For Ronnie

16th May 2010

A very great man lost his life today.

Ronnie James Dio was one of, if not the greatest singer I ever heard. I remember trembling when I heard Rainbow Rising such was the passion and energy not only from Ritchie´s guitar but from that voice that shone above all else.

He was also a jolly decent chap who had time for all fans come rain, wind or shine.

I first met Ronnie 10 years or so ago and he said " Ah! so ( maybe he had been in Japan) you are Doogie, I know who you are but never knew what you looked like. Come in son and have a glass of wine, is red okay?" This was back stage at the Wembley Arena. He dedicated Man On The Silver Mountain to me that night saying "to my new friend Doogie, you may have sung it, but I sang it first".

We met a few times after that and discussed the loss of his thumb in the bizzare gardening accident. We agreed gardening was the new RnR. I had a tremendous affection for the man. He was kind, considerate and wonderful fun.

My thoughts at this time go out to Wendy and to the extended Dio family. You do know how much he was and is loved, for his music, his singing, his humanity.

Catch the Rainbow.. Ronnie..Catch the Rainbow.

 

 

 

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