Ronnie James Dio Memorial Service a Target for Protest

Posted on May 21st 2010 5:38PM by Matthew Wilkening

Members of Westboro Baptist Church are reportedly planning to protest the public memorial service for Ronnie James Dio, claiming the former Black Sabbath and Dio singer was a "Satan worshipper."

In a statement released on Thursday, May 20, the Kansas-based church, infamous for their anti-homosexual agendas, said that Dio, who died of stomach cancer on May 16th, used his status and platform to "teach rebellion against God, in the form of glorying atheism, promoting the devil hand sign and other such idolatries."

Meanwhile... Wendy Dio, the singer's manager and wife, has requested in lieu of sending flowers, people should instead donate to the Ronnie James Dio 'Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund' by sending donations to: Niji Entertainment Group, 12400 Ventura Blvd. #624, Studio City, CA 91604, USA.

For more info on Ronnie James Dio and today's other news, refer to the links below.

Ronnie James Dio's Memorial to Be Picketed -- Spinner
Dio's Last Public Appearance to Air on VH1 Classic -- Noisecreep
Mariah Carey Fights Fire in Egypt -- The Boombox
Trace Adkins Less Than Impressed With the New Miss USA -- The Boot
Dillinger Escape Plan Protest Seal Clubbing for PETA2 -- Noisecreep
Are More Rolling Stones Rarities on the Way? -- Spinner

Filed under: Soundboard

Reader Comments

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1. I think the Westboro Baptist Church members and clergy need to pray for forgiveness for the wrongs they've already done upon others. As far as their protest at Mr. Dio's funeral goes... good luck, idiots. Go home, losers! RIP RONNIE! WE LOVE YOU!!!

Posted at 7:16PM on May 21st 2010 by Brett

2. What's to protest? He's dead. We will all be rewarded for the deeds that were done in our bodies. That includes him, and you people.

Posted at 12:43AM on May 22nd 2010 by Paul

3. WE WILL MISS YOU RONNIE.:(YOU RAINBOW IN THE DARK.

Posted at 1:28AM on May 22nd 2010 by KEEFO

4. if they knew how much ronnie and wendy have done to try to make this world a better place they would hang their heads in shame but like all narrow minded bible thumpers they wont try to find out before they decide to protest. what have they done to make the world a better place? nothing im sure.

Posted at 2:33AM on May 22nd 2010 by mitch pawsey

5. They are scary extremists and hopefully they will be enough anti terrorist security. See it's not only in Islam that they have crazies. They are everywhere.

Posted at 11:30PM on May 22nd 2010 by memeco50

6. The college team Texas Longhorns show the same sign during home football games . I hope those who protest at his funeral are in for a beating . The metalheads are going outnumber those bible thumpers , and many of them will fight to stand up for metal . All of metal loves Ronnie .

Posted at 7:07PM on May 23rd 2010 by Bryan

7. For the record; I am one of those "narrow minded, scary extremist, crazy bible thumpers". But there's one major exception - I've been listening to Ronnie since before some of you were even born (pre-1975). I am a radio dj with a metal format show and no intention of changing that.

Please folks; one church's actions does not a movement make. Did you catch the "reportedly planning" line in this story? It was also reported that all computers were going down Jan 1st, 2000.

If this church does protest Ronnie's public service, it is one church showing total ignorance. One church. There are a whole lot more of us "bible thumpers" than you think (or will ever be reported on) that will be missing Ronnie right along with you, and keeping his music alive. God bless Ronnie and Wendy, and Long Live Rock and Roll.

Posted at 2:16AM on May 24th 2010 by benni

8. I've been listening to Dio since I was a kid. I'm a Christian and babtized in Sept. 08. I still listen to heavy metal, go to pegan festivals and have pegan friends. The lord speeks to me when I call out to him and he's there when I screw up. What Ronnie did in the public eye is his biz. You never know what he did behind closed doors. For all we know, he could have worshiped the Lord Christ on a regular basis and showed the public a different side of himself for the purpose of making money. These people who call themselves Christians need to pray for forgiveness and pray that karma doesn't come back and kick their asses. Don't they know that even Demons go to church? Don't they know that even though they go to church and pray that they will go to Heaven the Lord may end up sending them to Hell? They have no right to judge! A right christian will be uplifting in the time of need. Ronnie's family is in a time of need!

Posted at 5:31AM on May 24th 2010 by ann

9. LOVE YOU RONNIE JAMES DIO.THESE PEOPLE ARE COLD HEARTED AND HAVE NO RESPECT FOR OTHER PEOPLE AT SUCH A SAD TIME.

Posted at 3:31PM on May 26th 2010 by wanda

10. By the way. CHRIST DIED FOR RONNIE'S SIN'S TOO.

Posted at 7:13PM on May 26th 2010 by Michael Whitney

11. ronnie james was one of if not the nices people in metal.he was a true hero to me and the world is a sader place with him gone.and all the fools sailed away.

Posted at 1:30PM on May 27th 2010 by ammon kimball

12. I know Ronnie - if those kansasasses want to spend tax payers (religious funds) on this protest - bring it on - - he was/is an awesome human being -

Posted at 11:54AM on May 29th 2010 by Stacey

13. you people who protested at his funeral really are a buch of assholes,,, period

Posted at 9:54AM on Nov 16th 2010 by mrski

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Ronnie James Dio Memorial Service a Target for Protest

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