http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=140234

Ozzy Osbourne has expressed his sadness over the death of Ronnie James Dio, the man that replaced him in BLACK SABBATH in 1980.

On Monday (May 17), Osbourne released the following statement:

"I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Ronnie James Dio. Metal has truly lost one of its greatest voices. My heart goes out to his family and to his many fans."

He added: "Love and respect."

Dio died of stomach cancer on the morning of Sunday, May 16, at the age of 67.

The singer, who was recording and touring with SABBATH offshoot HEAVEN & HELL prior to his illness, was diagnosed with stomach cancer late last year. He underwent chemotherapy and made what is now his final public appearance last month at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards in Los Angeles.

HEAVEN & HELL recently canceled summer tour plans because Dio was not going to be well enough to tour.

The band released a new studio album in 2009, titled "The Devil You Know".

He replaced Ozzy Osbourne in BLACK SABBATH in 1980, recording the "Heaven & Hell" and "Mob Rules" albums, plus "Live Evil", before leaving in 1982. He rejoined the group 10 years later for an album called "Dehumanizer", and again teamed with the group under the HEAVEN & HELL banner in 2006.

Well said, Ozzy!!

Very classy of Ozzy to say. I know that he and Dio have had their differences over the years -- especially when Dio replaced him in Sabbath -- but even Ozzy admitted that Dio was a better singer from a technical standpoint.

One of the most startling pictures I ever saw was one of Ronnie hanging out with Ozzy backstage at some festival in the mid-'80s. They seemed to be fine with each other.

http://www.black-sabbath.com/gallery_2/d/361-2/ozzy_dio.jpg

Then again, it was after Ronnie left Sabbath, so maybe they were sharing "war stories" about having to deal with Tony Iommi.;)

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=140377

OZZY Says He 'Sent Encouragement' To DIO After RONNIE Was Diagnosed With Cancer - May 19, 2010

Ozzy Osbourne told QMI Agency in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on Wednesday before an afternoon news conference to promote his new solo album, "Scream", that Ronnie James Dio's ultimately fatal battle with stomach cancer hit close to home.

"As soon as I heard I heard he had been diagnosed with cancer, I sent him some encouragement," Osbourne said. "Having been through that situation myself with (my wife) Sharon when we were doing (the reality TV show) 'The Osbournes', it's always somebody over there. When it lands at your doorstep you're like, 'What do you do? How do you get round this?' When Sharon got (colon) cancer, I'd never known anyone who survived. I thought it was bull**** when they told you, 'They can survive.' I just thought they were trying to smooth me over. And she got over it."

Osbourne added that he ran into BLACK SABBATH/HEAVEN & HELL drummer Vinny Appice at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards show in early April and inquired about Dio's health.

"I didn't get a chance to see him but I was talking to the drummer Vinny, and I said, 'Did he get my message?' 'I don't know,' he said.' And I said, 'Well, tell him to keep up the fight.' Then on the weekend, we heard he had passed away, which is sad. He had a great voice. People thought that me and him were at war. At first, I suppose a bit of theatrics would be involved, but I mean it's been 30 years."

Very classy of Ozzy to do that. I know that he and Dio feuded a bit when Dio first joined Sabbath, but apparently the feud had been over for years.

I hope Ronnie was able to get Ozzy's sweet and thoughtful message.

I'm sure he did. I feel so sorry for his wife Wendy. They were together for decades and she was not only his wife, but his manager. They were together all the time.

I'm sure he did. I feel so sorry for his wife Wendy. They were together for decades and she was not only his wife, but his manager. They were together all the time.
Just like Ozzy and Sharon! :cool:

Just like Ozzy and Sharon! :cool:

Riiiight.