Legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio passed away today, May 16, at age 67 after a hard-fought battle with stomach cancer. Rumors of the former Black Sabbath, Dio, and Rainbow frontman's death had spread across the Internet throughout the morning. In a statement released on Dio's official site his wife Wendy confirmed his passing: "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."
Dio's health concerns had recently forced him to cancel a summer tour planned for his most recent band, Heaven & Hell, which reunited him with his Black Sabbath band mates Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler. The tour was to promote what will now be his final studio record, 2009's critically acclaimed 'The Devil You Know.'
For more details on the passing of Ronnie James Dio, and more of today's music news, refer to the links below.
- Ronnie James Dio Succumbs to Stomach Cancer -- Noisecreep
- 10 Best Black Sabbath Songs -- AOL Radio Blog
- Dave Matthews Band Taking a Break From Touring in 2011 -- Spinner
- Toby Keith Fights Cancer With Golf Tournament -- The Boot
- Sting Joins Forces With The Royal Philharmonic -- Spinner
- MJ's father Joe Jackson Heads to Cannes -- The Boombox
- Grandmas Go, Well, Crazy for Lady Gaga -- PopEater