Butler Treasured Last Moments With Dio

BLACK SABBATH rocker TERRY ‘GEEZER’ BUTLER has recalled his final moments with friend and bandmate RONNIE JAMES DIO, who died on Sunday (16May10).

Tributes have come pouring in for the rocker since he lost his battle with stomach cancer, and Butler has added a heartfelt farewell message to Dio, who he calls “more than a friend (or) bandmate”.

In a touching statement, Butler recalls visiting the star in his final hours with Dio’s wife Wendy and a huge group of pals.

He writes, “There was no mistaking Ronnie’s room. There were around 25 to 30 friends outside his room. We knew the end was imminent. We all wanted to say our goodbyes. It was a day filled with tears and reflection.

“In the evening, the chaplain came, and we all gathered around Ronnie’s bed and prayed. Ronnie wasn’t going easily. At 11pm, most of us left, leaving Wendy her privacy to say her last farewell. The devastation was palpable.”

He concludes his tribute by thanking Dio “for the wonderful memories”.

In recent years, Dio and Butler reunited with other ex-members of Black Sabbath to tour under the name Heaven & Hell.