Ronnie James Dio dies from Stomach Cancer at 67.

[Masamune]

Metalheads (myself included,) mourn a great vocalist and all around swell guy. We've now been left on our own, like a rainbow in the dark.

Newslink

Ronnie James Dio -- who took over as lead singer of Black Sabbath after Ozzy Osbourne left the group -- died today. He was 67.

Dio announced last summer he was battling stomach cancer. According to his website, he had been undergoing treatment at a Houston hospital.

Dio is often credited for popularizing the "devil's horn" hand gesture in metal culture.

His wife Wendy, said on his website, "Today my heart is broken ... Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever."

Goodbye Dio. I hope there is much broadsword fighting and headbanging on the other side.

[GreenTea]

\m/ RIP Ronnie James Dio \m/

[Diabolique]

Sad news indeed. RIP Ronnie Dio.

[KenseidenXL]

I thought it was a joke when I first heard it on CNN. I didn't know he was that old.