"It's not the size of the pencil. It's how big you write your name." - Dio
This past weekend the music and metal community was saddened by the passing of legendary singer Ronnie James Dio. The former Black Sabbath and Heaven and Hell frontman has succum to a battle with stomach cancer Sunday morning, he was 67. Dio, who was known for his small stature had a big heart and powerful voice that echoed unlike anything ever herd. The man, who was born to Italian immigrates was credited of originating the devil horns salute (as seen in picture above). Dio is survived by his wife and children.
Here are what some of his admirors are saying about Dio's passing:
Tony Iommi via his website: "16th May my dear, dear friend Ronnie James Dio passed away at 7.45am LA time. I’ve been in total shock I just can’t believe he’s gone. Ronnie was one of the nicest people you could ever meet, we had some fantastic times together. Ronnie loved what he did, making music and performing on stage. He loved his fans so much. He was a kind man and would put himself out to help others. I can honestly say it’s truly been an honor to play at his side for all these years, his music will live on forever. Our thoughts are with Wendy Dio who stood by Ronnie until the end, he loved her very much. The man with the magic voice is a star amongst stars, a true professional. I’ll miss you so much my dear friend. RIP - Tony
Cory Taylor (Slipknot, Stone Sour) in a statement to Billboard: "Ronnie sang like he lived - all out, from the heart, with so much honesty and joy. He was a great man with a smile and a handshake for fans and peers alike. He spoke his mind and stood his ground for decades. I will miss him dearly."
Killswitch Engage via Billboard: "a very, very sad day in metal, and this one hits pretty hard. Dio was one of the greatest metal singers of all time. His soaring vocal lines even to this day, strike a chord in me that few other singers can come close to. Even in his old age, Dio rocked harder and more on point then 99% of the singers out there. He is truly a musician's musician; a model for the new school to aspire towards. A man who stuck to his guns, and played the type of music HE wanted to play...and extremely well at that!"
Lars Ulrich via Metallica.com wrote an open letter to Dio. Take a look HERE.
Kerry King (Slayer) to MTV: "Few people have had the ability to carry a song like Dio, literally demanding your attention as he effortlessly re-created live the amazing things he did on record,"
Scott Ian (Anthrax) told MTV: "Ronnie was the nicest man in metal"
Slash via Twitter: "Ronnie died at 7:45 but his music will live on forever."
Brian May via his website: ""Even though we had all known he was battling with cancer for some time, he was such a wiry fighter, and of such an amazingly optimistic nature, I think I assumed he would go on forever. was one of the creators of the genre of heavy metal"