The official website for Ronnie James Dio announced that there will be a Public Memorial Service on Sunday, May 30th at 2:00 PM at The Hall Of Liberty located at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068. The site says: This will be a celebration of the life and music of Ronnie James Dio and is open to all of his friends and fans from around the world. For those of you that will be flying in from out of town or out of the country, we have made special rates at various local hotels available to you! Just go to our official Facebook Page for hotel information here
In other news, Dio's Heaven & Hell/Black Sabbath bandmate Vinny Appice has issued a statement: Hey Ron, I never thought the day would come so suddenly. Ronnie was everything to me. He was my best friend, he was my brother. I sat behind him on my drums each night and played, watching him sing, hearing his roaring voice thru my monitors. Every night he sent chills down my spine with his singing, inspiring me to push it further and play the best I can to the limit. I always knew how lucky I was to be in a band with him, but to become friends was even more special.
When I met Ronnie I was a kid, 21 years old, eyes wide opened. He took me under his wing, he showed me the way, he was the greatest teacher and inspiration in my life and most of all, the greatest rock singer in the world!
My heart is so broken. We are now in a world without him and I will miss him so much. I can only think of how fortunate I was to make music with him that was in his heart. Music that will remain to be listened to by all his fans all over the world, whom he adored and loved! Ronnie I love you man!! Vinny
Wendy Dio has asked that in lieu of sending flowers, please make a donation to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund. You may send your check or money orders to the Niji Entertainment Group, 12400 Ventura Blvd. #624, Studio City, CA, 91604. You can find a Paypal donate link at ronniejamesdio.com