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Last edited by Jagermeister; 05-18-2010, 03:40 PM. -
Ex-VAN HALEN and current CHICKENFOOT bassist Michael Anthony spoke to The Pulse of Radio and Billboard.com about the influence and legacy of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio, who passed away this past Sunday, May 16 after a six-month battle with stomach cancer.
[Courtesy of The Pulse of Radio] "I don't know anybody that didn't grow up listening to his stuff. You know, VAN HALEN, we used to do from the first RAINBOW album, we did 'Man On The Silver Mountain'. I remember one time, the second VAN HALEN tour we were doing some festivals in Europe, and we actually played on the same show as Ronnie's band. Real powerful voice, you know, and definitely a driving force in hard rock music, that guy was."
[Courtesy of Billboard.com] "[Ronnie] was a great guy. I remember when we opened for them, all of us were back at the hotel having some drinks; it was his birthday, and I remember us all just hanging out, and he was just a great guy."Comment
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HEAVEN & HELL's VINNY APPICE:
Drummer Vinny Appice (HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, DIO) has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):
"Hey, Ron, I never thought the day would come so suddenly.
"Ronnie was everything to me. He was my best friend, he was my brother. I sat behind him on my drums each night and played, watching him sing, hearing his roaring voice through my monitors. Every night he sent chills down my spine with his singing, inspiring me to push it further and play the best I can to the limit.
"I always knew how lucky I was to be in a band with him, but to become friends was even more special.
"When I met Ronnie I was a kid, 21 years old, eyes wide opened. He took me under his wing, he showed me the way, he was the greatest teacher and inspiration in my life and most of all, the greatest rock singer in the world!
"My heart is so broken. We are now in a world without him and I will miss him so much. I can only think of how fortunate I was to make music with him that was in his heart. Music that will remain to be listened to by all his fans all over the world, whom he adored and loved!
"Ronnie, I love you, man!!"
I like Vinny even though he looks a little bloated these days.Comment
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you think he looks bloated... you should see me!Comment
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Michael Anthony's speech nowadays sounds like a bad imitation of Hagar's.
Cheers! :bottle:Comment
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Geezer speaks...
Bassist Geezer Butler (BLACK SABBATH, HEAVEN & HELL) has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):
"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 three 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 two- or three-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 [Iommi] hand ligaments were in a bad way, Vinny's [Appice] 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."Comment
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Cool of Geezer to share with the world...
There will never be another RJD...
Trolls take heed...
LOG OUT & FUCK OFF!!!Comment
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Someone posted this on the melodicrock notice board...
What Ronnie told me he'd like to be remembered for ..
Author: blm (---.know.cable.virginmedia.com)
Date: 05-18-10 05: 01
Ronnie James Dio got me into rock music when I was 14 ... I was a massive ABBA fan, and then I heard Rainbow 'Rising', and the rest is history.
I've had the pleasure of interviewing Ronnie several times over the year. My first was for Boulevard back in 1990 ..
My final question to Ronnie was: What would you like to be remembered for in 50 years time?
The answer ..
"Oh, I don't really care what they remember me for. I'll be dead by then and my bones won't care. I have only tried to do one thing - be true to myself and true to the people who cared about me and have appreciated some of the music I have made in my life. I never set out to be someone who would be remembered, 'Mr Wonderful', I only set out to enjoy myself in life and I've had that enjoyment by the music I've made and the people who've appreciated it. I they DO remember me, I hope it's just for caring."
Ronnie .. it will be for a LOT more than that.
Miss you, my friend ...Comment
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One Of RONNIE JAMES DIO's Final Recordings
One of the final recordings from legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW), a rough-mix version of a track titled "Metal Will Never Die", has surfaced on YouTube and can be streamed below. (Note: This particular version of the song was posted on YouTube after it originally aired on Eddie Trunk's radio show.) The cut is expected to appear on "Bitten By The Beast", the forthcoming solo album from Dio's cousin, David "Rock" Feinstein from THE RODS and ELF. The nine-song CD will eventually see the light of day via Niji Entertainment Group, the company run by Ronnie James Dio's wife/manager Wendy Dio.
"Bitten By The Beast" recording lineup:
* David "Rock" Feinstein: Guitar, Bass, and Vocals
* Nate Horton: Drums
Guest appearances:
* Ronnie James Dio: Vocals
* Carl Canedy: Drums
* Garry Bordonaro: Bass
"Bitten By The Beast" track listing:
01. Smoke On The Horizon
02. Evil In Me
03. Break Down The Walls
04. Metal Will Never Die (feat. Ronnie James Dio)
05. Kill The Demon
06. Rocks Boogie
07. Give Me Mercy
08. Run For Your Life
09. Gambler Gambler
David "Rock" Feinstein's last release was the "Third Wish" album, which came out in June 2004 under the FEINSTEIN banner. In addition to Feinstein, the CD featured contributions from former ROYAL HUNT singer John West and ex-FOGHAT/THE OUTLAWS bassist Jeff Howell.
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Not really sure how to respond to that. 
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