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I'm completely shattered...A hero of mine since the 80s. I met him once at a record store signing at the Music Plus in Glendora in 84 and went to the concert at Irvine Meadows the night after. It was at that show or one with Craig Goldy, a couple of years later, that the PA mains blew up...Ronnie's voice could still be heard above loud as hell above the band through the onstage monitors. I'll never forget that! Un****ing believable! When we met us fans, he made us feel like we were the most important people in the world. He's not only one of my favorite vocalists, but I loved his intelligence when he spoke, one of the great rock speakers, like Ray Manzarek and Gene Simmons. That comes from his education and itelligence and I recognized and loved that even as a kid. A buddy invited me to the Greek Theatre last August in LA, where I saw Dio with Heaven and Hell for the second time, from about 10 rows back. The guy was 67 and he looked like he was in his early forties. He sounded amazing too. He had all of his powers in place and the magic and charisma that made him unique. Yes, the voice clearly wasn't in 1984 anymore, but he could still sing with amazing range and power. I just can't believe that was the last time, 9 months ago. My coworker Armando Vega, singer of the Metal tribute band Metal 101, counts Dio as one of his heroes and I know he is shattered too. He got to sing Neon Nights with Queensryche a couple of years ago and we always talk about Dio. It's kind of a running joke at work..me imitating him saying in his high voice "Yeah Man, Dio." I just walked by his desk a couple of days ago saying that. Rest in peace Ronnie- Yeah Man, Dio.
JH
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R.I.P. Ronnie
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