Ronnie Gave Us More Than Most

[Lornsorrow]

I first heard the music of Ronnie James Dio in my teens in the middle of the 1980's. And his music has seen me through some very intense times. He has been a major part of the soundtrack to my life and will continue to do so. I've loved no musician more. And I never will love one so much ever again. I shed many tears on the day he passed away. I've not shed that many tears since I was a kid.

Ronnie gave us more than just music though. For those of us who have followed his music, his words, and the man closely, he was a voice for us that shouted out about many of the things we feel and believe. He spoke out for the sense of injustice we feel about many things in the world. He showed that being the Last In Line was not just something to deal with, but that we could be proud that we did not follow the herd blindly along. That being outside of things is a great plus. That being an individual is something to be proud of. That we could Stand Up And Shout. That there was power. And kindness. And Wonder. And so much more.

With all this and more, Ronnie made it very clear how deeply he truly loved his fans. His true fans were his friends, and we were and are, all a part of his great family on a great journey together. I've never seen any musician draw so close to his audience. Ronnie made no distinctions. We were all metalers. All apart of the great and mighty family of rock. All in on the "open secret" of just how powerful and great this world of metal is.

Ronnie gave so much, that I think people for many years to come will be figuring out just what he actually did give, as they delve deeper into the recorded catalog and legacy of Ronnie james Dio, both official and unofficial.

For those of us who saw him perform live on many occasions, we will miss playing back and forth with him in the crowd. Pushing him, to push us further, as we all together ascended to powerful heights and delved into the dark depths during a show. The best times.

In the end, Ronnie James Dio we went down like a roaring lion. "Metal Will Never Die" was his final message. A last great roar. And WE are heavy metal. We will never die.

Dio gave us heritage.

We love you Dio, thank you so much. And we love you Wendy. Wendy, you are a true angel in rock. You are the queen of the legacy. Please guard it well. We look forward to the future.

Eternal Dio, Eternal Legend.

\m/ \m/