The late, great Ronnie James Dio would’ve turned 78 today (July 10), and what better way to salute the icon than by honoring the beloved gesture that he made famous.

That’s right…that Dio made famous, not you Mr. Gene Simmons.

Check out the video below of Dio talking about the now infamous backstory behind the gesture. Little did Dio’s grandmother know she’d have such an influence on the metal community.

8 ’80s Metal Albums Everyone Should Own

• Dio – ’Holy Diver’

  Share

  The late Ronnie James Dio was 5’4”, but his voice could move mountains, and it’s on full display on this iconic metal album.

• Metallica – ‘Master Of Puppets’

  Share

  More like 'Masterpiece of Puppets.'  Everyone should obey this album.

• Motorhead – ‘Ace Of Spades’

  Share

  We’re certainly born to lose, but we live for this Motorhead album.
• Iron Maiden – ‘The Number Of The Beast’

  Share

  It was difficult to pick just one album from Maiden to include on this list, but we picked The Number Of The Beast for its historical significance of it being the first Maiden album to feature Bruce Dickinson. (FYI:  Runner-up was 'Powerslave.')

• Megadeth – ‘Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying?’

  Share

  Speaking of “buying,” BUY THIS ALBUM RIGHT NOW IF YOU SOMEHOW DON'T HAVE IT!

• Slayer – ‘Reign In Blood’

  Share

  If someone creates a “best metal albums” list and a Slayer album isn’t on it, does it actually exist?  No…it doesn’t, and if your metal collection doesn’t include this iconic album, it’s just sorely lacking.
• Judas Priest – ‘British Steel’

  Share

  Like actual steel, this Priest classic is f*cking solid.

• Motley Crue – ‘Shout At The Devil’

  Share

  Badass and glam-influenced and proud of it! Also, that title track, though…

Sign me up for the 94.7 WCSX email newsletter!

Stay connected to all things Classic Rock, join the WCSX Workforce- it’s free and you can win prizes, concert tickets and VIP experiences.

First Name *

Last Name

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.