When 40-year-old stormed out of in 1982, finally defeated by the rampant drug abuse of guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler, the world’s greatest heavy metal singer had an ace up his billowing wizard’s sleeve. Ronnie had recently begun working on a new song, originally with Sabbath in mind, but by the time he finished it he wasn’t in Sabbath any more. Instead he recorded it with his new band – defiantly named Dio.
Using his own name was a statement of personal and professional intent. Ronnie had co-created with but remained essentially an employee in the band, as underlined when Blackmore fired him. He’d single-handedly resurrected Sabbath, gifting them the monumental album, but again came last in the pecking order when the shit went down.
The song was . And not only did it transform Ronnie’s life and career, it also helped define the sound of classic 80s metal. Instantly hailed as an all-time classic, was both rock anthem and personal mission statement.
He later claimed the lyrics were about a Christ-like figure from another world – a rock star, perhaps? – who sacrifices himself to save the people of another world when they throw him into the sea to prevent him leaving to save other people from other worlds. But it’s not the letter of the lyric that really translates. It’s the more obvious message that comes through loud and clear in that marching-to-war rhythm as Dio unleashes a mighty roar: ‘ ’ It was Dio talking to himself, willing himsel.