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Ronnie James Dio displays his trademark 'devil horns'. Photo by Paul
Natkin/WireImage.
The world learned of the loss of heavy metal legend Ronnie James Dio on Sunday when his wife and manager Wendy Dio broke the sad news on the Dio 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".
Dio had been undergoing cancer treatment at Houston’s M.D. Anderson hospital for the past six months.
The legacy of Ronnie James Dio includes his work with Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio and his most recent project Heaven And Hell, reuniting the Dio-era lineup of Black Sabbath. Heaven And Hell released the studio album The Devil You Know in 2009 following a world tour the previous summer. Dio is also credited with creating the ‘devil horns’ hand gesture which has become ubiquitous at concerts.
Among the many fans and musicians remembering Ronnie James Dio, Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi wrote on his website:
“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.”
Pearl Jam also paid tribute to the legendary vocalist during their Monday night concert in Boston, Massachusetts, playing the distinctive guitar riffs from Black Sabbath’s ‘Heaven And Hell during their performance of ‘Alive’.
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