It’s truly sad when you hear the news of the passing of a legend in the music world. Especially a household name that helped mold the genre that is heavy metal. On Sunday, Ronnie James Dio, lead singer of Dio, Heaven and Hell, Black Sabbath and Rainbow, passed away at the age of 67. Dio had been battling cancer for the last year, even stayed at Mayo Clinic in Rochester for a time.
Dio’s sharp and powerful vocals gave all his songs an edge that personified metal. When younger, I went through a phase of listening to the stepping stones of classic rock (ie Zeppelin, The Doors, Pink Floyd). Among them was Dio. Learning the lyrics to “Rainbow in the Dark” and “Holy Diver” was a must if you were to become a true fan of the genre. But it wasn’t just these songs that made Dio a household name. He supplied much more for metal by becoming a definition for the genre. He represented purity in metal and influenced a countless number of bands that carried on his style and sound.
It’s surprising how musicians who pass away young, in the middle of their prime, are recognized in bronze because of what they could have been, but were cut short. Well deserved in every way, but to be able to live a full life and contribute all that you can to your passion is what turns your bronze plate into gold. Ronnie James Dio will always be known as a father of metal, and his music will live on forever. RIP Dio.
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RIP – Ronnie James Dio, 67, can probably be credited for popularizing the “devil’s horns” often seen raised at heavy metal concerts. Nice obit here: http://urdead2me.wordpress.com/2010/05/16/rip-ronnie-james-dio/
Comment by urdead2me May 16, 2010 @ 9:55 pm