Goodbye Ronnie

Here's some comments on the issue..

Brian May wrote:

It's a shock to hear that Ronnie has gone. Even though we had all known he was battling with cancer for some time, he was such a wiry fighter, and of such an amazingly optimistic nature, I think I assumed he would go on forever.

Well, he fought to the very end... was gearing up to go back out on tour.

I know this will be a very hard blow for my friend Tony Iommi.

When I last saw Ronnie in Los Angeles, he was as full of life and positivity as anybody I've ever known .. and sang up a storm with Heaven & Hell in the Universal Amphitheatre.

In my opinion, Ronnie was one ofthe creators of the genre of heavy metal. I'm not an expert on his work — there are many people much more knowledgeable than me... but our paths crossed many times over the years, and I had clear glimpses of his unique spirit and personality. He was in many ways the antithesis of the current mould of TV-bred singers. He had no apparent desire for fame, in the
sense that so many 'X-Factor' contestants seem to. He was not a TV
face, a 'celebrity.' He just loved doing what he did. So, to his
millions of fans, there was an unquestionable feeling of reality to his persona, his songwriting, and his performances. His lyric-writing was very distinctive, and set a style in heavy metal which has influenced many bands over the years. To me, it was as if his mind operated in layers — on the surface, a hard-working honest singer, with a great humanity and strong sense of humour — and underneath, in the world of his songs, his subconscious seemed to be populated by hobgoblins of all kinds, and palpable evil forever on the march. His lyrics, dark and mysterious, in tune with the metal ethos, always represented the sword of goodness in triumph over evil.

I don't know if he invented the devil-horn salute, but he was certainly the man who, more than ever, made it a universal symbol, a worldwide salute of metal.


He was universally loved in the community of rock music, and will be sorely missed.

Tony Iommi wrote:

Yesterday 16th May my dear, dear friend Ronnie James Dio passed away at 7.45am L.A. time.

I've been in total shock; I just can't believe he's gone.

Ronnie was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. We had some fantastic times together.

Ronnie loved what he did, making music and performing on stage. He loved his fans so much. He was a kind man and would put himself out to help others.

I can honestly say it's truly been an honor to play at his side for all these years.

His music will live on forever.

Our thoughts are with Wendy Dio [Ronnie's wife/manager] who stood by Ronnie until the end. He loved her very much.

The man with the magic voice is a star amongst stars, a true professional.

I'll miss you so much, my dear friend.

Iron Maiden wrote:

It is with huge sadness we hear that Ronnie has
lost his battle against stomach cancer, and our heartfelt
condolences go out to his wife Wendy and family at this terrible
time.

From his earlier years in Elf, Black Sabbath and Dio,
right
through to his most recent days fronting Heaven & Hell,
Ronnie,
time and again, proved his genius as a frontman, always
giving his all
to his fans and his music.

Ronnie was not
only an incredibly gifted singer but also a wonderfully warm,
intelligent and generous person and this shone through both on and
off stage leaving a positive mark on everyone he came into contact
with. A longstanding friend of Maiden, we played many shows together
over the years and we will all miss him greatly.

The world
has lost an irreplaceable talent and, first and foremost, one of
the finest human beings you could ever wish to meet.

David Ellefson of Megadeth wrote:

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 and a consummate pro, someone we can all take a que and learn from. We are all fans of his and he did many great things for
Megadeth and its members, starting starting as far back as his "Dream
Evil" North American tour in which we were the support band during the
"So Far, So Good...So What" tour.

Our prayers go out to him and his family at this time.

Shawn Drover of Megadeth wrote:

I am at an absolute loss right now upon hearing that Ronnie has passed away. I had the pleasure of touring both Canada and America in 2007 when Megadeth toured with "Heaven and Hell" (Black Sabbath in my eyes) and I swear to you he is 1 of the nicest human beings I have ever met, period. Many a night on that tour, Glen and myself would have amazing conversation's with Ronnie about his career, etc. fully knowing he had probably told these stories 10,000 times to people and yet he answered every question I had with a big smile. I can recall so many times making eye contact with Glen sharing the exact same thought - "Dude, I can't believe we are hanging with RONNIE JAMES DIO!!!!!" If you are lucky enough in your lifetime to actually meet 1 of your idols (let alone tour with them) and they turn out to be even nicer than you could have envisioned, that is something you would truly treasure. Lucky for me, I will cherish those memories forever...................

Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe wrote:

"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.

Mikael Åkerfeldt of Opeth wrote:

"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, Ronnie James Dio, for everything!

Our collective condolences 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.
Your fan, Mikael Åkerfeldt

Arch Enemy wrote:

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!

Queensryche wrote:

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.

John Tardy of Obituary wrote:

Obituary would just like to say what a huge influence Dio was to this band and to the face of metal! He was one of the good guys in music and will be greatly missed!

We had the opportunity, only once, to actually talk with Dio. He came up to us and I was amazed that he even knew who Obituary were! In that one, short conversation, it was clear what a kind person he was.

We no longer have Dio here with us, but we will have his music forever in our souls!"

Tim 'Ripper' Owens of Yngwie Malmsteen, Beyond Fear, Judas Priest, Iced Earth wrote:

A sad day, just a very sad day!!!

We have lost a great human
being and the best singer of rock in the world.

Ronnie was my hero and my friend, I will miss him and his kind words. He taught me so much on stage and off stage.

I also would like so say that my heart is heavy for Wendy Dio [Ronnie's
wife/manager], and we should all keep her in our thoughts and prayers.

I do not think of Wendy without Ronnie and I don't think of
Ronnie without Wendy.

We all love you, Wendy... and we all will miss you, Ronnie, and we love you for everything you have given us!

SPV/Steamhammer Records wrote:

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.

Joe Di Taranto of Warmachine wrote:

I am devasted to learn that Ronnie James Dio has passed.

The world has lost a true legend and pioneer.

I feel truly blessed to have met him years ago backstage at his show in Toronto. Before I could even introduce myself, Ronnie already knew my name and, to my surprise, was even familar with my music and Warmachine.

I could not believe it. Ronnie James Dio, the legend, my idol and one of my biggest childhood inspirations, knew who I was.

I cannot express the joy I felt just to be standing in his presence.

Ronnie
and I talked for almost an hour. He shared his words of wisdom, and
told me to hold on to my dreams. I'll never forget it.

I will aways be greatful to Ronnie for his time, his hugs and, of course, his amazing music.

You will be sorely missed, Ronnie...

Long live the King of Rock N Roll!

Gary Holt of Exodus wrote:

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.

I first met him at Foundations Forum about two to three weeks before our tour with them during [Black sabbath's] 'Dehumanizer' tour, for about ten minutes while he waited outside for his cab. I introduced myself, said it was an all time honor to meet and tour with him and said see you soon. Fast forward to the first day of the tour, and he sees me and says, 'How are you doing, Gary?' I would not have been offended if he never knew my name the whole tour, but he remembered it from a ten-minute chat around three weeks earlier.

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.

here's what Lars Ulrich wrote:

Quote :

A Letter To Ronnie
5/16/2010 [ back ]


Dear Ronnie,
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 6000 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 favorite 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 favorite 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 and 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.

Much love,

Lars

hate to say it and i really don't know how to write it actually,but;

"Goodbye Ronnie"

thank you for everything you've done for me..your lyrics,your music,your presence alone made me happy..i was living for the day to finally see you live on stage,was counting off the days,but it just couldn't happen

a wise man,now much happier,not suffering any more,singing for angels...

RIP Ronnie..

great to see these ones:

Ozzy Osbourne wrote:

I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Ronnie James Dio. Metal has truly lost one of its greatest voices. My heart goes out to his family and to his many fans.

Love and respect.

KISS wrote:

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.

here's a good one with Alice Cooper:

Quote :

At their show Sunday night at Lazerfest near Des Moines, Iowa, Alice Cooper and his band inserted a bit of Sabbath's "Heaven and Hell" into their final song, "Under My Wheel," dedicating it to Dio. Bassist Chuck Garric played with Dio prior to joining Cooper's band, and both Cooper and Garric taped a special segment for the syndicated "Nights With Alice Cooper" radio program talking about their late friend.

"We used to have a lot of fun with Dio on the road," Cooper recalled. "(Drummer) Eric Singer could not help from going 'Holy Diver!' as loud as he could to the point where the manager finally says, 'Could you stop doing that? It's starting to annoy Ronnie.' And of course you don't say that to Eric Singer, because that just means he's going to double the efforts."

Garric added that Dio was "such a genuinely nice guy and welcomed me with open arms. From the moment I walked into the rehearsal rooms to audition, I felt at home...It was one of the greatest moments of my life, and it had changed my life. I owe him everything."

Mark Slaughter - Official Myspace wrote:

Ronnie James Dio flew to the Angels at 7:45am May 16. Godspeed, Dio and thanks for the memories!

Silence the drums, Turn off the amps, the P.A. and the lights. Rock and Rolls Royalty has passed. Fly to the Angels, DIO.

Stet Howland left his comment about Ronnie, too... not sure if I should post it here, 'cos he published it on his Facebook page and not as an official statement, so I don't know if he'd like to see it re-posted... anyway, he showed his love for the man with very kind words, too.

As for me... the news about Ronnie's departure were really shocking to me, at the beginning. I didn't want to believe it at all. Then I took a look at the official website... and I suddenly started realizing that it was not a joke. I never had the chance to see Ronnie in a full live concert. I was supposed to see him last year, at Metalway Festival in Spain, with Heaven and Hell. For some reason, I was afraid that, if I couldn't see him that day, I would have never had another occasion. One of the few cases were my forecasts were too damn right. Heaven and Hell couldn't play that night: Tony Iommi got hurt and wasn't able to do the show. All the band members were so sorry about the cancellation, that they came on stage to apologize (except Tony, who was feeling so bad that they had to call an ambulance ). Ronnie spoke for everyone, and he was really, really kind to us. He was truly sorry and it was clear that he was feeling bad for fans. He also sang some notes from the song Heaven and Hell to cheer us up a little. I remember that I really appreciated the guys coming personally on stage to apologize... not many bands do that. And Ronnie's kindness was just astonishing.


Not the best picture ever, but it's the only decent one I could take when I saw him live...

Tried to forget the feeling that it could have been my last time to see him. I was really hoping for him to get better, since the latest news about him were so optimistic... then, sunday came the shocking news.
Ronnie's voice and music were a very important part of my life. I always knew about Black Sabbath, but never got for real into their music 'till I heard his voice. Lady Evil, Children Of The Sea and his live records were the soundtrack of my relationship with my first boyfriend, who has been one of the most important persons in my life, in good and bad ways. "Child Of The Sea" is also the nickname I'm known with on many sites, lol. Stars made me discover (or better, re-discover) Blackie Lawless and his music. Ronnie's voice is one of my main inspirations when it comes to sing... I never felt I was one hell of a singer, but I always loved singing his songs. Many, many nice memories are linked to Ronnie and his wonderful voice... I still find difficult to believe that this great man is gone, now. But one thing has been said many times in these last days, about him... he will live forever in our hearts and souls.

...And someday, we'll all meet again. So... goodbye, Ronnie. And thanks.

good for you Doc as i said,i wanted to see him live on stage very much and counting off the days for Sonisphere,but it couldn't happen..there was a DIO gig back in 2003 but i wasn't even 18 and wasn't in Istanbul,so i couldn't make it to the gig all i wanted was to see him once,hear my hero's magical voice once before he flew away,but i couldn't

he was such a down to earth guy, i knew many stories about his modesty,he was a real rock star,but a "real" guy..his episode on That Metal Show was awesome..Rest in peace Ronnie

Ronnie on That Metal Show

let's go on with condolences..
isn't it great to see such people writing honestly about Ronie's loss,and all of them saying good things? that's awesome


OVER THE RAINBOW members Greg Smith (formerly of RAINBOW; 1994-1997), Joe Lynn Turner (formerly of RAINBOW; 1980-1984), and Bobby Rondinelli (formerly of RAINBOW; 1980-1983)

Joe Lynn Turner wrote:

Today we not only lost a legend but we lost a friend.

Ronnie was a true gentleman of rock... always kind and giving. I was proud to know him... everyone he touched was raised higher. His energy and legacy will live on... and I — as a fellow member of RAINBOW — will continue to sing his praises and his songs.

May God hold him in his hands... RIP.

Bobby Rondinelli wrote:

I was very sad to hear of Ronnie's passing. He was one of the best singers and writers ever, and every time I saw him he was a total gentleman. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Greg Smith wrote:

I have lost someone who I looked up to as a teenager and that person became my good friend. I shared many laughs, stories, drinks and good times with him on and off the road.

Ronnie, I will miss you terribly and always think fondly of the times we spent together and of your tremendous talent.

Till we meet again, my friend!

and, Geezer Butler..i was waiting for him to post something,here it is now

Geezer Butler wrote:

It's impossible to express in mere words the relationship Ronnie and I, Wendy and my wife Gloria had. He was much more than a friend, fellow musician, band mate. If I have a soul, then he is part of it. I truly believe God, fate, destiny, whatever it's called, brought us together again in 2006, after not seeing each other for 14 years, to do one final tour, which turned into three major tours and an album. We were having a blast together, enjoying each other's company more than we had ever done before, talking about maybe doing one more album, when fate intervened again. We were planning on doing a two- or three-part North American tour, after having toured South America and Europe in spring/summer 2009, but on the first leg of the North American tour, Tony's [Iommi] hand ligaments were in a bad way, Vinny's [Appice] shoulder became dislocated, and Ronnie was having terrible stomach pains. We decided to cut the tour, get healthy, and carry on the following year. Tony and Vinny had successful procedures to fix their ailments, but Ronnie's stomach pains were worsening. I saw him at the Dio Halloween party, but he wasn't drinking, unusual for Ronnie who liked his tipple. He was telling me he had made an appointment with a specialist, to see what it was.....

Wednesday, 12th May 2010.

Wendy invited Gloria and I to lunch in Santa Barbara. A few close friends of Ronnie and Wendy, Omar, Simon, Paul, Tim, and Diana, had dropped by. Ronnie had no appetite whatsoever — the disease and the chemotherapy were taking an immense toll. As usual, we talked sports and had a laugh together — it would be the last time. That night, I had a beautiful email from him, that I will treasure forever. I sent him an email saying I'd see him during the following week.

Friday, 14th May 2010.

Wendy called to say she had taken Ronnie to hospital. The pain had become unbearable. We got to the hospital around 2 p.m. The doctor eventually sedated him. More and more friends were coming to visit — we took it in turns to hold Ronnie's hand, and whisper our thoughts to him. Wendy wouldn't leave his side — she stayed curled up on his bed the whole night. Gloria's assistant, Debi, kept her company. I emailed Tony to prepare him for bad news.

Saturday, 15th May 2010.

There was no mistaking Ronnie's room. There were around 25 to 30 friends outside his room. We knew the end was imminent. We all wanted to say our goodbyes. It was a day filled with tears and reflection. In the evening, the chaplain came, and we all gathered around Ronnie's bed and prayed. Ronnie wasn't going easily. At 11 p.m., most of us left, leaving Wendy her privacy to say her last farewell. The devastation was palpable.

Sunday, 16th May 2010.

7.46 a.m. As we were preparing to leave for the hospital, Gloria called Wendy to see if she wanted a coffee or any breakfast — she broke the sad news. Ronnie had just passed away.

Wendy Dio has been a true saint through all this. She has been with Ronnie every step of the way. Her courage has amazed us all. Even as I write, she is ensuring Ronnie has the finest send-off possible. God bless you, Wendel.

Most people who were there for those last days chose to keep their thoughts private. I wanted to keep my thoughts private, too, but I've been overwhelmed by emails, and requests from the media and fans for comments.

I can truly say I've never known anyone to have such loyal, loving friends, fans, and family as Ronnie. He really was a special person, blessed with a unique voice and presence. He loved his fans — he would stay meeting and talking to them until the early hours of the morning.

One of my fondest memories of him comes from last year, at the Sonisphere Festival, Knebworth. He noticed my sister and her husband at the side of the stage. During our opening song, he took the time to go over and hug them. Just a little thing like that made him special to me.

Of course his music will live on forever, as will his influence.

I have never seen so many tributes from so many musicians and fans, so many good wishes, no cynicism, just pure love and appreciation for a great man.

God bless you, Ronald — thank you so much for the wonderful memories.

principia wrote:

good for you Doc as i said,i wanted to see him live on stage very much and counting off the days for Sonisphere,but it couldn't happen..there was a DIO gig back in 2003 but i wasn't even 18 and wasn't in Istanbul,so i couldn't make it to the gig all i wanted was to see him once,hear my hero's magical voice once before he flew away,but i couldn't

he was such a down to earth guy, i knew many stories about his modesty,he was a real rock star,but a "real" guy..his episode on That Metal Show was awesome..Rest in peace Ronnie

Ronnie on That Metal Show

So sorry you couldn't see him live, dear this is a huge loss for rock/metal world... the man was a true legend, in all senses. And you're totally right, that's so nice to see so many artists writing their own memories about him and seeing that they're all nice ones... he was a special person, indeed.

Steve Morse of Deep Purple wrote:

Ronnie was a real musician. He was a guy that everybody liked, and always sang loud, in tune, and strong, with that famous voice. I watched him patiently deal with fans at the stage door, and patiently deal with me when I was lucky enough to back him up on our orchestra tour (DEEP PURPLE and orchestra with special friends). We backed him up doing a couple of his tunes, and he was tactful and precise with his constructive comments. He could tell if I played one note wrong. I recall him telling me that he used to play trumpet, which might explain his very good ears.

Everybody that ever met him will miss him, as well as anybody who ever heard him sing.

Ian Gillan wrote:

My dear friend Ronnie,

Departed but not gone. Resting peacefully (for a while) but never forgotten.

I've had a sackful of mail since your passing; a sharing of grief and sorrow.

We all remember your huge voice, of course — my ears are still ringing: Your wicked humour and sense of decency: The utter professionalism and personality that inspired so much respect from your friends in music.

The list goes on but the quality that stands out above all others is your enduring generosity. The one thing that we all treasure, the gift you gave us was your kindness.

We all agree you were the kindest man we ever knew.

Catch up later, mate.

Chuck Billy of Testament wrote:

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.

Finally.. finally guys; Yngwie has made the statement:

Lars Yngwie Johann Lannerbach Malmsteen wrote:

Milan May 19th 2010
- I’m deeply saddened by the devastating
news. Ronnie was a dear friend and without a doubt the most brilliant of
all Rock sirens. He lives forever in our hearts and will never be a
equaled. Long Live Ronnie James Dio.

This can be found on his website: http://yngwiemalmsteen.com/home.html

Some people have made comments about it, and I'll copy - paste those on here because that is exactly what I think about that one:

Quote :

Viking;
Yngwie where were you?
You took too much time to say something
about Ronnie!

Quote :

Dio and Malmsteen, 2 of the very finest at their craft in the business!
Sadly
it was Dio's time to go.
Rest In Peace, Master Dio \m/

Quote :

I remember way back when Yngwie would say he'd love to work with Dio.
Both great talents, of course.

Quote :

Great Combo
I love the way DIO sings this song. Combining DIOs warm chest voice,
with Yngwie's shredding is a perfect combination. The way DIO phrased
his singing, gave him a unique sound. He had such a great, warm voice
but his performance really shines on this track, as well as Malmsteen's
does.

Seriously, you took too much to say those words for your one and only Ronnie, Yngwie?
I look at the place he's in, Milan, he had two dates in Italy, May 15th and 18th, maybe this is why he is late.
I wanna believe he's heard of it just now.. Anyways, after all.. I'm happy.

Come on Blackie, your turn.

yeah,i was gonna post Yngwie's statement..finally.
waiting to see Blackie's but for some reason i don't think there's ever gonna be such a statement

also,Mustaine hasn't said anything about Ronnie,the man likes to talk a lot,i dunno why he chose to be silent for such a great guy..

here's what Scorpions said:

Scorpions wrote:

The passing of Ronnie James Dio is a huge loss to the world of rock and roll.

He will be missed by millions of fans around the world.

He was an amazing artist, lovely human being, and a dear friend.

We will miss you, Ronnie.

principia wrote:

also,Mustaine hasn't said anything about Ronnie,the man likes to talk a lot,i dunno why he chose to be silent for such a great guy..

Yesterday, I was searching for news and have seen Alice Cooper's statement, there was a comment about Blackie and Mustaine not saying anything about Ronnie, and someone answered saying Mustaine did it a couple of days ago.. Never seen it, but I think we can find it on blabbermouth

here's Mustaine's statement about Ronnie, taken from one of his interviews:

Dave Mustaine wrote:

Everybody that's ever met Ronnie, they've got different types of stories. We've heard types of stories about his voice and how great he was as a man. And we've heard stories about his different lineups that he's been with.

One of the things that I remember him most for was 'Sixteenth Century Greensleeves' and 'Man On The Silver Mountain', which was the first record that I'd ever gotten from him with Blackmore.

We had gone out on tour with him when 'So Far, So Good, So What' came out and it was really, really making a statement, because we had broken the Top 200 with thrash metal, and nobody really knew what thrash metal was at the time.

I remember talking to Ronnie — we were in catering — and I go, 'Hey, Ronnie, I just wanna thank you for taking us out on tour.' He goes, 'Yeah, man. Thanks to you for coming, too.' And I said, 'No. I mean, really. Thanks. It's really cool.' And he goes, 'Look, we could both sit here and give each other handjobs or we could smoke this joint. What do you think?' And I was like, 'Well...' So, needless to say, we smoked a joint and I passed on the handjob.

well,a little weird, but that's what i call a "Mustainesque" statement

Ronnie (along with Blackie and King Diamond) will always be my favorite singer. His voice stayed strong until the very end. I'm sad I never got the chance to see the man live (my area isn't the best for Metal at all). He was one of the few that could do no wrong. Still hard to believe he's gone... R.I.P.