The first, real rock concert I ever went to see was Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, playing at the infamous Casino Arena in Asbury Park, NJ on July 4, 1976.
Fronting with Blackmore in the recently formed band was a guy named Ronnie James Dio.
Small in stature, but a massive stage presence.
If you are not familiar with him, you can read here and here.
Dio died ten years ago yesterday from stomach Cancer at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX.
Anyone of my generation should recognize him for his many contributions to the music of our era. That being said, not everyone will, but hey, someone had to buy records to pay for the BeeGee’s leisure suits.
“Only Dio can sing a song about rainbows and make it badass”
Here he is, London, 2005.
Mitigating Chaos 
Dio is the greatest, or right up there anyway.
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Agreed. Thanks for following 👍
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My hubby introduced me to Dio. Magnificent musician. I did not realize how he died. You always know his voice. Thanks for remembering.
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Thanks, Claudia. You are the first woman I know that even knows who he was.
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😍
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I guess I was busy helping the Bee Gees buy their leisure suits… 🙂
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At least you read the story. I was waiting to see if someone caught that. Thank you 👍
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I was there. I was 20. They blew the doors off. We want backwards in time and fast forward. Everyone stood as this group of amazing musicians and prophets shared their lives, their souls and their music. It was intense. Outside of the venue was an old Zipper Ride. The operator was charging $5 for a 30 second ride. I complained and he kept me up there after the concert for 10 minutes or more. I miss the Casino Arena. No seats, everybody stood. This was an old place with tremendous history and the warmest of vibes. Ronnie and Richie and the rest of the band were one.
Ticket Price was $12 or less. What a way to kick off the 4th of July Weekend 1976.
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It was the only show I saw there. Now, the Stone Pony was a different story. 👍
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