Vinny Appice (HEAVEN & HELL, DIO, BLACK SABBATH), Jon Oliva (TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, SAVATAGE), Tobias Sammet (EDGUY/AVANTASIA) and THE POODLES have offered the following thoughts on the passing of legendary singer RONNIE JAMES DIO (DIO, BLACK SABBATH, HEAVEN & HELL, RAINBOW, ELF) who lost his battle with stomach cancer on May 16th at 7:45 AM PST at the age of 67:

Vinny Appice: "Hey Ron, I never thought the day would come so suddenly. Ronnie was everything to me. He was my best friend, he was my brother. I sat behind him on my drums each night and played, watching him sing, hearing his roaring voice thru my monitors. Every night he sent chills down my spine with his singing, inspiring me to push it further and play the best I can to the limit. I always knew how lucky I was to be in a band with him, but to become friends was even more special. When I met Ronnie I was a kid, 21 years old, eyes wide opened. He took me under his wing, he showed me the way, he was the greatest teacher and inspiration in my life and most of all, the greatest rock singer in the world! My heart is so broken. We are now in a world without him and I will miss him so much. I can only think of how fortunate I was to make music with him that was in his heart. Music that will remain to be listened to by all his fans all over the world, whom he adored and loved! Ronnie I love you man!!"

Jon Oliva: "Two days have passed and I still cannot come to grips with the tragic passing of Ronnie James Dio. My heart is sad once again. I have always considered Ronnie as a God, a hero, a pioneer, a legend, and one of the nicest people I have ever met. Ronnie gave Savatage their first break when he took us on tour so many years ago. We were so young and did so many stupid things on that tour. But Ronnie let it all go, and took care of us. The world has lost more than an icon...we lost so much more than that this past Sunday. I can't properly express my sadness. Thank you, Ronnie, and for all you have given us as a musician, but most of all for your sweet and caring soul. You will be missed, and we will celebrate your life forever."

Tobias Sammet: "It is impossible to find any words for what went through my head and what Ronnie means for me as a vocalist, and as a fan boy too. He gave us so much enchanting music, poetic lyrics and great vocals. To me he was the epitome of the perfect heavy metal vocalist. With Edguy we have had the chance to share the stage with Ronnie on several occasions and so I've been given the opportunity to meet him about ten years ago. He was a very nice person with a tremendous charisma who made you feel very appreciated in his environment. I wanted to have him on several Avantasia albums but the schedule never allowed it; he was always busy, always had many things on his schedule, a real workaholic and full of visions and enthusiasm. Ronnie, you will always be remembered as one of the biggest vocalists in the history of music! Rock'n'roll will never forget you - rest in peace!"

The Poodles: "The light in the dark and one of our childhood heroes died Sunday morning. We will always honour and remember your humble ways, outstanding performance and music that will live with us forever. Thank you for your gift to generations of music lovers. May there be light on your way to the other side."