Ronnie James Dio diagnosed with stomach cancer

Wendy Dio, the wife and manager of legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW), has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:

"Ronnie has been diagnosed with the early stages of stomach cancer. We are starting treatment immediately at the Mayo Clinic. After he kills this dragon, Ronnie will be back on stage, where he belongs, doing what he loves best, performing for his fans.

"Long live rock and roll, long live Ronnie James Dio.

"Thanks to all the friends and fans from all over the world that have sent well wishes. This has really helped to keep his spirit up."

Ronnie James Dio, 67, has performed with ELF, RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH, and his own band DIO. Other musical projects include the collective fundraiser "Hear 'n Aid". He is widely hailed as one of the most powerful singers in heavy metal, renowned for his consistently powerful voice and for popularizing the "devil's horns" hand gesture in metal culture. He is currently involved with HEAVEN & HELL, a project which also includes former BLACK SABBATH bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice. Their first studio album, "The Devil You Know", was released on April 28, 2009.

DIO cancelled its European tour last week after Ronnie was taken ill. The band's lineup for the trek was supposed to include WHITESNAKE/ex-DIO axeman Doug Aldrich due to the fact that the group's regular guitarist, Craig Goldy, had prior touring commitments with BUDGIE in Australia.

DIO's last release was the "Holy Diver Live" CD, featuring a performance of the classic "Holy Diver" album in its entirety, from start to finish, recorded live for the very first time in 2005 in front of a sold-out London crowd.


http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=131004

DazMarz

Oh no! Poor RJD! He is such a legend! Such a voice and such a performer and artist...

Get well soon, Ronnie!:D

fobster

Good job they caught the cancer early. Get back on the stage soon!

mike65

He is a pocket battleship of a singer, you know he'll do his best to see this off.

starflake

OMG I hope he'll be ok He seems like such a lovely guy...

projectmayhem

At least it was discovered at an early stage. Best of luck to him...

Max Power1

Ah its RJD, he always good at slying demons. This cancer will be another demon he will slay. Rock on RJD!

GrizzlyMan

Cr4p news but at least they got it early! Hope he gets better soon holy diver!!

stephen_mch

Ah awful news, the mans a legend! Get well soon

Malice

Terrible news that. Get well soon Ronnie!

D.Q

poor cancer.

JBnaglfar

Here's hoping Dio slays that cancer

smelltheglove

This is terrible news people forget hes 67!! I hope to god he gets thru this!! Get well soon ronnie!!

Dr. Feelgood

Aweful news. One of the greatest/most respected front men out there. Get well soon.

peter1892

Hopefully they have caught it early enough & he'll be OK.

Karl Hungus

Jesus, that's terrible news indeed. Ronnie is a legend, no doubt about it. It's good they caught it early, thank god.

cournioni

Thats terrible news. Hopefully they've caught it early enough for treatment and that he can make a good recovery. Absolute metal legend.

bigeasyeah

Get well soon Ronnie, you legend.

Mr. CooL ICE

Jako8

Just saw this thread now. Good thing they caught it early.

Best of luck on your road to recovery Ronnie.

Pugsley

The little leathery toad man is such a legend!

Hope he gets through this, he put on an awesome show at Hellfest with Heaven and Hell this year, at 67 he's still got it!

rednik

I find it hard to beleive he actually is 67. Hope he recovers quickly. Still listen to classic Rainbow.