Rest in peace, Ronnie James

[Nighthawk]

From the news this morning:

Ronnie James Dio, the lead singer for Black Sabbath and Rainbow, has died following his battle with stomach cancer. He was 67.

"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," wife and manager Wendy Dio wrote in a statement on the heavy metal star's official site. "Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. ... Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever."

Dio, who revealed he was suffering from stomach cancer last year, became the first lead singer of heavy metal band Rainbow, which was formed by Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. After recording three albums with the group, Dio left the band and joined Black Sabbath following Ozzy Osbourne's departure in 1980. The singer and the band then created the extremely popular Heaven And Hell album. In between his stints with Black Sabbath (1980-82, 1992, and 2007-09), Dio went the solo route with his self-titled band, with hits including "Rainbow In The Dark," "The Last In Line" and "Holy Diver."

The rocker, who grew up in upstate New York, also was known for popularizing the devil horns hand gesture in heavy metal culture during his time with Black Sabbath — a gesture that he said his grandmother used to ward off the evil eye. Dio even managed to flash the devil horns symbol as he lay in his hospital bed, according to The Associated Press.

His last album, The Devil You Know, was released in April 2009 and was a collaboration with Black Sabbath members under the band name Heaven & Hell.

VIDEO: Heaven & Hell: Live from Radio City Music Hall

Dio is survived by his wife Wendy, son Daniel, grandchildren Julie and Joey and father Pat.

"You're a dancer
But you're dancing on air
Just a matter of time till you fall

You're a dreamer
One night at the fair
But still you want it all

You're in danger
The last of a line
But the vision lasts forever

So just hold on
You can make it happen for you
Reach for the stars and you will fly

You're Hungry for Heaven
Hungry for Heaven
Hungry for Heaven
But you need a little hell

You're a runner
But you're chasing yourself
Feel the hot breath on your shoulder

You're emotion
Running cold running warm
The young just getting older

We are sunlight
We can sparkle and shine
And our dreams are what we're made of

So just hold on
You can make it happen for you
Reach for the stars and you will fly

You're Hungry for Heaven
Hungry for Heaven
Hungry For Heaven

You're a dancer
But you're dancing on air
Just a matter of time till you fall

You're a dreamer
One night at the fair
But still you want it all

You're in danger
The last of a line
But the vision lasts forever

So just hold on
You can make it happen for you
Reach for the stars and you will fly

You're Hungry for Heaven
Hungry for Heaven
Hungry for Heaven
But you need a little hell

You're a runner
But you're chasing yourself
Feel the hot breath on your shoulder

You're emotion
Running cold running warm
The young just getting older

We are sunlight
We can sparkle and shine
And our dreams are what we're made of

So just hold on
You can make it happen for you
Reach for the stars and you will fly

You're Hungry for Heaven
Hungry for Heaven
Hungry for Heaven
But you need a little hell
Hungry for Heaven
But you need a little hell "

[Beertigger]

\m/













--

[joecool]

A great band! I got into Dio when I was in college and have loved the music ever since. He will be missed...

[Nick the DSM]

I heard about it after band practice on sunday. My bassist called me and I just couldn't believe it.

RIP Dio

\m/

[DeWayne Ross]

Sad Day indeed.....

[sfb]

That's definitely another part of my musical upbringing gone.

I can remember getting excited, wondering what Heaven & Hell was going to sound like, after reading in the music press about him joining Sabbath. And a quick check reveals that album was released 30 years ago...

[Bugbear]

Yep, late seventies. I was there man- as a little kid.

[Lachlan09]

Makes me feel old when I hear of rock musicians dying off.

I liked Rainbow and have an album or two - my favourite songs were Temple of the King and two from post-Dio, Since You’ve Been Gone and (my favourite Rainbow song) I Surrender.

[BoldHighlander]