NEWS: Ronnie James Dio Dies at 67

Dio dead at 67 of stomach cancer

Metal forefather Ronnie James Dio passed away May 16th after a year-long battle with stomach cancer. Dio rose to fame with Rainbow, assembled with former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, but became a rock legend as a replacement for Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath, and with his own band simply named Dio.

The first time you heard “Holy Diver” as a high school punk, you probably laughed at the ridiculous lyrics and metal cheese. Secretly, however, you were one of many closet metalheads across the country. Dio’s vocal range could touch an artery deep inside your body leading straight to the blackest part of your heart. Ronnie James, you were almost too awesome to exist…like a rainbow in the dark. Thank you for coining music enthusiasts’ beloved “devil horns,” you will be missed. RIP.

Check out Dio’s cameo in Tenacious D’s Pick Of Destiny.