Testament's Chuck Billy - Remembering Ronnie James Dio

May 16, 2015 marks the 5th anniversary of Ronnie James Dio's death. In this clip, Testament vocalist Chuck Billy talks to Full Metal Jackie about the late legend.

[ChipsHandonJr]

I met Ronnie James Dio twice. The first time I was doing an interview for a really small Swedish metal magazine. I was nervous, since he was one of my biggest idols who I had listened to since I was a little kid, but he was the nicest, friendliest person you'll ever meet. It didn't matter to him that I wrote for a tiny magazine, he treated me like I was from Rolling Stone.

His tour manager gave me 10 minutes for the interview, but when the time was up and the manager came back and told Ronnie, he just said "We're not finished yet, it's fine", and asked if I wanted a beer. That 10 minute interview turned into the most amazing 45 minutes of my life, drinking beer and talking to Dio.

I met him two years later (I think) just by accident. He was playing in my town again, and I met him on the street the afternoon before the show. I went up to him and said "Mr. Dio, I'm sure you don't remember, but I..." and he interrupted me, called me by my name, and said "Sure I remember, we talked before the concert a couple of years ago, how are you?" I was stunned. I don't think he ever forgot a name or a face.

I only met him twice, but I really miss him.

[ronaldjames]

Chuck Billy seems like a nice guy himself too.
And he's a great singer and performer.
And unlike most thrash bands that came up in the 80's, his band still thrashes.

[attilaezsias]

Totally agree, Dio could paint a new world and erase existing ones with a single line, that kind of grandeur has always been and will continue to be one of a kind

[ADDISON]

Chuck Billy🙌great comment for Ronnie🤘💋💋