[YOUTUBE=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmSt1oEIshE]
After a battle with stomach cancer, one-time Black Sabbath singer Ronnie James Dio died on Sunday. Here’s some fast facts about the legendary heavy metal rocker.
Fast Facts
– Born July 10, 1942 in New Hampshire.
– Once said he’d rather play for the Yankees than play in a band.
– Best known for replacing Ozzy Osborne as the lead singer for Black Sabbath in 1979.
– Left Black Sabbath in 1981 to form his own group, dubbed simply Dio.
– In recent years, was active with some former Black Sabbath band mates in a new group, dubbed Heaven and Hell. The band finished a tour in 2008.
– Diagnosed with stomach cancer in November 2009. Died May 16, at age 67.
Dio’s wife, Wendy, posted a statement on his official site after his death: “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.”
Fans were invited to leave condolences on Dio’s Facebook page.
Video above: Dio performing “Rainbow in the Dark” in 1983.
