Ronnie James Dio Death Rumor is a Hoax

Though it is now known that Ronnie James Dio has died at the age of 67, I felt it was necessary to leave this article up as a tribute to him.

Ronnie James Dio fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief. The 67-year old Black Sabbath rocker is not dead, despite the onslaught of rumors circulating all over the Internet. A look at Dio's official website gave no indication of his death or mention of the hoax.

According to Metal Underground, the singer's wife, Wendy Dio, said she was at the hospital with the singer and although he's not doing well, he is not dead.

"I will let you know if anything changes. Thank you for your concern," Wendy Dio said.

Ronnie James Dio is battling stomach cancer and has been undergoing chemotherapy at M.D. Anderson hospital in Houston, Texas. According to the Mayo Clinic, stomach cancer (or gastric cancer) is uncommon in the United States, with the number of people diagnosed with the disease declining every year. However, it is more common in other areas of the world, particularly Japan.

Symptoms of Stomach Cancer:

- Fatigue
- Feeling bloated after eating
- Feeling full after eating a small amount
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Weight Loss

Ronnie James Dio replaced Ozzy Osbourne as Black Sabbath's frontman in 1979. In 1982, following a disagreement while mixing Live Evil, Dio left Black Sabbath and formed his own band, Dio, with Black Sabbath band member Vinny Apice. Dio went on to become one of the most popular heavy metal bands of the '80s.

Dio reunited with Black Sabbath briefly in the '90s and the band released Dehumanizer. They got together again in 2006 and again in 2009 when they released The Devil You Know. Black Sabbath cancelled their European tour in 2009 due to Ronnie James Dio's health problems.

In a statement posted on Dio's official website May 4, Dio said of the cancellation of the Heaven and Hell summer tour, "Wendy, my doctors and I have worked so hard to make it happen for all of you, the ones we care so much about, that this set back could be devastating, but we will not let it be. With your continued love and support, we... will carry on and thrive. There will be other tours, more music, more life and much more magic."

Fan's everywhere are hoping for the best outcome in what is considered to be a terminal situation. I wish Mr. Dio and his family the very best.

See Also: Ronnie James Dio Has Died of Stomach Cancer in Houston

Sources:
Dio Fan since 1980
Dio/RonnieJamesDio.com - Official Site of Ronnie James Dio
Metal Underground, Ronnie James Dio IS NOT DEAD - in Metal News (Metal Underground.com)
Mayo Clinic, Stomach Cancer
Mayo Clinic, Stomach Cancer: Symptoms