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FEATURE
Ronnie James Dio Memorial Service: May 30, 2010
M.J.
The rising sun was at my back as I hit the highway setting off on my six hour drive to Los Angeles from Phoenix. Rainbow, DIO and Black Sabbath CDs (no ipod this trip, old school, baby) were on the passenger seat with my map and directions. Even though it was going to be a “marathon of a day” it would be well worth it, knowing I had Dio blasting on the stereo. He would be keeping me company and safe the whole way.
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It was a hot day and the bright midday sun beat down mercilessly with little breeze to be had through the course of the afternoon. Scott Warren (Heaven and Hell & DIO) started the musical tribute portion at the piano with the Dio penned “This is Your Life” and as the last strains ended, Eddie Trunk, famed music and TV personality and friend of Ronnie James Dio, took to the mic and led the service as master of ceremonies. He welcomed the assembly of fans and friends before introducing the next musical tribute that brought Claude Schnell and Oni Logan to the stage to perform "Homeward" and "Sitting in a Dream". Both songs appear on the album The Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper's Feast. This was a collaborative project that gained Ronnie his first gold record in 1974 along with various members of Deep Purple.
Having rocked my way across the desert and through LA with nary a concern, I was in good spirits before coming to a stop behind a mile long line of cars on Forest Lawn Drive. My mood became more solemn and reflective. As my car approached the main entrance to the grounds of the Forest Lawn Mortuary, I noticed a very small group of West Baptist Church picketers. They seemed rather subdued; probably because they had been infiltrated with anti WBC protesters (metal fans) with signs of their own. I smiled approvingly. WCB’s impact was diminished. This was not going to be their day.

After parking, I made my way (on foot for quite a distance) to the Hall of Liberty amid an ever growing throng of metal heads mostly dressed in black. The mass movement of fans halted outside the auditorium and mingled with early arrivers in the connected parking lot and on the side lawn where chairs and tents had been set up. Both areas had big screen TV monitors erected to relay the proceedings within the Hall. All 700 seats inside and been claimed earlier in the morning.
The Early Years
Eddie reappeared at the podium to begin us on a four hour, chronological journey of Dio’s life. Harold Hyde, one of Ronnie’s high school classmates was the first one up in a long line of speakers for the day. Harold recalled that in 1960 Ronnie had been class president and the most popular student. He also noted that 2010 marked the 50th year since their graduation from high school. He reminisced about Ronnie singing in those days and how he must now be singing in heaven. He cracked a joke about sock hops and how they only cost a nickel for entrance. Those revealing memories of his beloved and longtime friend stirred up deep emotions.

The Loving Father
Danny Padavona, Ronnie’s son was next at the podium. To lighten the mood he slyly commented, “I have my father’s height.” This was received with knowing appreciation from the crowd. He conveyed his heartfelt thanks for those attending and how much it meant to him and his family. He related that while not blessed with Ronnie’s musical talents, he shared many other things in common with his father, especially his love of hard rock/heavy metal music. He mused on the music and bands he was a fan of including Down, Black Label Society, Clutch, Nightwish, etc. He went on to detail how those bands affected his life and kindly shared insight on the long discussions about music and sports he would have with Ronnie; bonding them in ways others could never experience. He hoped that Dio and “Dimebag” Darrell were rocking out in heaven as they never got the chance here on earth.

Danny also touched on the subject of cancer and how he had taken up the cause long before his father was diagnosed with the deadly disease. He asked that everyone get screened and tested.

"I beg you not to make the mistake my father made. For Dad, the show always had to go on. He ignored the warning signs for years, and all along the cancer was growing and mutating from something that was probably easily defeatable; into a monster which even Dio couldn't slay. So if not for you, then for your loved ones… Dad, I love you.”

Eddie Trunk thanked Danny and told of his own story of finding out about Ronnie’s illness and how Ronnie, despite being the one stricken with the disease, had lifted Eddie’s spirits even as he was feeling down - bummed out and close to tears. Ronnie had flipped it around saying, “Kid, we’re gonna beat this. I’m gonna slay this dragon.” Eddie pressed further on in saying, “The bravery, in the way he lifted others around him right up until his last days, is something that I think is really important - that point, gets out today to everybody. It’s truly remarkable.”

The Elf Years
Having seen a photo montage, at the onset of the day’s events, from Dio’s years with The Vegas Kings and Ronnie and the Red Caps, Eddie moved the timeline along while the lights were dimmed for concert footage of the band Elf. As it ended, Ronnie’s cousin and former Elf band mate, David Feinstein (The Rods) addressed the audience. He affectionately, informed us of the now famous rule that, “To be in the band you had to be under 5’ 4”.” The crowd chuckled and he paused before continuing to speak about Dio’s determination, perseverance and most of all, his undying dedication to his fans, sometimes even at the risk of his own health. "I know that Ronnie truly loved all of you. He had a great appreciation for your loyalty. I'm talking about all you out there, all the fans."

The Rainbow Years
This gave way to concert footage for the songs “Long Live Rock ‘n Roll”, “Gates of Babylon” and “Man on the Silver Mountain” as well as the introduction of Neil Warnock, Dio’s longtime agent, who earnestly stated, "We've lost one of the finest people I've ever known in the rock fraternity." He was followed by another musical tribute that featured Rudy Sarzo, Scott Warren, Rick Hunter, Stuart Smith and others while images of Dio remained on the big screen behind them. Their version of “Catch the Rainbow” was moving as well as the dedication to Wendy in the form of the song “Rainbow Eyes” which contained haunting flute accompaniment.

Eddie took a moment afterward to read a message from Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Koretz who recounted Dio’s legacy and informed the fans that the city of Los Angeles had declared May 30th Ronnie James Dio Day. The honor was bestowed to recognize Dio's charitable organization, “Children of the Night”, and his generous work with that organization since 1985. The audience overwhelmed with pride, stood up clapping and cheering in approval.
The Black Sabbath Years
Video of a Dio fronted Black Sabbath performing “Neon Knights” and interview segments where Ronnie explained the meaning of the devil horns and its history brought us to the early 80s in our timeline. Ronnie gleefully talked about a harrowing experience with pyro (way too much powder) at the hands of novice crew member Nick Jackson at the Hammersmith Odeon during his first Black Sabbath tour. Dio’s humorous retelling of the explosion was quite amusing.

Eddie Trunk then introduced Nick Jackson who proceeded to poke some fun at the incident and shared his side of the story which is a classic - one for the ages. Later on, when Nick apologized repeatedly for the causing the accident, Dio exclaimed, "What are you talking about? It was just brilliant! We were just thrilled!”

Dio’s personal assistant, Willie Fyfe, who had met Dio in a bar in the 70s, warmly told the crowd that Dio would stay on the stage til he won the crowd over. Besides bawdy humor, probably not fit for these pages, Willie also evinced sincerity about the man he fondly knew as Gov or Governor, "When you get to witness history, it's a very special moment. Ronnie had that magic."
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NEXT
dio_booklet_men
DIO MEMORIAL BOOKLET
EDDIE TRUNK
HAROLD HYDE
DANIEL PADAVONA
DAVE FEINSTEIN
SCOTT WARREN
NEIL WARNOCK
NICK JACKSON
WILLIE FYFE
JOHN PAYNE
“Ronnie was someone who cared
and gave back the same incredible
respect he was given. It’s something
I will never forget. Simply the best.”
"I believe that Ronnie is now singing
in the high court of heaven."
“I really love Ronnie. I’ll miss him. Someday we will be reunited again. I hope all of you keep Ronnie in your heart. Never forget him.”
"I beg you not to make the
mistake my father made.
Dad, I love you.”
“...Thousands of good times and laughs.  He touched us all with his music, and his message, and his magic.”
"We've lost one of the finest people I've ever known in the rock fraternity."
"He had the biggest voice in music."
"When you get to witness history,
it's a very special moment.
Ronnie had that magic."
NEXT
May 31, 2010
Report and photos: M.J.