\m/ DIO \m/
photo by Mark Bult
Dio has rocked for a very long time. But today, after a battle with stomach cancer, the fierce, elfin, deeply intelligent lead singer and driving creative force of legendary bands like Black Sabbath, Rainbow, and Heaven and Hell has left us, aged 67.
At a time like this, it would be all-to-easy to start spouting lyrics from any number of his epic songs: “Rainbow in the Dark” or “Man From the Silver Mountain” or “Lord of the Last Day” or “Holy Diver”. The man’s narrative scope was outright otherworldly. And yet, Dio was as beloved by family, friends and fans for his down-to-earth openness as for those mythic anthems. So instead of keening and wailing, let’s share a moment of grateful silence, accompanied by a ritualistic throwing of the horns (the ubiquitous headbangin’ hand gesture Dio himself popularized), and send our brave warrior on his way.
Rest In Peace, Ronnie James Dio. July 10, 1942 – May 16, 2010.
May 16th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
And apparently he got the “horns” hand gesture from his Sicilian grandma if I remember hearing correctly… it was originally a form of protection against the evil eye.
May 16th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Yep. You are correct. To ward off the malocchio. As related in the “Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey” documentary. Love that anecdote, as well as his dig at Gene Simmons. :) (Clip is in that playlist if you click that hypertext link on his list of project names up there.)
May 16th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Well-worded obit.
Maybe he and Frazetta can collaborate on something nice and dark up in Heaven.
May 16th, 2010 at 11:20 pm
Sigh. I first heard Dio singing behind the video for ‘TV Crimes’ and, even though he was in his late sixties, was looking forward to seeing Heaven & Hell when they cancelled due to his ill health. RIP RJD – you were an original.
May 17th, 2010 at 9:47 am
damn good obituary. Dio was a god of metal and rock. \m/\m/
May 17th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Ronnie James Dio was one of the greatest singers and frontmen in metal’s history. I had the privilege of seeing him live in 2008, and it was a great experience. So shit, R.I.P. man.