The Heavy Metal World Remembers Ronnie James Dio
By: Carl Sundberg
Last updated May 17th , 2010

This was a pretty sad weekend for the heavy metal world, as we lost one of the forefathers, Ronnie James Dio, of stomach cancer at the age of 67. 

It began as more of an online rumor late Saturday night, with Twitter and Facebook exploding with "news" of his death, only to be later squelched by Wendy Dio, wife of RJD. But at 7:45am Sunday morning, it was confirmed by her via Dio's official website, where the following statement from Wendy was the only thing posted:

"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. "

Now the heavy metal world has come out full force to remember the late Ronnie James Dio, and the following are all quotes from his closest friends, bandmates, colleagues and those who knew Dio best. We begin with Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath:

"I've been in total shock; I just can't believe he's gone. Ronnie was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. We had some fantastic times together. Ronnie loved what he did, making music and performing on stage. He loved his fans so much. He was a kind man and would put himself out to help others. I can honestly say it's truly been an honor to play at his side for all these years. His music will live on forever."

Ex-Dio keyboardist Jens Johansson released this message: "My time in Dio was simply one of the best times in my life. Ronnie was one of the best people I ever met, very different from the usual musicians and other suspects in this wretched industry. I think this is something you will hear over and over — you have heard it before he was gone, and you will also keep hearing it after he is gone. Quite simply, because it's the truth. And especially towards fans."

Iron Maiden released this statement: "Ronnie was not only an incredibly gifted singer but also a wonderfully warm, intelligent and generous person and this shone through both on and off stage leaving a positive mark on everyone he came into contact with. A longstanding friend of Maiden, we played many shows together over the years and we will all miss him greatly."

Here is an excerpt of an open letter from Lars Ulrich, drummer of Metallica: "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 & Hell."

Judas Priest released this statement: "We are filled with great sadness at the terrible news about our friend Ronnie James Dio. Our condolences and love go to Wendy and Ronnie's family. Ronnie was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed.

Anthrax Guitarist Scott Ian posted this: "Rest in peace, Ronnie James Dio. Horns at half mast. Such a huge loss...So many memories of Ronnie. Toured together many times. He always had a kind word and a smile and he LOVED the Yankees. In 2004 on the DIO/ANTHRAX tour I would get the Yankee score every inning for Ronnie while he was on stage. He was so into it.

An excerpt from Eddie Trunk, host of That Metal Show on VH1 from his website: "In my 27 years in the business I have never met anyone like Ronnie. I am fully aware of people that I deal with, and people that deal with me, because it's the business and what we do, but Ronnie was way beyond that. Nobody ever gave me the public show of support and respect back like Ronnie, and our friendship went way beyond the business. 

I will never forget the first time I did a TV interview with him. I had done years of radio but when I first started as a host at VH1 Classic doing interviews under the show name 'Hangin With...' Ronnie was one of the first to come in. I was wrapping up the interview and thanked him for coming by when he stopped me in mid-sentence and said, 'No, thank you. More artists should be thanking you because your the real deal and you keep us alive.' On camera, out of nowhere, early on in my TV career. That was Ronnie James Dio. One of the classiest, most sincere, real people you could ever know."

RIP Ronnie James Dio. You will never be forgotten. 

Pay respects at Dio's official facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OfficialRonnieJamesDio

[Tags] Metal, Rock

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