drummer Lars Ulrich has penned a moving tribute to Ronnie James Dio, while rock stars including and have also honored the rocker, who died on Sunday, May 16. The heavy metal legend lost his battle with stomach cancer at a hospital in Houston, Texas, aged 67, and his contemporaries have been quick to celebrate the life of the Heaven & Hell star.
Ulrich has written a moving tribute to Dio, who he credits with inspiring him to become a drummer. He says, "Dear Ronnie, I just got off stage in Zagreb. I was met with the news that you've passed on. I'm kind of in shock, but I wanted you to know that you were one of the main reasons I made it onto that stage to begin with."