(which was the only Dio-line-up Sabbath
album released under the Heaven and Hell
name).
Black Sabbath - who Ronnie joined after Ozzy
departed, did quite well for themselves since
gaining the voice of Dio with albums such as
Heaven and Hell, Mob Rules and Dehumanizer earning the groups ‘best sales’ since 1974.
Ronnie simply seduced his audiences, keeping them spellbound until the last note had
played. His trademark had to be ‘Dungeons
and Dragons’ and all things mystical and
medieval which suited the voice of this true
legend in his own right!
After a tour in the summer of 2009 with a
spin-off version of Black Sabbath, Heaven
and Hell, Dio revealed he was ill. Ronnie car-
ried on singing right up until the very end
of his memorable career – he died aged 67
leaving the industry and his millions of fans
in tatters!
Since Dio’s death a Cancer Charity has been
set up in his name - Dedicated to support
cancer prevention research, raise awareness
and educate the public with the focus that
early detection and prevention is of vital
importance when dealing with this deadly
disease that robs families of its loved ones.
Link here: www.diocancerfund.com
On March 31, 2014, the tribute album Ronnie James Dio: This Is Your Life was released.
It was organized and produced by Wendy
Gaxiola, with album proceeds benefitting
the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout
Cancer Fund. The Stand up and Shout Cancer
Fund are holding a Memorial Day for the 5th
year celebration of Ronnie James Dio’s Music
at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, CA
Dio is the legend with a legacy that lives on
in the hearts and minds of metal heads everywhere, sending a shiver down the spine of
not only this man’s voice but the sheer mention of his name.
His last live performance was with Heaven &
Hell on August 29, 2009, in Atlantic City, New
Jersey. May 16th will always be the day the
thorn resurfaces and opens the wound once
again, reminding us of what a true hero the
rock and metal industry has lost!
Illustration by Gerardo Israel Rodela Quiroz.