Ronnie James Dio Ex-Rainbow and Black Sabbath Frontman Dead  |
Operatic heavy metal howler, Ronnie James Dio, who sang for Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow and Black Sabbath died at 67 after battling stomach cancer in a hospital in Houston for over a year.
Dio, who shot to fame after fronting Ex-Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore’s band. Rainbow is also instrumental in popularizing metal’s most notable signature- the devil horns. Dio is also credited with recording two albums with Black Sabbath before starting a band under his own name. In 2006 Dio teamed up with Sabbath members, Iommi, Butler and Appice to form Heaven and Hell that released only a single studio album to their credit. The studio debut titled The Devil You Know was released only last year. Dio also made an appearance as himself in the 2006 Jack Black/Tenacious D movie The Pick of Destiny.
His wife Wendy had this to say on his website, “Today my heart is broken… many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passes away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with the loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever.”
