Dio – sinua muistetaan lämmöllä
“Sydämeni särkyi tänään – Ronnie nukkui pois klo 7.45, 16.5.2010. Lukuisat ystävät ja perheenjäsenet ehtivät hyvästellä Ronnien ennenkuin hän nukkui rauahllisesti pois. Ronnie tiesi, kuinka rakastettu hän oli. Arvostamme todella paljon sitä lämpöä ja tukea, jota olemme teiltä saaneet. Pyydämme, että kunnioitatte yksityisyyttämme seuraavien parin päivän ajan ja annatte meille aikaa toipua tästä menetyksestä. Haluamme teidän tietävän, että hän rakasti teitä kaikkia. Hänen musiikkinsa tulee elämään ikuisesti.”
- Wendy Dio
Myös muut rock-maailman tähdet ovat muistelleet Ronnieta. Tässä heidän kommenttejaan omin sanoin:
“A couple of weeks ago when I heard that you were not going to be able to make it to the Sonisphere shows that we would be sharing this June, I wanted to call you and let you know that I was thinking of you and wish you well, but I kind of pussied out, thinking the last thing you needed in your recovery was feeling obligated to take a phone call from a Danish drummer/fan boy. I wish I’d made that call. We will miss you immensely on the dates, and we will be thinking of you with great admiration and affection during that run. It seemed so right to have you out on tour with the so-called “Big Four” since you obviously were one of the main reasons that the four bands even exist. Your ears will definitely be burning during those two weeks because all of us will be talking, reminiscing and sharing stories about how knowing you has made our lives that much better.
Ronnie, your voice impacted and empowered me, your music inspired and influenced me, and your kindness touched and moved me. Thank you.”
- Lars Ulrich, Metallica
“It is an honour and privilege of the highest order to have worked with you, Ronnie, and that you graced our own stage with your parting European performance at Knebworth last summer, and we share the rock community’s devastation at your untimely passing. As one of the most inspirational front-men of all time and a true gentlemen, you will be forever missed but never forgotten. You and your songs will live on in our hearts and ears, every time we throw the horns your memory lives. Sleep well Ronnie, we salute you. Our thoughts are with the Dio family at this sad, sad time.”
- Team Sonisphere
Messages of condolences from fans on Sonisphere’s message boards and Facebook page:
“He was a king among men. May he live forever in the hallowed halls of Valhalla. \m/” – Jackson
“A true legend of the music world, a sad sad loss, Holy Diver!!!!!” – Michael
“I’m completely shocked, its the passing of a legend. i know that word gets thrown around alot but this man helped create the genre we all love today. DIO – RIP x” – Andrew
“A tragic loss to the music world. But his voice will be shaking the pearly gates as he brings to heaven what amazing talent he brought to us RIP DIO a legend of the purest form.” – Sam
“One of the true greats and a true gentleman! We will miss you Ronnie! Condolences to his friends and family! RIP Ronnie James Dio” – Dave
“Without him the Metal we know and love would not have existed. A work horse, a tireless perfectionist and a true legend. I will miss you Ronnie.” – Kristian
“He was a true rock legend and awesome showman,gutted to hear the news thoughts go out to his family and friends…RIP Ronnie xxxxxxx” – Nicky
“Rest In Peace Ronnie James Dio…the man who taught the world and the people of the Earth to rock…you will be sorely missed…he must be riding on high in the glory of the immortals…his music influenced several generations and will never ever die! He is forever in our hearts pumping through our souls…even though we didn’t know him our grief … See moreunintes us as one…we are all with Wendy and his friends and family this is a loss that will rock the whole world…DIO we owe you so much you were an incredible man…now it’s time to join the realm of the legends…” – Nick
“I’m shocked. I will never forget his gig in WACKEN 2009. It was a great honor to see him live. R.I.P. Ronnie.” – Johannes
“Heaven and Hell tour ‘07 and Wacken ‘09… two of the finest ever live performances I’ve had the pleasure to witness” – Paul
