Wow...That's a hard one as their were so many. But I'll give it a try.. They are in no order..
1. Meeting, spending time and had photos taken with Ronnie backstage during Deep Purple / ELF concert in Syracuse (Nov 9, 1972) as they first played songs from their new EPIC record album "ELF" and being blown away by their greatness. (Ronnie James Dio, "Rock" Feinstein, Gary Driscoll & Mickey Lee Soule)
2. Attending "Ronnie Dio Day" in Cortland, NY where the City dedicated a street name in his honor "Dio Way" (Nov 15 1988). Stayed outside with Ronnie as he signed autographs for everyone attending (hundreds). Then going to his home as we honored this great man (with his parents, Mickey Lee Soule & "Rock" Feinstein)
3. Watching the spectacular live "Sacred Heart" show on stage in Syracuse (9/7/1985) and then presenting him with a plaque with dignitaries from the City of Cortland (Nick Mazza & John Kane) declaring "Ronnie Dio Day".
4. Being on-stage (also WOLF's Howie Castle) with Ronnie at the Black Sabbath Concert in Syracuse (5/14/1982) presenting him with a Syracuse Music Hall of Fame plaque.
5. Being with Ronnie at his Cortland home (1975) when he told me he was going with Ritchie Blackmore to form Rainbow.
6. Working with Jack Belle & Howie Castle to bring ELF to a Syracuse club for the first time. Note a sell out show at the Shoreline Club in Liverpool, NY on February 2, 1973. Also on the show was Bib n Tucker (Bob Perry, Dick Murphy, T. J. Condon) and Dove (Rick Cua. Dave Hanlon, Howie Bartolo & Larry Serafini),
7. Backstage with Ronnie and ELF when Jack Belle (Eastern Artist) brought them to Syracuse's Landmark Theater with Fleetwood Mac on March 20,1973. Maybe one of ELF's greatest all-time performance.
8. My son Jeff & I seeing Ronnie perform for the last time with "Heaven & Hell" at the Albany, NY arena on May 14, 2007
9 Backstage for a concert at the Brookside Club in Dewitt (mid Jan 1975) with Ronnie & ELF celebrating the pre-release of the UK album "Carolina County Ball" called " LA 59" in the USA. Also attending- club owner-Rick Barry, Talent Agent- David Rezak, Concert Promoter- Jack Belle and Syracuse NewTimes photographer- Michael Davis.
10. Sandy Bigtree & I spending a great New Year Eve (12/31/1973) with Ronnie and the band at the Brookside Club.
11. Having the honor of working with Wendy Dio & NIJI Entertainment Group to continue honoring the musical legacy of this great man.
12. Through Ronnie meeting and having a 40-year friendship with David "Rock" Feinstein.
Continue his legacy by having and being a committee member for Dio Day Cortland July 7, 2012
12. Through Ronnie meeting and having a 40-year friendship with David "Rock" Feinstein.
Continue his legacy by having and being a committee member for Dio Day Cortland July 7, 2012
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