Ronnie James Dio IS NOT DEAD
Band Photo: Black Sabbath (?)
UPDATED: While our initial report may have been premature, 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.
Original article follows:
Blabbermouth.net reports that Ronnie James Dio is NOT DEAD. The news of Ronnie james Dio has just been debunked, supporting that the news originated as a viral hoax. The uncertainty of Dio's health is still to be considered however. Stay posted, we will continue to update his health.
BLABBERMOUTH.NET reached out to Ronnie's wife/manager Wendy Dio, who sent back the following message at approximately 11:35 p.m. PST on Saturday, May 15 / 2:35 a.m. EST on Sunday, May 16:
"I am at the hospital and Ronnie has NOT passed away!!!! He is not doing good, but he is not dead.
"I will let you know if anything changes.
"Thank you for your concern."
Source: Blabbermouth
What's Next?
95 Comments on "Ronnie James Dio IS NOT DEAD"
Member
Member
9. writes:
^you will not be missed, and you are wrong about google news (since there was a whole plethora of viral messages of dio's passing.... However, i got my source from sirius liquid metal radio... Diamond Oz and I both posted at the same time. sh** happens, and we clarified it right away!
10. writes:
@DeathCrush
Y'know, you really don't have to be an a$$hole. Just because you're a writer doesn't give you de facto rule over the MU boards. nolonger brings up a valid point though; you guys posted a definitive article (Dio IS dead) rather than something like "Hey, someone is claiming Dio died. We'll keep you updated on this rumor as it plays out."
You guys f***ed up, and now you're going to lose readers. It's called liability, and you guys managed to test your liability by posting a definitive story without confirmation. Especially in the wake of Pete Steele passing, y'all should've fact-checked before bum-rushing the post.
Member
11. writes:
^Well, let me give you an analogy... if a person goes to a doctor and puts ketchup everywhere on the body, what do you think the doctor is going to think? It's blood right???? The point is, when almost every news story including radio stations were claiming that Dio was dead, what do you suppose? The whole metal community was fooled mate... I'm not trying to be an a$$hole, but leaving MU because we screwed up on something that was screwable is not justified. That guy was being incredibly rigid, and obnoxious.
13. writes:
14. writes:
Yeah, but something makes me think the doctor isn't going to take one look at the guy, covered in ketchup, and call his family to tell them he's dead, even if he's got 5 buddies claiming he was shot. The doctor is gonna check the guy for injuries, and upon discovering that he is in perfect physical health, promptly kick him out for being a jackass. Also, the doctor is going to recognize that it's not blood, if the doctor isn't drunk too (because anyone stupid enough to do that is very likely wasted).
You don't really have an argument here- you (Metal Underground) posted an article, without fact-checking it, in the middle of the night for Americans, and now you have to backtrack. Blabbermouth apparently contacted Wendy Dio with relative ease despite the time of night, something you guys obviously didn't do. The loss of readers is justifiable, because it's your job as a news site to report fact as fact, and rumors as rumors.
Former Contributor
15. writes:
Alrighty people calm down the heat, lets first be thankful that Ronnie is ok and second try and track down who started this. Before you start mouthing off at deathcrush there were some noteworthy sources reporting this and it is our job to get news to metal fans like you and me asap. We have many contributors here dedicated to keeping the metal underground alive so don't discredit those people based on one article or journo. We will look into it.
Now Playing: Morgoth - "Pits Of Utumno"
16. writes:
"it is our job to get news to metal fans like you and me asap"
"it is our job to get news to metal fans"
"it is our job to get news"
Indeed it is. I'm not mouthing off at deathcrush, I'm calling him out on snapping at a reader pointing out bad journalism. All I want to hear from him is something to the tune of, oh, i dunno:
"My bad. We screwed up, it's our fault we didn't check ourselves before posting, and we can only hope our readers can understand this was an effort to bring you news as soon as we get it, but that in our haste we didn't check the sources, it backfired on us, and we apologize."
Former Contributor
18. writes:
I wasn't directly referring to you. But in any case, I apologize on his behalf thetompkins because I agree with you, deathcrush is new to posting sensitive news.
To reiterate Sabine, Dio is alive and well but several noteworthy sources were duped by a rumour. Perhaps after the passing of Peter Steele and the ubiquity of information on we (as in the community, not MU which has high standards) let our guard down.
22. writes:
findyou:
Their sources were viral, and as such probably came from someone in the industry spinning "Dio isn't in good health" into "Dio's circling the drain" to "Dio's dead". Don't blame the writers for getting bad tips/news. Also, never use the phrase "wank azz mofo", not even ironically or sarcastically. Take the censors like a man, and speak like your IQ is greater than your age.
23. writes:
Ronnie is in the hospital. This is total bs and probably the lowest thing anyone could do right now. I don't care if it was a rumor where was the rumor started? Someone stated the news was on sirius radio. That was the "rumored" post. Then how to we get to oh it's been confirmed and then fighting over his wiki page?
26. writes:
27. writes:
No, I'm not your dad, and from how you act, I'm happy about that. I'm just disappointed that you perpetuate the stereotype that metal fans are all uneducated thickies with a penchant for violence and the grammatical ability of a stick of gum. And as for checking their sources, find post 14 in this thread, then come back and act like I'm not holding them accountable for posting it. I'm just not going to try and say "Oh, it's MU's fault someone gave them a bad tip." People give bad info all the time; it's a matter of what you do with it.
I've made my point here. I'm done with MU after this. Sorry Cynic. I accept your apology, though unwarranted, but I can't trust a news source that posts a major story and is almost immediately discredited by a rival.
Member
Member
30. writes:
we clarified it within the hour. I'm done explaining myself to people... If you want to leave for something that we corrected an hour after it happened be my guest! We and I try to collaborate and bring news to you and we failed you once out of the thousands of times (but then corrected ourselves an hour later); if you want to leave because of this, you are extremely inflexible. I'm only going to say this once and once only. For awhile here, the whole world was duped. The only reason why blabbermouth.net corrected the story is because they're backed by Roadrunner records themselves. MU is not backed by any music label.... I'm done talking and I'm done posting news for awhile. I'll just stick to interviews and reviews of CD's.
33. writes:
As a WebCast Radio DJ I was shocked when I heard rumor of the passing of RJD. My first source to check was MU, and I was crushed to hear the fate of RJD. I googled to find out anymore info on his death and couldnt come up with nothing. I was live on air at the time of the news, yet I made no mention of the sort because I didnt want to alarm people of the findings until I knew the facts.
With that stated I have relied on MU for a while now for news and info. I was shocked to find they were the only ones with new of his death. I tuned into Sirius and heard nothing of the sort. 40 minutes went by and I heard that it was not true, that he was not doing well, but per RJD's wife Wendy, he was still alive.
MU made a mistake, we all do this from time to time. but I will argue to a degree here. Deathcrush though your sources are wrong, you tried to make up for the mistake. Hey we all make mistakes, and as stated MU is not backed by any major record label like Blabber Mouth is. None the less I am disappointed that you and others here did not check and re-check your source before announcing the terrible news to the world. Especially considering your readers who have trusted you for so long.
What disgusts me in all of this is the level of maturity Displayed by Deathcrush here. Never talk down to your readers, right wrong or otherwise! You are a Journalist of sorts. It is your job and responsibility to MU and its readers to take up for your wrongs, mistaken or deliberate. And as a writer for MU the last thing you want to "EVER" do is talk down to your readers. I'm really not trying to bash you here, but lets face it man you were in the wrong when you said and I quote "you will not be missed". That may have been directed to just one person, but many here as I take that as you do not care if we are here or not, if we read what you write or not.
QUOTE: "we clarified it within the hour. I'm done explaining myself to people... If you want to leave for something that we corrected an hour after it happened be my guest! We and I try to collaborate and bring news to you and we failed you once out of the thousands of times (but then corrected ourselves an hour later); if you want to leave because of this, you are extremely inflexible. I'm only going to say this once and once only. For awhile here, the whole world was duped. The only reason why blabbermouth.net corrected the story is because they're backed by Roadrunner records themselves. MU is not backed by any music label.... I'm done talking and I'm done posting news for awhile. I'll just stick to interviews and reviews of CD's."
First off you never tried once to explain yourself, you made excuse after excuse and blamed other sources for your mistakes. Then to tell people that if they want to leave to be your guest. Maybe you should consider your own words. I find it pathetic that Cynic (no pun towards you Cynic) takes up for you in this matter, yet instead of following in his foot steps and apologizing to "YOUR" readers, you make a statement as such. QUOTE: "I'm done talking and I'm done posting news for a while". WOW really man? With an attitude like that I would hope that you are done posting period! Your actions are not helping the mistakes you made, and they definitely are in no way apologizing to the person you basically said you didn't give a a S@!# about if he stayed or left.
This will be my one and final post here at MU. and I am sorry to say this, but you Just made all of MU look ignorant. I will say that I am disappointed in MU and their ability to put a muzzle on people like you. I have been a long time reader, but a reader no longer after this. Why do you ask? it is not because you gave misleading information, and it is not totally due to the fact that you are a poor representation for MU. but the fact that MU did nothing to stop you from being rude deliberately to users.
I always have been for the small guy's, not the big banked backed by big label webzines. And I always have referred many of my listeners to MU. But after this display this will never happen again so long as you are here.
Deathcrush I hope you one day learn the importance of respect to your viewers. I have been a webcast radio DJ now for 6 years, it is nothing more then a hobby for me. But I have learned over the years that having thick skin is very important. I have learned that even if the listener is wrong, or even if he is right, but arrogant about the issue, it is best to walk away from the situation with little more then conversation to softly end what could be a melt down. I don't know about you, but I love and respect my listeners, even if they do not always agree with me. My listeners are the reason why I do Internet Radio. They are the people I cater to. And my satisfaction at the end of every show is to know I delivered the best I possibly could, and every one was content at the end of the show.
So Long MU.
Member
38. writes:
Cool. He's alive for now. But Im going have 2 agree with most here. Deathcrush you really do need 2 be doing interviews and reviews of CD's. Other than that you f***ing suck. Where do you come off talking 2 MU readers like that dude? I mean COME ON!!! Call you on your sh**. Then you get mad and run away. And shame on MU for not making sure you guys triple check your news. You my
man are an amateur. HORNS UP DIO \m/\m/
Member
40. writes:
I'm talking down to the members because 1) that guy was trolling, 2) I took the false rumor down instantaneously... no one would have noticed if I wrote this article 3) Pigchop: you honestly think I have his cellphone number? 4) Pestilence: calling me names, I'm going to retaliate.... 5) You assume that I can never err. 6) Diamond Oz posted this as well, so don't target me. I took it upon myself to correct this when he said "just leave it alone."
42. writes:
Oh boy where to start...where to start?
Deathcrush, take it from someone who actually does this for a living; you made a HUGE mistake by insulting your readers/the fans of MU. Also you attempted to shift blame from yourself to a few different sources. One of the first rules of journalism is, "unless you blame yourself, no one is to blame". REAL journalists don't throw other people under the bus for THEIR mistakes. Grow a set, be a man and take a few free online journalism classes before you start posting again. (That goes for your poorly written and unimaginative interviews/cd reviews as well)
As for MU's failure to check it's sources, while it was a huge mistake and one that could cause the loss of a few readers; your quick retraction and (SOME) people apologizing for the mistake stopped the "bleeding" rather quickly. Kudos.
In regards to posting the false news, I personally understand the sudden rush of emotion reading something like this. So regardless of who heard it where, once it was heard/read I can't blame anyone for freaking out and posting this. However, I think we've all learned that fact checking is KEY.
Again, MU keep up the usual awesome work... and Deathcrush, maybe being a journalist isn't your thing... perhaps try something else (like sanitation)
Best regards,
Anonymoose
*identity withheld because I work for a competing blog*
43. writes:
Deathcrush,
Now you're throwing your fellow journalists (from your own site no less) under the bus. How in the hell did you get a "job" here? In the span of a few hours, you've managed break 5 or 6 pretty substantial rules of being a journalist/writer.
Not to mention you're STILL trying to make excuses for your disgusting and poor behavior towards the people that are basically the ONLY reason any of us writers have jobs. You sir are a disgrace to professional journalists EVERYWHERE. I suggest you flee before an angry mob calls for your metaphorical head.
Member
45. writes:
^Anonymous: thanks for your kind words. You do realize that all the staff members here are practically volunteers? I do this because I love metal and want to give something back to the community. If you want to bash my journalism skills that is fine. You hide behind your computer trolling on our forums....
46. writes:
Deathcrush,
Regardless of your pathetic attempt at labeling me a troll, you know my words ring true. As for me "hiding behind my computer" that argument is both valid and understandable. That being said, if I were to see you in person I'd say the same thing to your face.
As for the staff here being volunteers, your level of pay is no excuse for poor journalism. Period. The fact you're continuing to try and defend yourself (poorly) via insults towards your critics just stands as proof that you sir, don't deserve to be a staff member here. Being a journalist (payed or not) is not something to take lightly, nor does it give any of us carte blanche to lord over/insult the people that give us purpose.
So please, continue being defensive and angry; it just continues proving my original point... you're a TERRIBLE journalist and shouldn't be a staff member here. I for one hope someone in "upper management" of MU takes notice and revokes your posting privileges. As I've stated numerous times now, you don't deserve them.
Best regards,
Anonymoose
p.s. Didn't you post some whiny diatribe about leaving and not posting for a while? Funny, you're still posting.
Member
Member
48. writes:
#28 claims this site is full of imbeciles and he will stick with blabbermouth. blabbersh!t has millions more retarded fu(kheads that make this place look like the mickey mouse club when it comes to stupid imbeciles!! go ahead and stay at crappermouth and indulge yourself in the sh1tcookie that is that low-life site!!!
Member
49. writes:
I found out that some douchebag said Dio was dead on my twitter account, so its safe to say that poor journalism is everywhere, I mean ppl make mistakes but this mistake made me feel like sh** I never thought I would feel this bad in the morning
Im glad Dio isnt dead but he is in critical condition, i hope he can pull through, Ill pray that he gets well!
Member
Member
53. writes:
"I screwed up, I'm sorry. should have waited for official confirmation from his sight."
There, that is all that you should have said instead of insulting your readers.
Looks like my job here is done.
Oh but you used the wrong version of sight, it should be site.
Now my work here is done. ALL HAIL THE METAL GOD RJD!
Best regards,
Anonymoose
Member
54. writes:
WELL, HE WAS INSULTED 1ST BY THE READERS. HE RUSHED A STORY AND IT TURNED OUT TO BE WRONG. HE WAS VERBALLY ASSAULTED AND DEFENDED IN A VERBAL MANNER AS WELL. TIT FOR FUKN TAT B1TCHES!!!
DEATHCRUSH, DONT STRESS THESE NOBODIES WHO HAVE TALKED SMACK AT YOU. MISTAKE IS ALL IT WAS...
Member
57. writes:
brandedcfh420
Care to read my comment again?
"Even though the site is full of imbeciles, guess I'll stick with blabbermouth."
Do you understand it yet? I have no problem with people paraphrasing me, however please make sure you understand what I'm saying first.
58. writes:
Wow... just wow... uhm I bookmarked this site but uh I think I will get rid of it now. I just can't bring myself to be part of a site where the people who run it let someone bash the readers. way to spread the rumor douche and glad I checked the comments to see that you MU guys seem to not be interested in doing anything but bashing the readers when they get mad and express themselves. glad I did not invest any time here beyond this last 10 min looking for news about RJD. =/
59. writes:
^51 LMAO...
420 is right about the BM community over there, theyre a bunch of sh**heads and fahqn worms over there....but from a news standpoint like it or not, BM is the TMZ of the metal/rock world....they break news faster than anyone, and hardly if at all have to retract a story or print any false ones.....idk about radio, but cyberwise the only source was a site name IGN board that had a post saying rjd dead? at 955p...but they listed no source....the next cyber source was BM at 1152p pacific time that broke the story rjd is not dead.....
The MU printed the wrong story and were outscooped in the process, thats the reality. Sh!t happends, unfortunantly like it or not the MU is going to have to take its medicine on this one...as they did with the chuck biscuits story last year when they released he was dead, when he was not. Now you ll see alot of MU members circle the wagons so to speak and make it look like that the site is being ambushed by nonmemebers who are picking on the site for no reason, when in truth of the matter is they have to take the harsh critiscism for this blunder like it or not....
Btw the MU did not start this rumor, in there defense that is absoultly false...
DC, and OZ do a good job on here, but they fumbled the ball on this one. Important thing is you learn from your mistakes and never let it happend again. Thats what life's all about.
Member
60. writes:
^I can take constructed criticism.... I just don't like it when other people personally attack me. I messed up, and should have waited until official confirmation. Another lesson lived is a lesson learned... Next time, i'll hold back on it, but I swear to all of you that I thought it was safe
Member
63. writes:
Just plain old bad journalism. And that's why you are a volunteer. The whole point to being a good journalist is to get the facts straight before reporting the news. It's a wonder that you're not on the unemployment line. Cause you'll never get a job in that field. Not the way you report news.
Reminder to self: never believe anything MetalUnderground.com reports
65. writes:
Just plain old bad journalism. And that's why you are a volunteer. The whole point to being a good journalist is to get the facts straight before reporting the news. It's a wonder that you're not on the unemployment line. Cause you'll never get a job in that field. Not the way you report news.
Reminder to self: never believe anything MetalUnderground.com reports
Member
Member
72. writes:
Well now its offical, so we can all stop belly aching and start paying our respects to one of the leaders in the metal world...dio was a great guy, very funny and yet very passionate when it comes to the game of metal, its music and the fans....he will be sorely missed by all metalheads..
RIP ronnie, god bless
Member
74. writes:
*HORNS HIGH* \m/>;.<;\m/ ROCK IN PEACE DIO!!!!!!! For those still questioning it, I take the words of his wife OVER ANYONE ELSE!! http://www.RonnieJamesDio.com
"Message from Wendy Dio:
Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever.
- Wendy Dio"
75. writes:
The LA Times.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/05/ronnie-james-dio-dies-sabbath-rainbow-singer.html
"Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever." -- Wendy Dio
My Heart Goes out to the family, and to the fans around the world.
I will not be sad for this is not a day that we should be somber. because he is truly now the Man on the Silver Mountain!!!!! Rejoice his life, keep him in your memory for who he was on stage, his sounds that pounded your ears from your speakers turned up as loud as they could go, Stand up and Rock \,,/.
76. writes:
how is he not dead? the ap is reporting his death:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_obit_ronnie_james_dio
and so is his wife:
http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/
Wendy Dio: "Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever."
83. writes:
He's dead... I can't believe he's dead... he was a metal god.... He was supposed to live forever....
All I can say is all respect to you, Ronnie James Dio, for having lived a long life, a good life filled with honor, and for going out in a way that didn't involve alcohol, drugs, excessive stupidity, or syphilis. I'm glad I got to see you in concert before this, it was an experience I will never forget.
You will be missed.
Founder, owner & programmer
84. writes:
I apolgize on behalf of Metalunderground.com for Deathcrush's remarks. They were out of line when we were in the wrong in the first place. As others have pointed out, if we'd qualified the article and statements therein from the start instead of posting it as truth, then there wouldn't have been such a fuss in the first place.
By the time I had gotten online this morning, the server had become severely bogged down and unstable and I was fighting those fires and did not have a chance to reply to this situation until most of it had already blown up.
We've all learned a lot from today and have put processes in place to do a better job of situations like this in the future. Thanks for your patience and understanding.
And R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio.
89. writes:
I THINK RONNIE JAMES DIO WOULD BE MORTIFIED THAT EVERYBODY HERE IS FIGHTING ABOUT HIM. DEAD OR ALIVE, HE HAS MORE CLASS AND METAL SPIRIT THAN ANYONE HERE HAS SHOWN IN THIS THREAD. WE COULD ALL STAND TO LEARN SOMETHING FROM RONNIE'S LIFE, BECAUSE APPARENTLY WE HAVE YET TO.
91. writes:
when i first heard that he died i went in my room and played rainbow in the dark in his memory, but when i found out he still lives, i played holy diver and thought, if Dio dies
than the battle between good and evil is over.
and Satan would be out of a job.
the power of your rock will survive.
All hail the mighty metal midget. \M/
93. writes:
hey thetompkins,
bet you feel pretty godda** dumb dont ya, thought you were defending DIO's honor and sh*t! LMAO, are you his manager, publicist, family, personal friend? i thought not homie. there you were hatin on MU for in fact posting a legitimate article,
i love ppl who argue over the internet, because then i get to point it out, and then you get mad and i don't give any f*cks
Member
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1. RTB writes:
Some douche bag on this site IGN started this....the internet can be bullsh!t at times...
Get well ronnie \m/ \m/