We have truly lost a music legend. Ronald James Padavona aka Ronnie James Dio succumbed to gastric cancer at 7:45 AM on Sunday, May 16. His last public appearance was at the Revolver Golden Gods awards (see below) where he won the award for Best Metal Vocalist. He had recently received his seventh chemotherapy treatment and as a result was forced to postpone the European leg of his Heaven & Hell tour.
Ronnie James was known as one of the kindest, most grounded rockers in all of metal (and music for that matter). Standing at just 5' 4", Dio was a beast on stage. His vocal range and musicianship was second to none. There has never been a better voice or lead man in metal including Bruce Dickenson (Iron Maiden), Rob Halford (Judas Priest), or Ozzy. Part of this argument stems from the fact that Dio just released a new studio album and was touring in support at the age of 67 (16, 9 and 6 years older than his above mentioned peers respectively). I had the opportunity of witnessing his live act 3 years ago and was blown away by his stage presence. Prior to the show, I brushed shoulders with him backstage and despite me being five inches taller, he seemed like a giant.
Besides his musical accomplishments, Mr. Dio is just as well known for giving the metal world its trademark sign; the mano cornuta, Corna or "the devil's horns." Dio has stated he started flashing this sign when he was a child. His Italian grandmother reportedly used this gesture to ward off evil (watch his interview on the fantastic metal documentary "Metal: A Headbanger's Journey"). Even though he died too early, he has left us a monumental music catalog which will last eternity. God bless RJD and rest in peace. Below are my favorite Ronnie James Dio albums and songs.
7. Heaven & Hell - "The Devil You Know" (2009)
Choice cuts: "Bible Black", "Eating The Cannibals", "Neverwhere"
6. Dio - "The Last In Line" (1984)
Choice cuts: "The Last In Line", "Egypt", "We Rock"
5. Heaven & Hell - "Live From Radio City Music Hall" (2007)
Choice cuts: "Heaven And Hell", "E5150/After All (The Dead)"
4. Rainbow - "Long Live Rock 'n' Roll" (1978)
Choice cuts: "Long Live Rock 'N' Roll", "Kill The King"
3. Black Sabbath - "Mob Rules" (1981)
Choice cuts: "The Mob Rules", "Sign Of The Southern Cross"
2. Black Sabbath - "Heaven And Hell" (1980)
Choice cuts: "Heaven And Hell", "Neon Knights", "Children Of The Sea"
1. Dio - "Holy Diver" (1983)
Choice cuts: "Holy Diver", "Stand Up And Shout", "Don't Talk To Strangers", "Rainbow In The Dark"
[For those who would like a great collection of his music (spanning his stints in Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Dio), check out "Stand Up And Shout: The Dio Anthology" released in 2003 on Rhino records. This 2-disc, "Best Of" collection has hits from his first three bands on the first disc and a Best of Dio collection on the second disc.]
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