Metal legend Ronnie James Dio has lost his battle with stomach cancer at the age of 67.
The former lead singer of Rainbow and Black Sabbath and current frontman for Heaven and Hell was diagnosed with the cancer only 6 months ago on November 25, 2009.Premature reports surfaced yesterday about his death leading his wife Wendy to make a statement that he was still alive “but not at all well”.
Today she broke the news to fans via Ronnie’s website.
“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. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever."
Ronald James Padavona was born on July 10, 1942. He was a professional musician from 1957 right up until his death.
The name Dio came from Johnny Dio, a mafia hood. Ronnie first used it professionally in 1961.
Dio’s first big hit was ‘Love Is All’ from Roger Glover’s ‘The Butterfly and the Grasshopper’s Feast’. It was a number one hit around the world including Australia.
Dio joined Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow in 1975 and recorded three albums with the band.
In 1979, he left Rainbow to replace Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath. That line-up reunited in recent years as Heaven and Hell (Sharon Osbourne would not let them use the Black Sabbath name) and released their one and only album ‘The Devil You Know’ in 2009.
After being diagnosed with stomach cancer, Dio started treatment immediately at the Mayo Clinic. In March, after 7 chemo’s, Wendy Dio reported that the outlook was good and that Ronnie would return to work.
However on May 4, Heaven and Hell had to cancel their European tour.
R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio, one of the world’s greatest metal vocalists.
Love Is All - Roger Glover and friends featuring Ronnie James Dio on vocals:
