I have never been a huge Dio fan. Mr. Ronnie James is one of the grandfathers of heavy metal, though, so he has my respect. He's put in time with some of the greats and inspired countless number of metalheads the world over. His death, at 67, is not shocking, as it came after a battle with stomach cancer, but it was still surprising. Hell, KTVU out of San Francisco even did a piece on him which was pretty respectful and bare bones.
His death doesn't bother me in the way GG Allin's did, and I can't suddenly pretend to be the world's number one fan. I thought he was talented, but he never struck me as interesting enough to actually buy anything he did.
Don't mistake that lack of enthusiasm for lack of respect, though. I readily acknowledge his contributions to the metal genre. He just doesn't excite my senses the way Iron Maiden or Pantera does when it comes to metal. He was a workhorse. He always delivered, but what he delivered was, by my tastes, average.
There is one thing I'll give him, though. At 67 years of age, he had to have been the creepiest grandfather ever.
Metal will miss you, Dio. I'll also miss you as and elderstatesmen. Your music will live on, as will the legend.
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