It is a sad day in the metal world today. Legend metal frontman Ronnie James Dio has passed away at the age of 67 after battling stomach cancer for the past couple years. His death was confirmed by his wife, Wendy Dio, through his website.
Ronnie James Dio would always remains one of the pioneers of metal and one of its gods. He fronted such hard rock and metal bands like Elf and Rainbow during the late 60’s and early 70’s before finally landing his most famous gig in his career: frontman of Black Sabbath. Ronnie James Dio was chosen to replace Ozzy Osbourne after he was fired by the band. It was during his stint with Black Sabbath where Dio popularized the use of the so-called “devil’s horns” hand symbol during concert shows. While this symbol has been used in the past it was Dio’s use of it as Black Sabbath frontman which soon epitomized the “devil’s horns” as metal’s own symbol.
Ronnie James Dio would continue to beyond Black Sabbath as he formed his own metal band named Dio and in the latter part of his life another band called Heaven and Hell. His death puts a pall of sadness on the world of metal. While he’s now gone to Valhalla with the rest of the rock and metal gods of past his music will live on forever.
Source: Los Angeles Times
Through the Shattered Lens 
Ronnie was the best hard rock singer. Period. I have been into his music since Rainbow. His powerhouse vocals elevated the music of every band with which he sang, and he influenced countless rock and metal singers that followed. He had a unique and powerful voice, and could sing high-energy songs and balads with equal skill. No one sounded like him until he came onto the scence, after which many attempted to.
I had the pleasure of meeting Ronnie after a Black Sabbath concert in 1981. The rest of the band waved at the small group of fans who had waited behind the concert venue for them to exit, and immediately entered their limo. But Ronnie approached us, and made sure that everyone got an autograph. He was genuinely appreciative and friendly,
I am surprised and very sad to learn of Ronnie’s passing. I will always remeber him as my favorite singer, and just as importantly, a really nice guy.
I will miss you, my friend. Thank you for all of the great music. I hope we meet again.
KO
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Rest in peace Ronnie. \m/
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