Black Sabbath Singer Ronnie Dio Cancer Scare

Former Black Sabbath singer and acclaimed solo artist Ronnie Dio has been diagnosed with stomach cancer.

Black Sabbath are one of the founding fathers of heavy metal music. The band's downtuned guitars and wailing vocals set the blueprint for countless groups, with their seminal early material inspiring generations.

Which made it a slight problem when they forced to sack singer Ozzy Osbourne in 1978. Increasingly unreliable the frontman was shown the door to his uncontrollable alcoholism and spiralling drug abuse.

Continuing with a variety of singers, Black Sabbath eventually employed the services of Ronnie Dio. An acclaimed artist in his own right Dio brought with him a mighty rock bluster which pushed the band to even higher heights of fame.

Still working hard, it has now been revealed that Ronnie Dio is sadly suffering from stomach cancer. In an interview with his wife American website Blabbermouth reports that the singer is currently undergoing treatment.

"Ronnie has been diagnosed with the early stages of stomach cancer" she said.

"We are starting treatment immediately at the Mayo Clinic. After he kills this dragon, Ronnie will be back on stage, where he belongs, doing what he loves best, performing for his fans" his wife continued.

"Long live rock and roll, long live Ronnie James Dio. Thanks to all the friends and fans from all over the world that have sent well wishes. This has really helped to keep his spirit up."

It has been a troublesome year for Black Sabbath. The band's early material was re-issued but original singer Ozzy Osbourne sued guitarist Tony Iommi over ownership to the group's name.