Gary Wolstenholme/Redferns
Heavy metal fans are in mourning today, as one of the genre's legends, Black Sabbath lead singer Ronnie James Dio, has died. The musician passed away from stomach cancer Sunday in Houston. He was 67.
Dio's wife, Wendy, posted the tragic news on her husband's website: "Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever."
Born Ronald James Padavona in New Hampshire, Dio was a member of the bands Testament of Apollo, Elf and Rainbow before joining Black Sabbath in 1979, after Ozzy Osbourne left the band to pursue solo stardom. Dio was inducted into the Hollywood Rock Walk of Fame on Jan. 17, 2007.
His wife broke the news of his stomach cancer back in November, and Dio underwent at least seven rounds of chemotherapy. His current band, Heaven and Hell, was scheduled for a summer tour but canceled just two weeks ago, due to the singer's deteriorating health.
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