Ronnie James Dio, born as Ronald James Padavona, was a legendary rock and heavy metal singer and songwriter. Dio was known for his distinctive and powerful voice, his mythical lyricism, and his contributions to bands like Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and his eponymous band, Dio. However, in the later part of his life, Dio faced a tough battle with stomach cancer, which eventually led to his death in 2010.
Early Life and Music Career
Born on July 10, 1942, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Dio developed a love for music at an early age. He was part of several bands throughout his youth, but his first major break came in 1975 when he joined Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow. This marked the beginning of Dio’s rise to fame, and he quickly became a prominent figure in the rock and heavy metal scene.
This photo provided by Wendy Dio shows a young Ronnie James Dio, who grew up in Cortland, N.Y. (source)
After leaving Rainbow, Dio had a successful stint as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, following Ozzy Osbourne’s departure. He later formed his own band, Dio, in 1982. Throughout his career, Dio was known for his powerful, operatic singing style and his fantasy-themed lyrics. He was also credited with popularizing the “metal horns” hand gesture, a symbol that has since become synonymous with heavy metal culture.
Ronnie James Dio’s last concert took place on August 29, 2009, at the “Gimme Shelter” benefit event held at the Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles, California. The concert was organized to raise funds for the victims of the Station nightclub fire that occurred in 2003. Ronnie James Dio performed with his band Heaven & Hell, which consisted of former members of Black Sabbath, including Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice.
Diagnosis and Treatment
In the late 2000s, Dio began experiencing health issues. He was diagnosed with stomach cancer in November 2009 after a series of tests. The diagnosis came as a shock to Dio and his fans, as he had always led a relatively healthy lifestyle.
Upon his diagnosis, Dio released a statement saying, “The news is not good… I have a stomach tumor… but I promise you this: I will fight with all my might and every fiber of my body… The good news is that we caught it early and I’ll be going in for surgery very soon… After a short recovery, I’ll be back on stage kicking cancer’s ass…”
Dio immediately began undergoing treatment at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, one of the leading cancer treatment centers in the world. His wife and manager, Wendy Dio, provided regular updates on his health status to his fans, who were supportive and hopeful for his recovery.
Final Days and Death
Despite the aggressive treatment, Dio’s condition worsened over the next several months. In May 2010, it was announced that he had taken a turn for the worse and was not doing well. His tour dates were canceled as he focused on his health.
On the morning of May 16, 2010, Dio passed away at the age of 67. His wife, Wendy Dio, confirmed his death in a statement that read, “Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes 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.”
Legacy
Dio’s death was a significant loss to the music world. Tributes poured in from all corners, from fans and fellow musicians alike. His contribution to the rock and heavy metal genre has left an indelible mark, and he continues to inspire countless musicians. In 2011, a tribute album called “This is Your Life” was released, featuring covers of Dio’s songs by various artists, with proceeds going to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, a charity founded in Dio’s memory to support cancer research and prevention.
“Ronnie James Dio was the greatest singer in the world.” – Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden)
“Ronnie James Dio had the voice of an angel and the heart of a lion.” – Rob Halford (Judas Priest)
“Ronnie was a true icon, an inspiration to countless singers, and a legend in the metal community.” – James Hetfield (Metallica)
“Ronnie James Dio was the voice of heavy metal. He had a powerful and unique voice that will never be forgotten.” – Ozzy Osbourne
“Ronnie James Dio was a true gentleman and one of the most talented vocalists of all time. He will be greatly missed.” – Dave Mustaine (Megadeth)
“Ronnie James Dio had an incredible ability to captivate an audience with his voice and stage presence. He was a true master of his craft.” – Alice Cooper
“Ronnie James Dio was a pioneer and an innovator. His contributions to the genre of heavy metal are immeasurable.” – Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath)
“Ronnie James Dio had a voice that could move mountains. He was a force to be reckoned with and a true legend.” – Corey Taylor (Slipknot)
Best 16 Ronnie James Dio Songs Voted by Fans
The post The last days and death of Ronnie James Dio – May 16, 2010 appeared first on NSF - Magazine.