"some music was meant to stay underground..."

Heavy Metal Legend Ronnie James Dio Passes Away

posted May 16, 2010 at 2:22 AM by Diamond Oz.  (69 Comments)

Photo of Dio

Band Photo: Dio

UPDATED AGAIN: It turns out this report was not a "viral hoax," but rather a premature report as to the graveness of Dio's situation. Despite our retraction, Ronnie James Dio did, in fact, pass away at 7:45am this morning.

Please also see our open letter regarding reporting Dio's passing prematurely.

The original article has been restored to an active state for discussion purposes:

Ronnie James Dio (born Ronald James Padavona) has sadly passed away from his battle with stomach cancer. He was 67 years old. Dio made a name for himself when he fronted the Ritchie Blackmore led band Rainbow, who released their first album in 1975. After leaving Rainbow, Dio was asked to replace Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath, to which he agreed. With Black Sabbath, he recorded two highly acclaimed studio albums in the form of "Heaven And Hell" and "The Mob Rules." After leaving Black Sabbath, he formed his own self-titled band and became one of the biggest draws in heavy metal during the 1980s.

Dio briefly reunited with Black Sabbath in the early 1990s, releasing the "Dehumanizer" album before leaving once again to concentrate on his own band. Another reunion with Sabbath followed in 2006, this time under the new moniker, Heaven & Hell, reulting the acclaimed album, "The Devil You Know" in 2009. The band recently cancelled their tour dates in Europe as a result of Ronnie's health.

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69 Comments on "Ronnie James Dio Passes Away (Original)"

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systemsdown's avatar

Member

1. systemsdown writes:

R.I.P. Throwing up horns in his honour

# May 16, 2010 @ 2:29 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
2. punky writes:

i'm so sad right now, Rest in Peace God of Rock

# May 16, 2010 @ 2:35 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
3. Zoe Hass writes:

Oh my god. One of the saddest days in ma life. The light has truly gone away. I cant believe it. Long Live the King of the Metal World. the finest frontman I have heard. Long Live Ronnie James Dio. We all will meet you in the Heaven and Hell place Junction.

# May 16, 2010 @ 2:54 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
4. DIO writes:

Hey guys, I'm at the cemetary can you come pick me up?

# May 16, 2010 @ 2:54 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
5. Ferch writes:

Swim on, Holy Diver -- Ronnie James Dio, RIP

# May 16, 2010 @ 3:00 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
6. Rik writes:

RIP Ronnie James Dio you will be the Rainbow in the Dark and i know you are screaming for us to STAND UP AND SHOUT" Long Live ROCK n ROLL" until the next time Brutha

# May 16, 2010 @ 3:02 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
7. scrivener writes:

Blabbermouth says it's not true. Who exactly did MetalUnderground "confirm" this with? Please cite your sources if you expect us to consider you credible.

# May 16, 2010 @ 3:07 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
8. Racso writes:

stupid a$$hole!!!! confirm your source first!!!!!!

# May 16, 2010 @ 3:19 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
9. Antonio writes:

Ronnie James Dio is NOT dead yet

# May 16, 2010 @ 3:20 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
10. Yuko writes:

I've heard "Ronnie James Dio is NOT dead!".
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=140115&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blabbermouth+%28Blabbermouth.net%27s+Daily+Headlines%29&utm_content=Twitter

# May 16, 2010 @ 3:21 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
11. scrivener writes:

I believe Ronnie said it best:

"If you listen to fools, the mob rules."

None of which means Ronnie's NOT dead, but without a credible source to do real fact-checking either way (Blabbermouth comes closest, but I'm still skeptical), there's no way to tell.

"Iron Man lives again." (Live Evil version, of course)

# May 16, 2010 @ 3:22 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
12. JEB writes:

Uh...Dio isn't dead....wow....your news reports are wrong!

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=140115

I'm pretty sure that the record label would know!

# May 16, 2010 @ 3:26 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
13. wenchwendy writes:

according to quotes from his wife @ 235 am EST he IS NOT DEAD!

# May 16, 2010 @ 3:29 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
14. Xvall writes:

He didn't die. You people are rediculous. I hope you feel extra stupid tomorrow when his press affiliates go out of the way to remind you suckers that you were crying over a pointless rumor.

# May 16, 2010 @ 3:32 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
BoltThrower's avatar

Supporter

15. BoltThrower writes:

It goes on, and on and ON! HEAVEN AND HELL!!

# May 16, 2010 @ 3:34 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
16. DanB writes:

HA HA YOU USED WIKIPEDIA AS A SOURCE

# May 16, 2010 @ 3:55 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
17. mario writes:

Ronnie James Dio NO ha muerto - http://bit.ly/b1jwes/

# May 16, 2010 @ 3:58 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
18. Random navy guy writes:

*with rock on horns up* rest in peace man.

# May 16, 2010 @ 4:52 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
19. Bundy writes:

Ah guys? Check again. He's very much alive. Oops!

# May 16, 2010 @ 7:27 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
20. stephan voland writes:

sorry dio man i will miss you

# May 16, 2010 @ 7:49 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
21. METALVIPER writes:

IDIOTS

# May 16, 2010 @ 8:19 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
22. coolly writes:

HE IS NOT DEAD. Please correct it early.

# May 16, 2010 @ 8:38 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
23. Moroii writes:

He isn't dead dip sh**s!

# May 16, 2010 @ 8:53 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
24. JFD writes:

LMAO - just another piece of evidence proving that blogging and e-news isn't legitimate journalism.

I guess dreaming twice that Dio died after smoking a little red hair counts as confirmation.

# May 16, 2010 @ 9:43 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
25. guest writes:

Get your sources straight. Rumor is false:

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=140115

# May 16, 2010 @ 10:15 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
26. dioo writes:

not dead

# May 16, 2010 @ 11:04 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
27. JACKIE AKA SUNSHINE writes:

I will always hold Ronnie james dio in my memories, he was a big part of my musical climb through the 80,s and will be forever missed

# May 16, 2010 @ 11:41 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
28. Naked_n_Phree writes:

Welp, you heard it here first, folks. Remember where to come if you want to get the "scoop" on any more big news items first so you can tell all your friends and look like a fool.

# May 16, 2010 @ 11:42 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
29. Roro writes:

RJD is NOT dead! He's in the hospital with stomach cancer, not doing well, but he is alive.

# May 16, 2010 @ 12:09 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
30. sauriol22 writes:

Waaaa I went and seen Dio last year! Best show ever....took my teenage son....Rest in Peace Ronnie....

# May 16, 2010 @ 12:27 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
31. ianmillar20@blueyonder.co.uk writes:

rest in peace ronnie you will be sadly missed

# May 16, 2010 @ 1:01 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
32. mk writes:

According to his website, it is true.
http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/

# May 16, 2010 @ 3:00 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
33. budee writes:

ronnie is now a zombie! don b fewled dudes!!!

# May 16, 2010 @ 3:05 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
34. theworms writes:

Budee, f*** you.

his death has been confirmed by his wife. RIP!

# May 16, 2010 @ 4:26 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
35. bREAD writes:

this is BULLsh** a fake f***ing article ....dio is not dead

# May 16, 2010 @ 4:33 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
36. abu2elhish writes:

RIP Ronald James Padavona .. always in our hearts <3

# May 16, 2010 @ 4:50 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
37. dead for real writes:

it was fake at first but this time he really is dead

# May 16, 2010 @ 6:41 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
38. NerdENerd writes:

Glad I caught the Hevean and Hell tour when it came to Australia in 2007.
R.I.P. Ronnie, you will be missed.

# May 16, 2010 @ 7:37 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
39. thedudeabides writes:

RIP Dio... You gave us some great vocals, hands down you will be missed

# May 16, 2010 @ 7:50 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
40. inkedmum writes:

there are sum sick fks putting stuff in this post..... it was confirmed by his wife Wendy that he passed away at 7.15 this morning, why on earth would she want to say he was dead if he was alive i mean wtf....

Ronnie ur rock n roll children have lost a legend in you and i had the privelege of seeing you live and will always have your music to keep me rocking \m/ you were a true legend and even bigger gentleman my deepest sympathies go out to Wendy and family \m/ love u Ronnie

# May 16, 2010 @ 8:27 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
41. RIPDIO writes:

Today a true legend of heavy metal and rock n roll died. His legacy will be eternal.His heavy metal is the basis of all the modern metal music. His voice IS one of the most powerful in the world... I hope the new generations know what this guy represents to us HEADBANGERS. \m/ < you invented this. Now you're true god in the pantheon of HEAVY METAL. Rest in Peace. and look for us (heavy metal soldiers ) from above.'This Is One Of The Saddest Days In Metal Ever'.Ronnie James Dio RIP

# May 16, 2010 @ 8:36 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
42. phantomphreak writes:

The people the say the he is still alive, aren't old enough to know who he is! So shut the f*** up and go listen to your Justin Bieber CDs!

# May 16, 2010 @ 8:48 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
OlafBerzerker's avatar

Member

43. OlafBerzerker writes:

Cry out to legions of the brave \m/

# May 16, 2010 @ 9:22 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
44. jimmy j. writes:

Words can,t express the sadness i feel at the time. Ronnie was a icon, a true metal god. His music will live forever.

# May 16, 2010 @ 10:20 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
45. JH writes:

Oh no oh no oh no...this is not happening...
Please don't go...

# May 17, 2010 @ 12:41 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
46. Ericsean writes:

If you keep playing the music, he won't die.

# May 17, 2010 @ 2:01 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
47. clark writes:

sad - here's my list of his best on record (with vids): http://www.ranker.com/list/ronnie-james-dio_s-greatest-album-moments/clark-benson

# May 17, 2010 @ 2:22 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
48. Tony Sepe cherchio kamps writes:

I ve always enjoyed the stories my aunt & uncle tell me about when Ronnie played at there wedding reception in cortland ny & although I never got to meet you my brother did when you went home for your moms funeral & he told me how nice you where. Thank you for the wonderfully music & memories you will be missed. Wendy I am so sorry for your loss.

# May 17, 2010 @ 3:36 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
49. NOXA writes:

So long Ronnie Jams Dio, Rest In Peace from NOXA Jakarta Indonesia

# May 17, 2010 @ 5:12 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
batmanzlegacy's avatar

Member

50. batmanzlegacy writes:

f*** f*** f*** this f***ing sux man first Peter now Ronnie wtf we are losing the small amount of metal heads that we have wtf!! imma go f***ing crazy

# May 17, 2010 @ 5:24 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Dagger's avatar

Member

51. Dagger writes:

the legend will live on.

# May 17, 2010 @ 7:37 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
52. Funky writes:

E' morto Dio.....
l'inventore delle corna.
Riposa in pace....ciao Ronald
Ronald James Padavona 1943-2010.

# May 17, 2010 @ 9:24 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
53. Man On The Silver Mountain writes:

A great leader, pioneer and inspiration in the metal world has sadly left us. Although we have a large catologue of his music to keep his memory alive, in my humble opinion, the greatest metal vocalist ever to grace the genre will be greatly missed.

R.I.P. Ronald James Padavona 1943-2010
\m/ DIO \m/

# May 17, 2010 @ 10:41 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
54. dio#1 writes:

some how ozzy is still alive it bothers me
ozzy deserved to go first :p

# May 17, 2010 @ 12:36 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
fireflyz's avatar

Member

55. fireflyz writes:

DREAM EVIL FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Miss you already!!!!!!!!!!!! See you in heaven...and hell !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

# May 17, 2010 @ 1:57 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
56. TOMMY29 writes:

RJD Today we raise a glass to you and burn some chronic to.An as i exhale and see the blue bridge where my mind goes beyond my eyes i look up to the sky and think long live rock and roll.You are at peace now and may the beast guide you to vahalla where only true warriors go.You rocked the hell out of Albuquerque many times and had a huge fan base here.Ride the tiger for you are and always will be the king of heavy metal.94.1 rock in the Duke city is paying tribute to your music all day.I feel a deep sorrow for Wendy and all the people that knew and loved you.Tonite look to the moon and you will surely see the rainbow in the dark.

# May 17, 2010 @ 2:38 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
57. RickCooperII writes:

Metal Bands Around the world Unite and Come together We Must make the world hear us. One of our Heroes has Passed Let us Honer his memory by bringing together a Dio Tribute tour and do it right We will have to play so loud that he hears us in the Afterlife!!

RickCooperII
tao_fenix@hotmail.com

# May 17, 2010 @ 4:40 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
58. jar writes:

the metal world and music . Will never be the same . But ronnie's music has helped make it what it is . And the MAN will never be forgotin !!!!

# May 17, 2010 @ 6:45 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
59. hippy420 writes:

a tribute to the elf,may the rainbow shine over his heaven and hell and the mob will rule.he was a god and he will live forever with joplin,hendrix,morrison,and all the greats.he will live forever.we will miss you.may you rest in peace

# May 17, 2010 @ 8:54 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
60. Rafiqul Islam Rime writes:

Ronni James Dio will be living through his songs--songs that are so great! R.I.P The King of The Rock n Roll ---DIO.

# May 18, 2010 @ 7:46 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
61. Hokshena writes:

there are no words, we leave it to the Greats that are left to try and explain

# May 18, 2010 @ 8:22 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
62. jonnyess writes:

RIP Ronnie. Your gifts inspired me in ways I cannot adequately articulate. Thanks for sharing your soul with so many that have grown up listening and awestruck.

The ship of sighs has reached its final port, good friend.

Til we meet again...

# May 19, 2010 @ 8:43 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
63. THRASH T'ILL DEATH writes:

RIP to a true metal god, we will never forget everything youve done for metal and all your amazing music. RIP DIO WE LOVE YOU

# May 21, 2010 @ 12:47 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
64. William turner writes:

Today i sadly find myself behind the times as i found out today that "The King of the Rock and Roll Mountain had passed. at 60 ive been playing and listening to Metal and rock for over 50 years and this saddens my heart. To the family of RJD i can only say that his battle is over and hes singing still just on another plane. His voice will resound forever in the hearts and minds of rockers all over the world. He will never be forgotten.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL in your time of saddness.
(waving horned fingers high in the air)
long live the king of the mountain

# May 21, 2010 @ 8:11 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
65. Brent barrett writes:

A gentlemen a hero a class act the last of his kind. May godbless u.

# May 22, 2010 @ 4:15 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
K._Krowley's avatar

Member

66. K._Krowley writes:

\m/ that's really all that needs to be said: \m/

R.I.P. RJD

-Kris

# May 25, 2010 @ 2:01 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
metalhead4ever's avatar

Member

67. metalhead4ever writes:

im going to cry

# May 25, 2010 @ 6:41 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
68. justin timberlake writes:

i spend too much time suckling on my miniture p***s and perfecting my female voice to pay any attention to real music. i do not appreciate music nor understand it. all i do is suck myself and seduce mirrors. i love camera's and vagina's, but i way prefer c***.

# May 25, 2010 @ 10:15 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
69. Lady GaGa writes:

ufortunately i have recently been suffering from "Blue Waffle" due to notorious whoreing. my music sucks balls, if i har another song i will vomit my balls through my mouth.

# May 25, 2010 @ 10:18 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address

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