GARY DANIEL COOK

It was 8:00PM on Friday night. The band was ready to begin our first set. After a few tweaks of the lighting and sound we hit our first chord for "Summertime" - the old standard that we made our own as sort of a fatback blues. As I looked out into the audience, I recognized a few rock heroes, guitarist Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath and my favorite heavy metal singer, Ronnie James Dio. Although our band that night played old school blues and soul, the rock legends really enjoyed listening. It was cool to see heavy metal artists enjoying a round of smokin blues and jazzy tunes. 

After our show, I was introduced to Dio by his personal manager. Ronnie was a true gentlemen. He said he enjoyed the band and complimented me on my guitar playing. Which to me, was awesome, coming from one of the greatest rock singers in history!

Ronnie and his bandmates followed me on over to the stage and being total gearheads, we talked about my guitars and effects. Their favorite was my old Les Paul. Ronnie liked it and also enjoyed jamming on my Brian Moore C90.

Ronnie invited me to his show the next night with Black Sabbath. They rocked the house! What a killer voice. 

Although he is a true metal god and legend, "The Man On The Silver Mountain" was a down-to-earth guy that appreciates great music of many styles. I really enjoyed hangin backstage with Ronnie and my only regret was that we couldn't hang out longer and talk about philosophy and life. However, during my brief encounter, I discovered that his fortune and fame are also accompanied by a willingness to "give back" to the community. He and his wife Wendy support a charity called "Children of the Night" which helps teenage girls get off the streets and away from childhood prostitution. This is a cold, dark reality that exists in our culture today.

You can contribute to this non-profit organization by visiting www.childrenofthenight.org

So, if you're into heavy metal, be sure and check out the "Heaven and Hell" tour and hear Ronnie tear it up with Black Sabbath and Megadeth!