Random Thoughts Following The Sad Passing Of Ronnie James Dio.

It is the sad, and unavoidable truth, that often an artist needs to pass away (young is good, but not essential) to be truly appreciated, and in some cases revered. Already this year, we have been unlucky enough to have lost two giants of the metal world (literally in the case of Pete Steele...not so literally with the more portable RJD). On both occasions I was shocked and saddened...what was my first instinct? To post a condolence on Facebook, of course (the joys of the modern world). Obviously my second instinct was to spend the next few days playing nothing but the music of the aforementioned artists...proclaiming to myself and to anyone else who cared to pay any attention to me, how great and under-rated they were.

This is always the case isn’t it? We all know how great these people are, and always feel that it doesn’t need to be said. It is only on the sad occasion of their passing on from this mortal coil, that we feel the need to suddenly share this opinion with everyone else. Wouldn’t it be nice if we took the same time to celebrate them when they were still breathing air? To set up, for example, a Facebook page or a website extolling the greatness of our favourite artists. Ah, wait. This does happen, but when the artist in question is still with us, these people are considered a bit too fanatical in most cases...just for doing the same thing we will all be doing when the person dies. 

No, this blog is never going to go anywhere...I’m just spending a few minutes getting these random ramblings out of my brain to make room for new stuff.

But when all is said and done, whatever our motives or reasoning, the people who give us this wonderful music which makes our time on this earth that much better deserve our time and our thanks....be it during their lives or by remembering them on the day of their death. I would, therefore, just like to say a huge thanks to all of the bands and musicians who have improved my life over the last 2 decades. I can’t even begin to list individuals here, but I am sure that I will remember you all and honour you all in due time. Unfortunately, you will more than likely be in the next world when this actually occurs.

Rest In Peace Ronnie James Dio and Peter Steele. You will both (truly and honestly) be missed, and although it is a cliché, the world will certainly be an emptier and less interesting place without you.