What do you do? How do you get round this?' When Sharon got (colon) cancer, I'd never known anyone who survived. I thought it was bullshit when they told you, 'They can survive.' I just thought they were trying to smooth me over. And she got over it."

Osbourne added that he ran into BLACK SABBATH/HEAVEN & HELL drummer Vinny Appice at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards show in early April and inquired about Dio's health.

"I didn't get a chance to see him but I was talking to the drummer Vinny, and I said, 'Did he get my message?' 'I don't know,' he said.' And I said, 'Well, tell him to keep up the fight.' Then on the weekend, we heard he had passed away, which is sad. He had a great voice. People thought that me and him were at war. At first, I suppose a bit of theatrics would be involved, but I mean it's been 30 years."

 

[That 70s Guy]

Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

blabbermouth:

HELSTAR Singer JAMES RIVERA On DIO's Passing: 'My Heart Is Severely Broken' - May 19, 2010
Vocalist James Rivera (HELSTAR, SEVEN WITCHES, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, VICIOUS RUMORS) has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"I am still in disbelief over what has just happened to my mentor, Ronnie James Dio. Unfortunately, I was in Europe when it took place. To be exact, I was in Slovenia and the ironic part of this, which is why I believe it was that much more painful for me, is that I had just performed in the city of Ljubljana the night prior with the European chapter of SABBATH JUDAS SABBATH [Rivera's BLACK SABBATH and JUDAS PRIEST cover band], showcasing many of the all-time favourite SABBATH tunes from the Dio era. Many fans in Slovenia and Greece (where we played prior to Slovenia) now really cherish those shows even more so.

"Ronnie was my 'wishing well.' He gave me the wisdom and power to become who I am and fulfill all of my dreams.

"My heart is severely broken and filled with a loneliness that I can hardly bear. I thought as the days have been passing that the misery would go away, but for now it just lingers. I can only patiently wait for another point of view to overcome this hurt. A point of view that the kiss of death has only taken him 'over the rainbow' where he is at peace.

"So now rest, great master of all metal voices. I will always love you and miss you eternally."

 

[That 70s Guy]

Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

blabbermouth

TESTAMENT Frontman On DIO: 'He Was So Genuine; Humble And The Sweetest Person In The World' - May 20, 2010
Vocalist Chuck Billy of San Francisco Bay Area thrashers TESTAMENT has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"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.

"Rest in peace."

 

[That 70s Guy]

Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

blabbermouth

VH1 CLASSIC To Pay Tribute To RONNIE JAMES DIO - May 20, 2010
VH1 Classic is celebrating the life and career of singer Ronnie James Dio with a special tribute, "Dedicated To Dio", on Saturday, May 22 at 11:30 p.m. Following "That Metal Show" at 11 p.m., host Eddie Trunk will take viewers on a special half-hour celebration showcasing rare interview footage, including Dio's appearances on "That Metal Show", which is one of his last interviews before his tragic passing, and his classic videos.

Tune in to celebrate the life of the legendary RAINBOW/BLACK SABBATH singer and honor his legacy with his well-known videos "Neon Knights", "Holy Diver", HEAR N' AID's "Stars" and "The Mob Rules", and never-before-seen footage from Dio's appearances on "That Metal Show".

Fans can catch full episodes of "That Metal Show" featuring Dio at VH1Classic.com and music videos, exclusive clips and more.

 

[That 70s Guy]

Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

blabbermouth

SLASH: RONNIE JAMES DIO Was 'The Kind Of Rock Star People Should Aspire To Be' - May 20, 2010
Former GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash told MTV News that legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio — who died early Sunday morning after battling stomach cancer for less than a year — was one of a kind. "There's not a lot of people like Ronnie," he said. "You start to recognize [his] amazing contribution to rock and roll, or to music, however you want to look at it. People have taken it for granted because he's so good and he's always been there. He's so consistent, he's always putting out albums, he's been in four different bands, and he's always been around. And all of a sudden, the reality of him not being there anymore really makes you recognize what an iconic and amazing individual he was."

A few days after Dio's death, Slash said the reality was just beginning to set in that the world will be without the singer's signature operatic wail. "Ronnie is one of a kind," he said. "He was phenomenal. We met many times in passing. Not too long ago, we put our hand imprints at the RockWalk at Guitar Center in Los Angeles together. He was a consummate gentleman — the kind of rock star people should aspire to be, as opposed to being sort of arrogant ******. Ronnie was very genuine and very considerate and just really nice to everybody."

 

[That 70s Guy]

Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

blabbermouth

DEEP PURPLE Guitarist Remembers RONNIE JAMES DIO - May 20, 2010
DEEP PURPLE guitarist Steve Morse has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"Ronnie Dio was a real musician. He was a guy that everybody liked, and always sang loud, in tune, and strong, with that famous voice. I watched him patiently deal with fans at the stage door, and patiently deal with me when I was lucky enough to back him up on our orchestra tour (DEEP PURPLE and orchestra with special friends). We backed him up doing a couple of his tunes, and he was tactful and precise with his constructive comments. He could tell if I played one note wrong. I recall him telling me that he used to play trumpet, which might explain his very good ears.

"Everybody that ever met him will miss him, as well as anybody who ever heard him sing.

 

[That 70s Guy]

Re: Official Ronnie James Dio tribute thread

blabbermouth

DEEP PURPLE Singer: RONNIE JAMES DIO Was 'The Kindest Man We Ever Knew' - May 20, 2010
DEEP PURPLE vocalist Ian Gillan has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"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."

Ronnie James Dio was one of the featured guests on Gillan's all-star retrospective disc, "Gillan's Inn", which came out in 2006. The CD saw Gillan revisiting a number of songs from throughout his career, which included his long tenure in DEEP PURPLE, his solo work, and a short-lived membership in BLACK SABBATH.