Heavy metal god Dio diagnosed with stomach cancer
The heavy metal world is in a state of shock today, with news that one of the most powerful metal singers of all time has been diagnosed with stomach cancer. Ronnie James Dio is probably most famous for replacing Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath in 1979, during a tumultuous time in Osbourne's career where heavy drinking and drug use forced his ejection from the band. Dio has also been the frontman for bands such as Elf, Rainbow and his own band simply titled Dio, which was still touring this year. Dio's most famous song is "Holy Diver" and was used in an episode of South Park in 1999. His latest musical project with former Black Sabbath band members is called Heaven & Hell, and they released their first studio album The Devil You Know in April of 2009. For those of you who aren't familiar with Dio's work, just go to any heavy metal concert and you'll see his influence everywhere -- as he is credited with creating the famed "Devil Horns" hand gesture, popularized by millions of headbangers worldwide. Fans grew concerned of Dio's deteriorating health when Dio cancelled their European tour last week, and a statement on their website by his wife Wendy Dio stated that he had been hospitalized.
A statement released yesterday by Mrs. Dio on the band's website confirmed their fears - "Ronnie has been diagnosed with the early stages of stomach cancer. We are starting treatment immediately at the Mayo Clinic. After he kills this dragon, Ronnie will be back on stage, where he belongs, doing what he loves best, performing for his fans."
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