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A sad day
Wendy Dio, wife/manager of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio , has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:
Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45 a.m. [on Sunday] 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private goodbyes 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.
All here at The Highway Star pass on our condolences.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1_b5tJ1SoY
Unauthorized copying, while sometimes necessary, is never as good as the real thing
Feel so sad..
May 16th, 2010 at 20:28The man on the silver mountain …forever with us
A very sad day, indeed. RIP RJD.
May 16th, 2010 at 20:35RIP. No words to express my sadness.
May 16th, 2010 at 20:35A sad day indeed. His work with Rainbow remains untouched, no one will ever performm this great material and do it justice I’m afraid. A sad sad day!
May 16th, 2010 at 20:38Roni will live forever in our hearts and memories. I have had the privilege of seeing him twice in concert. A true giant of rock music.
May 16th, 2010 at 20:40Rest in peace, RJD!
Still Im Sad
May 16th, 2010 at 20:45RIP Ronnie. Your music will live forever. Long Live Rock and Roll…
May 16th, 2010 at 20:54It`s a really sad day for all of us.
May 16th, 2010 at 21:00Thanks for all your wonderfull music!!!!!!!!!!!!
R.I.P Ronnie J. Dio
Ronnie’s wonderful music lives on for ever.
May 16th, 2010 at 21:00Rest in peace, Ronnie.
Ronnie, we will nerver forget you. You will be rising forever.
May 16th, 2010 at 21:07A true Metal Head from the very start to the very end.
May 16th, 2010 at 21:09Sad day… Ronnie, you have touched our minds and we won’t never forget you.. RIP
May 16th, 2010 at 21:15Ronnie you were a great vocalist..One of my favorites.. You’ll be deeply missed by the enormous amount of fans you have.. RIP
May 16th, 2010 at 21:16Really a sad day.
I have had the privilige of seeing him a couple of times.With Rainbow and in 2000 with Deep Purple during the Concerto tour.
My heart goes out to his wife, family and relatives.
May 16th, 2010 at 21:18I wish them all the strenght in the world.
Despite never having seen live RJB, but his musical copentência in vinyl, CDs, DVDs, and various bands Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, heaven, Hell, I met his carreia in its work, his voice will never be silenced. We Rock.Brazil
May 16th, 2010 at 21:18LONG LIVE ROCK AND ROLL! RIP.
May 16th, 2010 at 21:21Dear Ronnie! You’ll always be in our hearts and minds. We will NEVER forget what you have given us for so many years. Thank you for sharing your gift!!!
Rest in peace.
May 16th, 2010 at 21:22Sad news. His music will live forever.
May 16th, 2010 at 21:23RIP Ronnie, Very sad day indeed…. Long Live Rock N Roll
May 16th, 2010 at 21:29Thank you, Ronnie.
May 16th, 2010 at 21:29Sadness-, he brought joy that is a part of rock history, he is in the hall of fame of our hearts. RIP
May 16th, 2010 at 21:32“Life’s not a wheel with chains made of steel, so bless me, come the dawn, come the dawn.
can’t believe this 🙁 in his most recent appearence – he looked pretty good
RIP Ronnie – you were one of the greatest. I’ll always remember when I got to meet you after a brilliant DIO concert a few years back
May 16th, 2010 at 21:43R.I.P Ronnie.
May 16th, 2010 at 21:46When you know that legends like Ronnie James Dio is not any longer with us, death becomes an amusement for everyone…
The man on the silver mountain will now jam together with Tommy Bolin, Randy Rhoads, Tony Ashton, Mel Galley and John Bonham. Heaven is a place for rockers from now on…
Rest in peace beloved friend,
“Rainbow eyes” plays for all the true rock fans world wide…
May 16th, 2010 at 21:47I’ll miss Him: He was a Special One.
a very very sad day that nobody would accept.
A part of my life I spent with his music has switched off..
Ciao Ronnie…
May 16th, 2010 at 21:48What a sad day 🙁
LONG LIVE RJD !!!
Antonio
May 16th, 2010 at 21:48Dio forever!! RIP
May 16th, 2010 at 21:49– One of the greatest singers ever!
May 16th, 2010 at 21:50The soundtrack to my life has passed on.
May 16th, 2010 at 21:50A true metal god.
A piece of us all goes with him in the Deep Purple and Rainbow community.
The 1976 Rainbow Tour in Chicago is the Best show I have ever seen in my life. No other rock concert I have ever seen over the years has not even come close to the power of Rainbow. Ronnie James Dio and Blackmore and Cozy Powell were as dominate and on fire that night. We stood there stunned all night not quite believing our eyes or ears. the sonic power of Blackmore and the mighty voice of Dio and the thunder of Cozy. No other band back then could touch them. God Bless Ronnie James Dio. RIP
May 16th, 2010 at 22:03Dio/Powell. Long Live Rock N Roll!
que vaina tan arrecha!!!! aun me cuesta creer que ronnie james se fuè. su voz forma parte esencial del soundtrack de mi vida. gracias a dios tuve la dicha de verlo en vivo y de compartir unos minutos con èl. es una pèrdida irreparable para su familia,para el mundo del rock y para mì. paz a RONNIE JAMES
May 16th, 2010 at 22:22RIP Ronnie..Thanks for all those moments
May 16th, 2010 at 22:25He truly has “caught the Rainbow” A great voice and person has been lost! Rest in peace RJD. A very sad day for all who loved the man & his music.
May 16th, 2010 at 22:37que dia tan triste para el heavy metal. se nos fue RONNIE JAMES. ahora solo nos quedan sus canciones. descansa en paz, amigo.
May 16th, 2010 at 22:40Ronnie James Dio – one of the all time greatest!
May 16th, 2010 at 22:50R.I.P
Thanks for all the great music throughout the years, you were truly THE Light in the Black who brought out all colours of the Rainbow.
May 16th, 2010 at 22:59Dear Ronnie
I will never forget the first time I heard your voice; it was back in mid 70’s when the first Rainbow record was released. It was Temple of the King, Man on the silver mountain & the infinite Catch the rainbow that fascinated me & just yesterday I was listening to Black Sabbath “Live Evil” Thinking to my self what a great time of my life it was when I those records came out & how lucky I was to love this type of music .
A few years ago I had the great opportunity to see Dio live in Israel , although 30 years had passed but in the concert it was like nothing had changed , same powerful & wonderful Voice, I think never did I experience seeing so many Israeli’s singing their hearts out together.
I had the privilege to see the Master in person, Thank You Ronnie for all the wonderful years & thank god for creating such a man with a marvelous voice.
Once in a life time Giant.
REST IN PEACE
May 16th, 2010 at 23:02RIP Ronnie James Dio, thank you for the music that you gave us
May 16th, 2010 at 23:02He sang about Heaven and Hell. For him it will be Heaven.
A very sad day indeed. Kick some ass upthere Ronnie. Go and sing with the angels
Cheers
Ralph
May 16th, 2010 at 23:04He made it shine..shine..SHINE!! for you and I.
May 16th, 2010 at 23:07The man may be gone but his magic remains…forever!!
Rainbow,Sabbath,Dio & Heaven and Hell combined, I must have seen RJD in concert over 30 times in 35 years.
To say the least I’m bummed.
While not unexpected,it’s still devastating news.Having listened to him since my teens,it’s hard news to hear.My condolesnes to his family and close circle during this time.
May 16th, 2010 at 23:32Thank you, Ronnie, for all the music and all the memories. Rest in peace.
May 16th, 2010 at 23:35A truely great loss. May his star shine.
May 16th, 2010 at 23:35Missing words, amount to much grief.
May 16th, 2010 at 23:41Ronnie will always be in our hearts.
larga vida Ronnie James, rock forever in my memories….
May 17th, 2010 at 00:05This sad sunday is only for one song……RAINBOW EYES!!!
May 17th, 2010 at 00:06Larga Vida DIO!!
Ronnie’s last offical studio song was “breaking into heaven” on the “devil you know” album
May 17th, 2010 at 00:10Rest in peace in heaven now Ronnie you have fought your devil and you have won.
Ronnie did not die he just went to a better place where there is no pain and struggle but only peace
All of your loving fans will meet up with you soon its only a matter of time. Time is short on Earth but time never ends in Heaven.
Long live Rock and Roll
A SAD DAY FOR HIS FAMILY AS WELL AS HIS FRIENDS…He will also be missed by us, the fans of his great rock voice, he gave me many, many hours of listening pleasure. Condolences to his family.
May 17th, 2010 at 00:20It’s hard to express how i’m feeling by now. We are all very sad to hear this news. he’s been one of the greatest artist ever. and his music will never be forgotten.
May 17th, 2010 at 00:20RIP Ronnie, you will always live in our hearts!
Cozy Powell…
Tommy Bolin…
Phil Lynott…
Ronnie James Dio…
“The great gig in the sky”
Can´t believe he´s gone. Another late tribute… Embrace your heroes while they’re still amongst us.
The King is dead. Long live the King.
May 17th, 2010 at 00:35RIP RJD. Another reunion that Ritchie waited too long for. Ronnie was always up for a Rainbow reunion as were we all. Too bad Ritchie cannot get his head out of his talented arse and make the music we all love.
Thank you Ronnie for the soundtrack of my youth. Magical music and envigorating concerts. A great talent and a good man !
RIP.
May 17th, 2010 at 00:57I cant believe it..I was driving an everybody was speaking on the radio about ronnie, I didnt understand why so much, now But after some long minutes Ive understood…
Ronnie, hope you are in the top of the silver mountain, looking to us…
FUCK THE DEAD!
May 17th, 2010 at 01:16I just found out. It was a couple of days ago they said he was doing better and that the tumor had shrunk considerably. What happened.
It’s a great loss. Ronnie will be missed. RIM, Rest In Metal Ronnie James Dio.
May 17th, 2010 at 01:17Part of my youth is gone today. Ronnie was big part of it. It’s like losing dearest friend. May you have heavenly peace forever.
May 17th, 2010 at 01:20Long Live, Ronnie James Dio!
May 17th, 2010 at 01:21A very sad day indeed. Truly the end of an era. Ronnie has been a huge part of the soundtrack of my life. I am thankful for all the great music he left us. He may be gone now but he will always remain our RAINBOW IN THE DARK.
May 17th, 2010 at 01:47Deepest condolences to the Dio family. Such sad news, but such a rich legacy that he has left for us. RIP Mr. Dio.
May 17th, 2010 at 01:49Damn.
Great shame. One of the very best rock vocalists.
Had all the Rainbow albums, as well as Sab’s ‘heaven and Hell’ and ‘Holy Diver’. Huge talent. His voice was there through so much of my life.
I miss the songs he’ll never record.
May 17th, 2010 at 02:17Oh Well…..the Dragon Won. Hard to beat the Big C. I will remember you as long as I live Mr. DIO. I still remember seeing you with ELF opening for Deep Purple at the Orange Bowl in 1974. I remember turning towards my buddies and saying….”Who is this Little Guy with Huge voice. He is going to be Big in the future”. Boy was I right, and from that point on, I followed his music all the way to the End of the Rainbow….
RIP Ronald. I guess the Lord needed a Dragon Slayer in Heaven. Go get ’em my man.
no Cheers here…..
May 17th, 2010 at 02:29Dearest Ronnie,
You will always be the man on the silver mountain…of silver throated singers.
May 17th, 2010 at 02:30JAMAS TE OLVIDARE. UN GIGANTE DE LA MUSICA Y MEJOR PERSONA. LONG LIVE RONIE JAMES DIO!!!!! ARGENTINA TE LLORA Y TE AMA. HASTA SIEMPRE GENIO!
May 17th, 2010 at 02:38Ronnie James estará siempre con nosotros.
May 17th, 2010 at 02:45Thank you for your music.
Rest In Peace.
A GENTE ESQUECE QUE OS GRANDES MORREM FISICAMENTE DE TÃO BOM QUE SÃO.
May 17th, 2010 at 02:46No one has been more important to me in the music scene for 30 years than Ronnie James Dio. Half of my top 10 albums have him on them. Heaven and Hell is my favorite album ever – so much a favorite that I have one angel from the album cover on my back as my one and only tattoo (I’m not really a tattoo person). This is really a significant loss. Condolences to everyone who loved him, and especially to those who were personally close to him. Today, the man died…but long live the music!
May 17th, 2010 at 03:32I was fortunate to see Dio open for Deep Purple in California a few years back. Most memorable moment was a father hoisting his 6 year old son up and Ronnie stepped forward to shake the kids hand. That was Ronnie. He appreciated the fans and my favorite quote from him was how celebrities owe their livelihood to the fans as “…without them, we are nothing, without us, they will always be.” I’m sad he’s gone, but I’m happy for all the great music.
May 17th, 2010 at 03:32Just listening to catch the rainbow from the 1st rainbow lp. Really showcases his gentle passion for singing. He will be missedbut not forgotten. The ultimate example of how heavy metal can be so fucking powerful with such a compassionite person at the helm. He would made a good leader in this world also!
May 17th, 2010 at 04:14Mr Ronnie James Dio,
May 17th, 2010 at 04:31the man who wants to ‘kill the king’,
have been kill by the beast.
I hope you will reform a band
with Cosy in heaven
and make the people DREAM up there,
like you make us dream down here.
Rest in peace,and sing up there.
Thank you Ronnie and LONG LIVE ROCK&ROLL.
Richard.
Catch the Rainbow Ronnie
May 17th, 2010 at 04:34RIP Ronnie James Dio Member of both the deep purple and black sabbath family.
May 17th, 2010 at 04:39Una verdadera perdida para los que lo seguimos por tantos años, una voz tremenda, hace dos años lo vi en Argentina y canto como un gigante, lo que nos queda es el recuerdo de un gran artista.
May 17th, 2010 at 04:51Lo vamos a extrañar.
Saludos a su familia.
What a loss for the world of music!
My condolences to his family, may they find strength in the knowledge that he will never be forgotten.
RIP Ronnie James Dio.
May 17th, 2010 at 05:01It’s a terrible loss. Goodbye, Ronnie.
May 17th, 2010 at 05:32Ronnie may have died , nevertheless his music will always be with us.
May 17th, 2010 at 05:39He just is One of The Greats.Him, Gillan, Halford, to me the best voices there could be.We just have to accept that they are going to be leaving us sooner or later, and I do not think they have adequate followers.
Tell me it aint so my brothers and sisters first we lose Steve Irwin now Dio. Really a Giant that can never be replaced. From all of us that saw the Rainbow Rising Tour a gigantic thank you Ronnie and may you now rest in peace brother as the Lady of the Lake waits for you to return.
May 17th, 2010 at 05:46RIP Ronnie, you are missed already, see you in heaven…or hell!
May 17th, 2010 at 05:54We will miss you Ronnie.I am listeninig Stargazer now …
May 17th, 2010 at 06:24Ronnie, your were one of the best!
May 17th, 2010 at 06:30I never saw you live on stage, but
much more I listen to incredible
voice! I’m really sad! Now and
forever: Long live rock’n roll!
Oh Oh Oh …
what a sad and bad message.
THE VOICE of LONG LIVE ROCK ´N´ROLL and many many other songs has passed away from us all.
I am very heavy-hearted to see Ronnie never again 🙁
I want to give my condolence to Wendy and his whole familie.
It is sad for us fans, but what a word can say, how sad it is for his nearest relatives.
Thank you for all your great songs and melodies you gave to us.
Long Live Ronnie
Long Live Rock ´N´Roll (this was your passion)
Hope we see and hear you again in Heaven (and not in Hell)
God bless you
-kraatzy-
May 17th, 2010 at 06:35Great man, great singer, sad day indeed… He’ll be always with us..
May 17th, 2010 at 06:40THE VOICE OF RAINBOW.
I wish you somewhere in heaven to find your silver mountain and RIP.
May 17th, 2010 at 06:45I’m sitting now, listening to Gates Of Babylon, banging my head and crying! 🙁
May 17th, 2010 at 07:21We lose best voice of rock. Very sad…
He was a great man!
R.I.P. Ronnie
May 17th, 2010 at 07:29I first saw Ronnie with Elf opening for Deep Purple in Graz, Austria on April 3rd 1975. My first thoughts, although only being a 13 year old lad “Who the hell is that man singing ?”. I was fortunate enough to see Ronnie a couple of times during his carreer and he never failed in giving us a great time of rock and roll. His body might be gone. His spirit, his wit and his charme will live on forever. Keep on rocking from Graz, Austria
May 17th, 2010 at 07:29I’m from Greece, i read the news late last night.
May 17th, 2010 at 07:31I thing its the beginning of the end of my childhood era.
I am deeply sad…no other words to say…
R.I.P Ronnie.
Catch the Rainbow Ronnie!
May 17th, 2010 at 07:35Today I feel something strange in my heart:a breaking – I don’t know personnaly this great man, but it’s just like a lose a friend…thanks for all those beautifull “great pieces of music” ! Rising – Long live rock’n’roll – Holy diver – Heaven Hell… But also for the kindness of this very important Man . I’ve had the pleasure to see Ronnie with Deep Purple Concerto at the Lotto arena in Antwerpen (belgium) and I promise myself to go to see one of his personnal concerts: Too late.
May 17th, 2010 at 07:41Love to your familly
Good bye, Man On The Silver Montain !
The man who made Rainbow……
One of the greatest rock n roll singers of all time – Ronnie will be sadly missed and never replaced – to Wendy and family a truly sad day – you are in are thoughts and prayers.
May 17th, 2010 at 07:44…a very sad news.But not for too long,he will live in our hearts and his songs will never die.Rest in peace Ronnie,god bless you.
May 17th, 2010 at 07:54My Heart is broken too.
ronnie james dio is dead, more than 30 years accompanied his music my Life.
Since 2007, I’m ill cancer too – a battle to live and dead, day for day.
Ronnie has lost his battle, but his music will live on.
“Still I’m sad” – I’ll miss you, because without you the music world is poorer.
They say that life’s a carousel
Spinning fast, you’ve got to ride it well
The world is full of kings and queens
Who blind your eyes and steal your dreams
It’s heaven and hell, oh well
Long Live Rock N Roll & R.I.P
cu in Heaven
May 17th, 2010 at 07:55[…] Ronnie James Dio I’m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ronnie James Dio. […]
May 17th, 2010 at 08:05Sorry, I’m not able to say a word.
May 17th, 2010 at 08:08Very sad news…
Will never forget the 2 fantastic occasions I saw him live in concert.
Catch the Rainbow!
May 17th, 2010 at 08:11Just read this sad news.
RIP Ronnie.
I wish his wife all the best in these sad moments.
May 17th, 2010 at 08:19The one word that I immediately associate with the name Ronnie Dio is: PROUD.
May 17th, 2010 at 08:20And the first impulse I remember is that voice that sung: “I’m a wheel I’m a wheel I can roll, I can feel.” He made me like Rainbow.
The great little man find his silver mountain in haeven. He will be alive for ever.
May 17th, 2010 at 08:33I heard it in the news this morning, very sad that he had to go before his time , by this terrible disease!
May 17th, 2010 at 08:54All the best and strenght to family and friends; your great voice will never stop to be heard in my room, I keep my records with care in memory of you…….. Ronnie James DIO.
What a loss. I can’t believe it. RIP Ronnie.
May 17th, 2010 at 09:23One of the greats , a voice and personality to match any . R.I.P.
May 17th, 2010 at 09:26Bye bye Ronnie the frog! Hope you’ll have a ball up there. We’ll miss you…
May 17th, 2010 at 09:34Ronnie, the best ever…Long live rock n roll! Thanx mate!!
May 17th, 2010 at 09:38Your sprit will live on in the music with one of the best voices in Rock music – Today is a very sad day – You will never be forgotten…Long Live Rock & Roll – Long Live Ronnie James Dio….!!!
May 17th, 2010 at 09:40I still remember Last in line tour in 84 as if it was yesterday..
May 17th, 2010 at 09:42Rock on whereever you are!
Dear Ronnie,
May 17th, 2010 at 09:51great sorrow come over me, but I know you are living now OVER THE RAINBOW.
So long,
Peter
I can’t find the right words to express how deeply shocked I am about this message. It’s like loosing a friend! LOVE IS ALL, Mr. Dio! R.I.P.
May 17th, 2010 at 10:01End of a Rainbow….sad but …a great band now over there:
May 17th, 2010 at 10:10Ronnie James Dio Vocals
Cozy Powell Drums
Cliff Burton Bass
Randy Rhoads Guitar
Rick Wright Keyboards
I cried when Cozy died and today I cried again. Travel well Ronnie, you lit up so many lives and will continue to do so. Your legacy is some of the most wonderful music ever made.
May 17th, 2010 at 10:11fly to the rainbow and thank your ronnie for your music now your can see rainbow rising
May 17th, 2010 at 10:16He was one of a kind!!! R.I.P RJD
May 17th, 2010 at 16:43Long Live Rock N’ Roll, Long Live Dio!
May 17th, 2010 at 16:46I’m devastated, just as if a close relative or friend had died. He wasn’t one of the best: he was the best, ever. Dio’s voice and music is part of my life, listening to him has always brightened my day. I was lucky enough to see him perform live during the “Dehumanizer” tour, with Black Sabbath, and those are memories that I will always treasure.
Bon Scott, Cozy Powell, Jimmy Hendriz, Bonham, Phil Lynnot, Randy Rhoads… and now Ronnie: Definitely, they will be having a blast of a time playing together!!
Rest in peace, dear friend.
Crying in my Rainbow Eyes,
Isaias.
May 17th, 2010 at 16:51We are sorry, but we have to close the comments. Our little server has been overwhelmed with the outpour of your response. If you are on Facebook, you can leave your condolences on Ronnie’s official page:
May 17th, 2010 at 17:02http://www.facebook.com/OfficialRonnieJamesDio
…or in our forum:
http://forum.thehighwaystar.com/mwf/topic_show.pl?pid=22918