Me either. I'm still....just....wow.
Ronnie James Dio (1942-2010) - The Official Topic
- Thread starter Forostar
- Start date
Onhell
Infinite Dreamer
When I think about it, it doesn't really sink in, then I remember watching Heaven and Hell live and I think, "Wow, I was very fortunate..." Then it sinks in...
Thanks for the merging btw.
If you guys work it out you should post it here for us to give it a listen
Thanks for the merging btw.
Mega said:
If you guys work it out you should post it here for us to give it a listen
Perun said:
I know what you mean, because I know how much you loved his music. This isn't hitting me quite as hard, even though it's the thing I've been thinking about the most since I heard about it last night.
Per, I bet you feel now the way I did when Frank Zappa died in 1993. He was my #3 favorite artist ever, and I suspect Dio is up in that range for you (when you consider all his bands).
Back then, I went into about a 10-minute blackout when I heard the news. Just sat and stared at the TV, without really hearing any of the other news stories. Not even thinking - just in shock. It didn't help that I hadn't known Zappa had cancer. At least I knew about Dio... maybe that's why this isn't hitting me as hard. We knew it was coming, we just didn't know when.
SinisterMinisterX said:
That is actually a surprisingly accurate statement- he was my 3rd favourite singer, after Freddie Mercury and Bruce Dickinson. Heaven and Hell is easily one of my most played and most treasured albums.
In one way or the other, with Rainbow, Sabbath or Dio, he has been with me in so many situations. His music and lyrics have given me so much strength in times that were very difficult to me... and seeing him play live with Sabbath last year was literally a dream come true.
SinisterMinisterX said:
That's pretty much what happened to me last night. I came home, logged on the net and it was the first thing I read... and it felt like a lightning struck straight through my heart. I'm still not over it.
Rotam
Night and day I scan horizon, sea and sky
JackAttack
Trooper
It's really amazing how the metal community is being brought together by Ronnie's passing. While I expected it, it's still incredible seeing everyone come together and mourn and remember him.
D
Deleted member 7164
Guest
It's a lot different feeling listening to his music now. The good thing is that he had tendency to write metaphorical...because i get shivers sometimes listening to Richard Wright singing his part in Time. If you get my point...
Genghis Khan
Ancient Mariner
Yesterday before I learned of his death, I was listening to 'Holy Diver' and 'The Last in Line', probably happening in his last hour. R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio. A great talent will be missed.
Albie
Keeping an open eye on the Weeping Angels.
More from the BBC: What does this hand gesture mean?
Edit: I'm not the one asking this question, by the way.
Edit: I'm not the one asking this question, by the way.
Onhell
Infinite Dreamer
In a Metal documentary where the birth of the "devil horns" was being disputed, experts stated Dio started while Gene Simmons says he started it on one of the Kiss album covers. Regardless, Dio said he got it from his grandmother who was superstitious and it was to ward off the Evil Eye, thus it was/is a protection symbol, not a "satanic metal abomination" the fans and retractors alike think it is.
Go read the Wiki article about the horns - I did yesterday. Interesting...
Gene holds his pick in those 2 middle fingers, unlike most players. The natural consequence is leaving the index and pinky extended. He never flashed the horns by intent; he was just raising his hand while holding his pick in his normal way. Once Dio made the horns popular, Gene tried to take credit.
Then again, Gene's always been an asshole.
Gene holds his pick in those 2 middle fingers, unlike most players. The natural consequence is leaving the index and pinky extended. He never flashed the horns by intent; he was just raising his hand while holding his pick in his normal way. Once Dio made the horns popular, Gene tried to take credit.
Then again, Gene's always been an asshole.
Forostar
Ancient Mariner
Again countless reactions on Dio's death today... For the ones interested, I copy some here, and put them in spoilers, which is easier scrolling in this topic, for people who'd like to skip all this:
King Diamond
Steve Vai
Vinnie Appice (Heaven and Hell)
Michael Anthony (ex-Van Halen)
Kiss (on stage)
Doogie White (ex-Rainbow)
Dave Meniketti (Y&T / Hear N' Aid)
Mick Box (Uriah Heep)
Van Halen in 1976 - never before circulated soundboard recording of them doing Man On The Silver Mountain
Jon Schaffer (Iced Earth)
Jon Olivia (Savatage)
(a fan talking about + link with footage of) Pearl Jam paying tribute at a concert
Biff Byford (Saxon)
Doug Aldrich
Jeff Waters (Annihilator)
Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister (Motorhead)
Kerry King (Slayer)
Ozzy Osbourne
Jon Lord (ex-Deep Purple)
Blaze Bayley
King Diamond
"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."
"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."
Steve Vai
"Dio was a shining light of rock/metal authenticity. He was a completely dedicated artist with massive talent. It's likely that his vital contributions will continue to inspire well into the future. He is now legend. But more than all this, Ronnie was a really cool guy. I mean reeeally cool.
"God bless you, brutha."
"God bless you, brutha."
Vinnie Appice (Heaven and Hell)
"Hey, Ron, I never thought the day would come so suddenly.
"Ronnie was everything to me. He was my best friend, he was my brother. I sat behind him on my drums each night and played, watching him sing, hearing his roaring voice through my monitors. Every night he sent chills down my spine with his singing, inspiring me to push it further and play the best I can to the limit.
"I always knew how lucky I was to be in a band with him, but to become friends was even more special.
"When I met Ronnie I was a kid, 21 years old, eyes wide opened. He took me under his wing, he showed me the way, he was the greatest teacher and inspiration in my life and most of all, the greatest rock singer in the world!
"My heart is so broken. We are now in a world without him and I will miss him so much. I can only think of how fortunate I was to make music with him that was in his heart. Music that will remain to be listened to by all his fans all over the world, whom he adored and loved!
"Ronnie, I love you, man!!"
"Ronnie was everything to me. He was my best friend, he was my brother. I sat behind him on my drums each night and played, watching him sing, hearing his roaring voice through my monitors. Every night he sent chills down my spine with his singing, inspiring me to push it further and play the best I can to the limit.
"I always knew how lucky I was to be in a band with him, but to become friends was even more special.
"When I met Ronnie I was a kid, 21 years old, eyes wide opened. He took me under his wing, he showed me the way, he was the greatest teacher and inspiration in my life and most of all, the greatest rock singer in the world!
"My heart is so broken. We are now in a world without him and I will miss him so much. I can only think of how fortunate I was to make music with him that was in his heart. Music that will remain to be listened to by all his fans all over the world, whom he adored and loved!
"Ronnie, I love you, man!!"
Michael Anthony (ex-Van Halen)
"I don't know anybody that didn't grow up listening to his stuff. You know, Van Halen, we used to do from the first Rainbow album, we did 'Man On The Silver Mountain'. I remember one time, the second Van Halen tour we were doing some festivals in Europe, and we actually played on the same show as Ronnie's band. Real powerful voice, you know, and definitely a driving force in hard rock music, that guy was."
"Ronnie was a great guy. I remember when we opened for them, all of us were back at the hotel having some drinks; it was his birthday, and I remember us all just hanging out, and he was just a great guy."
"Ronnie was a great guy. I remember when we opened for them, all of us were back at the hotel having some drinks; it was his birthday, and I remember us all just hanging out, and he was just a great guy."
Kiss (on stage)
Doogie White (ex-Rainbow)
"A very great man lost his life.
"Ronnie James Dio was one of, if not the greatest singer I ever heard.
"I remember trembling when I heard 'Rainbow Rising', such was the passion and energy not only from the band and Ritchie's guitar but from that voice that shone above all else. He was also a jolly decent chap who had time for all fans come rain, wind or shine.
"I first met Ronnie 10 years or so ago and he said, 'Ah! So you are Doogie, I know who you are, but never knew what you looked like. Come in, son and have a glass of wine. Is red okay?' This was backstage at the Wembley Arena. He dedicated 'Man On The Silver Mountain' to me that night, saying 'To my new friend, Doogie. You may have sung it, but I sang it first.'
"We met a few times after that and discussed his excitement at doing the Tenacious D movie and the loss of his thumb in the bizzare gardening accident. We agreed gardening was the new RnR.
"I had a tremendous affection for the man. He was kind, considerate and wonderful fun.
"My thoughts at this time go out to Wendy and to the extended Dio family. You do know how much he was and is loved, for his music, his singing, his humanity.
"Catch the rainbow... Ronnie... Catch the rainbow."
"Ronnie James Dio was one of, if not the greatest singer I ever heard.
"I remember trembling when I heard 'Rainbow Rising', such was the passion and energy not only from the band and Ritchie's guitar but from that voice that shone above all else. He was also a jolly decent chap who had time for all fans come rain, wind or shine.
"I first met Ronnie 10 years or so ago and he said, 'Ah! So you are Doogie, I know who you are, but never knew what you looked like. Come in, son and have a glass of wine. Is red okay?' This was backstage at the Wembley Arena. He dedicated 'Man On The Silver Mountain' to me that night, saying 'To my new friend, Doogie. You may have sung it, but I sang it first.'
"We met a few times after that and discussed his excitement at doing the Tenacious D movie and the loss of his thumb in the bizzare gardening accident. We agreed gardening was the new RnR.
"I had a tremendous affection for the man. He was kind, considerate and wonderful fun.
"My thoughts at this time go out to Wendy and to the extended Dio family. You do know how much he was and is loved, for his music, his singing, his humanity.
"Catch the rainbow... Ronnie... Catch the rainbow."
Dave Meniketti (Y&T / Hear N' Aid)
"At this current moment in time this is very difficult for me as I'm extremely saddened by the news of his passing so I may not so eloquently say exactly what I feel, but here it is, just the same.
"Though I can only speak of Ronnie as an acquaintance, his impact on me has been one of positivity and I will forever remember his spirit. This is not simply because he has been so kind to me over his career, but because he has reinforced the feelings I have for the way one should lead their lives as an entertainer and as a man.
"His talent speaks for itself, but his kindness to his fans and commitment to his art was exceptional. This man, with such an amazing and uncanny voice that had lasted for his entirety, has taught me a few things about how to be selfless, yet frank and unapologetic about life as a public figure and artist. As I have witnessed, Ronnie, no matter how tired, would greet every fan with true sincerity and complete attention, never belittling them, nor seeming to show any trace of being impatient with the commitment that comes with being a star.
"When I think back as Y&T started our first of many shows on tour together for the 'Meanstreak' record in 1983, I remember my feelings about hearing his voice for the first time. We had just walked into the hall as Dio was sound-checking. I had made it half way across the concert hall, looking for our backstage room as he started to sing. I stopped in my tracks and looked back in amazement as this incredibly huge voice bellowed out from the PA speakers. I was both taken aback and incredibly intimidated by his ability. Absolutely astonished, is all I could feel.
"Since that time, the band had become friends with the Dio bunch and have had many interactions throughout the years after.
"I remember when we were recording our 'Contagious' CD how the guys were across the parking lot rehearsing and we would each hang out at each others places. I remember the full bar, in a road case, that Ronnie had for their rehearsals and thought 'how cool is that.' I remember Vinny selflessly coming in the studio to help Jimmy work out how to play the beat to 'L.A. Rocks' when he was having trouble with the groove. And I mostly remember how Ronnie had entrusted me to be the first singer on the 'Stars' single for the Hear N' Aid project. His guidance as I sang the track was both knowledgeable and respectful, always in control and always a gentleman. I have many more personal memories that I will keep to myself, but suffice it to say that this man was a true star.
"I terribly mourn the loss of him and celebrate him to the highest. We have all lost a legendary vocalist and, as far as I'm concerned, a fine man beyond reproach. For myself, I have lost what I considered a true friend in what can often be a cut-throat and unfriendly business.
"Long live Ronnie James Dio."
"Though I can only speak of Ronnie as an acquaintance, his impact on me has been one of positivity and I will forever remember his spirit. This is not simply because he has been so kind to me over his career, but because he has reinforced the feelings I have for the way one should lead their lives as an entertainer and as a man.
"His talent speaks for itself, but his kindness to his fans and commitment to his art was exceptional. This man, with such an amazing and uncanny voice that had lasted for his entirety, has taught me a few things about how to be selfless, yet frank and unapologetic about life as a public figure and artist. As I have witnessed, Ronnie, no matter how tired, would greet every fan with true sincerity and complete attention, never belittling them, nor seeming to show any trace of being impatient with the commitment that comes with being a star.
"When I think back as Y&T started our first of many shows on tour together for the 'Meanstreak' record in 1983, I remember my feelings about hearing his voice for the first time. We had just walked into the hall as Dio was sound-checking. I had made it half way across the concert hall, looking for our backstage room as he started to sing. I stopped in my tracks and looked back in amazement as this incredibly huge voice bellowed out from the PA speakers. I was both taken aback and incredibly intimidated by his ability. Absolutely astonished, is all I could feel.
"Since that time, the band had become friends with the Dio bunch and have had many interactions throughout the years after.
"I remember when we were recording our 'Contagious' CD how the guys were across the parking lot rehearsing and we would each hang out at each others places. I remember the full bar, in a road case, that Ronnie had for their rehearsals and thought 'how cool is that.' I remember Vinny selflessly coming in the studio to help Jimmy work out how to play the beat to 'L.A. Rocks' when he was having trouble with the groove. And I mostly remember how Ronnie had entrusted me to be the first singer on the 'Stars' single for the Hear N' Aid project. His guidance as I sang the track was both knowledgeable and respectful, always in control and always a gentleman. I have many more personal memories that I will keep to myself, but suffice it to say that this man was a true star.
"I terribly mourn the loss of him and celebrate him to the highest. We have all lost a legendary vocalist and, as far as I'm concerned, a fine man beyond reproach. For myself, I have lost what I considered a true friend in what can often be a cut-throat and unfriendly business.
"Long live Ronnie James Dio."
Mick Box (Uriah Heep)
"This is a very sad day today, as we have lost one of the true great rock singers of our time, Ronnie James Dio. He was a wonderful man, and whenever our paths crossed on the road we always shared a laugh or two, and I can honestly say he was a true gentleman of the highest order, and a shining example to us all. He will now be singing in rock 'n' roll heaven, which is our loss and their gain. He will be sadly missed as a singer, writer and a friend, and he really did have a set of golden pipes that really set the standards for others to follow. There will surely not be another one like him, and his music will live on forever."
Van Halen in 1976 - never before circulated soundboard recording of them doing Man On The Silver Mountain
The Van Halen News Desk web site has been updated with following message:
"As a tribute to the late, great, Ronnie James Dio, the Van Halen News Desk has dusted off an old recording from our archives. It's Van Halen covering the early Rainbow classic 'Man On The Silver Mountain'! This recording is from Van Halen's club days…1976, to be exact.
"This is a totally UNCIRCULATED SOUNDBOARD recording, never before heard by anyone. It's never been in any trader's circles or in any collector's hands. (Some bootleg collectors do have a live version of Van Halen covering 'Man On The Silver Mountain', but this is a new recording, from a different performance entirely. This version sounds much better than the version that people have heard). The picture below is from '76, too. Enjoy!"
"As a tribute to the late, great, Ronnie James Dio, the Van Halen News Desk has dusted off an old recording from our archives. It's Van Halen covering the early Rainbow classic 'Man On The Silver Mountain'! This recording is from Van Halen's club days…1976, to be exact.
"This is a totally UNCIRCULATED SOUNDBOARD recording, never before heard by anyone. It's never been in any trader's circles or in any collector's hands. (Some bootleg collectors do have a live version of Van Halen covering 'Man On The Silver Mountain', but this is a new recording, from a different performance entirely. This version sounds much better than the version that people have heard). The picture below is from '76, too. Enjoy!"
Jon Schaffer (Iced Earth)
"I just wanted to write a note about Ronnie James Dio and how much I will miss him.
"Ronnie was the most genuine person I've ever met in the music industry.
"I think we've all had run-ins with our childhood heroes, and sometimes it can be a disappointing experience. This was definitely not the case with Ronnie. He was a wise, kind, and special person, and a dear friend that will be greatly missed.
"Rest in peace, brother. Your spirit and music will continue to inspire generations to come."
"Ronnie was the most genuine person I've ever met in the music industry.
"I think we've all had run-ins with our childhood heroes, and sometimes it can be a disappointing experience. This was definitely not the case with Ronnie. He was a wise, kind, and special person, and a dear friend that will be greatly missed.
"Rest in peace, brother. Your spirit and music will continue to inspire generations to come."
Jon Olivia (Savatage)
"Two days have passed and I still cannot come to grips with the tragic passing of Ronnie James Dio.
"My heart is sad once again.
"I have always considered Ronnie as a God, a hero, a pioneer, a legend, and one of the nicest people I have ever met.
"Ronnie gave Savatage their first break when he took us on tour so many years ago. We were so young and did so many stupid things on that tour. But Ronnie let it all go, and took care of us.
"The world has lost more than an icon...we lost so much more than that this past Sunday.
"I can't properly express my sadness.
"Thank you, Ronnie, and for all you have given us as a musician, but most of all for your sweet and caring soul. You will be missed, and we will celebrate your life forever."
"My heart is sad once again.
"I have always considered Ronnie as a God, a hero, a pioneer, a legend, and one of the nicest people I have ever met.
"Ronnie gave Savatage their first break when he took us on tour so many years ago. We were so young and did so many stupid things on that tour. But Ronnie let it all go, and took care of us.
"The world has lost more than an icon...we lost so much more than that this past Sunday.
"I can't properly express my sadness.
"Thank you, Ronnie, and for all you have given us as a musician, but most of all for your sweet and caring soul. You will be missed, and we will celebrate your life forever."
(a fan talking about + link with footage of) Pearl Jam paying tribute at a concert
"Just got home from the Pearl Jam show in Boston, Massachusetts.
"I arrived at the Garden about 45 minutes before the opening act, BAND OF HORSES, hit the stage. I was pleasantly surprised to hear music from the entire career of Ronnie James Dio loudly playing over the house speakers the entire time! And in an even cooler moment, during the closing of the 'Alive', Pearl Jam finished up the song by belting out the unmistakable riffs from Black Sabbath's track 'Heaven And Hell'!
"Cheers to Pearl Jam.
"Long live rock n' roll.
"Dio will be sorely missed."
Fan-filmed video footage of the "Alive" performance from last night's (Monday, May 17) Pearl Jam concert.
"I arrived at the Garden about 45 minutes before the opening act, BAND OF HORSES, hit the stage. I was pleasantly surprised to hear music from the entire career of Ronnie James Dio loudly playing over the house speakers the entire time! And in an even cooler moment, during the closing of the 'Alive', Pearl Jam finished up the song by belting out the unmistakable riffs from Black Sabbath's track 'Heaven And Hell'!
"Cheers to Pearl Jam.
"Long live rock n' roll.
"Dio will be sorely missed."
Fan-filmed video footage of the "Alive" performance from last night's (Monday, May 17) Pearl Jam concert.
Biff Byford (Saxon)
"Today I heard my friend Ronnie Dio has lost his battle.
"It is a great loss to us all.
"I first met Ronnie in the early Eighties when we played with Black Saabbath and Blue Öyster Cult, the infamous 'Black And Blue' tour.
"I first heard him sing on 'The Butterfly Ball' and from that moment I understood what great singing was all about; he was at the top of his game from then on.
"His voice was always powerful and soaring; his phrasing was uniquely his, copied by many but never bettered.
"I will miss him as we all will.
"The last time we met was in Finland last year, both bands stranded in an airport with flight delays. What do you do?! Go to the bar, get drunk and tell rock and roll stories.
"He told great stories.
"Deepest condolences to his family.
"Somewhere in the night a candle burns for you
"To absent friends."
"It is a great loss to us all.
"I first met Ronnie in the early Eighties when we played with Black Saabbath and Blue Öyster Cult, the infamous 'Black And Blue' tour.
"I first heard him sing on 'The Butterfly Ball' and from that moment I understood what great singing was all about; he was at the top of his game from then on.
"His voice was always powerful and soaring; his phrasing was uniquely his, copied by many but never bettered.
"I will miss him as we all will.
"The last time we met was in Finland last year, both bands stranded in an airport with flight delays. What do you do?! Go to the bar, get drunk and tell rock and roll stories.
"He told great stories.
"Deepest condolences to his family.
"Somewhere in the night a candle burns for you
"To absent friends."
Doug Aldrich
"I'm going to miss him so much.
"We lost a giant ...
"Just broken today.
"I was blessed to share some music with him, but mostly, I am thankful his friendship.
"Ronnie was a good-hearted, caring man. He brought so much happiness through his music.
"Thank you, Ronnie, for the gifts you shared with us.
"Ronnie made magic and Ronnie was and will always be golden.
"Goodbye, Ronnie. Love you forever."
"We lost a giant ...
"Just broken today.
"I was blessed to share some music with him, but mostly, I am thankful his friendship.
"Ronnie was a good-hearted, caring man. He brought so much happiness through his music.
"Thank you, Ronnie, for the gifts you shared with us.
"Ronnie made magic and Ronnie was and will always be golden.
"Goodbye, Ronnie. Love you forever."
Jeff Waters (Annihilator)
"Ronnie was a super-nice person, uniquely talented and has left us all with great music. In a way, it will strange to live and work in a world and business where Ronnie James Dio is no longer on tour, at the festivals, putting out his music.
"You will never be forgotten and will live on in the music of so many others.
"Stand up and shout."
"You will never be forgotten and will live on in the music of so many others.
"Stand up and shout."
Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister (Motorhead)
"I'm truly upset, especially since he seemed to be rallying at the Revolver Golden Gods show [on April 8, 2010 at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, California].
"Bon voyage, Ronnie. Rest in peace.
"I'm devastated."
"Bon voyage, Ronnie. Rest in peace.
"I'm devastated."
Kerry King (Slayer)
..who listened to "Man on the Silver Mountain" by Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow as a teenager, told Billboard.com that being able to meet Ronnie James Dio was one of his treasured memories. "Few people have had the ability to carry a song like Dio, literally demanding your attention as he effortlessly recreated live the amazing things he did on record," King said. "It's odd how things get taken from you quickly...I just saw him a month ago. I know I was lucky to have known Ronnie. One of the nicest guys in the business, without a doubt. He will be hugely missed."
Ozzy Osbourne
"I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Ronnie James Dio. Metal has truly lost one of its greatest voices. My heart goes out to his family and to his many fans."
"Love and respect."
"Love and respect."
Jon Lord (ex-Deep Purple)
"I would like, along with my wife and daughters, to express my sadness at the passing of Ronnie Dio.
"Ronnie was a friend of many years standing and a truly delightful man. His voice was an instrument of power and of beauty, and was a seminal influence in rock music. His loss is even more devastating when considering how much more he would have had to offer us.
"My heart goes out to dear Wendy, and my thoughts are also with Roger and Ritchie, who were so close to him for so long.
"I will always cherish the memories of those remarkable nights at The Royal Albert Hall in September 1999 when, sitting on the stage with all the massed musicians of Deep Purple, the London Symphony Orchestra et al, Ronnie sang Roger's lovely song 'Sitting in a Dream' and brought us smiles and tears, and goosebumps as big as they come.
"I shall forever connect that song with that moment and with Ronnie.
"Rest in peace, my friend."
"Ronnie was a friend of many years standing and a truly delightful man. His voice was an instrument of power and of beauty, and was a seminal influence in rock music. His loss is even more devastating when considering how much more he would have had to offer us.
"My heart goes out to dear Wendy, and my thoughts are also with Roger and Ritchie, who were so close to him for so long.
"I will always cherish the memories of those remarkable nights at The Royal Albert Hall in September 1999 when, sitting on the stage with all the massed musicians of Deep Purple, the London Symphony Orchestra et al, Ronnie sang Roger's lovely song 'Sitting in a Dream' and brought us smiles and tears, and goosebumps as big as they come.
"I shall forever connect that song with that moment and with Ronnie.
"Rest in peace, my friend."
Blaze Bayley
"Very saddened by the news of the passing of Ronnie James Dio. He was the inspiration for me to start singing and join a metal band after seeing him perform in Birmingham Odeon many, many years ago on the 'Holy Diver' tour.
"My thoughts are with Wendy and the family.
"On the few occasions I met Ronnie, he was an absolute gentleman, hero and superstar and an example to us all.
Thank you, Ronnie, for your wonderful work.
"Rest in peace."
"My thoughts are with Wendy and the family.
"On the few occasions I met Ronnie, he was an absolute gentleman, hero and superstar and an example to us all.
Thank you, Ronnie, for your wonderful work.
"Rest in peace."
One of the things that I see so often is that the people who knew Dio are not talking about the wild stories, like I expect to hear when Ozzy passes (IE, Bruce, Ozzy and the cab in Munich). Everyone is just saying that he was the nicest, truest guy they knew. That is incredible in the rock business, and it just lets you know what sort of a man we have lost.
Dr. Eddies Wingman
Brighter than thousand_suns
Onhell said:
Aren't there also people claiming that the sign is used to signal loyalty to some occult brotherhood that all these known people (especially the US presidents, of course) are/were part of? A recurring theme in typical NWO conspiracy theories and also among those who look for the Antichrist everywhere.
That aside - it is very evident how loved and respected Dio was in the heavy metal community. I feel I have missed out big time when I've never seen him live with any of his bands.
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.
Invader
Ancient Mariner
To me, though, it seems like it's used nowadays by everyone except metalheads, even when there's no music involved. Compared to a few years ago, it just seems to me that you don't see the horns in the air at gigs as much nowadays, it's mostly just fists. Anyone noticed this or is it just a local thing? Or my imagination?