Sorry to bring some sad news at this hour, but a heavy metal icon needs our warm thoughts ASAP. Ronnie James Dio has revealed that he has been diagnosed with the early stages of stomach cancer and is beginning treatment at the Mayo Clinic. In a statement to Blabbermouth, Ronnie’s wife Wendy wrote:
After he kills this dragon, Ronnie will be back on stage, where he belongs, doing what he loves best, performing for his fans.
Long live rock and roll, long live Ronnie James Dio.
Dio, 67, was forced to abruptly cancel his planned European tour only one week ago due to an unspecified illness that we now know is quite serious.
Here’s wishing the former Black Sabbath, Elf, Rainbow, Heaven & Hell frontman, and self-proclaimed inventor of the devil horns a speedy recovery. Slay that dragon, Dio!