Ronnie James Dio (1942-2010) - The Official Topic

I'll be honest but I don't really get the 'horns'. The way I see them, as a relatively new metalhead, is that they're kinda commercial nowadays. Back in the 80's they may have been the 'symbol' of metal and all that encompassed it but now that we have pop, indie etc people making them as a sign of appreciation it sort of makes it less metal.

If other people feel the same way as me then it could explain the decrease in the horns being shown at gigs and stuff. Also when people who don't listen to metal mock it, they always make the gutteral screaming noise that all metal singers do and throw the horns too so that's probably put me off wanting to use them.
 
LooseCannon said:
And it's amazing to think of the negative connotation they have in some circles when compared to the gem of a human being Dio was.
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Well, wait a minute.  Notwithstanding that Dio was obviously a kind, gentle and generous guy, and notwithstanding that he attributes the "horns" to his grandmother, there really isn't any doubt what they are supposed to signify:  the horns of a devil/demon.  Add that to the fact that the first few Dio album covers had a big horned devil/demon on them.  Add that to the fact that the Dio logo, turned upside down, really does say "devil."  (I've read this was unintentional -- I'm not buying it.)  Add this to the fact that he did sing often about demons, devils, dragons, wizards and all sorts of occult subject matters -- the "evil and divine."  Granted, it was all tongue in cheek, and Dio perhaps more than any other metal artist recognized and acknowledged the silliness of it all.  But, you have to admit, the "negative connotations" aren't exactly plucked from thin air. 

Having said all that, I agree that it would be a sad, unfair legacy for him to be known mostly for the "horns" sign.  He was by all accounts a wonderful human being.  And, even if he had been an asshole, his voice and music were nevertheless awesome.  My life has been enriched for having experienced them. 
 
More reactions, I thought Geezer's was very impressive to read, touched me quiet deeply to be honest:

David DeFeis (Virgin Steele)
"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."

Simon Wright (Dio)
"[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."

John Norum (Europe)
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."

Roger Glover (Deep Purple)
"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."

Ozzy Osbourne (2nd reaction)
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 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."

Ian Gillan (Deep Purple)
"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."

Geezer Butler (beware, this is a sad account of Dio's last days through the eyes of Geezer).
"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 hand ligaments were in a bad way, Vinny's 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."
 
Forostar said:
More reactions, I thought Geezer's was very impressive to read, touched me quiet deeply to be honest:
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Thanks for posting this -- I agree, Geezer's is heartwrenching. 

This got me thinking about whether Ritchie Blackmore had anything to say.  So I went to Blackmore's Night site, and he did:  ""Ronnie had a unique and wonderful voice. He will be sadly missed in the rock and roll world."  Rather muted. 
 
cornfedhick said:
This got me thinking about whether Ritchie Blackmore had anything to say.  So I went to Blackmore's Night site, and he did:  ""Ronnie had a unique and wonderful voice. He will be sadly missed in the rock and roll world."  Rather muted.
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It is indeed muted, but we should bear in mind that for some friends of Dio, they are trying to grip the fact that a loved/admired/respected one is gone and the last thing they can be concerned with is a public statement addressed to fans.

And for those who were not on speaking terms with Dio, perhaps they don't want to be completely insensitive, so a brief statement of acknowledgement will be enough.
 
Opeth, In Flames, Europe members to pay tribute on Sweden Rock Cruise  (check out the awesome idea at the end of the concert!)
Some of Sweden's finest heavy metal musicians will gather to pay tribute to Ronnie James Dio during this fall's edition of the Sweden Rock Cruise, set to sail on October 7, 2010 from Stockholm, Sweden for Åbo, Finland and return the following day. There will be a long tribute concert with a number of guest musicians performing classic songs from Dio's career with a main band consisting of members of Lion's Share.

So far the following artists have been confirmed to perform with LION'S SHARE at the event:

* Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth)
* Joacim Cans (Hammerfall)
* Björn Gelotte (In Flames)
* Ian Haugland (Europe)
* Messiah Marcolin (ex-Candlemass)
* Johan Edlund (Tiamat)
* Mike Wead (King Diamond, Mercyful Fate, Bibleblack)

Also scheduled to appear:

* Tiamat
* Nifelheim
* Alien

The show will end with all artists performing HEAR 'N AID's "Stars" (Dio was behind the HEAR N' AID project, a collection of metal artists who recorded the track "Stars" in 1985 to raise funds for African famine relief.)

On the cruise, Sweden Rock Magazine will donate SEK 25,000 to the Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund, set up by Ronnie James Dio's wife Wendy Dio. Everyone attending the cruise can donate money, which will be sent to this cancer fund. For more information or to make a reservation, go to this location.

Jorn Lande - Dio album
I have some mixed feelings about this next tribute. I mean, nothing is wrong with tributes and I know everything was already planned and recorded before Dio's death, but the video of the only self-written song is already out! The good man isn't even in the ground yet... ah well, the whole thing is done with dedication and I guess I shouldn't be bothered too much about it. Read on..
 
Jorn Lande will honor the musical legacy of Ronnie James Dio with his new album, aptly entitled "Dio", to be released on July 2 in Europe and July 27 in the U.S. via Frontiers Records.

Handpicking some lesser known tunes of the Dio era, along with some of the true classics, Jorn offers a fine collection of songs that present the music of the man and the artist, with a unique twist.

Commented Lande: "Throughout the years I have had the privilege of both meeting and working with many of the musicians that have inspired me on my musical journey. Ronnie James Dio has inspired me through decades, and this man's influence continues to add colour to my creative spirit. Ever since the first time I heard his royal roar back in the '70s, I have been fascinated by this extremely talented man's creative force and dedication to music. His career has been going on for so long and includes so many great songs that it was a challenge to decide which songs and what era to focus on. I ended up focusing on the Dio era."

"Dio" will also include an original song for which a video was produced. Jorn says, "I wrote 'Song for Ronnie James' as a tribute and a personal thanks to the man who has been my mentor for more than 35 years. This great man has affected my life and career in such a way that without his presence, I would not have become the artist I am today."

The "Song for Ronnie James" video can be viewed here.

"Dio" was mixed by Tommy Hansen at Jailhouse Studios and it features the following tracks:

01. Song For Ronnie James
02. Invisible
03. Shame on the Night
04. Push
05. Stand Up And Shout
06. Don't Talk to Strangers
07. Lord Of The Last Day
08. Night People
09. Sacred Heart
10. Sunset Superman
11. Lonely Is The Word / Letters From Earth (2010 version)
12. Kill The King
13. Straight Through The Heart (live)
14. Song For Ronnie James (video)

Bill Ward
"My wife and I have sent our condolences and have felt very sad with the news of Ronnie's passing.

"We wish to extend our positive thoughts and love to all those who loved Ronnie, and we salute him as a singer, performer, songwriter and arranger.

"We plan to make no further statements and prefer to remain private at this time."

In a recent interview with BackstageAxxess.com, Bill Ward explained why he terminated his involvement with Heaven & Hell — in November 2006 while the group was recording three new tracks to be included on the Black Sabbath collection "Black Sabbath: The Dio Years". "I had some reservations going in," he said. "However, when we actually started to play the songs, I liked the songs and the music won me over. Unfortunately, for me, I had a bit of a difficult time bringing some chops to the guys, especially Ronnie, who wanted a certain kind of feel.

"I'm not very good in being able to play to cater to musicians in a way that they might want something to be heard (laughs). It's the difference between being a drummer and an orchestrated drummer. I play in an orchestrated way. Whereas a drummer, you can give the drummer notes, and he will play the notes. So it sounds like a little bit of fish out of water. Not quite comfortable.

"There were some other instances where I felt very uncomfortable with [the Heaven & Hell situation]. All in all, it made it very difficult for me to try to lay the tracks as I was hoping I could for the guys and for myself. I needed to be happy in this, too! It just didn't work out. I feel if I had enough [learning] time… I had about a week to learn three songs. To me that's not enough time as a drummer. I like to be able to know what the hell I'm doing and I was at a place at the time where I was still feeling the tracks out. I was still getting used to the tracks. It takes me a while to get where I want to be when I'm rehearsing songs. I wasn't able to slot in what they wanted me to be. It was incompatible and it didn't work out."

Craig Goldy - Dio guitarist on:
"Time To Burn" on Intermission EP (1986)
Dream Evil (1987)
Magica (2000)
Master of the Moon (2004)
"Words simply fail me.

"There is a hole in my soul and I am unable to comprehend what has just happened.

"Words being one of many of Ronnie's ultimate creative recourses unleashed upon the world have now become my weakness.

"Please forgive me if I miss the mark in my aim to honor the most amazing man I have ever known.

"Ronnie James Dio is and was more than a legendary musician, friend and fellow band member, he was my family. He is the reason anyone really even knows who I am at all and why I exist. He rescued me from sleeping in a car on the streets of San Diego and Los Angeles and brought me into his world where dreams come true, kindness to strangers and fans, warmth, humility and integrity are paramount and where creativity could be without boundaries that could change people's lives forever.

"I know he changed mine. Not just through his music and the voice that turned his unique abilities into a legend, but who he was as a person and how he treated me and everyone he came in contact with directly and indirectly.

"He was so very good to me.

"I have so many memories of his kindness not only to me and his fans, but to perfect strangers as well.

"I was introduced to his talent before I met the man.

"Because of his incomparable talent for lyrics, I knew him before I even met him.

"He loved to read me his lyrics before he recorded the songs they belonged to because he knew that I would crack the code and would understand what he meant before he would have to translate them.

"He loved to be understood and I understood him, and that was where our special connection began so many years ago.

"We will all ache for the music that could've and should've been. However, we will be eternally grateful for the music, the man and the legend that we were given for such a short period time.

"Rest in peace, my dear friend. I will miss you deeply always and forever."

Video footage of Dio's May 30, 2008 performance in Oslo, Norway — featuring Craig Goldy on guitar — can be viewed here.
 
Speaking of the 'devil worship sign', I always used to laugh at this pic-- I'll put it in spoilers so it doesn't take up tons of room, but its from Bloom County.  It may be hard to read, but the last panel shows Steve Dallas, the manager showing the 'secret devil worship sign' ... always thought of Dio when i read that.

deathtng.jpg
 
That Children of the Sea tribute is really good.  Ripper sounds very much like Dio at many points, a few times I almost thought it was Dio singing.
 
A light, but cool and welcome homage to master Ronnie James Dio was done by a cartunist from a brasilian newspaper called AQUI -

heavenandhellcharge.jpg
 
Yeah, the song is a tribute to Dio...just read the lyrics :) It's from a single that also features We Rock cover.
 
White Wizard kicks ass!  :shred: But their videos suck.
 
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