The Rainbow Shines Evermore

I have been toying with the idea of blogging about films, music, and life in general for quite some time now. There are a myriad of themes to approach, so many in fact, that one hardly knows where to begin. After wrestling with what should be the inaugural topic, one came to my computer screen on Sunday May 16, 2010, that I could not deny addressing. I am referring to the passing of the greatest Metal vocalist to inhabit this planet, none other than Ronald James Padavona, otherwise known as Ronnie James Dio.

I first became aware of Dio in my early teens. It was during this time that his music became of monumental importance to my young life. I was a lanky, shy, and anxious lad struggling with the typical issues that come with the emergence from childhood years to the dawn of adolescence. (I have wonderful parents who always supplied my every need. In no way were my childhood or teen years hard in that respect; it was the constant struggle with my self-esteem). The types of things I reference are burgeoning acne, a bungling combination of awe and abject terror when approaching any girl I had a crush on, and wondering where I fit in.

It was during this awkward phase of my life that I began to read Hit Parader magazine and my fascination with the Grand Wizard took shape. After reading articles about this man of diminutive physical stature that possessed the voice of a giant, my lifelong appreciation began. Here was a poet for the Society of the Insecure, of which I was a card-carrying member. Ronnie James Dio’s music resonated with my vivid teenage mind's eye. Tales of mystery and wonder woven in an elegiac fashion, conveyed with a power that did belie its source. He brought forth stories of dragons, witches, wizards, and despondent dreamers, all told against scorching sonic tapestries of metal grandeur.

I spent many a Saturday night from 12 to 3 am taking in the metal videos offered via Headbanger’s Ball. Of course, Dio videos were a staple of the program and that is where I first saw The Last in Line music video. My teenage psyche was abuzz with delight as the events unfolded on my parents television screen. I beheld images of a boy who looked about my age busily riding his bike, making deliveries, when one such delivery goes wrong and takes him on an elevator ride to an ominous locale. (A note of interest is that said images were directed by none other than Don Coscarelli, creator of the Phantasm universe). Thrust into a world he scarcely comprehends, the boy struggles against the beasts who relegate Humans and Humanoid looking characters into torment. Yet, Dio rescues him as he strikes one of the creatures down with a light saber looking apparatus allowing the lad to escape, only to be dragged away toward his own imprisonment. Cheesy yes, but brilliance nonetheless. The first rate guitar work contributed to the track by Vivian Campbell helped to cement my love of distorted electric guitar tones. It's such a shame that he and Ronnie never worked together again following his departure from the fold. Their differences must have been irreconcilable. (You may chuckle at my enthusiasm for the video, but a part of that spirit still resides within me). Now that those teen years are far behind me and I approach the big 4-0, my love of Dio’s music has not diminished in the slightest regard and I still find great joy in his recordings.

From all the accounts I have heard and read about him over the years, the man possessed a heart as big as his voice, and he was a class act to his fans. Ever appreciative and gracious toward those of us who loved and valued his music.

The Royal Roar. The enigmatic weaver of mystical yarns. The Grand Wizard of classic rock. With whatever phrase you choose to describe him, the greatest voice in Heavy Metal is now silent. Though he may have shed the mortal coil and passed from existence upon the terrestrial plane, he leaves behind an unassailable body of recorded work, a testament to the irrefutable talent of which he possessed complete command. Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure of meeting Ronnie or attending a live show. Now he is gone from our world and I will not have that opportunity. If only he could have lived long enough for one more album, one more tour. Then again, I would be selfish and hope for yet another. What I do have, however, is a catalog of excellence I can delve into any time I wish. Whatever sphere of existence you may now occupy Ronnie, your legacy will continue to be appreciated by myself and the legions of souls whose lives were enriched by your soaring vocals and the poetic majesty of your lyrics. Ronald James Padavona, dead at 67 years of age, stricken down by Stomach Cancer. You are the Rainbow in the Dark that shines. Sing on Dragon Slayer, forevermore.