It only seems a couple of months ago that his fight against cancer was announced.

One of the very greatest rock vocalists and very influential.

Play Stargazer in his memory:

http://www.progarchives.com/mp3.asp?id=3254

I am devastated. The whole thing brought back memories of my mom's illness and passing, only a few years ago. We were lucky to see him perform last year with Heaven and Hell. He seemed such a force of nature... I just can't believe he's gone. 

I'm shocked.  I had no idea he had cancer.  His legendary voice will be sorely missed.

This is a real tragedy. I knew he had cancer, but I'm still shocked by this fact. He will be greatly missed.Rock in peace Dio.

Just got this news on PrOgulus.com,
This is what I wrote at the Forum:
http://www.progulus.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=6783#6783
(many folks know on the Station what a HUGE Rainbow/Dio-Sabbath fan I am...)

Thats really fucked up . . .

Well, I'm sure many can imagine what I'm feeling, just take a look at my Icon for the past few months .

I can't tell you what I feel for Ronnie James Dio, his music and especially his contributions to Rainbow.
His songs were EPIC and full of emotion, I used to stare at his Live on Stage Pics that were like portraits
of a Dramatic Actor.  I think he lived those lyrics at those moments, and he felt the surge of emotions
from the crowd.  He re-vitalized Black Sabbath and brought them a new legion of Fans.
His lyrics were, prolific, intelligent and sometimes esoteric, and he played with some of the most talented
musicians in music (let-alone Heavy Metal).
Even though I missed seeing him in Black Sabbath/Heaven & Hell, I'd seen him numerous times with his
own Band "Dio".  The Holy Diver Tour, Last in Line, Sacred Heart and I believe for Lock up the Wolves.
The last time I saw them, about 5 years ago, to my amazement he sang Rainbow's  "Tarot Woman",
"Gates of Babylon" and "Stargazer"!  I thought I'd never see the day.  His voice was perfect that night, as
if he were young again.  It was appropriate that night that their was a HUGE Blood Red Full Moon out.
The next day ironically, my Father passed away  .

I always wanted to meet him, just to chat, about Life, Art, History and Music, because it seemed those
were the things that meant a great deal to him, as well as his Family.  From every Interview I've seen, he
seemed like a gentle and kind man.
Your voice is eternal, may you watch over your family and give them comfort. I'm sure you see us
shed tears for you and we'll do our best to carry on the the banner and cry...

LONG LIVE!!! ROCK AND ROLL!!!!

Be at peace my friend, and God be with you . . .


To lose the "Iconic" Fantasy Artist "Frank Frazetta" last Sunday, now Dio, this is too much


Edited by MAVIIIVAM - 17 May 2010 at 6:47am

This was a huge blow indeed!
Just when I started getting into the first Heaven And Hell-release

He will be truly missed! R.I.P.

  When will it stop, all these deaths.

Horrible news.

He had a great voice on him, he was in a few of my all time favourite bands, RIP Ronnie James Dio.

Anybody get the chance to see him live in concert?

I saw Dio at the Molson Amphitheater in Toronto with two other legendary acts, Iron Maiden and Motorhead in 2003.  What stands out the most in my head was when they played "Heaven and Hell".