14 DAY TRIAL // One of the most popular and influential figures in heavy metal, literally the singer and songwriter who popularized the devil’s horns hand gesture, has passed. Ronnie James Dio, who sang with Elf, Black Sabbath and his own band who carried his name, Dio, had been suffering from stomach cancer, which is believed to have led to his death. He was 67 years old, the New York Times reports.
The sad announcement was made on the rocker’s official website, but no cause was named for his death. Still, since he’d been diagnosed, it was believed his condition had worsened and he was receiving treatment in a Houston hospital, as per reports in the media. Ronnie is survived only by his wife, who also broke the tragic news to the fans. From it, one may infer that the rocker’s condition was even more serious than previously reported by the tabs.
“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,” Ronnie’s widow wrote.
“Ronnie James Dio, a singer with the bands Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Dio, whose powerful, semioperatic vocal style and attachment to demonic imagery made him one of the best-loved figures in classic heavy metal, died on Sunday morning, according to an announcement on his Web site by his wife, Wendy. He was 67. No cause was given in the announcement, but Mr. Dio had been suffering from stomach cancer, and recently his band Heaven and Hell canceled its summer tour because of his health,” the NY Times also says.
Wendy and Ronnie had no children, the same publication says. The rocker has an adopted son from a previous marriage.