—–
This is what’s so great about Big Hollywood. In one post we’re giving you the latest on the Christian “Narnia” film franchise and in the next saying goodbye to The Mighty Ronnie James Dio, the first “horn thrower,” on-and-off lead singer of Black Sabbath and a big solo star in his own right, who died Sunday night of stomach cancer at the age of 67.
In 1983 I was 17 years old and if you were 17 years old in 1983 — unless you lived in a cave — “Holy Diver” is part of the soundtrack of your life. The relentlessly driven title track, the album cover, the video (above) all created this unholy image of Dio and then you’d see him interviewed on MTV and he’d blow you away coming off like your family doctor (with really cool hair) due to an unexpected mix of mild-manner and soft-spoken intelligence.
By all accounts Ronnie James Dio was one of the very nicest of guys in the world of heavy metal and from what I’ve read he fought a terrible battle with the cancer that would take his life.
Here’s a story/tribute about Dio’s many peers in the metal community:
Anthrax’s Joe Belladonna said that Dio “was a big inspiration, influence and dear friend of mine. He was a true gentleman and a kindhearted individual. He always would go out of his way to make you feel welcome and important. Without a doubt, he was one of the best, top notch and a class act. I will truly miss him.” His bandmate, Charlie Benante, saluted Dio as “true metal and the creator of the metal hand Sign…He was Divine.”
Rest in peace, Holy Diver. *throws horns*
Comment count on this article reflects comments made on Breitbart.com and Facebook. Visit Breitbart's Facebook Page.