Sad news indeed, for me Ronnie was the voice of rock/metal. From the moment I first heard him on Rainbow's Long Live Rock 'N' Roll album his voice and Ritchies guitar playing blew me away.
Lost count of the times Ive seen Dio over the years and he always had such a big voice for a little man. His performance with Heaven and Hell a few years ago at the age of 64 was immense.
So many great songs from Stargazer, Catch the Rainbow, Sign of the Southern Cross, Holy Diver and of course Heaven and Hell. The two extra verses he only ever sung live for me was always Ronnie at his finest.
There's a big black shape looking up at me
He says "I know where you ought to be"
He says come with me and I'll give you ... desire!
But first you've got to burn burn burn burn in fire!
Then a little white shape look down at me
Saying "I know where you ought to be"
"Come with me, cause I know just what to do"
But I say go away, I'm gonna burn in hell with all of you!
With every last one of you!
See you there
Don't be late
I'll take you there.