JUDAS PRIEST, RITCHIE BLACKMORE, TESTAMENT, AGGRESSIVE DISORDER, LION'S SHARE have offered the following thoughts on the passing of legendary singer RONNIE JAMES DIO (BLACK SABBATH, HEAVEN & HELL, RAINBOW, ELF) who lost his battle with stomach cancer today (May 16th) at 7:45 AM at the age of 67:

JUDAS PRIEST: "We are filled with great sadness at the terrible news about our friend Ronnie James Dio - our condolences and love go to Wendy and Ronnie's family - Ronnie was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed."

Ritchie Blackmore (ex-DEEP PURPLE - thanks ABC News): "Ronnie had a unique and wonderful voice. He will be sadly missed in the rock and roll world,"

TESTAMENT: "A true metal legend always in our hearts."

AGGRESSIVE DISORDER: "It comes with great sadness that we must bid farwell to a true icon, and one of the best voice in metal: Ronnie James Dio. We offer our deepest condolences to His wife Wendy, and all his family, friends and bandmates. After seeing the internet rumors earlier today crushed by Ronnie's wife and manager, we were happy to hear he was still with us. Only to have the official word come hours later that he was gone. Ronnie inspired each and every member of Aggressive Disorder. His legacy will carry on, and continue to grow. Ronnie James Dio may be gone, but will never be forgotten. He will always be The Man On The Silver Mountain!"

LION'S SHARE: "Our hearts are broken; our mentor and friend Ronnie James Dio has left us. This is a very sad day in our lives.

When Lion's Share did the Monsters Of The Millennium tour (with DIO, MOTÖRHEAD and MANOWAR in 1999), Ronnie was very supportive and helped us a lot. We will dedicate our upcoming shows to Ronnie by playing one or two of his songs. Our thoughts go to his family in this difficult time. Ronnie, you are our favorite singer of all time. We love you!"