There were only a few of us at school who listened to Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Dio. I’m not sure what I would have done without that kind of music at such an impressionable age. It lead me into the world of art as narrative for sure and made sure I had a life long love of a good guitar solo. For me punk rock, Frank Zappa and Morricone came later. Everything started with the Metal.

I don’t think I’m overstating matters when I say that the voice of Ronnie James Dio not only inspired me as a kid, but has also stayed with me my entire adult life. Some things get blunted by repetition. A Dio record is not one of them.

I’ll miss him even though he’s never ever going to go away.

My heart goes out to all those that knew him.