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VIRGIN STEELE Frontman: DIO's Legacy, Kindness And Understanding, And Music Will Live On And On

May 18, 2010

VIRGIN STEELE frontman David DeFeis has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"In what has already been a sad spring season, I was further saddened on Sunday to hear that Ronnie James Dio passed away. I always thought that if anyone could...he would be the one...to live forever.

"I had the good fortune to meet Ronnie several times, and share wine and wonderful conversations with him. He was a truly gracious, noble man, with an outstanding voice and major talent as a composer and lyricist.

"Ronnie always made me feel very warm, welcome and wanted in his presence.

"I was introduced to him by my good friend and longtime VIRGIN STEELE photographer Gail Flug. Gail had known Ronnie for many years, and one evening when we were at a DIO gig, she said, 'Hey, Ronnie, I want you to meet my friend David,' and I began to say, 'Hi, Ronnie, it's so very nice to meet you, I am a huge fan of your work, my name is David, etc. etc.,' and he looked me straight in the eye and said, 'I know who you are, my son.' That totally floored me.

"I have met many musicians over the years from all walks of life, some who have achieved huge success, some just starting out, and everything in between, and you know, many of the ones who I have come across who possessed not an ounce of the talent, or achievements of a Ronnie James Dio, often wouldn't even give me the time of day, and then here was this amazing man, who has accomplished so much in music and in life, so graciously acknowledging me, and validating my accomplishments. This, to me, was...incredibly moving and oh so very special. I'll never forget that, or my talks with him about music, history, and the way the world turns. Seeing him perform with RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH and HEAVEN & HELL throughout the years was always an extraordinary treat.

"I personally think that Ronnie was one of the best vocalists to ever grace a stage or studio. His voice had so much power, and expressive feeling and was always so incredibly musical. I will miss his dramatic, metal music, his god-like vocals and enchanting stage presence. But I know that his legacy, his kindness and understanding, and the music he created will live on and on."

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