(Gibson) With more highs than lows, rock and roll in 2010 has enjoyed a vintage year. But there's no avoiding the passing of so many icons and music favorites. As a mark of respect, we look back at some of those legends who are now probably playing in a great musical supergroup, somewhere high in the sky.Ronnie James Dio, May 16: Heavy metal giant Ronnie James Dio, legendary vocalist for Elf, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell and Dio, succumbed to stomach cancer. Tributes poured in for the much-loved singer including this from Sabbath bandmate Tony Iommi: "Ronnie was one of the nicest people you could ever meet, we had some fantastic times together. Ronnie loved what he did, making music and performing on stage. He loved his fans so much. He was a kind man and would put himself out to help others. I can honestly say it's truly been an honor to play at his side for all these years; his music will live on forever."
Paul Dedrick Gray, May 24: The 38-year-old bass player with Slipknot died in a hotel in Urbandale, Iowa. Police did not suspect foul play. Gray was a founding member of the metal band, in which he was also known as The Pig and #2. Gray also played with Unida and Reggie and the Full Effect.
Alex Chilton, March 17: The Memphis-born singer died of a heart attack in a New Orleans hospital. The singer and guitarist achieved national success with his 1960s band the Box Tops, who had a #1 hit with "The Letter" in 1967. After that band dissolved, Chilton formed Big Star, who turned into influential pioneers of power pop in the '70s. more on this story
