Last Saturday, the heavy metal and rock world truly lost an icon, Ronnie James Dio at age 67. Some know him as a solo artist in his band Dio, others as the replacement singer in Black Sabbath, the lead singer of Heaven & Hell, Rainbow and Elf. He had a prolific career that lasted nearly six decades.
For me, it was difficult to grasp as he was one of the first heavy metal musicians I was introduced to by my uncle in the late 1980s. It was from my uncle that I learned the "devil horns" was made popular by him and that all rock fans should pay homage to the greatness of Ronnie James Dio. Years later I slowly discovered Ronnie James Dio discography and was very pleased with what I discovered. Initially I hated the idea of anyone replacing a great musical icon with him taking over for Ozzy in Sabbath, but how often do you have a band replace an icon with another icon? Needless to say he has left a great impact on the music and cultural world.
It's hard to come across someone who loves music that has not been influenced by Ronnie James Dio in some way. Almost a decade ago, Jack Black and Kyle Gass' Tenacious D released the song "Dio" to "pass the torch," which was a great tribute to the man and helped introduce him to a new, younger audience. Dio will be missed, but his music shall live on forever!
On Sunday, May 30, a public memorial service has been scheduled for 2 p.m. tol be held at Forest Lawns Cementary at The Hall of Liberty.
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