"Heavy rocker Ronnie James Dio, at 67; vocalist in Black Sabbath, Rainbow" by Wayne Parry, Associated Press | May 17, 2010
NEW YORK — Ronnie James Dio, whose soaring vocals, poetic lyrics, and mythic tales of a never-ending struggle between good and evil broke new ground in heavy metal, died yesterday, according to a statement from his wife and manager. He was 67.
Mr. Dio revealed last summer that he was suffering from stomach cancer shortly after wrapping up a tour in Atlantic City....
Though Mr. Dio had recently undergone his seventh chemotherapy treatment, he was hoping to perform again. Earlier this month, Heaven And Hell canceled its summer tour, but Mr. Dio did not view being sidelined as a permanent thing....
Mr. Dio rose to fame in 1975 as the first lead singer of Rainbow, the band put together by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, who had just quit Deep Purple.
Mr. Dio then replaced vocalist Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath in 1980 with the critically acclaimed album “Heaven And Hell,’’ considered by many critics to be one of the finest heavy metal albums of all time.
He also enjoyed a successful solo career with his band, Dio....
Many of his most memorable songs revolved around the struggle between good and evil, including his signature tune “Heaven And Hell.’’ He also drew heavily on medieval imagery in songs such as Black Sabbath’s “Neon Knights,’’ and Rainbow’s “Stargazer.’’
His solo hits included “Rainbow In The Dark,’’ “The Last In Line,’’ and “Holy Diver.’’
Watch: Holy Diver
Truth as hard as steel, 'eh, Ronnie?--more--"
Maybe he was on to something with the priests, 'eh?
