Ronnie James Dio Dead At 67
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Artist:
By Andrew Phillips | MOG Editor In Chief
Heavy metal great Ronnie James Dio has passed away at age 67 according to wife and manager Wendy Dio. Mrs. Dio informed the world of Ronnie's passing on his official website, leaving the following message.
"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. "
Updated - 4:32pm 5/16/10
Twitter is abuzz with rumors that legendary metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio has been pronounced dead at age 67.
While no major media sources have confirmed, Metal Underground is reporting it and artists like Tom Morello have already expressed their condolences. Digital Journal, meanwhile, has released an article stating that in fact, the rumor began and spread virally after a Wikipedia user named Sniper amended the artist's entry with the following:
"I have just been informed that RJD died today".
Blabbernouth, a Roadrunner Records offshoot has confirmed that Dio is in fact alive:
wife/manager Wendy Dio sent back the following message at approximately 11:35 p.m. PST on Saturday, May 15 / 2:35 a.m. EST on Sunday, May 16:
"I am at the hospital and Ronnie has NOT passed away!!!! He is not doing
good, but he is not dead.
"I will let you know if anything changes.
"Thank you for your concern."
Dio has been battling stomach cancer since late last year, a fight which prompted the cancellation of a recent Heaven and Earth tour. In the wake of that announcement, he issued the following statement:
"I would like to voice my great disappointment on the cancellation of the HEAVEN & HELL summer tour. Wendy [Ronnie's wife/manager], my doctors and I have worked so hard to make it happen for all of you, the ones we care so much about, that this setback could be devastating, but we will not let it be. With your continued love and support, we will carry on and thrive. There will be other tours, more music, more life and much more magic."
Here's hoping! More to come as it becomes available...
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Comments (7)
He did pass this morning accord to Wendy and the Officai site. Rest in Peace, Ronnie, and thank you for all the years of great music...
J
Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Heaven and Hell, Dio, and the devil horns - great legacy.
too early !
http://www.dj-service-bayern.de
GOD BLESS RONNIE JAMES DIO....
Im 48 yrs ole and have listen to Rainbow,Black Sabbath ,Dio ..All my life so yeah I guess you can say I was Born with the Sign of the Horns ....Put em up for Ronnie People and get him a hell yeah....My thought and Prayers are with you Wendy and the Family ......Roger from DE
METAL RULEZ
Music has lost one of the greats...Dio's musical legacy is stellar, and his vocal abilities are unmatched by any vocalist in any genre...he demonstrated his conscience with the "Hear and Aid" charity, and by all accounts was a gentleman. Sadly there are too few like him; God Bless Ronnie!
Aunque no fui amigo personal de Ronnie, cuando vino a presentarse en México tuve la oportunidad de entrevistarlo y cotorrear en medio de unos alcoholes. Excelente persona y excelso vocalista. Ya se fue, pero su huella quedara imperecedera en el firmamento del rock... METAL KID
No more "Rainbows in the Dark". You are and will be missed Ronnie. R.I.P. Rock Warrior.