RJD@70
Today, July 10th, Ronnie should have been celebrating his 70th birthday, and probably would have been if he’d had his health checked regularly. I once asked him if he’d ever thought about retiring- he said he would make that decision on his 70th birthday- that is why today is so poignant.I think I know what his decision would have been……..
Happy Birthday Ronnie!!! I wish he was still here. I was lucky enough to see him live with the Dio band and Heaven And Hell and was lucky enough to speak to him on a live radio call-in show a few years ago. One of the greatest singers and one of the nicest people ever. Rest in peace Ronnie.
Think it’s time for a small celebration by listening to Mob Rules…
My sympathies, Terry…I know how you feel…looking back is always hard, especially when the loss is still so fresh and such a poignant occassoin.
I hear that awesome voice and miss him all over again. Thanks for helping to pass the word that health comes first. Thanks Geezer!
Dio was a legend & his lyrics are excellent.
RIP
RJD. I never knew the man but mis him dearly. Thank goodness he left us such a great legacy.
Seeing Dio rock at 70 would have been fantastic. Even at 67 on the Neon Nights DVD he proved that he could still show the young upstarts a thing or two about singing and performing.
I saw Black Sabbath in 1978 at Hammersmith Odeon, Ronnie was on vocals, there were people booing etc, I don,t know why, Ronnie was awsome on vocals, and his voice was tip top, I was 14 then, mate you were all outstanding! Thanks for the great memories, a true inspiration to a young rock musician. R.I.P Ronnie! Cheers Geezer! Gordon Richard Williams
Ronnies voice will always in my mind be the most iconic voice heavy metal ever had the privelage of listening to. Thanks for the music. For a lot of us it’s the greatest gift someone we never met or knew could ever give.
The man had a voice that was one of if not the best in music. I did not know him personally, I was able to enjoy his life thru the music he made with all the bands he sang with.RIP
Dear Ronnie,
You have become the highest mountain peak in the top of the music world. I had the privilege to attend a concert in St. Petersburg and all of your concerts and I am delighted that he has become part of the world, the life that you have lived on the stage, reincarnating in each song.
Dear Gezer,
you have been, and remains, along with Tony and with Ronnie the heavy dream band that set the highest creative and professional level of musical performance and live.
I am proud to have lived and experienced your songs in their lifetime.
God bless you!
Yury Ganus, St.Petersburg, Russia
What would his decision have been, Geezer?
Nice post to mull over…as a fan it’s hard to believe that he would have hung up his boots.He just seemed to be constantly gigging.the ’07 tour he did with you was 90+ dates without one cancellation…the guy was incredible,i saw him live loads of times with yourselves and with his own band & i can honestly say that he never had a bad gig in terms of his voice failing him.Just the odd technical glitch here & there….i so wish he was still here,the heavy rock scene just doesn’t feel the same without him around.
In my opinion,if he was here and he’d turned 70 and he was still giggin with you & Tony,then i don’t think he would have retired….what do you think ?
Ps..crackin gigs in Brum & Donington by the way…under the Sun = unbeleivably ace..
Again Geezer seems to be the only one who remembers. Even the official Dio site hasn’t bothered. Thank you Geezer for being a true friend. Long live the immortal voice of Ronnie James Dio, the one and only King of Rock n Roll.
July 10, 2012 would have been Ronnie James Dio’s 70th Birthday. I am so grateful to have been given the many opportunities to see him perform and meet him. His passion for music and power in delivery was second to none. The Black Sabbath Heaven and Hell shows are some of the most amazing that I have photographed. Below is a link to one of my favorite songs from his last performance with Heaven and Hell. If you have good computer speakers turn this up LOUD and listen to this amazing vocal on Children of the Sea.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNJ0fMdeWEc
Noone could ever touch DIO when it comes to vocal Techniques and sound. To mix that unbelievable power and precision with that rasp at the right moments with that vibrato that could touch a soul. R.I.P. DIO my Vocal God!!!!!!!!! xoxo to you also Geezer~ Hope you and your family are well~~