The Man On The Silver Mountain
May 17, 2010I’m starting a new column here - a rock n’ roll obituary hehe.
Ehem.
Rock n roll will never be the same again. Just today, I read the news that the legendary vocalist Ronnie James Padavona, aka Dio has passed on. He succumbed to stomach cancer, and went on at the age of 67. He was the vocalist of one of my favorite prog-rock groups, Rainbow, and left his indelible mark throughout rock n’ roll-dom.
there’s our man in the middle
For one, he introduced fantastic lyrics that involved dragons, elves, kings and all that was to become lyrics for today’s neo-classical, symphonic and power metal songs. Mixed with Ritchie Blackmore’s then innovative use of classical guitar chops, it became the music of the best loved of all Rainbow eras.
Live in Munich ‘77
Another is that he popularized the ‘devil horns’ in a rock setting…
…which we also took a liking to as our group’s de facto handshake…
…this one is from the Fluggen/Neon Adobo’s back to back gig last year…
me with Anye of Neon Adobo and our ever rockin’ friend Franz
His voice and style influenced amany great vocalists who came after him, including one Richard Grimaldo. Hahaha!~
Fluggen rocking it out with Dio’s version of N.I.B
The man who influenced the shape and sound of heavy metal singing has gone on to new highs. He may have passed on but his music and legacy will continue to light the path of those who go the path of rock n roll.
Long live Dio! Long live rock n roll!
~
Ah c’est la vie!
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