[hand] [face]
The Original Deep Purple Web Pages
The Highway Star

A sad day

Wendy Dio, wife/manager of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio , has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:

Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45 a.m. [on Sunday] 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private goodbyes 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.

All here at The Highway Star pass on our condolences.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1_b5tJ1SoY


111 Comments to “A sad day”:

  1. 1
    byron says:

    Feel so sad..
    The man on the silver mountain …forever with us

  2. 2
    DarkHorse says:

    A very sad day, indeed. RIP RJD.

  3. 3
    marcinn says:

    RIP. No words to express my sadness.

  4. 4
    Masse says:

    A sad day indeed. His work with Rainbow remains untouched, no one will ever performm this great material and do it justice I’m afraid. A sad sad day!

  5. 5
    Ivan says:

    Roni will live forever in our hearts and memories. I have had the privilege of seeing him twice in concert. A true giant of rock music.
    Rest in peace, RJD!

  6. 6
    Jack11 says:

    Still Im Sad

  7. 7
    Jussi says:

    RIP Ronnie. Your music will live forever. Long Live Rock and Roll…

  8. 8
    Kaspar says:

    It`s a really sad day for all of us.
    Thanks for all your wonderfull music!!!!!!!!!!!!
    R.I.P Ronnie J. Dio

  9. 9
    Sirpa says:

    Ronnie’s wonderful music lives on for ever.
    Rest in peace, Ronnie.

  10. 10
    Martin says:

    Ronnie, we will nerver forget you. You will be rising forever.

  11. 11
    Ray says:

    A true Metal Head from the very start to the very end.

  12. 12
    Valerio Dossini says:

    Sad day… Ronnie, you have touched our minds and we won’t never forget you.. RIP

  13. 13
    Robin says:

    Ronnie you were a great vocalist..One of my favorites.. You’ll be deeply missed by the enormous amount of fans you have.. RIP

  14. 14
    Wim says:

    Really a sad day.

    I have had the privilige of seeing him a couple of times.With Rainbow and in 2000 with Deep Purple during the Concerto tour.

    My heart goes out to his wife, family and relatives.
    I wish them all the strenght in the world.

  15. 15
    Alexsandro says:

    Despite never having seen live RJB, but his musical copentência in vinyl, CDs, DVDs, and various bands Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, heaven, Hell, I met his carreia in its work, his voice will never be silenced. We Rock.Brazil

  16. 16
    KIDD PURPLE says:

    LONG LIVE ROCK AND ROLL! RIP.

  17. 17
    HardRockPete says:

    Dear Ronnie! You’ll always be in our hearts and minds. We will NEVER forget what you have given us for so many years. Thank you for sharing your gift!!!

    Rest in peace.

  18. 18
    The Greek Tie Coon says:

    Sad news. His music will live forever.

  19. 19
    babyblackmore says:

    RIP Ronnie, Very sad day indeed…. Long Live Rock N Roll

  20. 20
    Gary says:

    Thank you, Ronnie.

  21. 21
    Mikey says:

    Sadness-, he brought joy that is a part of rock history, he is in the hall of fame of our hearts. RIP
    “Life’s not a wheel with chains made of steel, so bless me, come the dawn, come the dawn.

  22. 22
    eiricd says:

    can’t believe this 🙁 in his most recent appearence – he looked pretty good

    RIP Ronnie – you were one of the greatest. I’ll always remember when I got to meet you after a brilliant DIO concert a few years back

  23. 23
    Martin says:

    R.I.P Ronnie.

  24. 24
    Paul Vafiades says:

    When you know that legends like Ronnie James Dio is not any longer with us, death becomes an amusement for everyone…

    The man on the silver mountain will now jam together with Tommy Bolin, Randy Rhoads, Tony Ashton, Mel Galley and John Bonham. Heaven is a place for rockers from now on…

    Rest in peace beloved friend,

    “Rainbow eyes” plays for all the true rock fans world wide…

  25. 25
    AndreA says:

    I’ll miss Him: He was a Special One.
    a very very sad day that nobody would accept.
    A part of my life I spent with his music has switched off..

    Ciao Ronnie…

  26. 26
    Antonio says:

    What a sad day 🙁
    LONG LIVE RJD !!!

    Antonio

  27. 27
    Eduardo Silva says:

    Dio forever!! RIP

  28. 28
    Henrik says:

    – One of the greatest singers ever!

  29. 29
    Alan says:

    The soundtrack to my life has passed on.
    A true metal god.
    A piece of us all goes with him in the Deep Purple and Rainbow community.

  30. 30
    babyblackmore says:

    The 1976 Rainbow Tour in Chicago is the Best show I have ever seen in my life. No other rock concert I have ever seen over the years has not even come close to the power of Rainbow. Ronnie James Dio and Blackmore and Cozy Powell were as dominate and on fire that night. We stood there stunned all night not quite believing our eyes or ears. the sonic power of Blackmore and the mighty voice of Dio and the thunder of Cozy. No other band back then could touch them. God Bless Ronnie James Dio. RIP
    Dio/Powell. Long Live Rock N Roll!

  31. 31
    GREGODIO says:

    que vaina tan arrecha!!!! aun me cuesta creer que ronnie james se fuè. su voz forma parte esencial del soundtrack de mi vida. gracias a dios tuve la dicha de verlo en vivo y de compartir unos minutos con èl. es una pèrdida irreparable para su familia,para el mundo del rock y para mì. paz a RONNIE JAMES

  32. 32
    pascal says:

    RIP Ronnie..Thanks for all those moments

  33. 33
    daviep79 says:

    He truly has “caught the Rainbow” A great voice and person has been lost! Rest in peace RJD. A very sad day for all who loved the man & his music.

  34. 34
    GREGODIO says:

    que dia tan triste para el heavy metal. se nos fue RONNIE JAMES. ahora solo nos quedan sus canciones. descansa en paz, amigo.

  35. 35
    ShaggyHson says:

    Ronnie James Dio – one of the all time greatest!
    R.I.P

  36. 36
    Blackers says:

    Thanks for all the great music throughout the years, you were truly THE Light in the Black who brought out all colours of the Rainbow.

  37. 37
    Rafi says:

    Dear Ronnie
    I will never forget the first time I heard your voice; it was back in mid 70’s when the first Rainbow record was released. It was Temple of the King, Man on the silver mountain & the infinite Catch the rainbow that fascinated me & just yesterday I was listening to Black Sabbath “Live Evil” Thinking to my self what a great time of my life it was when I those records came out & how lucky I was to love this type of music .
    A few years ago I had the great opportunity to see Dio live in Israel , although 30 years had passed but in the concert it was like nothing had changed , same powerful & wonderful Voice, I think never did I experience seeing so many Israeli’s singing their hearts out together.
    I had the privilege to see the Master in person, Thank You Ronnie for all the wonderful years & thank god for creating such a man with a marvelous voice.

    Once in a life time Giant.

    REST IN PEACE

  38. 38
    Murray says:

    RIP Ronnie James Dio, thank you for the music that you gave us

  39. 39
    Ralph says:

    He sang about Heaven and Hell. For him it will be Heaven.

    A very sad day indeed. Kick some ass upthere Ronnie. Go and sing with the angels

    Cheers

    Ralph

  40. 40
    robert says:

    He made it shine..shine..SHINE!! for you and I.
    The man may be gone but his magic remains…forever!!
    Rainbow,Sabbath,Dio & Heaven and Hell combined, I must have seen RJD in concert over 30 times in 35 years.
    To say the least I’m bummed.

  41. 41
    CP says:

    While not unexpected,it’s still devastating news.Having listened to him since my teens,it’s hard news to hear.My condolesnes to his family and close circle during this time.

  42. 42
    Steve says:

    Thank you, Ronnie, for all the music and all the memories. Rest in peace.

  43. 43
    kevin dixon says:

    A truely great loss. May his star shine.

  44. 44
    Aldenir José Delacolletta says:

    Missing words, amount to much grief.
    Ronnie will always be in our hearts.

  45. 45
    richi gómez says:

    larga vida Ronnie James, rock forever in my memories….

  46. 46
    Carlos (from Paraguay) says:

    This sad sunday is only for one song……RAINBOW EYES!!!
    Larga Vida DIO!!

  47. 47
    Dale says:

    Ronnie’s last offical studio song was “breaking into heaven” on the “devil you know” album
    Rest in peace in heaven now Ronnie you have fought your devil and you have won.
    Ronnie did not die he just went to a better place where there is no pain and struggle but only peace
    All of your loving fans will meet up with you soon its only a matter of time. Time is short on Earth but time never ends in Heaven.
    Long live Rock and Roll

  48. 48
    stoffer says:

    A SAD DAY FOR HIS FAMILY AS WELL AS HIS FRIENDS…He will also be missed by us, the fans of his great rock voice, he gave me many, many hours of listening pleasure. Condolences to his family.

  49. 49
    Martin says:

    It’s hard to express how i’m feeling by now. We are all very sad to hear this news. he’s been one of the greatest artist ever. and his music will never be forgotten.
    RIP Ronnie, you will always live in our hearts!

  50. 50
    Andrés says:

    Cozy Powell…
    Tommy Bolin…
    Phil Lynott…
    Ronnie James Dio…

    “The great gig in the sky”

    Can´t believe he´s gone. Another late tribute… Embrace your heroes while they’re still amongst us.

    The King is dead. Long live the King.

  51. 51
    Neal says:

    RIP RJD. Another reunion that Ritchie waited too long for. Ronnie was always up for a Rainbow reunion as were we all. Too bad Ritchie cannot get his head out of his talented arse and make the music we all love.

    Thank you Ronnie for the soundtrack of my youth. Magical music and envigorating concerts. A great talent and a good man !

    RIP.

  52. 52
    Guillermo Garcia says:

    I cant believe it..I was driving an everybody was speaking on the radio about ronnie, I didnt understand why so much, now But after some long minutes Ive understood…

    Ronnie, hope you are in the top of the silver mountain, looking to us…

    FUCK THE DEAD!

  53. 53
    Scott says:

    I just found out. It was a couple of days ago they said he was doing better and that the tumor had shrunk considerably. What happened.

    It’s a great loss. Ronnie will be missed. RIM, Rest In Metal Ronnie James Dio.

  54. 54
    Tvrtko says:

    Part of my youth is gone today. Ronnie was big part of it. It’s like losing dearest friend. May you have heavenly peace forever.

  55. 55
    ormandy says:

    Long Live, Ronnie James Dio!

  56. 56
    Gary H. says:

    A very sad day indeed. Truly the end of an era. Ronnie has been a huge part of the soundtrack of my life. I am thankful for all the great music he left us. He may be gone now but he will always remain our RAINBOW IN THE DARK.

  57. 57
    R Michaud says:

    Deepest condolences to the Dio family. Such sad news, but such a rich legacy that he has left for us. RIP Mr. Dio.

  58. 58
    Australis says:

    Damn.

    Great shame. One of the very best rock vocalists.

    Had all the Rainbow albums, as well as Sab’s ‘heaven and Hell’ and ‘Holy Diver’. Huge talent. His voice was there through so much of my life.

    I miss the songs he’ll never record.

  59. 59
    Tracy Heyder (aka Zero the Hero) says:

    Oh Well…..the Dragon Won. Hard to beat the Big C. I will remember you as long as I live Mr. DIO. I still remember seeing you with ELF opening for Deep Purple at the Orange Bowl in 1974. I remember turning towards my buddies and saying….”Who is this Little Guy with Huge voice. He is going to be Big in the future”. Boy was I right, and from that point on, I followed his music all the way to the End of the Rainbow….

    RIP Ronald. I guess the Lord needed a Dragon Slayer in Heaven. Go get ’em my man.

    no Cheers here…..

  60. 60
    Prem says:

    Dearest Ronnie,

    You will always be the man on the silver mountain…of silver throated singers.

  61. 61
    LUIS says:

    JAMAS TE OLVIDARE. UN GIGANTE DE LA MUSICA Y MEJOR PERSONA. LONG LIVE RONIE JAMES DIO!!!!! ARGENTINA TE LLORA Y TE AMA. HASTA SIEMPRE GENIO!

  62. 62
    Gabriel says:

    Ronnie James estará siempre con nosotros.
    Thank you for your music.
    Rest In Peace.

  63. 63
    DUARTE ROCHA GUIMARAES FILHO says:

    A GENTE ESQUECE QUE OS GRANDES MORREM FISICAMENTE DE TÃO BOM QUE SÃO.

  64. 64
    Jeff says:

    No one has been more important to me in the music scene for 30 years than Ronnie James Dio. Half of my top 10 albums have him on them. Heaven and Hell is my favorite album ever – so much a favorite that I have one angel from the album cover on my back as my one and only tattoo (I’m not really a tattoo person). This is really a significant loss. Condolences to everyone who loved him, and especially to those who were personally close to him. Today, the man died…but long live the music!

  65. 65
    Al Cornish says:

    I was fortunate to see Dio open for Deep Purple in California a few years back. Most memorable moment was a father hoisting his 6 year old son up and Ronnie stepped forward to shake the kids hand. That was Ronnie. He appreciated the fans and my favorite quote from him was how celebrities owe their livelihood to the fans as “…without them, we are nothing, without us, they will always be.” I’m sad he’s gone, but I’m happy for all the great music.

  66. 66
    Fred b. In ct says:

    Just listening to catch the rainbow from the 1st rainbow lp. Really showcases his gentle passion for singing. He will be missedbut not forgotten. The ultimate example of how heavy metal can be so fucking powerful with such a compassionite person at the helm. He would made a good leader in this world also!

  67. 67
    elprupdeep says:

    Mr Ronnie James Dio,
    the man who wants to ‘kill the king’,
    have been kill by the beast.
    I hope you will reform a band
    with Cosy in heaven
    and make the people DREAM up there,
    like you make us dream down here.
    Rest in peace,and sing up there.
    Thank you Ronnie and LONG LIVE ROCK&ROLL.
    Richard.

  68. 68
    Lajos Kemenj says:

    Catch the Rainbow Ronnie

  69. 69
    micke says:

    RIP Ronnie James Dio Member of both the deep purple and black sabbath family.

  70. 70
    Marcelo Zevallos says:

    Una verdadera perdida para los que lo seguimos por tantos años, una voz tremenda, hace dos años lo vi en Argentina y canto como un gigante, lo que nos queda es el recuerdo de un gran artista.
    Lo vamos a extrañar.
    Saludos a su familia.

  71. 71
    Monika says:

    What a loss for the world of music!

    My condolences to his family, may they find strength in the knowledge that he will never be forgotten.

    RIP Ronnie James Dio.

  72. 72
    dave_wallis says:

    It’s a terrible loss. Goodbye, Ronnie.

  73. 73
    greg says:

    Ronnie may have died , nevertheless his music will always be with us.
    He just is One of The Greats.Him, Gillan, Halford, to me the best voices there could be.We just have to accept that they are going to be leaving us sooner or later, and I do not think they have adequate followers.

  74. 74
    BlackSparrow says:

    Tell me it aint so my brothers and sisters first we lose Steve Irwin now Dio. Really a Giant that can never be replaced. From all of us that saw the Rainbow Rising Tour a gigantic thank you Ronnie and may you now rest in peace brother as the Lady of the Lake waits for you to return.

  75. 75
    Jim Murphy says:

    RIP Ronnie, you are missed already, see you in heaven…or hell!

  76. 76
    jaro says:

    We will miss you Ronnie.I am listeninig Stargazer now …

  77. 77
    Heribert says:

    Ronnie, your were one of the best!
    I never saw you live on stage, but
    much more I listen to incredible
    voice! I’m really sad! Now and
    forever: Long live rock’n roll!

  78. 78
    kraatzy says:

    Oh Oh Oh …
    what a sad and bad message.

    THE VOICE of LONG LIVE ROCK ´N´ROLL and many many other songs has passed away from us all.
    I am very heavy-hearted to see Ronnie never again 🙁

    I want to give my condolence to Wendy and his whole familie.
    It is sad for us fans, but what a word can say, how sad it is for his nearest relatives.

    Thank you for all your great songs and melodies you gave to us.
    Long Live Ronnie
    Long Live Rock ´N´Roll (this was your passion)
    Hope we see and hear you again in Heaven (and not in Hell)

    God bless you

    -kraatzy-

  79. 79
    HZ says:

    Great man, great singer, sad day indeed… He’ll be always with us..

  80. 80
    Rost says:

    THE VOICE OF RAINBOW.

    I wish you somewhere in heaven to find your silver mountain and RIP.

  81. 81
    George says:

    I’m sitting now, listening to Gates Of Babylon, banging my head and crying! 🙁

  82. 82
    SBS says:

    We lose best voice of rock. Very sad…
    He was a great man!

    R.I.P. Ronnie

  83. 83
    Purple Sitner says:

    I first saw Ronnie with Elf opening for Deep Purple in Graz, Austria on April 3rd 1975. My first thoughts, although only being a 13 year old lad “Who the hell is that man singing ?”. I was fortunate enough to see Ronnie a couple of times during his carreer and he never failed in giving us a great time of rock and roll. His body might be gone. His spirit, his wit and his charme will live on forever. Keep on rocking from Graz, Austria

  84. 84
    Jim7 says:

    I’m from Greece, i read the news late last night.
    I thing its the beginning of the end of my childhood era.
    I am deeply sad…no other words to say…
    R.I.P Ronnie.

  85. 85
    Ubass says:

    Catch the Rainbow Ronnie!

  86. 86
    Luc Brandoit says:

    Today I feel something strange in my heart:a breaking – I don’t know personnaly this great man, but it’s just like a lose a friend…thanks for all those beautifull “great pieces of music” ! Rising – Long live rock’n’roll – Holy diver – Heaven Hell… But also for the kindness of this very important Man . I’ve had the pleasure to see Ronnie with Deep Purple Concerto at the Lotto arena in Antwerpen (belgium) and I promise myself to go to see one of his personnal concerts: Too late.
    Love to your familly
    Good bye, Man On The Silver Montain !

  87. 87
    APF says:

    The man who made Rainbow……

    One of the greatest rock n roll singers of all time – Ronnie will be sadly missed and never replaced – to Wendy and family a truly sad day – you are in are thoughts and prayers.

  88. 88
    Juraj says:

    …a very sad news.But not for too long,he will live in our hearts and his songs will never die.Rest in peace Ronnie,god bless you.

  89. 89
    nettcologner says:

    My Heart is broken too.
    ronnie james dio is dead, more than 30 years accompanied his music my Life.
    Since 2007, I’m ill cancer too – a battle to live and dead, day for day.
    Ronnie has lost his battle, but his music will live on.
    “Still I’m sad” – I’ll miss you, because without you the music world is poorer.

    They say that life’s a carousel
    Spinning fast, you’ve got to ride it well
    The world is full of kings and queens
    Who blind your eyes and steal your dreams
    It’s heaven and hell, oh well

    Long Live Rock N Roll & R.I.P

    cu in Heaven

  90. 90
    Ronnie James Dio « View From Planet Jamie says:

    […] Ronnie James Dio I’m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ronnie James Dio. […]

  91. 91
    Joanna says:

    Sorry, I’m not able to say a word.

  92. 92
    Erik Duinkerken says:

    Very sad news…
    Will never forget the 2 fantastic occasions I saw him live in concert.

    Catch the Rainbow!

  93. 93
    Robert Daems says:

    Just read this sad news.

    RIP Ronnie.

    I wish his wife all the best in these sad moments.

  94. 94
    Ivan says:

    The one word that I immediately associate with the name Ronnie Dio is: PROUD.
    And the first impulse I remember is that voice that sung: “I’m a wheel I’m a wheel I can roll, I can feel.” He made me like Rainbow.

  95. 95
    Marek says:

    The great little man find his silver mountain in haeven. He will be alive for ever.

  96. 96
    Maurice says:

    I heard it in the news this morning, very sad that he had to go before his time , by this terrible disease!
    All the best and strenght to family and friends; your great voice will never stop to be heard in my room, I keep my records with care in memory of you…….. Ronnie James DIO.

  97. 97
    Maikel says:

    What a loss. I can’t believe it. RIP Ronnie.

  98. 98
    telboy says:

    One of the greats , a voice and personality to match any . R.I.P.

  99. 99
    purpletemple says:

    Bye bye Ronnie the frog! Hope you’ll have a ball up there. We’ll miss you…

  100. 100
    fireball says:

    Ronnie, the best ever…Long live rock n roll! Thanx mate!!

  101. 101
    Tom FitZ says:

    Your sprit will live on in the music with one of the best voices in Rock music – Today is a very sad day – You will never be forgotten…Long Live Rock & Roll – Long Live Ronnie James Dio….!!!

  102. 102
    Steppo says:

    I still remember Last in line tour in 84 as if it was yesterday..
    Rock on whereever you are!

  103. 103
    Peter says:

    Dear Ronnie,
    great sorrow come over me, but I know you are living now OVER THE RAINBOW.
    So long,
    Peter

  104. 104
    Tommy H. says:

    I can’t find the right words to express how deeply shocked I am about this message. It’s like loosing a friend! LOVE IS ALL, Mr. Dio! R.I.P.

  105. 105
    Danilo Galli says:

    End of a Rainbow….sad but …a great band now over there:
    Ronnie James Dio Vocals
    Cozy Powell Drums
    Cliff Burton Bass
    Randy Rhoads Guitar
    Rick Wright Keyboards

  106. 106
    Jamie Dowling says:

    I cried when Cozy died and today I cried again. Travel well Ronnie, you lit up so many lives and will continue to do so. Your legacy is some of the most wonderful music ever made.

  107. 107
    yusof says:

    fly to the rainbow and thank your ronnie for your music now your can see rainbow rising

  108. 108
    Sami says:

    He was one of a kind!!! R.I.P RJD

  109. 109
    Clabbie Clueless says:

    Long Live Rock N’ Roll, Long Live Dio!

  110. 110
    Isaias says:

    I’m devastated, just as if a close relative or friend had died. He wasn’t one of the best: he was the best, ever. Dio’s voice and music is part of my life, listening to him has always brightened my day. I was lucky enough to see him perform live during the “Dehumanizer” tour, with Black Sabbath, and those are memories that I will always treasure.

    Bon Scott, Cozy Powell, Jimmy Hendriz, Bonham, Phil Lynnot, Randy Rhoads… and now Ronnie: Definitely, they will be having a blast of a time playing together!!

    Rest in peace, dear friend.

    Crying in my Rainbow Eyes,

    Isaias.

  111. 111
    Nick Soveiko says:

    We are sorry, but we have to close the comments. Our little server has been overwhelmed with the outpour of your response. If you are on Facebook, you can leave your condolences on Ronnie’s official page:
    http://www.facebook.com/OfficialRonnieJamesDio
    …or in our forum:
    http://forum.thehighwaystar.com/mwf/topic_show.pl?pid=22918

||||Unauthorized copying, while sometimes necessary, is never as good as the real thing
© 1993-2024 The Highway Star and contributors
Posts, Calendar and Comments RSS feeds for The Highway Star