Black Sabbath Master
Ronnie James Dio, born Ronald James Padavona in Portsmouth, New Hampshire finally lost his battle against stomach cancer and passed away at 7.45am on 16th May 2010.
Widely regarded as being the greatest rock vocalist of all time, Dio had the prestige of having fronted three different rock bands, propelling all three to international stardom.
From relatively humble beginnings with the Vegas Kings in 1957, Ronnie eventually put together the band Elf.
Roger Glover, following his departure from Deep Purple in 1973, produced Elf and during this time, Roger was commissioned by the BBC to write the fantasy story The Butterfly Ball. Each song on the Butterfly Ball was either themed or was sung by a highly regarded vocalist as a character within the story. The album contained many en-vogue musicians of the time, namely David Coverdale, Glenn Hughes to name a few. Roger asked Ronnie if he would like to contribute and he ended up writing and singing on three tracks, one being the title track Love Is All. The title track went on to chart well in the UK and provided Dio with great exposure.
One of those to take notice of the rising star was none other than Richie Blackmore, at that time ex-guitarist of Deep Purple.
On hearing Elf play, Richie effectively walked into Elf, disposed of the guitar player and renamed the band Rainbow.
Their first album, Richie Blackmore's Rainbow from 1975 was released to critical acclaim and contained tracks ranging from great melodic rock to the classic medieval tunes currently being produced by Blackmore's Knight.
The second album, Rainbow Rising, has gone down in rock history and should have a place in every rock lover's CD collection. The same can equally be said for Rainbow's follow-up album, Long Live Rock and Roll.
In between Rising and LLR&R, Rainbow released their seminal live opus, Rainbow Live On Stage, an album that still to this day graces my speakers.
Following Long Live Rock and Roll, Blackmore decided to explore a more commercial direction which did not suit Dio's vocals and a parting of the ways ensued.
Simultaneously, Black Sabbath had just sacked long time vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. Controversially, Sabbath appointed Dio to their ranks in 1979. The first Dio inspired album was the all time classic Heaven and Hell which catapulted Black Sabbath from the first division to the premier league, thus confounding the doubters and confirming that Sabbath had pulled off a masterstroke in employing the diminutive American.
The equally inspiring follow-ups Mob Rules and Live Evil further emphasised Dio's reputation as the master of his trade.
However, personality conflicts within Sabbath led to Dio leaving in 1982 and he eventually formed a band under his own name, Dio.
The band Dio entered the ranks of the immortals with their first album, Holy Diver, classic tracks from start to finish. The follow-up, Last In Line continued the theme as did subsequent albums over the next few years.
In 1994, Dio briefly reunited with Black Sabbath to release the album DeHumanizer, in my opinion one of the greatest of all Sabbath albums. In order to perpetuate the return of Ozzy Osbourne to the fold, Dio left Sabbath and resumed his solo career, touring relentlessly and always giving 100%.
In 2006, Dio again joined Black Sabbath who had reformed under the moniker of Heaven and Hell in order to not offend Ozzy and stave off a potential lawsuit. H&H toured the world and released a new album
A UK tour by Dio was cancelled towards the end of 2009 and it was officially announced on 25th November 2009 that Ronnie was suffering from stomach cancer. Although there had been hope after tests showed a reduction in the size of the tumour following treatment, the subsequent Heaven and Hell summer headline tour was also cancelled.
Dio's wife Wendy, posted a message on their website saying "Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7.45am 16th May,"
The world of rock music will never be the same without Ronnie James Dio. The author had the pleasure of seeing Dio perform on many occasions both as the band Dio from the Holy Diver days through to his appearances with Heaven and Hell (Black Sabbath).
It is hoped that Dio will be suitably honoured for his dedication and consistent performances in a career spanning over 50 years. He was a true performer, an ambassador to the world of music and may his majesty live on forever with those who took inspiration from him. Ronnie James Dio - The King of Rock and Roll.
Author Darran Slater, Ronnie James Dio was the first real heavy rock vocalist whose melody and lyrical talent touched my soul. From his wizzardry days with Rainbow through is dazzling heights with Sabbath to the incredible music from his own band Dio, Ronnie had the charisma and talent to produce music that few have ever matched let alone eclipsed. May you also find the same pleasure from RJD's music as I have over the years. http://www.derbybeerfestival.co.uk/ronnie-james-dio-remembered.html
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