Download Festival Announce The Second Stage Is To Be Renamed "Ronnie James Dio Stage"

Download Festival have announced that this year's 2nd stage, will now be officially called "Ronnie James Dio Stage."

The following was posted on the festival's website:

"The rock world was in a state of shock last night (Sunday), when it was announced that Ronnie James Dio, one of the finest vocalists ever to walk the earth sadly passed away.

The legendary singer, who fronted bands including Black Sabbath and Dio, had been battling with stomach cancer since the end of 2009.

As our tribute to the great man, we’ve revealed that the 2nd Stage at this year’s Download will official be called the Ronnie James Dio Stage.

Speaking on his Twitter, festival organizer Andy Copping said “The second stage at Download this year is to be renamed the Ronnie James Dio stage as a tribute to the great man with the incredible voice”.

Our thoughts are with Ronnie’s wife Wendy and the rest of the Dio family at this tragic time. He will be greatly missed.

Rest in peace Ronnie – keep on rocking in that big gig in the sky."