RIP Ronnie James Dio

The metal world has become a touch darker with the passing of one of metal’s acknowledged gods, Ronnie James Dio.

Dio passed away on May 16 at 7:45 AM as reported in his official web site, ronniejamesdio.com. The message was posted by Dio’s wife Wendy. The message posted on the site did not say the cause of Dio’s death, but it’s been reported last year that he had been diagnosed with stomach cancer. Dio was 67.

Below is the message from Wendy as posted in the web site:

Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes 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.

Dio is one of the most recognizable artists in the metal scene is recognized by many as one of its legends. He has sung in many different bands – he replaced Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath. He left his band Rainbow (where Ritchie Blackmore was the guitarist) to transfer to Sabbath. He was instrumental in helping revitalize the band’s career. He was also a member of Elf and eventually his own band named Dio.

Dio has also been recognized as the artist who popularized the devil’s horns gesture that is now a staple in all rock and metal concerts. Even though other artists have used the same gesture as far back as 1968, Dio’s use of the gesture was the catalyst that brought the gesture to popular consciousness.

Dio’s last album was with the band Heaven & Hell, which was a collaboration with his former Black Sabbath bandmates, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler. The band mounted a 98-date world tour. The band released their album The Devil You Know last year. They were supposed to support Iron Maiden on July 30, 2010 in Dublin, Ireland and later in Norway but Dio’s health problems forced the cancellation of these dates.