I saw this earlier on Twitter, and have since come across a news article on the BBC website.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8685851.stm

 

American heavy rock singer Ronnie James Dio, who replaced Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath, has died at the age of 67, his wife has said.

 

Dio had been suffering from stomach cancer.

 

Before joining Black Sabbath he sang in Rainbow - formed when Ritchie Blackmore left Deep Purple - and later in Heaven & Hell and Dio.

 

Dio's wife Wendy said on her husband's website: "Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever."

This news totally ruined my day yesterday. Ronnie is probably my favorite vocalist ever, and Rainbow (Only the stuff with him, really) is one of my favorite bands. I've also always preferred Black Sabbath with Dio over Ozzy. The music world really lost a legend, and man, what a voice! I unfortunately never got to see him live, something I'm really going to regret now.

 

He was a really down to earth gentleman who really cared about his fans. You will be missed Ronnie. :'(

 

R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio

1942-2010

 

They say that life's a carousel

Spinning fast, you've got to ride it well

The world is full of Kings and Queens

Who blind your eyes and steal your dreams

It's Heaven and Hell