Скончался Ронни Джеймс Дио

Гитарист Uriah Heep Мик Бокс: "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."

Шведский клавишник Йенс Йоханссон (Stratovarius, Dio, Yngwie J. Malmsteen): "I hesitated a bit to write something about this. In a way it feels weird to use this sad day to attract attention to myself. Then I realized I also feel a bit strange to not even comment in public. I joined Dio-the-band for about a year in the early Nineties, that's how I got to know Ronnie. Him, and let's not forget Wendy [Ronnie's wife/manager], who is still very much alive. They were a team. When they took me in to the Dio family, I felt a bit like a cold puppy coming in from the rain. I had previously just left Yngwie's band which was a really fun and creative situation, but it was at the same time also tremendously chaotic and stressful. 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. If you didn't realize it by now, you can ask anyone who met him. Ronnie was the guy signing autographs in the cold rain after the point where any mere mortal would have crawled back into bed. It was insane. His dedication to the fans was not from this world. He is the guy that finally made it dawn on me who it is who actually pays the bills — it is the fans. (Well, at least he tried. If I didn't quite learn, that is my own fault.) Well, it could be everyone knows all that already, so what else can I say that you don't already know or could find out from Wikipedia? Since I was a Dio fan myself long long before I even met him, I think I have some perspective. His voice was like a tank... I never heard him have a bad day. I have honestly never met anyone else like this in my whole life. Even if he stayed up all night drinking and talking, he would still deliver 150% the next day. From his performing, you'd think he was 22 years old, his whole life... but if you look at how much he accomplished, you'd think he lived to the age of 120. He was very funny. Fond of British humor, like Monty Python. My best memories of the time with him are either him laughing at something I or someone else said, or me laughing at something he said, or any of the many running gags that he created. His lyric-writing really has depths you don't immediately see when you read them first. Read them again and think. He was very intelligent. He was, without a question, NOT some sort of devil worshipper or satanist. He grew up in a small town and was what I would call just a 'very decent person.' He had higher morals than most people I have met, and definitely he had higher morals than I have. He just didn't particularly believe in God of the Christian bible, I think. But he was really spiritual and thought about deep issues, a lot. I never saw him do any hard drugs. He was, to me, the embodiment of the idea: if you want to get anywhere, stay off the hard stuff. There was the relentless charity work for 'Children of the Night.' But that you may have heard about already and can read more about on the Internet; just google for the phrase. I realize this may sound like I'm trying to paint too soft a picture. I am really racking my brains here and I couldn't think of anything bad to say about him even if I tried. The only thing I can think of is that his character definitely had a surprising bite when something pissed him off; he didn't suffer fools lightly. If you were a fool in his path, and all options of patience, understabding and politeness had been exhausted, then he didn't hold back verbally... beware, fool, you might have two assholes all of a sudden, or your head might be rolling on the floor! I, of course, found this extremely amusing (unless it was me who was the unwitting fool, which I think happened, like, once). I don't exaggerate when I say I feel him being gone is a loss for humanity, but I still try to look at the glass as half full. Imagine if he would have died at 27 like so many other geniuses. As a listener I'm thankful for that grace, and as a person I'm thankful I got to know him. We will all die at some point; he never beat around the bush when speaking or writing about death. Cancer sucks, and I don't know what I think would suck more, him gone today, or him alive for another year but in severe pain. I'm also not sure if Ronnie would have wanted us to be too sad. (Of course, a bit sad! I'm not suggesting we go dancing in the streets with joy screaming 'lolololololololo' like those crazy Palestinians after 9/11 here.) He dedicated so much of his own life to bring happiness to other people. Let's mourn a genius and a great guy who is lost to us now. But let's mourn in a way that he constantly wrote about, by deciding that we should live each day, including this one, to its fullest, even if it is a sad day. You don't know if this day is your last day, and if it is you don't know what will follow. The music he made will remain after me, or anyone reading this, will be gone. So unless you did already, put some of it on. If it puts an evil smile on your face, then your day is better. That's all any musician can ask from you."

Актёр Кайл Гэсс (снимался в фильме «Tenascios D: медиатор судьбы»): “Dio was a great inspiration for us and one of the nicest and most gracious people we've been lucky enough to work with. His talent and spirit will be missed.”

Гитарист Slayer Керри Кинг в интервью Billboard.com заявил: "I listened to "Man on the Silver Mountain" by Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow as a teenager. Being able to meet Ronnie James Dio was one of my 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. 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."

Лидер Saxon Билл Байфорд: "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 Sabbath 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."

Певец Anthrax Джоуи Белладонна: "Ronnie was a big inspiration, influence and dear friend of mine. He was a true gentleman and kind hearted individual. He always would go out of his way to make you feel welcome and important. Without a doubt he was one of the best, top notch and a class act. I will truly miss him."

Певец группы из Флориды Obituary Джон Тарди: " Obituary would just like to say what a huge influence Dio was to this band and to the face of metal! He was one of the good guys in music and will be greatly missed! We had the opportunity, only once, to actually talk with Dio. He came up to us and I was amazed that he even knew who Obituary were! In that one, short conversation, it was clear what a kind person he was. We no longer have Dio here with us, but we will have his music forever in our souls!"

Телеведущий программы "That Metal Show" на канале VH1 Classic и радиопрограммы "Friday Night Rocks" на Q104.3 FM (Нью-Йорк) Эдди Транк: "This is a blog I truly wish I was not writing. My hands are shaking on the keyboard, so excuse the typos. I lost a dear friend today, someone who I loved way beyond just the brilliant music he gave the world for decades. Sadly, it has been confirmed that Ronnie James Dio has lost his battle with cancer. 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. Sometimes it's hard to find nice things to say about people when they pass. Not Ronnie. I could go on forever with similar stories and so can anyone else that had the honor to call him friend. I have memories and stories for a lifetime that I will cherish forever, way too many to get into here, especially in my current state as I type this. Video of the last time I saw Ronnie is on the home page of [my official web] site. It was at the Golden Gods [Awards] in L.A. April 8th of this year. I had asked him to be a guest on 'That Metal Show' a few days earlier. Wendy [Dio, Ronnie's wife/manager] called me the day before this interview and said he was not well and they were headed to the doctor. You could imagine how thrilled I was to see him on the red carpet for the awards the next day. He told me he had a bad reaction to a treatment but was okay. Needless to say, I was hoping the same recovery would happen when news came my way early this morning that he was not well. Tragically it didn't. The man fought this as bravely as anyone could as you can see by how he looks and sounds in the clip. Ronnie and I spoke on the phone when he was first diagnosed privately. It was a great conversation. I always knew how he felt about me and after we spoke he knew how I felt about him. I really need to process this. It is a tough one, to say the least. Between Rainbow, Dio and Sabbath, his voice was consistently the most heard on my radio shows, and that will never change; the music truly will live on forever and I will see to that on my end, for sure. To his fellow fans, friends and family, I express my deepest sympathy for your loss and I shed the same tears as all of you today. We have lost a legend. A brilliant musician but way beyond that, and more importantly, one of the classiest nicest people you could ever hope to know. Rest in peace, my friend. You will be missed, but know I and so many more you touched will be sure you are never forgotten through your music and love and friendship you gave us all."

Лидер Fireball Ministry преподобный Джеймс А. Рота II (Лос-Анджелес): "Fireball Ministry had the privilege to tour with Dio in 2004. The third night in, Ronnie passed me in the hall, stopped and said, 'Hey, I heard that at the last two shows you guys haven't had a dressing room. Any night that happens, just come into ours. We never eat or drink all the stuff they give us anyway.' We spent the rest of the time on the road in that dressing room with him as much as we could. He treated us as his equals, even though we were his disciples. Not only was he a true gentleman, but he also never hit a bad note the whole tour. From 'Gates of Babylon' to 'Don't Talk to Strangers', his voice was always perfection. On one of the nights in the dressing room, I asked him, 'Ronnie, what do you do before each show to warm up?' His reply as he gave me a sly pat on the shoulder, 'Jimmy, you either got it, or you don't.' He obviously had it. From myself and the rest of Fireball Ministry, thank you, Ronnie, for making it up so we had the right path to follow. You will always be the true master."

Группа из Массачусетса Killswitch Engage (кавер "Holy Diver" в 2006 г. стал первым синглом группы, попавшим в Top-20 Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart): "A very, very sad day in metal, and this one hits pretty hard. Dio was one of the greatest metal singers of all time. His soaring vocal lines even to this day, strike a chord in me that few other singers can come close to. Even in his old age, Dio rocked harder and more on point then 99% of the singers out there. He is truly a musician's musician; a model for the new school to aspire towards. A man who stuck to his guns, and played the type of music HE wanted to play...and extremely well at that!"

ШОК! БОЛЬНО...БОЛЬНО....БОЛЬНО.

Гас Джи (греческий гитарист Ozzy Osbourne, Firewind, Dream Evil, Arch Enemy): "On the night of May 16th, I was shocked to read the news. Ronnie James Dio, a true rock giant, is no longer with us. My condolences go out to his family and close ones and my thoughts are with you. His music with Dio, Black Sabbath and Rainbow has had a huge impact on me and Firewind's sound. One of the bands I used to play in also got its name from one of his songs — that was Dream Evil. While I never had the chance to meet him, Firewind played a festival with Heaven & Hell in 2009 and I got to see him perform. No doubt, it was one of the best shows I've ever seen and I was amazed by his energy and how spot-on all his notes were. His music will continue to inspire and his legacy will live on forever. Thank you for your magic, Ronnie James Dio."

Дэррелл Робертс (бывший гитарист W.A.S.P. и Five Finger Death Punch): "Beginning May 16th 2010 my world will never be the same. For me, Dio was just one of those people that seemed like they would be around forever. Flawlessly singing those songs for eternity. Although early Black Sabbath (with Ozzy) will always be one of my favorite bands, and guitar riffs like 'Into The Void', 'Hole In The Sky' and 'War Pigs' were a HUGE influence on me, I didn't really become obsessed with Sabbath until I heard 'Heaven And Hell'. It was the perfect voice combined with the perfect music to create magic! One of my fondest memories was created many years ago when I first moved to Los Angeles. I was staying with a couple friends in North Hollywood that were from my hometown of Cincinnati/Dayton, Ohio. One of my roommates was a huge Dio/Sabbath fan and said she heard that Ronnie hung out at a little pub in the Valley. After a little research, we found the pub and sure enough, there he was sitting at the bar... It was Dio! I was barely old enough to get in, had never really met a 'famous' person and was basically a Dio super-groupie. To my amazement, he was the most down-to-earth, unpretentious, super-cool guy I had ever talked to. We sat for a couple hours drinkin' beers and talking about music, guitar players and life in general. I couldn't believe it! I had just moved to L.A. and I am sitting having beers and talking music with Ronnie James Dio?!!! I thought L.A. was the greatest place on earth... Well, it wasn't LA, He was just that special and it's never really happened since then. In the last year and a half, since my departure from Five Finger Death Punch, I have had a few offers to join bands or someone's project. I half-jokingly said, 'Unless your last name is Dio, Osbourne or Hetfield,' I respectfully decline — LOL! What I meant was that I have always wanted to do my own thing, put my own band together and feel like it's now or never. BUT... if given the chance to work with Dio (on any level) presented itself, I would be there in a split second. On more than one occasion, I put packages of my work together and dropped them off at Wendy Dio's place of business... but sadly never got the call. I have always imagined walking on a stage, guitar feeding back, and ripping into the 'Mob Rules' riff with Ronnie standing next to me and that ridiculous voice roaring through my monitor... Oh, a boy can dream, can't he? I guess May 16th, 2010 put an end to that fantasy. But only to a degree. I still have my albums, CDs, videos, memories and imagination. Long live the most metal MOTHERF**KER and greatest singer EVER! All my love and appreciation to Ronnie James Dio! Thanks, man!"

Мэтт Хифи (лидер группы Trivium, Флорида): " Trivium had the privilege of meeting Dio while touring with Heaven & Hell in Japan in 2007. We were just happy to be on the shows and didn’t expect to spend any time with any of the guys. Every single night of that tour Heaven & Hell blew our minds; we were fans in awe of how good they were. They had it all and to watch a group of musicians that deep into their careers so absolutely on top of their game like that was inspiring. One night after a show in Nagoya, I was able to pop in real quick to say 'hey' to Dio in his dressing room. I've been able to meet many heroes of mine in my life, but few have made impression on me like Ronnie James. He greeted me not as a support bandmember, but he welcomed me as a fellow musician and performer. He gave me a hug, invited a couple of us into his room where we all sat and talked and drank wine together. I remember our conversation crystal clear to this day. I told him how I met Bruce Dickinson on his BBC radio show and was asking Bruce about vocals and vocal techniques, and I shared with Dio that Bruce felt that I had started to develop my own vocal style and with work someday would further develop a stylistic similarity to Dio. Dio smiled and chatted about how he knew that Bruce was a fan of his voice, and from there we were able to just relax and talk shop about vocals and singing. Although it was a quick visit, Ronnie made me feel at home and was a really sweet dude. He gave us props, we finished our wine, we hugged and said, 'See ya tomorrow.' It was amazing that I received vocal coaching from quite possibly the greatest metal voice of all time. I am truly grateful for the time he gave me and his personal insight into our shared craft. For that I will always be thankful."

Пол Энтони (ди-джей 96.3 Rock Radio в Шотландии, взял интервью в 2009 г. у Дио, когда он готовился к турне и ещё не знал диагноз рак желудка): "I've had the pleasure — and it always was a pleasure — of meeting and interviewing Ronnie on a great number of occasions during the last 25 years. He was a true gent and a real professional. But above all he was one of the greatest rock talents of all time. Heaven & Hell's album 'The Devil You Know' proved he was still very much at the top of his game, and his performance with the band at Sonisphere last year was truly outstanding. When I interviewed him two weeks before he was diagnosed with cancer, he told me about the possible Elf reunion, a double follow-up to the Dio album 'Magica', and loads more. His passion for life, music and his family knew no bounds. His wife, Wendy, summed it up when she said: 'He loved you all and his music will live on forever.'"

Штефан Вайнерхалль (гитарист Falconer, Швеция): "The No. 1 hero, idol, inspiration is gone! The man who was immortal! Without wanting to be one of all who sees a chance to be heard now, I have to say that no other artist's passing could have affected me in the way as his did. All of a sudden the creative flame went out, not only because of his musical works but also for his humble ways and down to earth persona although he was the king. This from a man who never met him but always will carry him with!! Your legacy will always live on!!! R.I.P. Ronnie James GOD Dio."

Джон Перез (гитарист Solitude Aeturnus из Техаса): "Like most everyone I know, I am in a great state of sadness. Ronnie James Dio was the ultimate heavy metal figure. Why? Because he conducted himself the way every one of us should: treating fans and friends with respect above and beyond the call of the duty (b.t.c.o.d) and giving his best to us at all times. Oh, and let's not forget that he was the BEST! A true professional and a model human being. Make no mistake, the prime influence and building block in Solitude Aeturnus was/is and always will be Dio-era Black Sabbath. Thank you, Ronnie, and family for all that you've given to us. We are grateful and strive to live by your example."

Тони Харнелл (вокалист TNT, WestWorld, Morning Wood, Starbreaker): "Since yesterday I have been thinking about how much this man impacted my life and the decision I eventually made to become a singer a few years after hearing him for the first time. 'Rainbow Rising' was given to me by a high school friend when I was about 15 years old. I played it every day 'till I wore out the 8-track cassette tape. This album was one of two that were my introduction to hard rock and metal. For hard rockers, this is our first mega-loss, I would say. Ronnie was such an inspiration to so many singers in our genre I can't imagine what 'metal' singers would sound like without him. On top of all this, he was a really nice man that cared deeply about his fans and his friends. As I listened to 'Stargazer' yesterday, I felt the sheer power of Ronnie's energy. He is still with us, if not in body, for sure in spirit and he and his voice and music will carry on. 'There's no sun in the shadow of the wizard, See how he glides, Why he's lighter than air.' Love live Dio!"

Лиззи Борден (основатель и вокалист Lizzy Borden): "So sorry to hear about Ronnie James Dio… We played some festivals with Dio over the years and at everyone my band and I would always be in the audience after our show watching the master at work, and he was always perfect… One of my great memories of Ronnie was the first night we ever got played on the radio; it was at a Dio show. He was playing two shows in one night and we were out in the parking lot waiting for the second show to start along with a few thousand others, and then bam! Our song came blasting on the radio out of every car in the lot. It was a night I will never forget and the Dio show that followed was magical!!! I've seen Ronnie perform many times and am grateful that I had the opportunity to be on the side of the stage at the last Heaven & Hell show in California. Ronnie's voice was so loud, so powerful and pitch-perfect, it was truly an amazing thing to witness. We recorded our version of [Rainbow's] 'Long Live Rock And Roll' way back on our first EP and we still close our show with it most nights… There will never be another like him; Ronnie was a master of his trade, a true original and every time I flash those horns, (which is a lot) I will be thinking of the man on the silver mountain, Ronnie James Dio."

Кинг Даймонд (основатель и лидер датской группы King Diamond и Mercyful Fate): "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."

Найдж Рокетт (гитарист британской группы Onslaught): "The news of Ronnie's death is so very sad and a major loss to the world of metal... You may not quite understand the massive influence the great man had on Onslaught, with us being a thrash metal band, but believe me, he did. We have all been huge, huge fans for as long as we can remember. His voice would send shivers down the spine, beautiful and yet so immensely powerful... One of my favorite all-time songs is 'The Sign Of The Southern Cross'... The vocal is stunning and so perfect. We were all looking forward to seeing Heaven & Hell and meeting up with Ronnie in August, when we were due to share the billing at this year's Bloodstock Festival. Sadly this will not be. Our deepest condolences go out to Ronnie's family and the Heaven & Hell guys. He will never be forgotten; his name and his incredible work will live forever. R.I.P., legend."

Джоуи Вера (басист Armored Saint, Fates Warning, Anthrax): "Ronnie James Dio. His name shall be part of the very definition of the term heavy metal. All of us in this community owe a big part to him as he helped shape our entire genre. And he did it with complete originality and sincerity. He is the real deal. By now you've read much about him and how every person who'd had the pleasure of meeting the man use the words 'kind,' 'nice,' 'humble' and so on. I can tell you that these descriptions are truly accurate. I had the honor of being on tour with Dio on two occasions. Once on his 'Magica' tour in 2001 while I was in Armored Saint and then later in 2004 while I was touring with Anthrax. I would watch Ronnie every night side stage and I was continuously blown away by his high level of performance. I must have seen over 40 shows from this vantage point and I never, ever saw or heard a single flaw. You always knew he was a great singer but It was then that I was convinced that he was a gift to us from some other place. Then there's all the times I saw him with Sabbath. I can't even go on… When you have the privilege of meeting someone like Ronnie — an idol, a legend — you almost expect a person like this to be overly confident, cocky, and they deserve to be, really. But Ronnie was the complete opposite. He really was the most humble, sincere and kind person you'd ever meet. He would always find time to stop in his tracks and say a few words to you. He was so down to earth and generous. Through his humility he's taught us all that a man is not measured by the size of his wallet, or trophy collection, but instead by the size of his heart. I myself am glad that he chose the profession of singing because even though his body has been taken from us, his voice will stay here for all eternity. We're all trying really hard here, but Ronnie, we can't thank you enough."

Генри Роллинс (певец Black Flag): "Backstage at the venue [in Brandon, South Dakota during Rollins' spoken-word tour]. Listening to Rainbow, tonight's walk-in CD is burning away in my laptop. All Dio all night. Ronnie James Dio, the great vocalist of Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio and Heaven & Hell passed away [Sunday] morning. What a loss. I have been getting mail all afternoon about it. [Saturday night], there was an Internet rumor of his passing and it was great to hear that it wasn't true. I came back from the gym a few hours ago and Angel, our merch man, told me that it was indeed true. What a voice, what a loss. Dio's passing made me think of my old bandmates in Black Flag as we used to listen to those records quite a bit. Damn, at least he left some amazing records behind. The metal world is stunned, I am sure. Ronnie James Dio, one of the greatest singers ever."

Джефф Уотерс (гитарист Annihilator, Канада): "[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."

Джон Олива (основатель и вокалист Savatage, Jon Oliva’s Pain и Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Флорида): "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."

Тобиас Заммет (фронтмэн Edguy и Avantasia, Германия): "[On Sunday] I [was] informed about the sad news of Ronnie James Dio's passing. It is impossible to find any words for what went through my head and what Ronnie means for me as a vocalist, and as a fanboy too. He gave us so much enchanting music, poetic lyrics and great vocals. To me he was the epitome of the perfect heavy metal vocalist. With Edguy we have had the chance to share the stage with Ronnie on several occasions and so I've been given the opportunity to meet him about ten years ago. He was a very nice person with a tremendous charisma who made you feel very appreciated in his environment. I wanted to have him on several Avantasia albums but the schedule never allowed it; he was always busy, always had many things on his schedule, a real workaholic and full of visions and enthusiam. Ronnie, you will always be remembered as one of the biggest vocalists in the history of music! Rock'n'roll will never forget you — rest in peace!"

Джон Шаффер (основатель и гитарист 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."

Дэйв Меникетти (основатель и гитарист группы Y&T): "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."

...............

Матс Левен (шведский вокалист Krux, Yngwie Malmsteen, Therion, Treat, Adagio, At Vance): "The first concert I ever went to was Deep Purple, playing in Gothenburg on the 'Stormbringer' tour (March 21, 1975). Ritchie Blackmore had already recorded the first rainbow album and this was his last tour with the Mark 3 lineup of Deep Purple. I bought the first Rainbow album and when I heard Ronnie's voice I soon forgot about Deep Purple. The second album, 'Rising', is one of the important albums of my life and the song 'Stargazer' in particular. Already then I felt the power and the passion coming out from his heart and lungs… this was something new and exciting to me. Like many others, I was disappointed when Ronnie left Rainbow, but instead I enjoyed the new material with Black Sabbath and I still rate some of that stuff the best metal songs of all time. I'd never seen Ronnie live but in 1983 he did his first Dio show in Sweden at Draken in Stockholm and I finally got to see him. I remember there was a fight in the front row and Ronnie stopped the band in the middle of a song and sorted it all out. Southpaw supported Dio in Sweden in 1998 and I got to meet him, he was incredibly nice and a true gentleman — I treasure that memory. I was sneaking behind the monitor desk at one of his soundchecks and it was cool to hear his incredible voice from the monitors…no, it was like a PA on stage ha ha…it was very, very loud. After that I've seen him 3-4 times again with Dio. One memorable show was in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 2004 before 6000 fans; they loved him. Also saw three shows with Heaven & Hell. The first one at Sweden Rock in 2007 was without a doubt the best and also one of the few times that I had tears in my eyes at a concert. The impact of 'I' and 'Sign Of The Southern Cross' was incredible. When I recorded with Cozy Powell in 1997, he told me some great stories and I was hoping that one day Ronnie, Cozy and Ritchie might reform the classic [Rainbow] lineup. That day in April 1998 when Cozy died was a sad one and now, those last 24 hours have been heartbreaking. Our hero is gone but his voice and music will live forever. My sincerest condolences to Ronnie's close ones."

8 апреля Дио получил премию "Лучший вокалист" на церемонии Revolver Golden Gods Awards, проходившей в клубе Нокиа в Лос-Анджелесе. Награду вручали участники Alice In Chains и толпа скандировала "Dio! Dio! Dio! Dio!"
When asked about how he had been feeling since he was diagnosed with the disease late last year, Dio said, "Well, I feel good and bad at times. It's a long process. Chemotherapy is a... I never realized what a difficult thing it was to go through. It's a real cumulative effect — the more you have, the more it piles up on top and it takes longer and longer to get over it. I find it very difficult to eat. I don't like to eat anyway, so I guess that's OK. But I know I have to. But this makes it very, very hard. But if you're determined to beat it, then you have to go with what you believe is going to beat it for you, and in this case it's that. I go to a great hospital in Houston called M.D. Anderson, which I think is the best hospital in the world, I have the best doctor in the world, Dr. Ajani, who I really trust and I really believe in, so I think I've done all the right things. It makes me feel positive about my life and positive that there is a lot more of it to live."


Посвящения:
На сайте Van Halen http://www.vhnd.com/ представлена уникальная ранняя запись группы 1976 года – Van Halen исполняют кавер на песню Man On The Silver Mountain.

Супергруппа TransAtlantic (Майк Портной из Dream Theater - барабаны, Пит Тревейвас из Marillion - бас-гитара, Ройни Штольт из The Flower Kings - гитара и Нил Морс из Spock's Beard - клавишные, вокал) исполнили джем-версию "Heaven And Hell" и "Holy Diver" в понедельник на концерте в клубе Алькатрас в Милане.

На воскресном концерте на Lazerfest в Des Moines (штат Айова) Элис Купер вставили рифф из песни Black Sabbath "Heaven and Hell" в "Under My Wheel". Тоже самое проделали в понедельник Pearl Jam - завершая концерт 'Alive' вставили рифф из песни Black Sabbath "Heaven and Hell".

Ронни Падовано

R.I.P. Ronnie
человек сотворивший МАГИЮ

like a Rainbow in the dark

Некролог Криста Новоселича для seattleweekly.com "Ронни Джеймс Дио был гигантом хэви-метал, который вдохновлял тинейджеров во всём мире"
http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/reverb/2010/05/big_dio.php

Ronnie James Dio Was a Heavy Metal Giant Who Inspired Teenage Misfits Everywhere
seattleweekly.com
May. 18 2010
Крист Новоселич (басист Nirvana)

As a teenager in Aberdeen in 1980, I was consuming as much heavy rock music as possible. The heaviest band was Black Sabbath. And I was introduced to their music through the compilation record, We Sold Our Soul for Rock 'N' Roll at the Salvation Army thrift store, of all places. For 50 cents, I got a piece of vinyl that blew my mind. Soon after, I went to the record store proper and bought the "new" Sabbath album, Heaven and Hell. This record rocked my world, but it was different because the vocalist was not Ozzy Osbourne, but Ronnie James Dio, a heavy-metal pioneer who died of stomach cancer on Sunday, May 16.
I didn't know he was ill and was sad to hear the news. Dio is a giant in the world of heavy metal. I bought Heaven and Hell and couldn't "play the hell out of it"--mystery and magic are a big part of the Dio legend--no, I'll say I played it constantly. I even gave it a spin on Sunday night in honor of Dio. The tune "Neon Knights" never sounded better.
Sabbath were the lords of darkness, even more so with working with Dio. He sang about "a lady who feeds the darkness, it eats right from her hand." There were all kinds of mystical/witchy images, but I was hardly a devil-worshiper as a result. As far as influences go, the album cover (with angels smoking cigarettes) of Heaven and Hell might have contributed to my delinquency. I bought it at the same time I started smoking with the other teenage misfits hanging out on the corner. This music was our soundtrack.
Then came 1981's Mob Rules, another solid rocker. The influence was about the music itself. Listening to the title track I love the interplay between the bass and the guitar. Their dynamic comes together in a monster sound. And I can't imagine "Mob Rules" being sung by anyone else than Dio.
Those two Black Sabbath albums stand on their own as great rock. I consider them the "Dio" Sabbath records. I got into the Sabbath catalog at the same time. I probably heard Mob Rules before 1975's Sabotage. It all came together because it all rocked.
Dio left the band to go solo. I heard the song "Rainbow in the Dark" and bought 1983's album Holy Diver. Of course, the cover had a demonic theme--a devil casting a Catholic priest into rough seas. At the same time, I was discovering American hardcore music. Now 18, I started to drift away from heavy metal.
But what a coincidence that my path took me to the recording studio in Van Nuys, Calif., where in 1991 Nirvana recorded Nevermind. There was a Holy Diver gold record on the wall commemorating the fact that Dio made that recording in the same place. Wow, a Lord of Rock had consecrated this ground! I don't know if it was really mystical, but there is no doubt Dio's music was heavy.
Ronnie James Dio, may you rest in peace. Thanks for all the great rock. I need to get up now and flip over the Heaven and Hell vinyl.

Гизер Батлер (басист Black Sabbath):
"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."

Винни Аппиче (барабанщик Heaven & Hell, Black Sabbath, Dio): "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!!"

Джон Лорд (великий клавишник 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 [Ronnie's wife/manager], and my thoughts are also with Roger [Glover] and Ritchie [Blackmore], 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."

Дуги Уайт (шотландский вокалист Yngwie Malmsteen, Rainbow, Cornerstone, Tank): "A very great man lost his life [on Sunday]. 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 [Blackmore] 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 Tenacioous 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 [Ronnie's wife/manager] 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."

Алан Теккьо (вокалист Hades, Watchtower, Non-Fiction): "Ronnie James Dio has been a huge influence on me as a singer since the '80s when I began to sing in metal bands. Since those days, I've been lucky enough to interview many artists (for Steppin' Out magazine) that have influenced me, but I never had the chance to interview Dio. Of course, when you are in the interviewer's seat though, the interviewee often shows you their best side. By pure chance, I bumped into Mr. Dio in the Garden State Plaza Mall in Paramus, New Jersey back in the mid-'80s. I was on my lunch break and saw him and an immense bodyguard shopping at The Wild Pair boot store. I recall approaching him and saying something stupid like, 'Ronnie, I just want to say — you are like a god to me!' Pretty silly, I know, but he was a class-act gentleman and thanked me for being a fan. It was amazing to meet him in such an environment and have him be so damn friendly and just plain cool. I think I was in a state of shock for the whole week after that.... The world darkens further with the passing of such an icon. Rest in peace, Ronnie."

Блэйз Бэйли (бывший фронтмен Iron Maiden и Wolfsbane): "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 [Ronnie's wife/manager] 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."

Дэвид ДеФейс (фронтмен Virgin Steele): "In what has already been a sad spring season, I was further saddened on Sunday to hear that Ronnie James Dio passed away. I always thought that if anyone could...he would be the one...to live forever. I had the good fortune to meet Ronnie several times, and share wine and wonderful conversations with him. He was a truly gracious, noble man, with an outstanding voice and major talent as a composer and lyricist. Ronnie always made me feel very warm, welcome and wanted in his presence. I was introduced to him by my good friend and longtime Virgin Steele photographer Gail Flug. Gail had known Ronnie for many years, and one evening when we were at a DIO gig, she said, 'Hey, Ronnie, I want you to meet my friend David,' and I began to say, 'Hi, Ronnie, it's so very nice to meet you, I am a huge fan of your work, my name is David, etc. etc.,' and he looked me straight in the eye and said, 'I know who you are, my son.' That totally floored me. 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. Seeing him perform with Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Heaven & Hell throughout the years was always an extraordinary treat. I personally think that Ronnie was one of the best vocalists to ever grace a stage or studio. His voice had so much power, and expressive feeling and was always so incredibly musical. I will miss his dramatic, metal music, his god-like vocals and enchanting stage presence. But I know that his legacy, his kindness and understanding, and the music he created will live on and on."

Чарли Бенанте (барабанщик Anthrax): "The first time I heard Ronnie James Dio, I thought he was a large person, The voice was so huge. It was Rainbow and he was the singer. I was a fan of his from then on. I followed him with Rainbow, Sabbath, Dio, etc. From 'Man on the Silver Mountain', 'Heaven and Hell', 'Rainbow in the Dark'... the songs are endless. The sound of his voice with those bands was always so perfect. It was his god-given instrument. He was true metal and the creator of the metal hand sign. Thank you for the music. He was divine."

Йорн Ланде (норвежский певец Masterplan, Yngwie Malmsteen, Ark, The Snakes): "Ronnie James Dio has passed away and my sorrow runs deeper than words can describe. When the world became a colder place, Ronnie was a symbol of fire and honesty. His magic will forever stay with me, and inspire me to go on. My thoughts go to his wife Wendy, his family and friends, in their devastating loss. I will honor Ronnie's memory, and he will always live in my heart and music."

Крис Импеллиттьери (гитарист Impellitteri): "We are saddened by the passing of Ronnie James Dio. In our opinion, Ronnie was the greatest metal singer of all time. His unique vocal style influenced legions of metal singers around the globe. His music was addictive, unique, and powerful! Dio deserves to go down in the history books with Elvis, Lennon, and Michael Jackson. Ronnie was the voice of metal and inspired an entire world to stand up and shout!! At last year's Sweden Rock Festival, Impellitteri performed on the headlining stage with HEAVEN & HELL which was a complete honor!! As a child, I used to go see Ronnie play in the arenas with BLACK SABBATH, and now many years later having played on the same stage with him was mind-blowing!! And I can tell you we worked our asses off to play great because we knew he would deliver when he took the stage!! I personally met Ronnie a few times and he even bought me a drink!! He was a true gentlemen and inspiration to everyone in my band! I am now and always will be a Dio fan. Long live Ronnie James Dio!!"

Хреново

Некролог Кита Бергмана (хэви-метал журналист и автор на сайте Blabbermouth.net):
"I was 11 or 12 years old, embarking on that pre-teen rite of passage: hanging out with older kids. Kids with cars and girlfriends! Kids who smoked! These kids, after laughing at my pathetic attempts to look natural with a Marlboro and a Bud Light in my hand, decided to mess with my mind by putting on a tape. The music was pretty and acoustic, the singer's voice gentle and soothing. The passage ended with 'we... are.... com-miiiiiiing....'
And when Ronnie James Dio belted out 'hooooooome,' and that gargantuan riff kicked in, it scared the bejeezus out of me. But it was a GOOD scared, the kind of scared that hooks you. Fear mixed with wonder, anticipation, and the feeling that when this is over, you're gonna want more. And more. Hearing the chorus of 'The Last In Line' for the very first time, for me, was kinda like an adrenaline junkie's first leap out of an airplane, hand on the ripcord. It made chemical changes in my brain that set me on a lifer's path, and two decades and change later, I wouldn't change it for all the stale pop music and boring career choices on earth.
Ronnie James Dio was able to walk the finest line in public life. He understood more than anyone the artisan nature of what he did — that a lot of it was as simple as showing up to work. The man made records since my dad was a kid, and never, ever quit. When one phase of his career fizzled, he created a new opportunity, put the time in, and punched the clock. At the same time, he knew the cosmic importance of those words and those melodies, all the imagery and dazzle, and he was aware of those little flashbulbs going off in the minds of generations of fans, all those jump-out-the-airplane moments. He walked the edge of controversy with the presentation, he provoked the small-minded, but he also laid down empowering ideas and gave us hope, confidence, and strength - for some people, more than they got in their home, or school, or church. Where punk celebrated the individual by burning everything down, and many of his metal brethren went for cheap horror-flick nihilism, Dio used his pulpit to uplift, to motivate, and to inspire.
It's nearly impossible for someone to be so much a product of, and a part of, the workingman masses, and still retain so much majesty and royalty. It's a quality we look for in heads of state, occasionally in business titans, and once or twice in a lifetime, in our actors and artists. We got more from Ronnie James Dio than we had any right to hope for, both in quality and in quantity, and he always managed to make it feel like an even-up trade — like our being gathered together with him was as important as his being on the stage. We got decades of it, and of him, and it's a testament to his power that we still feel like we didn't get enough.
When it hurts this much to lose a hero, it makes you wonder if it's worth having heroes at all. But despite the grief we feel now, we know that our lives are far better for the time we had with Ronnie James Dio. The body of work he left, and the inspirational example he provided us, will be a legacy that outlasts all of us. It seems more appropriate to say 'thank you' than 'goodbye,' and then to strive to create with our lives even a small fraction of the positive energy he created with his.
He was a performer for the ages, and he changed all our lives.
Rest in peace, sir, and thanks."

Посвящения:

В понедельник 17 мая KISS сделали посвящение Ронни Джеймсу Дио на концерте в Женеве.


Организаторы метал-фестиваля Bloodstock Open Air, проходящего в августе в Дербишире (Великобритания) объявили, что главная сцена фестиваля получит имя Ронни Джеймса Дио. Основатель фестиваля Пол Грегори является автором оформления двух альбомов Dio - "Angry Machines" и "Inferno - Last In Live".
Слова Пола Грегори (руководитель фестиваля Bloodstock):"It is indeed a sad time for me and I know for metalheads throughout the world; the demise of one of the true legends of metal has come to pass. I had the privilege of doing two albums for Dio and only got the opportunity to meet him once, a true gentleman in every sense and a giant of the genre. My condolences to the family and all true fans of the music we love. As the U.K.'s only true outdoor metal festival, it seems only fitting that we pay tribute to a man who has done so much for our beloved genre, and so — with overwhelming support from our social networking users — we wish to pay tribute by renaming our main stage the 'Ronnie James Dio' stage, and ensure the spirit of this metal icon lives on."

Организаторы Шведского Рок-Фестиваля также объявили о переименовании одной из сцен в честь Ронни Дио и о подготовке концерта в его честь: "Ronnie James Dio made four appearances at Sweden Rock Festival: twice with his own band Dio, and twice with Heaven & Hell — most recently just last summer. Ronnie always had a keen eye towards Sweden and Sweden Rock, and over the years we developed a good relationship to both him and his wife/manager Wendy. It was with heavy hearts we woke up Monday morning realizing that the news of his passing the day before had not been a bad dream, and that one of the greatest of all time had indeed left us. To honor his memory, we have decided to rename the Zeppelin Stage: this year it will be called Dio Stage. We are also planning a tribute ceremony on one of the main stages. More info on this will follow shortly. In October, we will gather some of the most prominent Swedish metal musicians for a tribute concert on the Sweden Rock Cruise. The names of the participants will be announced as soon as they have been confirmed."

Саймон Райт (барабанщик Dio, AC/DC, Rhino Bucket): "[On Sunday] I lost my best friend. He was like a father to me. I tried so hard to help him win his battle; I was right there with him. He said to me one day, 'We're a team and we're gonna beat this.' I know he loved you all and was helped by your cards and prayers. I am having a very tough time writing this, and I want you all to know I feel lucky and blessed to have known him. Now, he has no more pain. I miss him so much."

Райан Огл 16 мая взял интервью у вокалиста Armored Saint и Anthrax Джона Буша для сайта Blabbermouth.net, в котором Джон также поделился воспоминаниями о Ронни Дио.
Q: Do you mind sharing your thoughts on Ronnie James Dio?
John Bush: No, not at all. Ronnie was a huge influence on me as a singer. I did a couple of tours with him, both in Armored Saint and Anthrax. He was just a real humble, normal kind of guy. It was weird. Joey Vera [Armored Saint bassist] and I were talking about this earlier. He was somebody that could have been pompous, but he wasn't. He was sure of his ability and he was just a confident guy who probably didn't need to be anything but sincere and honest. The guy spent like 50 years making music if you go back to his do-wop band in the 1950s. When you spend a half a century making music, you leave quite a legacy behind.
Q: Was he one of your earliest influences?
John Bush: I love Rainbow. I thought they were a great band. That was the first band of his that I really go it into. There was ELF, but they were a little before my time; a 60s band. RAINBOW was a band that I discovered and just loved them. "Rainbow Rising" was a spectacular record and so was "Long Live Rock And Roll". Both of those records were just awesome. Then he went on to join Black Sabbath and of course "Heaven And Hell" was a legendary record. "Mob Rules" was incredible as well. He went on to do his solo thing, which was huge in the '80s. Obviously, as far as guitar players and musicians go, he gave a lot of people a lot of exposure and made some great records. The funny thing about Ronnie and his voice is that you knew he was going deliver live. He was almost flawless. It was weird how he was so good. It was almost annoying [laughs]. I'd think, "Jesus, I wanna sing that good." He was pretty special. I heard he had cancer a month or two ago, but I didn't realize how bad it had gotten. I did an interview [Saturday night, May 15] with Diana DeVille of KNAC.COM and Diana worked for Wendy [Dio, Ronnie's wife and manager]. She told us that he was back in the hospital as of [that day]. We didn't know the severity of it and then today we heard he died. I just went, "What?" It's cool because Yahoo! put it on their front page, calling him a metal legend and I just hope he gets the recognition he deserves. He definitely gave a lot to heavy metal. A lot of people were influenced and inspired by him and he pretty much single handedly created the devil horns. He contributed a lot to heavy metal and wrote a lot of killer music. He was an incredible singer and I'm sad to see him go. It's been kind of a rough day.
Q: A friend of mine made a comment today when I mentioned interviewing you, calling you the "heavy Dio."
John Bush: I can kind of relate to Ronnie in a sense that he was a singer that kind of replaced people. Obviously, he replaced Ozzy [Osbourne] and although Rainbow was an original band, Ritchie Blackmore played with David Coverdale and Ian Gillian; who were both awesome singers and Ronnie had to follow in their footsteps. I can kind of relate a little on that level, where you have to come into a situation and hold your own. I did follow Joey [Belladonna, Anthrax vocalist] at the height of Anthrax's popularity and that's not easy. I kind of used Ronnie for inspiration in that respect. I was just listening to "Rainbow Rising" recently because I did this thing for a web site where I picked my top 20 favorite singers. Before a tour, I don't want to sing the songs I'll be singing for the whole tour, so I practice on some of my favorite albums. "Rainbow Rising" is one of those albums I sing, or try to sing to at least. Killer record.
John Bush: The cool thing about making records is that they're immortal. Look at Ronnie; he's the perfect example of that. I never knew how sick he was and I sure didn't know he was going to die today, but I remember saying awhile back, "When Ronnie dies, his voice is going to live forever." By that I literally mean his voice box. [laughs] The cool thing about music is that it's immortal; you can always listen to those records. I think that's the great thing about what I've done with my life and what I'm most proud of. Shows are another thing. They come and go. You can have one gig that was amazing and one that maybe wasn't so amazing. Those are just moments that come and go, but a record is forever.

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