Ronnie James Dio, Heavy Metal Legend, dies 67

* Thank you 1metalfan for original post.

" Sad news for the Rock & metal world today. Ronnie James Dio has lost his battle with Cancer. It was reported that he passed away today. He will be sorely missed. "
- 1metalfan -

Ronald James Padavona
Born: July 10, 1942 Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA
Died: May 16, 2010 (67) Houston, Texas, USA

Ronnie James Dio was an American heavy metal vocalist and songwriter. He performed with Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell, and his own band Dio. Other musical projects include the collective fundraiser Hear 'n Aid. He was widely hailed as one of the most powerful singers in heavy metal,  renowned for his consistently powerful voice and for popularizing the "devil's horns" hand gesture in metal culture. He was collaborating on a project with former Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice, under the moniker Heaven & Hell, whose first and only studio album, The Devil You Know, was released on April 28, 2009.

Death of Ronnie James Dio
Ronnie James Dio died at 7:45 am (CDT) of stomach cancer.
Ronnie James Dio was 67 years old at the time of his death.

Statement from Official Fan Site:
"Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed 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 this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever."