My memories 1981-2010

[NK Osaka 07]

First of all I want to send my condolences to Wendy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

The first time I heard Ronnie's majestic voice was in 1981. My brother had given me a cassette of Black Sabbath-Mob Rules. I was 11 years old at the time and I wore that tape out. The next I heard of Ronnie was in 1983 with the release of Holy Diver. That same year I also found out that he had previously been in Rainbow and Elf and I eagerly sought out these works as well as Heaven and Hell and Live Evil. My first Rainbow album was On Stage followed by Rising and RB Rainbow. From this time on I bought every new release as it came out. My very first concert was Dio on the Sacred Heart tour in 1985. While I don't remember too much I know that I was in awe to be in the same building as this great singer. I remember when Dream Evil came out I went to the record store with all the change I had saved up and bought the cassette. I saw Dio on the Dream Evil and Lock Up The Wolves Tours as well. When Dehumanizer came out I was overjoyed that I might have a chance to see Black Sabbath with the best singer they ever had but alas, I never got the chance. I finally got to see Dio live again on the Magica tour. Magica is Dio's crowning achievement in my opinion. I saw the Killing the Dragon tour in San Antonio and I finally got to meet my hero in Phoenix Arizona on the Master of the moon tour but unfortunately I didn't have a camera. He was very kind and took the time to talk to all the fans. In 2007 I finally got to see Black Sabbath (H&H) in Osaka Japan. Even though it was a short set I had finally seen Ronnie with the band that had introduced him to me in 1981. I also saw them Live in August 2009 in Maryland and that was the last I saw of Ronnie. He has left an incredible legacy of music that I will cherish until my last day.

I heard of Ronnie's passing on May 16th at about 10:00 PM. I cried. Never more will I hear new music from my favorite singer. No Magica 2 and 3. No more Sabbath (H&H) albums and tours. No chance of a Rainbow reunion. Never again will I see him live. More important is the loss of this great talent to the metal community and the world. Ronnie was an inspiration to many of us and will continue to be an inspiration. My heart is broken but at the same time I am thankful that my life has been touched by this man and the gift of music he has given the world. I will wear my Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Dio shirts with pride and I will listen the music forever.

I can not put into words the sadness I feel in my heart over this loss. I know I am not alone and my prayers go out to Wendy and all of those who knew and loved Ronnie. May we meet again Ronnie on the other side. Thanks for all the memories and great music. Your music has been and will continue to be the soundtrack of my life. God bless.

Scott
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Psalms 91