I am overwhelmed by all the positive response regarding "Song for Ronnie James", and all the warm comments I have recieved from all around the world.
It means a lot to me that you have embraced this song as something coming from the heart, and I'm truly grateful.
In just a few days more than 100.000 people have viewed the video on the internet, and the number is still rising...
Many people are too busy trying to reinvent the wheel, forgetting the talent, quality and originality of the people that paved the way, like Ronnie James Dio.
My intentions for writing ”Song for Ronnie James” was to bow down and pay respect to one of the greatest, most influential and unique artists the world has ever known.
When Ronnie passed away so sudden, I wasn¨'t sure whether or not the release of the song should be postponed for a while, but we decided to proceed with the release of the song as planned.
"Song for Ronnie James" was written before Ronnie got sick last year, and it makes me sad to know that he never got to hear it.
Without Ronnie's presence, I would not have become the artist I am today.
It’s hard holding back the tears when reading all your wonderful comments, and once again I thank all of you for your support and recognition.
Ronnie James Dio lost his battle against cancer, but we must continue to fight this disease. Medical researchers are doing progress every day, and they need our help.
You can help World Cancer Research Fund International by following the link below.
I urge you all to contribute in any way you can, your help will make a difference.
Ronnie James Dio has passed away and my sorrow runs deeper than words can describe. When the world became a colder place, Ronnie was a symbol of fire and honesty.
His magic will forever stay with me, and inspire me to go on. My thoughts go to his wife Wendy, his family and friends, in their devastating loss.
I will honor Ronnies memory, and he will always live in my heart and music.
The new Masterplan album, Time to be King isnt out in the USA yet, but there are cool fans out there that are already creating killer video's for the new material that so far sounds unbelieveble!!! Check these out!! The new CD will be out here May 25th!! This Cd is going to be spectacular!!!
Legendary BLACK SABBATH /HEAVEN & HELL bassist Geezer Butler has offered the following thoughts on the passing of his bandmate and "soul mate" RONNIE JAMES DIO (DIO, BLACK SABBATH, HEAVEN & HELL, RAINBOW, ELF) who lost his battle with stomach cancer on May 16th at 7:45 AM PST at the age of 67:
"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 3 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 2 or 3 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 hand ligaments were in a bad way, Vinny’s 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, May 12th 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, May 14th 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, May 15th 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, May 16th 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."
I wanted to write a short tribute to a man that I have revered as one of my favorite vocalists of all time. A man that lost the battle with cancer but went out with dignity and strength. It took me a few days to be able to write this as the first couple of days all I could do was cry and just feel the sadness. I didnt actually know him but I met him at NAMM a few years back and wanted to tell the story as it was one of the coolest meetings I have ever had with a rockstar. I want to also say that I have been a huge fan of Ronnies since I first heard Heaven and Hell in 1980, one of my fave albums of all time. I am a fan girl of his for 30 years. I waited 28 years to meet this giant of metal and I finally got my chance when my friend told me Dio would be at NAMM. I decided to go just to meet him. (It helped that Nikki Sixx would be there too but thats another story) I got my pass to go the infamous NAMM convention in Anaheim and went with a bunch of friends including my soon to be good friend Tore Moren (Who shreds in Jorn Lande's band, whom was visiting from Norway at the time. Jorn is a huge friend and fan of Ronnies and he was his mentor) I get in line for Ronnie and it was super long,like a few hundred people. My good friend Gus was up there with me when it came to be my turn to meet the singer that sings to my heart and soul. I get up to the table and Gus says to Ronnie, Hey Ronnie (as he points to me!!) this girl is a HUGE fan and loves you! Ronnie just gave me this beautiful smile and proceeded to grab me and pull me behind the table and spin me around to meet the band (including the amazing Rudy Sarzo, who I adore!!) and it was so fast that I was in such shock and just in plain joy that this small ,but immensley caring and loving singer of all singers was showing me all this attention, like I was the only person in the room. I squeeled in delight as he hugged me and kissed me on the cheek and signed my drumhead ( MAGIC!!) and photo...we got a few photos throwing the horns, and if you know me you know every single pic of me is with the horns, I just cant help it its been a habit for years!! ( I get a ton of shit because of it too...but screw them!) I walked away from this legend with so much love and respect for him as he made me feel like I meant something to him, like I mattered!! I have only felt that way with a few rockstars and Jorn Lande and Jon Schaffer from Iced Earth were the other two exceptions.
Me before the Heaven and Hell show in San Diego, Dio shirt and horns up!\m/\m/
The whole thing would have been perfect but I got all drunk at the after party at the Hilton and lost my camera...thank God it was a point and shoot but that wasnt the problem...I lost the pics with Dio and Nikki Sixx, who I had been waiting to get a photo with them for years. I was devastated. Luckily my new found friend Tore Moren took pity on me and stayed with me for the rest of the night as I bawled like a baby. He became my knight in shining armor that night and is one of my best friends ever because of that moment. Thank you Tore. He and I cried about Dio the other night and for our friend who also has the big C and is in the battle of her life. Jorn also was devasted about Ronnie and even cried himself. We were all heartbroken to hear the news the other day and we will never forget the amazing singer of small stature that had the biggest most sacred heart in rock n roll history. Goodbye Ronnie and hope you found your Heaven because you brought Heaven to me every time I heard your voice. My fave song by Dio ever...always made me weep live....his voice was incredible... All the Fools Sailed Away
My good friend Don Brown Sr did a kick ass review and I shot the photos for H.I.M concert here at the HOB in Las vegas on April 24th. We are a great team as I make sure he gets the set list and he makes sure I get the good review and can focus on what I love, shooting photos. The whole thing is posted here: http://www.rockoveramerica.com/index.html?view=Concert&id=142
Music is LIFE!! Its the reason I breath. Shooting photos at concerts is my biggest thrill. That and traveling to concerts abroad(Wacken Germany!!)Love movies and a good book.
