R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio - Alphaville Forum

*ariAna* · 17 May 2010, 09:45

Message from Wendy Dio

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. http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/

Ronnie James Dio was former singer in the band "Rainbow", a great solo artist and the last years very successful with his own band "Heaven & Hell".
In my opinion he was one of the best voices of rock music ever. It's a great loss!

Rest in Peace!

Kaz · 17 May 2010, 16:51

This is really sad! He was a great singer.

MalilaM · 17 May 2010, 18:20

It's such a shame... Someone in Solar Driftwood will be mourning too.

*ariAna* · 17 May 2010, 19:45

Yes, Malila, that was one of the first things I thought when I read the sad message about Ronnies dead this morning.

JaJaJa · 17 May 2010, 20:50

Shhhhhhh....!!!

Although no surprise.

No forummer who was attentive in reading the listening topic will be surprised that I liked him a lot,
actually I finally discovered his voice and personality and music all through the last 14 months.
It really is a big loss - there are not many singers who had such a huge capability in singing and
furtherly were part of at least three real Rock classic albums: "Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow", Black
Sabbath "Heaven And Hell", DIO "Holy Diver".

I don't know anyone in the whole music business who kept his voice that alive and kicking to the
age of 67 like him!
His secret simply was that he just never stopped - no breaks in praxis, in touring, doing albums.
I disagreed with many of his views but I really felt familiar to many others.

Beside of listening to the music I recommend everyone who is interested in his personality to have a look at this
"Brutally honest interview", which shows a lot of him:

http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...Interview&aq=f

R.I.P.

JaJaJa · 21 May 2010, 05:59

News by Wendy:

Public Memorial Service For Ronnie James Dio 5/19/2010 2:21:32 PM

There will be a Public Memorial Service for Ronnie James Dio on Sunday, May 30th at 2:00 PM at The Hall Of Liberty located at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068.

This will be a celebration of the life and music of Ronnie James Dio and is open to all of his friends and fans from around the world.

For those of you that will be flying in from out of town or out of the country, we have made special rates at various local hotels available to you! Just go to our official Facebook Page for hotel information!

The Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund 5/19/2010 11:59:40 AM

Wendy Dio has requested in lieu of sending flowers, please make a donation to the Ronnie James Dio "STAND UP AND SHOUT CANCER FUND." Please send your donations to the Niji Entertainment Group, 12400 Ventura Blvd. #624, Studio City, CA 91604 USA. From all of us at Niji Entertainment Group, we thank you! For those that want to use Paypal, a link will be set up.

www.ronniejamesdio.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile a hundred thousand of condolences can be found in the net. Those people who knew him
personally always emphasize what a warmhearted gentleman he was.

JaJaJa · 22 May 2010, 16:41

The most touching words to me lately are the ones of Black Sabbath / Heaven And Hell - bass player Terence "Geezer" Butler.
Also because their past has not always been without difficulties. It is not only been all business after all:

http://www.geezerbutler.com/archives/367

My Statement on Ronald

Posted on May 18, 2010

IN RESPONSE TO THE MANY REQUESTS FOR A STATEMENT HERE GOES:

It’s impossible to express in mere words the relationship Ronnie and I, Wendy and my wife Gloria had. He was much more than a friend, fellow musician, band mate. If I have a soul, then he is part of it. I truly believe God, fate, destiny, whatever it’s called, brought us together again in 2006, after not seeing each other for 14 years, to do one final tour, which turned into 3 major tours and an album. We were having a blast together, enjoying each other’s company more than we had ever done before, talking about maybe doing one more album, when fate intervened again. We were planning on doing a 2 or 3 part North American tour, after having toured South America and Europe in Spring /Summer 2009, but on the first leg of the North American tour, Tony’s hand ligaments were in a bad way, Vinny’s shoulder became dislocated, and Ronnie was having terrible stomach pains. We decided to cut the tour, get healthy, and carry on the following year. Tony and Vinny had successful procedures to fix their ailments, but Ronnie’s stomach pains were worsening. I saw him at the Dio Halloween party, but he wasn’t drinking, unusual for Ronnie who liked his tipple. He was telling me he had made an appointment with a specialist, to see what it was…..

Wednesday, 12th May 2010.

Wendy invited Gloria and I to lunch in Santa Barbara. A few close friends of Ronnie and Wendy, Omar, Simon, Paul, Tim, and Diana, had dropped by. Ronnie had no appetite whatsoever- the disease and the chemotherapy were taking an immense toll. As usual, we talked sports and had a laugh together- it would be the last time. That night, I had a beautiful email from him, that I will treasure forever. I sent him an email saying I’d see him during the following week.

Friday, 14th May 2010.

Wendy called to say she had taken Ronnie to hospital. The pain had become unbearable. We got to the hospital around 2 p.m. The doctor eventually sedated him. More and more friends were coming to visit- we took it in turns to hold Ronnie’s hand, and whisper our thoughts to him. Wendy wouldn’t leave his side- she stayed curled up on his bed the whole night. Gloria’s assistant, Debi, kept her company. I emailed Tony to prepare him for bad news.

Saturday, 15th May 2010.

There was no mistaking Ronnie’s room. There were around 25 to 30 friends outside his room. We knew the end was imminent. We all wanted to say our goodbyes. It was a day filled with tears and reflection. In the evening, the chaplain came, and we all gathered around Ronnie’s bed and prayed. Ronnie wasn’t going easily. At 11 p.m., most of us left, leaving Wendy her privacy to say her last farewell. The devastation was palpable.

Sunday, 16th May 2010.

7.46 a.m. As we were preparing to leave for the hospital, Gloria called Wendy to see if she wanted a coffee or any breakfast- she broke the sad news. Ronnie had just passed away.

Wendy Dio has been a true saint through all this. She has been with Ronnie every step of the way. Her courage has amazed us all. Even as I write, she is ensuring Ronnie has the finest send off possible. God bless you, Wendel.

Most people who were there for those last days chose to keep their thoughts private. I wanted to keep my thoughts private, too, but I’ve been overwhelmed by emails, and requests from the media and fans for comments.

I can truly say I’ve never known anyone to have such loyal, loving friends, fans, and family as Ronnie. He really was a special person, blessed with a unique voice and presence. He loved his fans- he would stay meeting and talking to them until the early hours of the morning. One of my fondest memories of him comes from last year, at the Sonisphere Festival,Knebworth. He noticed my sister and her husband at the side of the stage. During our opening song, he took the time to go over and hug them. Just a little thing like that made him special to me. Of course his music will live on forever, as will his influence. I have never seen so many tributes from so many musicians and fans, so many good wishes, no cynicism, just pure love and appreciation for a great man.

God bless you Ronald – thank you so much for the wonderful memories.

Love ya,
Geez

JaJaJa · 06 May 2011, 15:16

Almost one year.

And the band is doing a DIO Disciples tour...

17 May 2010, 09:45	#1
ariAna maniac Join Date: 25 Feb 2008 Location: in the heart of the city, Bonn, Germany Posts: 4,493	R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio Message from Wendy Dio 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. http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/ Ronnie James Dio was former singer in the band "Rainbow", a great solo artist and the last years very successful with his own band "Heaven & Hell". In my opinion he was one of the best voices of rock music ever. It's a great loss! Rest in Peace! G - O! Let's go!

17 May 2010, 16:51	#2
Kaz Her... Join Date: 22 Jan 2003 Location: Bucharest, Romania Posts: 12,459	This is really sad! He was a great singer. Before you judge me, make sure you're perfect.

17 May 2010, 18:20	#3
MalilaM Random Motion Join Date: 07 Jul 2002 Location: Mexico City, Mexico Posts: 15,878	It's such a shame... Someone in Solar Driftwood will be mourning too. ♪ ♫ ♪ I must be going crazy or the brandy's won the race ♪ ♫ ♪ 32

17 May 2010, 19:45	#4
ariAna maniac Join Date: 25 Feb 2008 Location: in the heart of the city, Bonn, Germany Posts: 4,493	Yes, Malila, that was one of the first things I thought when I read the sad message about Ronnies dead this morning. G - O! Let's go!

17 May 2010, 20:50	#5
JaJaJa Rebel Dreamer Join Date: 11 Apr 2003 Location: Solar Driftwood Posts: 11,064	Shhhhhhh....!!! Although no surprise. No forummer who was attentive in reading the listening topic will be surprised that I liked him a lot, actually I finally discovered his voice and personality and music all through the last 14 months. It really is a big loss - there are not many singers who had such a huge capability in singing and furtherly were part of at least three real Rock classic albums: "Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow", Black Sabbath "Heaven And Hell", DIO "Holy Diver". I don't know anyone in the whole music business who kept his voice that alive and kicking to the age of 67 like him! His secret simply was that he just never stopped - no breaks in praxis, in touring, doing albums. I disagreed with many of his views but I really felt familiar to many others. Beside of listening to the music I recommend everyone who is interested in his personality to have a look at this "Brutally honest interview", which shows a lot of him: http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...Interview&aq=f R.I.P. Между нами дураками естъ один большой дурак. Раз, два, три - Это верно ты! Last edited by JaJaJa; 18 May 2010 at 10:26.

21 May 2010, 05:59	#6
JaJaJa Rebel Dreamer Join Date: 11 Apr 2003 Location: Solar Driftwood Posts: 11,064	News by Wendy: Public Memorial Service For Ronnie James Dio 5/19/2010 2:21:32 PM There will be a Public Memorial Service for Ronnie James Dio on Sunday, May 30th at 2:00 PM at The Hall Of Liberty located at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068. This will be a celebration of the life and music of Ronnie James Dio and is open to all of his friends and fans from around the world. For those of you that will be flying in from out of town or out of the country, we have made special rates at various local hotels available to you! Just go to our official Facebook Page for hotel information! The Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund 5/19/2010 11:59:40 AM Wendy Dio has requested in lieu of sending flowers, please make a donation to the Ronnie James Dio "STAND UP AND SHOUT CANCER FUND." Please send your donations to the Niji Entertainment Group, 12400 Ventura Blvd. #624, Studio City, CA 91604 USA. From all of us at Niji Entertainment Group, we thank you! For those that want to use Paypal, a link will be set up. www.ronniejamesdio.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meanwhile a hundred thousand of condolences can be found in the net. Those people who knew him personally always emphasize what a warmhearted gentleman he was. Между нами дураками естъ один большой дурак. Раз, два, три - Это верно ты!

22 May 2010, 16:41	#7
JaJaJa Rebel Dreamer Join Date: 11 Apr 2003 Location: Solar Driftwood Posts: 11,064	The most touching words to me lately are the ones of Black Sabbath / Heaven And Hell - bass player Terence "Geezer" Butler. Also because their past has not always been without difficulties. It is not only been all business after all: http://www.geezerbutler.com/archives/367 My Statement on Ronald Posted on May 18, 2010 IN RESPONSE TO THE MANY REQUESTS FOR A STATEMENT HERE GOES: It’s impossible to express in mere words the relationship Ronnie and I, Wendy and my wife Gloria had. He was much more than a friend, fellow musician, band mate. If I have a soul, then he is part of it. I truly believe God, fate, destiny, whatever it’s called, brought us together again in 2006, after not seeing each other for 14 years, to do one final tour, which turned into 3 major tours and an album. We were having a blast together, enjoying each other’s company more than we had ever done before, talking about maybe doing one more album, when fate intervened again. We were planning on doing a 2 or 3 part North American tour, after having toured South America and Europe in Spring /Summer 2009, but on the first leg of the North American tour, Tony’s hand ligaments were in a bad way, Vinny’s shoulder became dislocated, and Ronnie was having terrible stomach pains. We decided to cut the tour, get healthy, and carry on the following year. Tony and Vinny had successful procedures to fix their ailments, but Ronnie’s stomach pains were worsening. I saw him at the Dio Halloween party, but he wasn’t drinking, unusual for Ronnie who liked his tipple. He was telling me he had made an appointment with a specialist, to see what it was….. Wednesday, 12th May 2010. Wendy invited Gloria and I to lunch in Santa Barbara. A few close friends of Ronnie and Wendy, Omar, Simon, Paul, Tim, and Diana, had dropped by. Ronnie had no appetite whatsoever- the disease and the chemotherapy were taking an immense toll. As usual, we talked sports and had a laugh together- it would be the last time. That night, I had a beautiful email from him, that I will treasure forever. I sent him an email saying I’d see him during the following week. Friday, 14th May 2010. Wendy called to say she had taken Ronnie to hospital. The pain had become unbearable. We got to the hospital around 2 p.m. The doctor eventually sedated him. More and more friends were coming to visit- we took it in turns to hold Ronnie’s hand, and whisper our thoughts to him. Wendy wouldn’t leave his side- she stayed curled up on his bed the whole night. Gloria’s assistant, Debi, kept her company. I emailed Tony to prepare him for bad news. Saturday, 15th May 2010. There was no mistaking Ronnie’s room. There were around 25 to 30 friends outside his room. We knew the end was imminent. We all wanted to say our goodbyes. It was a day filled with tears and reflection. In the evening, the chaplain came, and we all gathered around Ronnie’s bed and prayed. Ronnie wasn’t going easily. At 11 p.m., most of us left, leaving Wendy her privacy to say her last farewell. The devastation was palpable. Sunday, 16th May 2010. 7.46 a.m. As we were preparing to leave for the hospital, Gloria called Wendy to see if she wanted a coffee or any breakfast- she broke the sad news. Ronnie had just passed away. Wendy Dio has been a true saint through all this. She has been with Ronnie every step of the way. Her courage has amazed us all. Even as I write, she is ensuring Ronnie has the finest send off possible. God bless you, Wendel. Most people who were there for those last days chose to keep their thoughts private. I wanted to keep my thoughts private, too, but I’ve been overwhelmed by emails, and requests from the media and fans for comments. I can truly say I’ve never known anyone to have such loyal, loving friends, fans, and family as Ronnie. He really was a special person, blessed with a unique voice and presence. He loved his fans- he would stay meeting and talking to them until the early hours of the morning. One of my fondest memories of him comes from last year, at the Sonisphere Festival,Knebworth. He noticed my sister and her husband at the side of the stage. During our opening song, he took the time to go over and hug them. Just a little thing like that made him special to me. Of course his music will live on forever, as will his influence. I have never seen so many tributes from so many musicians and fans, so many good wishes, no cynicism, just pure love and appreciation for a great man. God bless you Ronald – thank you so much for the wonderful memories. Love ya, Geez Между нами дураками естъ один большой дурак. Раз, два, три - Это верно ты!

06 May 2011, 15:16	#8
JaJaJa Rebel Dreamer Join Date: 11 Apr 2003 Location: Solar Driftwood Posts: 11,064	Almost one year. And the band is doing a DIO Disciples tour... Между нами дураками естъ один большой дурак. Раз, два, три - Это верно ты!