RIP - Ronnie James Dio

[TripleDigitRide]

Ronnie James Dio Dies | TMZ.com

Ronnie James Dio -- who took over as lead singer of Black Sabbath after Ozzy Osbourne left the group -- died today. He was 67.

Dio announced last summer he was battling stomach cancer. According to his website, he had been undergoing treatment at a Houston hospital.

Dio is often credited for popularizing the "devil's horn" hand gesture in metal culture.

His wife Wendy, said on his website, "Today my heart is broken ... 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."

[Guest SUNTZU]

That really sucks.

[Guest fourspdRAT]

RIP.

Sidebar: I thought Gene Simmons started the horns?

[TripleDigitRide]

RIP.

Sidebar: I thought Gene Simmons started the horns?

It was popularized by Dio. John Lennon was doing it on the cover of Yellow Submarine. That was a cartoon character, though. It actually goes way, way back.

Edited May 17, 2010 by TripleDigitRide

[willis68]

RIP

I have seen him in concert 4 times, 2 with Black Sabbath and 2 by himself, this is truly sad

[kb4ns]

That really sucks.

+1

[Guest SUNTZU]

[Guest jimdigriz]

Bummer. Truly a great singer and showman, as well as a nice guy.

[Guest jackdm3]

What's missing in rock is singers with identifiable voices like his.

[kb4ns]

What's missing in rock is singers with identifiable voices like his.

Ain't that the truth!

[Guest Bonedaddy]

That's a real bummer! The evil troll of heavy metal with a voice 10 times bigger than he was definitely made his mark in music. I wore out the Heaven and Hell tape when I was a kid. RIP Dio. I guess that leaves only Geoff Tate of Queensryche as the last great voice in Metal. May he live on.

[roverboy]

Yeah he will be missed by me and many others.

[Guest jackdm3]

Iconic imagery from Dio. Music starts at 1:20.

The maloik gesture:

Sign of the horns - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Edited May 17, 2010 by jackdm3

[bubbiesdad]

YouTube - Black Sabbath Heaven and Hell

Edited May 17, 2010 by bubbiesdad

[Guest jackdm3]

Know if that's Cozy drumming? People talk highly of him.

[Guest mustangdave]

RIP....didn't get into the music...but its a loss any way you strum the guitar