Heaven & Hell Cancel Summer Tour, Dio Continues Cancer Battle

Posted on May 5th 2010 10:00AM by Jon Wiederhorn Comments
Ronnie James DioWhen Heaven & Hell frontman Ronnie James Dio received the award for Most Metal Vocalist at the 2010 Revolver Golden Gods Awards on April 8, the vocalist seemed to be in good spirits and was optimistic about beating his battle with stomach cancer, which he was diagnosed with in November 2009. In addition, he and the group said they planned to proceed with their world tour this summer. But this morning, Heaven & Hell announced that all summer plans would be canceled while Dio continues his cancer treatment.

"We have to announce that all forthcoming Heaven & Hell European shows have been canceled as sadly Ronnie isn't well enough to tour this summer," said the band in an official statement. "We hope that everyone understands and want to thank fans and industry colleagues for their continuing support at this time."

Later, Dio issued a statement on his official Web site: "I would like to voice my great disappointment on the cancellation of the Heaven and Hell summer tour. [My wife and manager] Wendy, my doctors and I have worked so hard to make it happen for all of you, the ones we care so much about, that this setback could be devastating, but we will not let it be. With your continued love and support, we will carry on and thrive. There will be other tours, more music, more life and much more magic."

In a video interview with Artisan News service the night of the Revolver Golden Gods Awards, Dio talked about his ongoing battle. "I feel good and bad at times. It's a long process. Chemotherapy is a ... I never realized what a difficult thing it was to go through. It's a real cumulative effect. The more you have, the more it piles up on top and it takes longer and longer to get over it."

He added that the treatment was making him lose his appetite, a common side effect of chemotherapy along with nausea. "I don't like to eat anyway, so I guess that's OK. But I know I have to. But this makes it very, very hard."

Dio added that he remains positive and plans to win his fight with cancer. "If you're determined to beat it then you have to go with what you believe is going to beat it for you," he said. "I go to a great hospital in Houston called MD Anderson, which I think is the best hospital in the world, I have the best doctor in the world, Dr. Ajani, who I really trust and I really believe in, so I think I've done all the right things. It makes me feel positive about my life and positive that there is a lot more of it to live."

Heaven & Hell's summer tour was scheduled to launch June 13 at Nova Rock Festival in Nickelsdorf, Austria. Canceled dates include a headline set at Bloodstock's 10th anniversary festival and appearances at Sonisphere in Switzerland, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey.

We wish Dio a speedy and complete recovery.

Filed under: News

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24 Comments

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Core Device

He's a good guy too. Can't say i'm a Dio fan but his vocals have been copied by bands I like.


http://www.reverbnation.com/coredevice

May 08 2010 at 5:56 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dee

AOL has finally caught up!! I knew about this WEEKS ago. God bless Ronnie! I wish you a speedy recovery.

May 06 2010 at 7:28 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
rachel

we love you ronnie!

May 06 2010 at 6:57 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
DUDE

Cancer is no match for the "GOD OF METAL!" Get well soon Ronnie, Your fans are behind you.

May 06 2010 at 6:51 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mr. Slickshit

"Stargazer" anyone...?

May 06 2010 at 6:33 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
I\'m a Survivor!

I have never heard of Ronnie Dio as I am not a Heavy Metal fan. I do, however,think that whether you have heard of him or not, he is a fellow human being with a wife and family and can use all the prayers that everyone can muster up for him. You don't have to be a fan or even have heard of Ronnie to at least say a prayer for his speedy & complete recovery. Ronnie and his family and also his band mates will remain my prayers.

May 06 2010 at 12:55 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
cantbreakthebrkn

Not just one of the greatest voices to ever grace our ears, but one of the true gentlemen in metal ever. You will be in my prayers for a speedy recovery.

Rock on R.J.D. m/

May 05 2010 at 11:51 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Drips

If I don't see meet you no more in this world
Then I'll meet you in the next one
So don't be late, don't be late . . . Jimi

Like a Rainbow in the dark . . . RJD

Fight the fight and get well, brother. Too many good songs left to sing.

With a tip of the hat to Dylan Thomas . . .

Do not go gentle into that good night,
. . . burn and rage at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my brother, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

May 05 2010 at 11:49 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
bru5150

rkab54 , I assuming you dont listen or even like heavy metal....? I'm thinking your more a Wham, Culture club,or air supply type of guy...Because anyone who has ever listened to Heavy Metal can tell you that Ronnie James Dio ..Is a Heavy Metal God......

May 05 2010 at 11:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to bru5150's comment
penmancll

You know, dude, I don't know that slamming the 80's fluff by connecting it to a doofus like RKab54 was really necessary. That stuff has its place too. Which is more than can be said about him posting his dismissal here. Metal may not be my greatest comfort zone genre wise but I'm more than well enough listened to appreciate what a legend Ronnie Wayne Dio is.

My best to Ronnie. I lost my dad to cancer last year so I know what a horror it is. And Pledge2rock, right on brudda. Cancer needs to keep its distance from ones as awesome as my dad and as Ronnie. There aren't enough awesome people in the world as it is

May 05 2010 at 11:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Daniel

People this awesome shouldn't be allowed to get cancer. I mean its f**kin Dio Man!!! God! Get well and rock on my friend

May 05 2010 at 11:04 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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