5/17/2010


Black Sabbath's Ronnie James Dio Dies at 67...

Hard-rocking singer Ronnie James Dio passed away on Sunday at the
age of 67.

The former singer for Black Sabbath, who fronted the band briefly
after Ozzy Osbourne's 1980 exit, had been struggling with stomach
cancer, and had undergone seven rounds of chemotherapy.

His wife and manager Wendy Dio confirmed the sad news on his
website, noting that "many, many friends and family were able
to say their private goodbyes before he peacefully passed away...
Ronnie knew how much has was loved by all."'

Wendy had admitted it was a challenge replacing the enormously
popular Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath. "Ozzy especially had
some real staunch fans, and for someone else to come into
Sabbath, God, that was sacrilegious," he said.

He was known for his wailing vocals and for the "devil's horns"
gesture that has become a heavy-metal trademark.

In March, Wendy vowed to beat his disease."Cancer? I'll kick the
hell out of you...I refuse to be beaten in any shape or form so
I'm going to beat you, too."