Stars Pay Tribute To Dio

Some of the biggest names is rock and metal have commented on the tragic passing of Ronnie James Dio.

Gary Holt (Exodus):

“What more can be said about Ronnie that hasn’t been said by so many others. He was the kindest, most humble metal god I’ve ever had the pleasure and honor of touring with.

“I first met him at Foundations Forum about two to three weeks before our tour with them during the Dehumanizer tour, for about ten minutes while he waited outside for his cab. I introduced myself, said it was an all time honor to meet and tour with him and said see you soon. Fast forward to the first day of the tour, and he sees me and says, ‘How are you doing, Gary?’ I would not have been offended if he never knew my name the whole tour, but he remembered it from a ten-minute chat around three weeks earlier.

“We had many golden moments hanging out with him, while he allowed me to relentlessly badger him for stories about Richie Blackmore and the time spent singing for my favorite band, Rainbow.

“R.I.P. Your impact on me won’t ever be forgotten.”

Nikki Sixx (Motley crue):

“Ronnie was one of the kindest souls I have ever met and his talent was beyond inspirational to so many of us. I still have this image of him standing on stage in front of 100,000 belting out Man on the Silver Mountain and remember the shivers it sent up my spine. He will be missed by all of us.”

Robb Flynn (Machine Head)

“Dio was a true gentleman.

“Machine Head had the opportunity to open for Heaven & Hell in May of 2007, and having never met or toured with Ronnie James Dio, it was a HUGE honor for all of us.

“On the first night of the tour in Phoenix, Arizona we celebrated, uh, quite heavily, and though the Dio dressing was heavily fortified with an army of security, I somehow managed to bullshit my way in and say hello. He had no idea who I was, but acted like we were old friends. After that, he always made a point to poke his head in our dressing room and say ‘hi,’ or give Dave shit about ‘his San Antonio Spurs choking,’ or sometimes just to give us a $100-dollar bottle of wine they were going leave in their dressing room. All class.

“He was a powerhouse singer. Incredible tone, and grit. His voice onstage was FUCKING LOUD!! Shockingly loud!! We were lucky enough to watch from side stage almost nightly, and all of us were blown away by how loud his voice was.

“His memory was staggering. He remembered my wife’s name almost a year later, after only a brief one-minute introduction, and it charmed her to no end. He remembered my name a year after touring with him, in a crowd of people, without missing a beat, and asked how my kids were and kissed me on both cheeks when we said goodbye. I turned to my friend and was like, ‘Dude, Dio just remembered my name and kissed me on the cheek, fuckin’ High 5!!’

“When my parents moved to Fremont, California as I began the seventh grade, it was a pretty lonely time for me. I became friends with a girl named Lori Kibby who played me the first heavy metal record I would ever hear. It was Black Sabbath’s Heaven And Hell. It terrified me, enthralled me, captured me entirely. The imagery, the name, the title, it made me want to listen over and over and over again, in particular the songs Heaven And Hell, Children Of The Sea and Die Young. My first garage band, (the awesomely-named Inquisitor) covered Stand Up And Shout.

“Would I have found metal without him? Maybe. But man, I feel so very fortunate to have had Ronnie James Dio as my first guide into the awesome world of metal.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything you’ve done for music, Ronnie.

“Horns.”

David Ellefson (Megadeth)

“Of course our bright beam from the tour’s glow was dimmed today when we learned of the passing of Ronnie James Dio. He was truly one of the ‘good guys’ in this business and a consummate pro, someone we can all take a que and learn from. We are all fans of his and he did many great things for Megadeth and its members, starting starting as far back as his Dream Evil North American tour in which we were the support band during the So Far, So Good… So What tour. . . I’m very thankful to have gotten to know and tour with him in both Megadeth and with Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens. Wendy Dio looked after Ripper’s European tour where we played several shows with Heaven & Hell and we got to have many good moments with Ronnie during that tour. He is missed by us all.

“Our prayers go out to him and his family at this time.”

Shawn Drover (Megadeth)

“I am at an absolute loss right now upon hearing that Ronnie has passed away. I had the pleasure of touring both Canada and America in 2007 when Megadeth toured with “Heaven and Hell” (Black Sabbath in my eyes) and I swear to you he is 1 of the nicest human beings I have ever met, period. Many a night on that tour, Glen and myself would have amazing conversation’s with Ronnie about his career, etc. fully knowing he had probably told these stories 10,000 times to people and yet he answered every question I had with a big smile. I can recall so many times making eye contact with Glen sharing the exact same thought – “Dude, I can’t believe we are hanging with RONNIE JAMES DIO!!!!!” If you are lucky enough in your lifetime to actually meet 1 of your idols (let alone tour with them) and they turn out to be even nicer than you could have envisioned, that is something you would truly treasure. Lucky for me, I will cherish those memories forever……………….”

Lars Ulrich (Metallica)

“Dear Ronnie,

“I just got off stage in Zagreb. I was met with the news that you’ve passed on. I’m kind of in shock, but I wanted you to know that you were one of the main reasons I made it onto that stage to begin with.

“When I first saw you in Elf, opening for Deep Purple in 1975, I was completely blown away by the power in your voice, your presence on stage, your confidence, and the ease with which you seemed to connect to 6,000 Danish people and one starry-eyed 11-year-old, most of whom were not familiar with Elf‘s music. The following year, I was so psyched when I heard the results of you joining forces with my favorite guitar player. You guys sounded so right for each other and I instantly became Rainbow’s #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 news that you guys were staying in town on your day off somehow embedded itself in my brain and I made the pilgrimage to the Plaza Hotel to see if I could somehow grab a picture, an autograph, a moment, anything. A few hours later you came out and were so kind and caring… pictures, autographs and a couple minutes of casual banter. I was on top of the world, inspired and ready for anything. Rainbow came to Copenhagen a couple more times over the next few years and each time you guys blew my mind, and for a good three years were my absolute favorite band on this planet.

“Over the years I’ve been fortunate enough to run into you a half dozen times or so and each time you were as kind, caring and gracious as you were in 1976 outside the hotel.

“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 fucking honor and a dream come true to share a stage with you and the rest of the legends in Heaven & Hell.

“A couple of weeks ago when I heard that you were not going to be able to make it to the Sonisphere shows that we would be sharing this June, I wanted to call you and let you know that I was thinking of you and wish you well, but I kind of pussied out, thinking the last thing you needed in your recovery was feeling obligated to take a phone call from a Danish drummer/fan boy. I wish I’d made that call.

“We will miss you immensely on the dates, and we will be thinking of you with great admiration and affection during that run. It seemed so right to have you out on tour with the so-called ‘Big Four’ since you obviously were one of the main reasons that the four bands even exist.

“Your ears will definitely be burning during those two weeks because all of us will be talking, reminiscing and sharing stories about how knowing you has made our lives that much better.

“Ronnie, your voice impacted and empowered me, your music inspired and influenced me, and your kindness touched and moved me. Thank you.

“Much love.”

Richie Blackmore (Former Deep Purple, Rainbow)

“Ronnie had a unique and wonderful voice. He will be sadly missed in the rock and roll world.”

KISS

“We mourn the tragic passing of the great Ronnie James Dio. In addition to his powerhouse vocal ability, Ronnie was a true gentleman who always emanated great warmth and friendship to us and everyone around him. We will miss him.”

Judas Priest

“We are filled with great sadness at the terrible news about our friend Ronnie James Dio.

“Our condolences and love go to Wendy and Ronnie’s family.

“Ronnie was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed.”

Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater)

“Rest in peace, Ronnie James Dio… one of the greatest of all time.

“Looks like Dime, Randy, Cliff and Bonzo just scored the ultimate singer.

“This is one of the saddest days in metal ever.”

Also, Andy Copping, organiser of the UK’s Download festival, has announced that the second stage will be renamed the Ronnie James Dio Stage in his memory.

David Ellefson Update

David Ellefson posted this update on the official Megadeth forums:

“Greetings Droogies, Rattleheads and Everyone Around the World!

It is great to be back in MEGADETH! As you can imagine, it’s been quite a week getting back in the saddle with a gazillion things to get a handle on before we hit the road.

We are rehearsing for the upcoming “Rust In Peace” 20th Anniversary tour this week at Vic’s Garage, and I must say, the songs are ripping! Dave and I sound like we haven’t missed a beat. We have a special style we’ve created together over the years and it just fell right back into place instantly. I’ve definitely missed his ferocious guitar playing….no one does it quite like him.

Chris Broderick is a fantastic player and Shawn Drover lays down a nice pocket that keeps the songs sounding like the records, which makes them a treat to play to. Overall, the studio is a great hang and kind of like a music boot camp with guitars, amps and drums at our disposal so we can always be playing and working on tunes.

As always, there are gear needs to sort out before a tour, especially with music this demanding and particular. The crew is working very hard to get the details in order now to ensure an amazing show.

I want to thank you all for your overwhelming support, congratulations and excitement on my return back with the band and I look forward to seeing you all at the upcoming shows. Be ready for “The Punishment Due”!

David Ellefson”

James LoMenzo Comments on David Ellefson’s Return

Former Megadeth bassist James LoMenzo has this to say about his departure:

“My heart is full with your kindness and well wishes. This is the richest part of my years with the mighty Megadeth.

I’m truly excited about the two Daves  getting back together. I think it will be great for Megadeth fans.

Anyone who knows me knows I love doing all kinds of things musically and otherwise, so I’m excited for what’s ahead and very grateful for all the great music, fantastic shows and the many friends and fans I’ve come to know over the past four years.

Stay tuned and I’ll let you know what’s next when it’s next!”

David Ellefson On Rejoining Megadeth

David Ellefson spoke to Classic Rock about his return to Megadeth:

“It literally happened over the weekend, and I can hardly believe it myself. There was clearly gonna be a change in the line-up, because James Lomenzo was leaving. Dave and I talked on the phone, and all the feuds, all the arguments we’ve been having over the years just melted away. It just goes to show what direct contact can achieve!”

Ellefson says drummer Shawn Drover started the ball rolling:

“If you ever need a guy in a band to watch your back, then this is the man. Obviously, I have no clue what happened within the band. But I got a text from Shawn and it just said: ‘If ever there was a time for you and Dave to talk, now is it.’ It’s one of those messages you act on immediately. Typically of Megadeth, things then happened big and fast.

In all honesty, talking to Dave again was wonderful. It was the right thing at the right time, done in the right spirit.

I have one big advantage (in the RIP 20th Anniversary Tour) – I think I know those songs already! Seriously though, I was in New York with one of my other bands, Hail!, when I found out that Megadeth were doing this, and I did feel a little upset that I wasn’t at that point gonna be part of it. But, hey, now it’s all changed.

So far, the reaction I’ve had from everyone has been overwhelmingly positive. I cannot wait to get back out there with Megadeth.”

Dave Mustaine Megadeth Announcement

Dave Mustaine teased for hours and finally, the announcement is…

DAVID ELLEFSON HAS RETURNED TO MEGADETH!!!!!

“DAVE MUSTAINE ANNOUNCES RETURN OF FOUNDING BASSIST DAVID ELLEFSON TO MEGADETH LINE-UP

Megadeth founder and frontman Dave Mustaine has announced the return of original bassist David Ellefson (1983-2002) to the iconic multi-platinum group. This reunion is appropriately timed to Megadeth’s upcoming historic month-long Rust In Peace 20th anniversary tour which launches March 1 in Spokane, WA. At these incredibly special shows, Megadeth will play their landmark, genre-defining 1990 album Rust In Peace in its entirety, in addition to other Megadeth favorites.

“This shows the power of brotherly love and forgiveness,” Mustaine says. “David Ellefson belongs in Megadeth. Next we are going to show you the power of getting your asses kicked…HARD!”

David Ellefson concurs: “This is a huge moment for all of us, band and fans alike. It is a great celebration of the music from one of the biggest landmark albums of our career.”

Ellefson will join Mustaine and Megadeth band members Shawn Drover (drums) and Chris Broderick (guitar) on tour in support of the group’s current CD Endgame, which has received some of the highest critical accolades of the band’s career.

“We’d like to thank James LoMenzo for several years of loyal service on the bass, and wish him the very best,” Mustaine adds.

For more information on Megadeth, go to: www.megadeth.com.”

Another Fallout Between Dave Mustaine And David Ellefson

David Ellefson was the original Bassist in Megadeth, and a founding member along with Mustaine, he stayed with the band up until Dave’s arm injury.

Ellefson had sued Mustaine in the past but the two had overcome their differences and became frineds, until this was posted on the official Megadeth forums, taken from a comment on Blabbermouth:

I worked assisting David Ellefson for the last 3 years by creating myspaces registered in my name with his content.
In the summer he joined Haill with their piece of crap manager Mark Abbatista.
This Fall Mark attempted to get me to put pornography on one of the sites to promote Ellefson’s next attempt at anything and when I refused he stole all the contents of the myspace and started another one because “I wouldn’t listen to the manager”. Instead of telling me…after 3 years of service David distracts me by having me find him designers to update the sites I had created so I wouldn’t notice the material being copied or the sites being put up.
Never has David provided me with anything for 3 years of service. He admitted that the site got him gigs (including the Hail Lebanon show which was actually booked off my personal Facebook page) and conferences and clinics.
This guy bitched to me day and night about Mustaine stealing from him…lol! This guy is the greediest fucker in the business…its all about the Benjamins for Ellefson…don’t let him kid you. He’s a Sunday Christian and when he was approached about doing a fundraiser for abused kids only one hour from his home in Scotsdale he told them he wouldn’t do it for less than $1700. When I asked him to donate $250 to a charity for children with cancer to make good what had been done wrong with his manager…he refused.
Mustaine has a coffee company and all of the proceeds go to creating clean water for 3rd world countries. All Ellefson does is whine he doesn’t get enough money from his Mega-days and that when he went down to visit Mustaine a month and a half ago to talk about a reunion, all Ellefson could talk about was money…he didn’t want to jam…he just wanted to know how much he was going to get paid. When Mustiane told him the wrong dollar amount…he said he was making more with what he was doing.
So this joke of a Rock Shop about Team Building…he has no idea.
I was fooled into thinking that Dave Mustaine was an asshole. He may be outspoken and sometimes say things before thinking. However, Ellefson got everything he deserved…and that’s nothing.
I hope Mustiaine reads this so he also knows that Ellefson is going around telling people that Mustaine is addicted to oxycontin. He’s telling everyone.
Team Builder? Nice try David.

Metal legend Dave Mustaine responded with:

“I see it and I am not surprised.

I don’t get it, and I forgave him, too.

Boy isn’t the truth bittersweet to taste!

as far as my side, i am sorry, but one of the parties has to maintain some dignity here.

set your watches to see how long this reply takes to hit blubbermouth.

i can tell you that i feel like this . . . 

My dear Droog, this is something that should be private and if you want to send your contact into to our beloved webmaster, that would probably be a better way to communicate, if I feel I want to do that.

Right now, I am really sad to see him do this, although I feel that I am being exhonerated and I believe the source.

Welcome to All things mega! ”

My opinion of this is that people who comment on Blabbermouth are usually a bunch of liars, so I’m taking this with a pinch of salt, and I’m very sorry for Dave that he had to find out this about someone he thought was his friend. but I’m glad hes taking the high ground.