Yesterday morning, the Heavy Metal world lost one of its most cherished icons. On May 16th, at 7:45 am, Ronnie James Dio, second Black Sabbath vocalist, and leadman of "Dio" died after a long, painful struggle with stomach cancer. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones, and was able to say his private goodbyes before going gentle into that good night.
The Internet rumor mill, working the way that it does, had many (including me at first) believing that the report of Dio's passing was a sick hoax. News of Dio's death was confirmed however, in a brief message left by his wife on the front page of http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/.
Famously regarded as the rock n' roll pioneer who first brought the "horns" hand gesture to Heavy Metal, Dio was by far the most bad ass mother fucker to ever put on a silk shirt. When I found out the legitimacy of his passing, I felt that sunken feeling of despair that one typically feels when losing a close friend or family member. I still don't want to believe it's true. The fact that he will never sing again and I will never have the honor of seeing him perform live is nothing short of devastating to me. His lyrics, demeanor and general attitude towards love and life will forever inspire me in the decisions I make and the way I approach thing in my every day living, if even just a little. Even at this moment I'm asking myself, "WWDD?" How can I honor a man of such greatness with my mortal words?
I guess the only good that will come from this tragedy is the possibility that the media will honor him appropriately in his passing. That his music will receive more air time, and his status as a legend will be sealed in a way only fitting for a man of his caliber.
Sweet dreams Dio. May your beautiful melodies ring through the speakers of all true metal fans for decades to come.
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