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Metallica's Lars Ulrich Writes Open Letter to Ronnie James Dio

Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich has penned a heartfelt tribute to singer Ronnie James Dio who passed away on Sunday, May 16, after a long battle with stomach cancer.

In the open letter -- which appears on the official Metallica website -- Ulrich explained how excited he was when Dio joined Rainbow, after he had seen him playing in Denmark with the band Elf.

"I instantly became Rainbow's No. 1 fan in Denmark. In the fall of 1976, when you played your first show in Copenhagen, I was literally in the front row and the couple of times we made eye contact you made me feel like the most important person in the world," the drummer wrote.

He added, "When we finally got a chance to play together in Austria in 2007, even though I may not have let on, I was literally transformed back to that little snot-nosed kid who you met and inspired 31 years earlier and it was such a f--king honour and a dream come true to share a stage with you and the rest of the legends in Heaven and Hell. "

Meanwhile, the organisers of this year's Download festival have announced that the event's second stage is to be be renamed the Ronnie James Dio Stage in honour of the late singer.

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Opie Griffith

I dont expect half of the people who read these comments to really know anything about the man who was Ronnie James DioSo it really does not matter to me the blind fools here who think they know what they are talking about.If you believe in life after death and a spirtual existence here in the realm of life which you think exist then you are on a path which only the true DIO fans understand.For I will look and see you right beside me.Hes the Dark and the Light.The Good and Evil.You will forever be with me my Friend....In My Eyes. Good Bye RJD....

May 20 2010 at 9:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
farhood

you can walk on water now ronnie

May 19 2010 at 4:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
HspncElvis

RIP RJD. Fuck you Lars!

May 18 2010 at 5:32 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kachina321

DEMENTED ROCKERS HERE FOR SURE!!!! WHO EVER YOU ARE IF YOU HAVE NOTHING NICE TO SAY DON'T SAY ANYTHING. JUST KEEP BANGING YOUR HEAD AGAINST YOUR MOTHERS BASEMENT WALL I AM NOT A FAN OF THE MUSIC NOR DID I KNOW THIS GUY. MY ROCK WAS BACK IN THE 60'S, WHEN ROCK WAS ROCK!!
JUST RIP DUDE AND GIVE OUR LOVE TO THOSE WHO NOW LEFT US FOR GODS BIG BAND IN THE SKY.

May 18 2010 at 2:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
evesin

Some of you can't even show respect in a heartbreaking situation of death, can you?

No one in their right mind, including Ronnie, would compare a rock legend with soldiers giving their lives for their country, and Ronnie would be the one to tell you to honor and respect them as he loved this country.

But he was a hero in MUSIC to so many who knew how much he had to overcome to become the legendary DIO and yet, he was the soft spoken, respectful, loving, caring family man and friend who just happened to have a GOD given talent.

Thank you Ronnie for giving me so much pleasure when I needed to smile or cry or just mellow out and you were there, that powerful voice singing to me, telling me what I needed to hear.

RIP to a fellow Italiano . Caio my friend!

May 18 2010 at 2:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Tj

Folks, get a grip. First, "hero" was intended to mean Lars' PERSONAL hero. Second, my wife is a combat vet. SHE is my HERO but I can see where many talented people all over the world might be considered someones personal hero. Ronnie would certainly qualify. Please learn to show a bit of respect for others.

May 18 2010 at 2:04 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Tj

Ronnie James Dio was the greatest rock/metal vocalist I ever knew. I worked with him numerous times over the years and he was kind and courteous and would stand in the rain to sign autographs if there were fans there waiting. Lars is not the only person affected by Ronnies music or untimely death. Millions have listened to his music from all of the acts that he was with and the music will speak for years to come. As far as Ronnie, I knew him, I thought highly of him and he will be greatly missed. God bless you Ronnie. Wendy, my prayers are with you.

May 18 2010 at 1:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dean

A hero? Ronnie James Dio is a hero? What a stupid thing to say. Very offensive to our men and women in uniform, the real heros.

May 18 2010 at 1:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Dean's comment
pnut166

Heroes come in all shapes, sizes, and walks of life, dipshlt

May 21 2010 at 6:43 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
chris

TO Downwithhairbands.... Speaking for myself, I loved the 80's. Best times of my Life.... And yes I was one of those dudes with The Hair..I made 17 in 1980 and enjoyed that decade very much. Went to many concerts and hung out at the local Rock Bars.. I still listen to mant of those Bands from the 80's. Beats the Shit out of anything coming out these days.At least Bands looked like rock stars back then. I think the best Rock music came out of the 70's though.

May 18 2010 at 1:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ray

80's was a dark and horrible time? Were you unconscious thru them? Where you even alive thru them? While some hair bands were definitely fluff, many took musicianship to a level not seen since! Are you just an angry 70's disco fan? Or a 3 chord angst ridden 90's grunge fan? Or maybe your a 'pants on the floor' rap fan...how sad for you! RIP Ronnie!

May 18 2010 at 1:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply