RIP - Ronnie James Dio

by **T-Bone** » Mon May 17, 2010 10:48 am

by **cyndy!** » Mon May 17, 2010 10:52 am

Hear 'N Aid - We're Stars

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrj5CET4ehE

by **Carla777** » Mon May 17, 2010 10:52 am

I will miss him forever, this is such a tragic lost and sad day for me and many fans around the world, the most amazing frontman and beautiful voice i ever heard has gone today :cry:

I feel so fortunate at the same time i got the chance to seem him last year here in my country with Heaven & Hell and before too with Dio shows, all of them amazing concerts. Rest in peace my dear Ronnie and keep rocking wherever you are my friend, your legacy is immortal, you will live forever in our hearts

Children of the Sea

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8cAdMLvF_A

by **DSHinMICH** » Mon May 17, 2010 11:24 am

RIP Ronnie! One of the best I have had the pleasure of seeing live!

by **Rick** » Mon May 17, 2010 11:58 am

T-Bone wrote:The Ronnie many people never heard of

Ronnie And The Redcaps (1958-61)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmbuHKuyDRc

Ronnie And The Prophets (1961-66)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaZjYO48eUk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlRJJ65sqbI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQ3OjffJ1w0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eXAaz2raeI

The Electric Elves (1967-68)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXg6qHh9G1M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hJPxIc5ZSI

The Elves (1969-70)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aX4pcG_7eQ

Elf (1972-73)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1MzNNpSY_A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZL7rgyWQ0I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqg6CFn46nY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqHzPgpp3RY

Awesome. Thanks for this post. I'm cribbing some of this stuff.

by **T-Bone** » Mon May 17, 2010 12:33 pm

I have the full albums (MP3's) of all the early stuff too :wink:

by **Arianddu** » Mon May 17, 2010 12:51 pm

Behshad wrote:RIP Ronnie. You are one of the best. I know Saint John agrees with me when I say we lost a GREAT guy.
I'm thinking even with all this sadness , there is one guy smiling above ,,,Jimi Fucking Hendrix just got his singer and they're jamming all nite with Phyl Lynnot. Rock On Dio. You will be missed.

Damn straight B! Well, he went out on my birthday, which kinda sucks, but at the same time, my favourite uncle and I were kicking back to Dio while sorting out a work schedule to put a classic bike back together (which is my birthday present from him) - so somehow it all pulled together.

All the positive vibes and respect in the world to his family and his memory.

by **Saint John** » Mon May 17, 2010 1:01 pm

To me, he's probably only second behind Klaus Meine as far as overall careers go in the last 25 or so years. This guy had it all. Attitude, fire, passion, voice, work ethic, creativity and he was great to the fans. As a selfish fan, I'm fuckin' crushed by this news. It's hard to accept that I can never see him perform again. I'd say "rest in peace," but Ronnie would never rest. Perform in peace, Ronnie. Not many did it as well and no one did it better.

by **mikemarrs** » Mon May 17, 2010 1:28 pm

awesome interview with lemmy and ronnie......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47CjshSuWHY&feature=fvw

by **Blueskies** » Mon May 17, 2010 5:11 pm

"In 2001 I had the honor of opening up for Ronnie James Dio in Chicago. He put on one of the greatest shows I have ever seen. He was also the nicest most humble person I have ever met. He took the time to encourage me and to give me advise on the pitfalls of the music business. I am very sad to hear of his passing today. The world has lost a legend and a true gentleman." ~ Joe Bonamassa

by **slucero** » Mon May 17, 2010 6:16 pm

I remember listening to this over and over and over... Neon Knights... R.I.P. Ronnie...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhe1SuBGkiA

by **TageRyche** » Mon May 17, 2010 9:09 pm

T-Bone wrote:The Ronnie many people never heard of

Ronnie And The Redcaps (1958-61)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmbuHKuyDRc

Ronnie And The Prophets (1961-66)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaZjYO48eUk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlRJJ65sqbI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQ3OjffJ1w0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eXAaz2raeI

The Electric Elves (1967-68)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXg6qHh9G1M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hJPxIc5ZSI

The Elves (1969-70)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aX4pcG_7eQ

Elf (1972-73)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1MzNNpSY_A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZL7rgyWQ0I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqg6CFn46nY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqHzPgpp3RY

Great post. I knew of Elf and The Prophets but not the other stuff.

by **Rip Rokken** » Mon May 17, 2010 11:15 pm

The metal world has lost a legend. Hits me almost as much as Michael Jackson's passing. I'll miss him.

One of my many, many favorite Dio songs...

ROCK 'n' ROLL CHILDREN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izLfge_iOnE

R.I.P. Ronnie, and peace to your family.

by **Moon Beam** » Tue May 18, 2010 12:36 am

I just can't believe this, prayed that he would heal and have longer to live. :cry:

by **SF-Dano** » Tue May 18, 2010 12:38 am

Behshad wrote:RIP Ronnie. You are one of the best. I know Saint John agrees with me when I say we lost a GREAT guy.
I'm thinking even with all this sadness , there is one guy smiling above ,,,Jimi Fucking Hendrix just got his singer and they're jamming all nite with Phyl Lynnot. Rock On Dio. You will be missed.

I like that thought.

What can be said, truely one of, if not the best, hard rock/metal voices of all time. RIP RJD. You are now officially The Man on The Silver Mountain.

One of my faves
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOyFE-1LAI0

by **Michigan Girl** » Tue May 18, 2010 8:24 am

Remembering Metal Legend Ronnie James Dio
Too long to c&p, but good!! :wink:

http://www.noisecreep.com/2010/05/17/re ... webmaildl8

by **Babyblue** » Tue May 18, 2010 9:08 am

RIP
RJD

by **Glenn** » Wed May 19, 2010 1:08 am

T-Bone wrote:The Ronnie many people never heard of

Ronnie And The Redcaps (1958-61)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmbuHKuyDRc

Ronnie And The Prophets (1961-66)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaZjYO48eUk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlRJJ65sqbI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQ3OjffJ1w0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eXAaz2raeI

The Electric Elves (1967-68)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXg6qHh9G1M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hJPxIc5ZSI

The Elves (1969-70)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aX4pcG_7eQ

Elf (1972-73)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1MzNNpSY_A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZL7rgyWQ0I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqg6CFn46nY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqHzPgpp3RY

Thank you for this!

R.I.P. Ronnie

by **Behshad** » Wed May 19, 2010 5:33 am

by **verslibre** » Wed May 19, 2010 7:31 pm

Geez already did it for all of us:

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/bla...sitemID=140298

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."

by **verslibre** » Wed May 19, 2010 7:47 pm

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=140300

"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..."

by **Jana** » Wed May 19, 2010 10:22 pm

verslibre wrote:
Geez already did it for all of us:

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/bla...sitemID=140298

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."

My eyes filled with tears reading this. Beautiful witness to their friendship and reflection on Ronnie's last days.

by **T-Bone** » Thu May 20, 2010 4:47 am

This is a good positive thread. Let's remember Dio with the good memories and accomplishments and leave out the negative aspects or comments of some musicians from his past. This thread WILL stay on topic as well. And no, you don't have to comment or respond to my comment. Thanks

by **portland** » Thu May 20, 2010 4:59 am

From Metallica.com

A Letter To Ronnie
5/16/2010
[ back ]

Dear Ronnie,

I just got off stage in Zagreb. I was met with the news that you've passed on. I'm kind of in shock, but I wanted you to know that you were one of the main reasons I made it onto that stage to begin with. When I first saw you in Elf, opening for Deep Purple in 1975, I was completely blown away by the power in your voice, your presence on stage, your confidence, and the ease with which you seemed to connect to 6000 Danish people and one starry-eyed 11 year old, most of whom were not familiar with Elf's music. The following year, I was so psyched when I heard the results of you joining forces with my favorite guitar player. You guys sounded so right for each other and I instantly became Rainbow's #1 fan in Denmark. In the fall of 1976, when you played your first show in Copenhagen, I was literally in the front row and the couple of times we made eye contact you made me feel like the most important person in the world. The news that you guys were staying in town on your day off somehow embedded itself in my brain and I made the pilgrimage to the Plaza Hotel to see if I could somehow grab a picture, an autograph, a moment, anything. A few hours later you came out and were so kind and caring... pictures, autographs and a couple minutes of casual banter. I was on top of the world, inspired and ready for anything. Rainbow came to Copenhagen a couple more times over the next few years and each time you guys blew my mind, and for a good three years were my absolute favorite band on this planet. Over the years I've been fortunate enough to run into you a half dozen times or so and each time you were as kind, caring and gracious as you were in 1976 outside the hotel. When we finally got a chance to play together in Austria in 2007, even though I may not have let on, I was literally transformed back to that little snot nosed kid who you met and inspired 31 years earlier and it was such a fucking honor and a dream come true to share a stage with you and the rest of the legends in Heaven and Hell. A couple of weeks ago when I heard that you were not going to be able to make it to the Sonisphere shows that we would be sharing this June, I wanted to call you and let you know that I was thinking of you and wish you well, but I kind of pussied out, thinking the last thing you needed in your recovery was feeling obligated to take a phone call from a Danish drummer/fan boy. I wish I'd made that call. We will miss you immensely on the dates, and we will be thinking of you with great admiration and affection during that run. It seemed so right to have you out on tour with the so-called “Big Four” since you obviously were one of the main reasons that the four bands even exist. Your ears will definitely be burning during those two weeks because all of us will be talking, reminiscing and sharing stories about how knowing you has made our lives that much better.

Ronnie, your voice impacted and empowered me, your music inspired and influenced me, and your kindness touched and moved me. Thank you.

Much love,

Lars

by **Rip Rokken** » Thu May 20, 2010 8:45 am

That's probably the coolest thing I've ever heard come out of Lars' mouth. Very nice and genuine.

by **Behshad** » Thu May 20, 2010 9:28 am

T-Bone wrote:This is a good positive thread. Let's remember Dio with the good memories and accomplishments and leave out the negative aspects or comments of some musicians from his past. This thread WILL stay on topic as well. And no, you don't have to comment or respond to my comment. Thanks

I don't have to comment but I will anyway.

We had all different kind of discussions and opinions after Michael Jackson died. I didn't see you deleting posts that were MUCH MUCH WORSE than just few posts that were here.
Dio may be the God to most of us , but you can't silence people if they're sharing some related news ?!
I don't think people were off topic or negative. People were just swapping opinions on a music message board , what a crime.

This place has always been great cause people can discuss thing openly. Now while I understand your rules of " delivering the message properly", I think you're killing this boards uniqueness by playing God around here and deciding a bit too much on peoples feelings in regards to a Rock Gods death ,,,,,

by **Behshad** » Thu May 20, 2010 9:45 am

portland wrote:From Metallica.com

A Letter To Ronnie
5/16/2010
[ back ]

Dear Ronnie,

I just got off stage in Zagreb. I was met with the news that you've passed on. I'm kind of in shock, but I wanted you to know that you were one of the main reasons I made it onto that stage to begin with. When I first saw you in Elf, opening for Deep Purple in 1975, I was completely blown away by the power in your voice, your presence on stage, your confidence, and the ease with which you seemed to connect to 6000 Danish people and one starry-eyed 11 year old, most of whom were not familiar with Elf's music. The following year, I was so psyched when I heard the results of you joining forces with my favorite guitar player. You guys sounded so right for each other and I instantly became Rainbow's #1 fan in Denmark. In the fall of 1976, when you played your first show in Copenhagen, I was literally in the front row and the couple of times we made eye contact you made me feel like the most important person in the world. The news that you guys were staying in town on your day off somehow embedded itself in my brain and I made the pilgrimage to the Plaza Hotel to see if I could somehow grab a picture, an autograph, a moment, anything. A few hours later you came out and were so kind and caring... pictures, autographs and a couple minutes of casual banter. I was on top of the world, inspired and ready for anything. Rainbow came to Copenhagen a couple more times over the next few years and each time you guys blew my mind, and for a good three years were my absolute favorite band on this planet. Over the years I've been fortunate enough to run into you a half dozen times or so and each time you were as kind, caring and gracious as you were in 1976 outside the hotel. When we finally got a chance to play together in Austria in 2007, even though I may not have let on, I was literally transformed back to that little snot nosed kid who you met and inspired 31 years earlier and it was such a fucking honor and a dream come true to share a stage with you and the rest of the legends in Heaven and Hell. A couple of weeks ago when I heard that you were not going to be able to make it to the Sonisphere shows that we would be sharing this June, I wanted to call you and let you know that I was thinking of you and wish you well, but I kind of pussied out, thinking the last thing you needed in your recovery was feeling obligated to take a phone call from a Danish drummer/fan boy. I wish I'd made that call. We will miss you immensely on the dates, and we will be thinking of you with great admiration and affection during that run. It seemed so right to have you out on tour with the so-called “Big Four” since you obviously were one of the main reasons that the four bands even exist. Your ears will definitely be burning during those two weeks because all of us will be talking, reminiscing and sharing stories about how knowing you has made our lives that much better.

Ronnie, your voice impacted and empowered me, your music inspired and influenced me, and your kindness touched and moved me. Thank you.

Much love,

Lars

Lars is a class act. What a great letter.

by **S2M** » Thu May 20, 2010 10:12 am

Saw Dio in December of '87 with Megadeth and Savatage...on the Dream Evil tour, which top to bottom is my favorite Dio album...in my top 5 vocalists all-time...

by **conversationpc** » Thu May 20, 2010 11:10 am

The thing I like best about Dio, aside from his musical talent, is how he stood up for those who weren't part of the "in" or "popular" crowds, i.e., the downtrodden and unpopular folks. Those are the people he said he'd written many of his songs about. I just watched an interview this morning about how he, being a very short man, always identified with the short, lonely, overweight, etc. He will definitely be missed. :-(

by **conversationpc** » Thu May 20, 2010 11:25 am

T-Bone wrote:The Ronnie many people never heard of

Ronnie And The Redcaps (1958-61)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmbuHKuyDRc

Ronnie And The Prophets (1961-66)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaZjYO48eUk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlRJJ65sqbI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQ3OjffJ1w0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eXAaz2raeI

The Electric Elves (1967-68)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXg6qHh9G1M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hJPxIc5ZSI

The Elves (1969-70)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aX4pcG_7eQ

Elf (1972-73)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1MzNNpSY_A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZL7rgyWQ0I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqg6CFn46nY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqHzPgpp3RY

Most of the pre-Elf stuff listed here is available for free on this site... http://www.padavona.com/mp3.html

I'm under the impression that these are available legally. My apologies if not.

MR

RIP - Ronnie James Dio

Who is online