Published: April 1, 2010 · 9:07 PM EDT
The metal icon faced stomach cancer with defiance, discipline, and unwavering faith in life, music, and his fans
In a rare and candid interview on Houston’s KIAH-TV (Channel 39), Ronnie James Dio spoke openly about the battle that defined his final months. The legendary vocalist, known for his work with DIO, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell, and Rainbow, had been undergoing chemotherapy at the renowned M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, after being diagnosed with stomach cancer late last year.
“Why Houston? Because it is the best hospital,” Dio stated during a chemotherapy session on Monday.
He first noticed symptoms around Halloween: chest pain and persistent indigestion. Shortly afterward, doctors confirmed the diagnosis. Since then, the 67-year-old singer traveled to Houston every two weeks for treatment.
“I am lucky to be a very complicated person in terms of my beliefs,” he said. “Cancer, I will kick you out of my body.”
His wife and manager, Wendy Dio, has been by his side throughout the ordeal. “Ronnie is a fighter, and he is taking this calmly. All he wants is to continue with his life,” she explains.
Continuing his life meant flying from Los Angeles, enduring five hours of chemotherapy, and flying home all in the same day. Bandmates like bassist Geezer Butler occasionally visited him to offer personal support.
According to Wendy, the treatment appeared to be working. The tumor was shrinking, and despite the physical toll, Dio’s voice remained remarkably strong. Their hope was simple: that he would return to the stage.
“The fans have been incredible,” Ronnie said. “They show me that I’ve done something right with my life.”
It was a statement that defined him not only as one of metal’s greatest voices, but as a human being unafraid to stare down the darkness, horns raised, determined to keep singing.
