Ronnie James Dio

I know that this is a “guitar blog” and therefore I should talk about scales, pedals, guitars, and all that. But yesterday we lost a true icon of music, and he had such a profound influence on all heavy metal musicians (not just guitarists) that I feel compelled to take a moment to remember him. Heavy metal music icon Ronnie James Dio passed away yesterday from stomach cancer.

Dio left an indelible mark on heavy metal music. It would be easy to say that the greatest mark he left on music was the invention of the “metal horns” hand symbol that you see everywhere. (Hell, I even once saw a picture of Celine Dion throwing up her horns during a concert.) However, his voice, commitment to the music, and his incredibly gracious nature towards his fans and fellow musicians is how he will truly be remembered.

Jake E. Lee, Vivian Campbell, Doug Aldrich, Ritchie Blackmore, Tony Iommi; they all played guitar with Ronnie. From his work on albums such as “Last in Line” and “Holy Diver” to his recent recordings with Iommi and their group Heaven and Hell, very few singers could match his power both vocally and in performance.

Yesterday we lost a legend. Rest In Peace, Ronnie James Dio.