Thu, May 20, 10

Blabbermouth.net

DEEP PURPLE guitarist Steve Morse has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

“Ronnie Dio was a real musician. He was a guy that everybody liked, and always sang loud, in tune, and strong, with that famous voice. I watched him patiently deal with fans at the stage door, and patiently deal with me when I was lucky enough to back him up on our orchestra tour (DEEP PURPLE and orchestra with special friends). We backed him up doing a couple of his tunes, and he was tactful and precise with his constructive comments. He could tell if I played one note wrong. I recall him telling me that he used to play trumpet, which might explain his very good ears.

“Everybody that ever met him will miss him, as well as anybody who ever heard him sing.”