Ronnie James Dio diagnosed with stomach cancer
According to his Web site, www.ronniejamesdio.com, veteran heavy-metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio—formerly of Elf and Rainbow, and recently with Heaven and Hell (the post-Ozzy Osbourne Black Sabbath)—has been diagnosed with stomach cancer. A Dio tour of Europe was cancelled after he was hospitalized last week.
Here's the health update posted by Dio's wife and manager Wendy today:
"Ronnie has been diagnosed with the early stages of stomach cancer. We are starting treatment immediately at the Mayo Clinic.
"After he kills this dragon, Ronnie will be back on stage, where he belongs, doing what he loves best, performing for his fans. Thanks to all the friends and fans around the world that have sent well wishes. This has really helped to keep his spirit up.
"Long Live Rock and Roll, Long Live Ronnie James Dio."
Comments
6 Comments
Jeff J.
Nov 26, 2009 at 12:39pm
That's really too bad. He's a great guy, very generous with his fans. Dio is such a legendary metal vocalist. Holy Diver just rocks. Love the Heaven and Hell album from 1980. For Dio fans, check out Tenacious D "The Pick of Destiny" for a cool cameo by Dio.
Hope he gets well soon.
Steve Newton
Nov 26, 2009 at 1:05pm
I agree that he treats his fans like gold. I took my teenaged nephew to see him at the Pacific Coliseum back in the '80s and he greeted us backstage in a totally charming manner, offering us whatever he had available from his food table. Although I lost interest in his music after Black Sabbath's Mob Rules, I loved his work with Sabbath, Rainbow, and Elf before that. The guy's one of a kind.
John Lucas
Nov 26, 2009 at 1:19pm
Steve! How can you deny the brilliance of Dio's solo work? Especially the classic Holy Diver album. And also The Last in Line. (How can you tell I grew up in a house with a metalhead older brother?)
He was also one of the best parts of the documentary Metal: A Headbanger's Journey, thanks mostly to his wry sense of humour.
Steve Newton
Nov 26, 2009 at 1:42pm
Rainbow ruled, dude, especially the first album and <em>Rainbow Rising</em>. It didn't hurt that they had Cozy Powell on drums for that one.
VDJ
Nov 29, 2009 at 10:54pm
Sad news, lets hope he pulls through this.
OzMedia
May 16, 2010 at 5:00pm
Well unfortunately we lost a heavy metal ICON today. Ronnie James Dio passed away peacefully at age 67. Having a career that spanned over 50 years, beginning with Ronnie and the Red Caps, DIO brought us the heavy metal horns salute, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, DIO , Heaven & Hell among other smaller projects throughout his massive and influential career.
Dio will be missed by all: R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio (James Padavona; July 10, 1942 – May 16, 2010)
Here's some Heaven & Hell vid I shot last August, just months before he was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I wouldn't expect Geezer, Toni and Vinnie to continue touring, besides a few charity or tribute shows.
"Children of the Sea":
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"I":
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Can't stop the ringing of my funeral bell.