I just got off stage in Zagreb I was met with the news that you've passed on I'm kind of in shock, but I wanted you to know that you were one of the main reasons I made it onto that stage to begin with When I first saw you in Elf, opening for Deep Purple in 1975, I was completely blown away by the power in your voice, your presence on stage, your confidence, and the ease with which you seemed to connect to 6,000 Danish people and one starry-eyed 11 year old, most of whom were not familiar with Elf's music The following year, I was so psyched when I heard the results of you joining forces with my favourite guitar player You guys sounded so right for each other and I instantly became Rainbow's #1 fan in Denmark In the fall of 1976, when you played your first show in Copenhagen, I was literally in the front row and the couple of times we made eye contact you made me feel like the most important person in the world The news that you guys were staying in town on your day off somehow embedded itself in my brain and I made the pilgrimage to the Plaza Hotel to see if I could somehow grab a picture, an autograph, a moment, anything A few hours later you came out and were so kind and caring.. pictures, autographs and a couple minutes of casual banter I was on top of the world, inspired and ready for anything. Rainbow came to Copenhagen a couple more times over the next few years and each time you guys blew my mind, and for a good three years were my absolute favourite band on this planet Over the years I've been fortunate enough to run into you a half dozen times or so and each time you were as kind, caring and gracious as you were in 1976 outside the hotel When we finally got a chance to play together in Austria in 2007, even though I may not have let on, I was literally transformed back to that little snot nosed kid who you met and inspired 31 years earlier and it was such a fucking honor and a dream come true to share a stage with you and the rest of the legends in Heaven & Hell A couple of weeks ago when I heard that you were not going to be able to make it to the Sonisphere shows that we would be sharing this June, I wanted to call you and let you know that I was thinking of you and wish you well, but I kind of pussied out, thinking the last thing you needed in your recovery was feeling obligated to take a phone call from a Danish drummer/fan boy I wish I'd made that call. We will miss you immensely on the dates, and we will be thinking of you with great admiration and affection during that run It seemed so right to have you out on tour with the so-called Big Four since you obviously were one of the main reasons that the four bands even exist Your ears will definitely be burning during those two weeks because all of us will be talking, reminiscing and sharing stories about how knowing you has made our lives that much better. Ronnie, your voice impacted and empowered me, your music inspired and influenced me, and your kindness touched and moved me Thank you. Lars Ulrich (Metallica) Ronnie James Dio was undoubtedly one of heavy metal's greatest performers and will continue to influence the world of heavy metal forever He was certainly a very big influence on Queensryche and along the way became a cherished friend too We will all miss him greatly, but Ronnie will live on every time we raise our metal horns high! The man on the silver mountain will always be our rainbow in the dark. Queensryche The members of Twisted Sister, along with millions of metal fans around the world, mourn the death of our friend Ronnie James Dio Ronnie not only was a giant in the worldwide metal scene, but he was also one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet Beginning in 1983 when we first toured with Ronnie in Canada, and continuing over the last seven years when we played dozens of festivals around the world, Ronnie was one of the most supportive and gracious members of the music community Our thoughts and prayers are with Wendy and Ronnie's family. Twisted Sister Rest in peace, Ronnie James Dio.. one of the greatest of all time "Looks like Dime [late Pantera guitarist 'Dimebag' Darrell Abbott], Randy [Rhoads; late Ozzy Osbourne guitarist], Cliff [Burton; late Metallica bassist] and Bonzo [late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham] just scored the ultimate singer This is one of the saddest days in metal ever. Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) We mourn the tragic passing of the great Ronnie James Dio In addition to his powerhouse vocal ability, Ronnie was a true gentleman who always emanated great warmth and friendship to us and everyone around him We will miss him. Kiss He was a great singer And it's a tragedy to see him die so early in life I mean, he wasn't young, but he sure wasn't old He had one of the best voices His first record with RAINBOW … that really blew me away I just about wore out the cassette playing it This guy had a freight train of a voice He really did We would see Ronnie backstage He would show up at Triumph shows with quite a bit of regularity He'd show up at our show and come backstage And he was always a great guy. Gil Moore (Triumph) Today is an immensely sad day for the heavy metal / hard rock community as we mourn the loss of one of the most amazing talents in the genre Ever A master of his craft and a true gentleman Funny, smart and witty He will be much missed by the Arch Enemy camp Dio's voice will echo in eternity! Arch Enemy What more can be said about Ronnie that hasn't been said by so many others He was the kindest, most humble metal god I've ever had the pleasure and honor of touring with We had many golden moments hanging out with him, while he allowed me to relentlessly badger him for stories about Ritchie Blackmore and the time spent singing for my favorite band, Rainbow R.I.P Your impact on me won't ever be forgotten. Gary Holt (Guitarist Exodus) Ronnie was one of the kindest souls I have ever met and his talent was beyond inspirational to so many of us I still have this image of him standing on stage in front of 100,000 belting out 'Man on the Silver Mountain' and remember the shivers it sent up my spine He will be missed by all of us. Nikki Sixx (Bassplayer Mötley Crüe) I just heard that Ronnie James Dio died today This news is very sad He was the greatest rock singer of all time I've said it on record many many times He will be greatly missed by all of rockdom In 2004, I got to meet Dio and he was so gracious and down to earth, then he got up on stage and schooled everyone We all have the records — 'Heaven And Hell', 'Mob Rules', 'Holy Diver', 'Last In Line', 'Dream Evil', 'Rainbow Rising', 'Long Live Rock'N'Roll' I can't listen to them today because it's too hard, but tomorrow I will crank these up R.I.P Ronnie James Dio. Danko Jones Of course our bright beam from the tour's glow was dimmed today when we learned of the passing of Ronnie James Dio He was truly one of the 'good guys' in this business He is missed by us all. David Ellefson (Bassist Megadeth) I am at an absolute loss right now upon hearing that Ronnie has passed away. Shawn Drover (Drummer Megadeth) Crying right now in remembrance of my hero and friend, Ronnie James Dio Dio died this morning and he was a major, major part of my life I got to do shows with him and work with him and I loved Dio my whole life Thanks so much The world has lost one of the best. Sebastian Bach (Skid Row) Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything you've done for music, Ronnie Horns. Robb Flynn (Machine Head) Dio, Italian for God Words won't do the man justice so we won't even try Horns up always! Anthrax Few people have had the ability to carry a song like Dio, literally demanding your attention as he effortlessly recreated live the amazing things he did on record It's odd how things get taken from you quickly...I just saw him a month ago I know I was lucky to have known Ronnie One of the nicest guys in the business, without a doubt He will be hugely missed. Kerry King (Slayer) I saw Dio live not too long ago and he was still belting it out, all the songs I know and love so well, in the original keys I was as stunned then as I was when I saw the 'Holy Diver' and 'Last In Line' tours I don't know why, but it really hurts that he's gone My thoughts go out to Wendy Dio, whom I have not had the pleasure of meeting I know she will take some comfort in the fact that Ronnie was one of the best-loved people in music. Danny Vaughn (Tyketto) I briefly met Ronnie during a soundcheck in Milan, Italy and he [was] really kind, not to mention how amazing and magic his voice was Rest in peace! Andrea Ferro (Lacuna Coil) My music would not exist without the inspiration of Ronnie James Dio Ronnie's music gave me courage to keep on during the worse parts of my life It helped me to believe in my dreams, and that made all the difference His music made my life better, and no one could replace him in my heart. Andy DiGelsomina (Lyraka) One of the greatest frontmen to have ever lived Dio was revered and respected around these parts and across the metal scene He was a true lifer who gave inspiration, hope to most of us Being able to witness both the "Angry Machines" tour and Heaven & Hell was an utmost pleasure RJD's presence was unmistakable and highly inspiring One of the core spirits of Heavy Metal music You will be missed! Stephen O'Malley (guitar player of Sunn O)))) ) An icon, a legend, an inspiration for all musicians May you rest in peace, we will never forget you! Picture Thanx for all the years of great music, a true hero has passed away... R J D 1942-2010 Hope you’ll catch the rainbow. Julian Sas It is with deepest sadness that we mourn the loss of a true legend, an amazing man, and one of the best rock/metal voices ever The entire staff at SPV offers our deepest condolences to Ronnie James Dio's friends and family He was truly one the best artists we ever had the pleasure of working with, and the memories that we have of him and his music will live on in our hearts forever. SPV I am still in disbelief over what has just happened to my mentor, Ronnie James Dio Ronnie was my 'wishing well.' He gave me the wisdom and power to become who I am and fulfill all of my dreams My heart is severely broken and filled with a loneliness that I can hardly bear I thought as the days have been passing that the misery would go away, but for now it just lingers I can only patiently wait for another point of view to overcome this hurt A point of view that the kiss of death has only taken him 'over the rainbow' where he is at peace So now rest, great master of all metal voices I will always love you and miss you eternally. James Rivera (Helstar, Vicious Rumors) It has taking me a few days to take in the death of my hero.. When I heard he had cancer, I said to myself, 'he is going to beat this,' and when I heard he passed, I was crushed When I heard the news of his passing on Sunday morning, I canceled a gig that I had booked that same night with my Black Sabbath/Dio tribute Mob Rules There are just no words any one can say to ease the pain of this loss Ronnie James Dio took us on a journey deep with our minds and soul.. with a voice of an angel that no else has ever done And has given us the sign of things metal — 'the mighty metal horns.' Ronnie has now truly earned his wings of steel in heaven There is only thing one can say about Ronnie Jame Dio — long live the king of rock 'n' roll He will forever be our rainbow in the dark. Ronnie Stixx (ex-Vicious Rumors) Ronnie James Dio is dead Tragic and sad, we all mourn the loss of one of heavy metals original legends, unbelievable voices and all-around nice guys No one has anything but good things to say about this man, and for once, it's all true HammerFall remembers Ronnie as the Man, as simple as that Farewell, Ronnie James God. HammerFall Today is a heavy day, as we mourn the passing of the mighty Ronnie James Dio. Immortal & Photograve Management I saw the news last night and I hated them Ronnie James Dio is gone.. I love him almost like a family member, and I feel empty and lonely knowing he’s not around anymore He sits on my wall as he has since my family moved in here Can’t bring myself to hear him sing right now, even though I think it might be comforting if I did I was fortunate enough to meet him and share a few drinks with him once, and it’s a memory I will treasure to the end of my days He blew my mind quite honestly Thank you RJD for everything! Our collective condoleances goes out to his families and friends and the musicians that were fortunate enough to work with him I was thinking about this for quite some time, and I think we can say for sure that even if he was taken from us too soon (100 years from now would’ve been to soon), I’m sure he felt happy with his life and what he had achieved But it hurts though, it really fucking hurts.. I can’t stop thinking about it There is a massive hole in my heart Love you Ronnie Rest in peace Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth) It’s with a heavy heart that I pay my respects to Ronnie James Dio What an amazing singer and entertainer Throughout my career, he has always been in my top 10 list of vocalists The mystery and emotion in his vocal style always lured me in for more Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure to meet him in person, but fortunately I did have the extreme pleasure of experiencing his uncanny frontmanship in concert so many times I can’t even count it. I saw him with ELF, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and almost had one of my wishes fulfilled when Heaven and Hell asked King Diamond to go on tour with them in the USA last year Unfortunately my back problems prevented that dream from coming true I always had the highest respect for him and he will forever have his music playing in my home My deepest sympathy goes out to Ronnie’s family I wish you a safe journey to the other side. King Diamond Ronnie James Dio was a true four-star general of rock royalty Ronnie James Dio was to heavy metal what Elvis was to rock 'n' roll!!!! Ronnie James Dio is the king of heavy metal!!!! My sincere condolences and support to Wendy Dio, Rock Feinstein and to Ronnie's family and friends for your great loss Ronnie, thank you for rocking hard 'till the end! You are the true hero of heavy metal and an inspiration to us all for generations!!!! Neil Turbin (ex-Anthrax) Got word [Sunday] night coming off stage [in Holland] that Ronnie Dio passed and it's a great loss to the world I love Ronnie a lot From day one when I met Ronnie, he was so genuine; humble and the sweetest person in the world Since day one until two weeks ago when I saw him Genuine Ronnie first and foremost: 'How's the children? How's the family? How's the health?' That's one thing about Ronnie — it's never about the music, never about the business, just being a person, a human being Just truly concerned with how the family was and our health I am truly going to miss you, Ronnie I love you Rest in peace. Chuck Billy (Testament)