Ronnie James Dio buried

Ronnie James Dio's memorial service took place on Sunday (30.05.10).

Over 1,000 fans paid tribute to the former Black Sabbath frontman - who lost his battle with stomach cancer last month at the age of 67 - by gathering inside the Hall of Liberty at Los Angeles' Forest Lawn Memorial Park, while hundreds more watched on monitors set up outside.

The service was also attended by Glenn Hughes - who performed with Black Sabbath in the 80s - Geoff Tate from Queenryche and Quiet Riot's Paul Shortino.

During the service, several songs from Dio's career were performed, including John Payne's version of 'Heaven And Hell'.

Speaking at the event, Dio's cousin and Elf bandmate David Fernstein said: "He touched all of us with his music and his message and his magic. I know that Ronnie truly loved all of you. He had a great appreciation for your loyalty. I'm talking about all you out there, all the fans."

Dio's son Dan Padavona also spoke and cautioned mourners to seek regular screenings to detect cancer early.

He said: "I beg you not to make the same mistake my dad made. For dad, the show always had to go on. He ignored the warning signs for years, and all along the cancer was growing and mutating from something that was probably easily defeatable into a monster which even Dio couldn't slay."

Although he is best known for fronting Black Sabbath he also worked with the bands Elf, Rainbow - which was created by former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore - and Dio.

His final band Heaven & Hell - which was named after the first Dio-era Black Sabbath album and comprised of former Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and drummer Vinny Appice - announced at the start of the year they were cancelling all their touring commitments due to Dio's ill health.