Ronnie James Dio dead

Dio the member  of the Black Sabbath died from cancer at the age of 67

Dio announced last year he was suffering from stomach cancer.

He was being treated at a Houston hospital, according to his website.

“My heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am,” a statement by his wife Wendy Dio said.

Many, many friends and family were able to say their private goodbyes before he peacefully passed away.

“Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all.

“Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever,” she added.

In a career stretching more than 50 years, Dio piloted the bands Elf, Rainbow and Heaven And Hell.

In 1979, Osborne was fired from Black Sabbath and replaced by Dio.

Dio was known for his soaring vocal prowess and a trademark dark stage persona.

He reportedly popularising the “devil horn” hand gesture, one of metal’s references to the dark side.

article source:http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/05/17/2900973.htm