Two Sad, Too Soon Losses
POSTED: Wed, 05/26/2010 - 11:52am • AUTHOR: Matt MumauRonnie James Dio and Greg Italiano, both from the Central New York area, die in the same week
GO BACK TO NEWS PAGE • POST A COMMENT
The Syracuse Area Music Awards is sadded by the news of the deaths of two prominent members of the local music community. Hard rock vocalist Ronnie James Dio as well Lost Horizon manager Greg Italiano both passed away within the same week, leaving two huge holes in the hearts of local music fans.
Dio, 67, passed away on May 16, 2010, after suffering from stomach cancer. Perhaps best known for his role as Black Sabbath's frontman, Dio was also the inventor of the "Devil's horns" heavy metal gesture, as well as a former member of Elf, a band that became popular in the Central New York region during the 1970s.
Although Dio never received a Sammy during his lifetime, he had a huge impact on many musicians in the Cortland area.
Services for Dio will be held at the Hall of Liberty, Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, Calif. on May 30 at 2 p.m.
Just one day later, Italiano, 59, whose impact on the local hard rock scene is arguably equittable to Dio's, died after suffering a heart attack. Although management at the Lost Horizon has shifted since its recent reopening, Italiano's legacy lives on in the venue's substantial reputation in the rock community.
The Syracuse New Times has published a story about both deaths, which you can read here.
The Syracuse Area Music Awards sends it condolences to the families of both highly influential, well-loved members of the Syracuse music community.
Delicious
Digg
Propeller
Reddit
FacebookCOMMENTS
Post new comment