by Mark Kadzielawa

The voice of Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and Dio went silent on May 16, 2010. On that day, the music world lost one of its brightest stars, and a fine human being. Ronnie James Dio lost his battle with stomach cancer.

Ronnie James Dio was a unique individual. Not only was he a supreme artist, but a fantastic person full of humanity. Anyone who met him automatically felt at ease in his presence, and was treated with deep respect. Ronnie James Dio was a legitimate rock star, but it was an honor he never abused. Dio never lost the touch with his roots, he often acknowledged his working class background, and was eternally grateful for the great life rock’n’roll allowed him to have. He never forgot who buys the records, and comes to the shows, and he always made himself available to the fans, signing autographs, and posing for pictures. “If you bought it, I’ll sign it” claimed Dio in one of many interviews I had a chance of conducting. He loved to hear what his fans were thinking, and he was interested to find out about their lives. Dio’s attitude was exemplary, and valued by his fans who never abandoned him.

Ronnie James Dio was very enthusiastic about his craft, he loved being on stage, and always gave his best. “When I feel sick, and my voice is affected, I literally want to get off the stage and apologize to every person in the audience for not giving my best,” said Dio describing his performance. That’s how serious he was about being a musician. The quality of his voice remained untouched to the very end. He would prance on stage, and hit these unbelievably difficult notes at such ease, and not miss a beat. Ronnie James Dio was an absolute professional. His profession was a true passion, and it showed on the records, as it did on stage. Whether he played in an arena, or a small club you could count on maximum delivery. Dio aimed for perfection every time he stepped on that stage, and nothing else mattered.

Off stage, Ronnie James Dio, was a kind individual who enjoyed good company, fine wine, and an occasional can of Guiness. He would tell great rock’n’roll stories, many of which would make up for some great trivia. Ronnie was very intelligent and well spoken. There was always a great camaraderie and loyalty in the Dio camp. Once Ronnie knew your name he knew it forever, his photographic memory is historic. Ronnie James Dio was very much into charitable causes. He would always lend a helping hand for those in need. Dio’s involvement with Children of the Night is well acknowledged and publicized, and his Hear ‘n’ Aid was the hard rock’s answer to Band Aid in the 80s.

Reflecting in his lyrics, Dio was a dreamer. He made many of his dreams come true, but still had a couple he was working on. His final reunion with Black Sabbath (as Heaven & Hell) was an absolutely glorious event. The 2007 tour was a validation to how big and influential that version of the band really was, and its continuous relevance. Dio still wanted to complete another opus of his Magica concept. He planned to do another album with Elf, and hinted about a one off show/jam with Rainbow in Japan if all of the members happened to be there at the same time. Dio wanted to write an autobiography documenting his career, and probably saving his great stories before they are forgotten. His passing certainly put an end to these dreams.

I had a chance of working with Ronnie James Dio on many occasions, I treasure each of these occasions. He was always very kind and sincere to me. He knew I wasn’t only a journalist, but a self professed fan of his music. He had no problem opening up to me, and really saying what was on his mind. Some of it made up for some controversial features, but it was an authentic undiluted Ronnie James Dio. My sincere condolences go to Wendy Dio and the rest of the Dio family. As for Ronnie Dio, I’m proud to have grown up in your times, and I’m proud to be your fan. Thank you is not enough to say what I feel now.