Earlier this week we lost a legend. Ronnie James Dio died of stomach cancer aged 67. His music career spanned 53 years, starting when he was just 15. He sang for Rainbow. He replaced Ozzy Osbourne as the lead vocalist in Black Sabbath. He wrote and sang for his own band, Dio. He is credited with popularizing the 'devil horns' symbol thrown by metalheads worldwide. He appeared in the film "The Pick of Destiny" with Tenacious D, playing of course, Himself. His lyrics were fantasy based and often metaphysical which, coupled with his unique voice, made him an incredibly popular singer/songwriter. As tribute, here are three of my favourite Dio songs.
One More For the Road
One More for The Road has that groovy little tune that propels it forward at a pace best described as classicly rock. It was an instant favourite when I heard it and still always gets me smiling and singing along.
Master of the Moon
Sadly the live version of this is hopelessly out of sync. A seemingly common problem on Youtube these days. The above is a fan made video using clips from the videogame Final Fantasy VIII. I love Master of the Moon. It's classic Dio. Wonderfully powerful, amazing lyrics and a strong message about not letting people try to change you? That's my interpretation. Stay true to yourself.
The Man Who Would Be King
Found one with (slightly inaccurate) lyrics again here. I don't know exactly what it is about this song that mystifies me so. There's the war theme on the surface, conquering. There's the whole 'father' thing that makes the core of this about betrayal but also the line "Is the Devil just the man who would be king?" that hints at something deeper, darker. But there's also the fact that there is a Rudyard Kipling story of the same name which in turn is based on the true story of James Brooke, an Englishman who became the first white ruler of Borneo.
So if you're going out this weekend, raise a glass to the man who inspired me and many others. Then have one more for the road.
R.I.P. Dio. We'll miss you.
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