Anders Rasmussen, singer/guitarist with Norwegian power trio Ohmwork, recently launched a solo project. One that promises to throw the spotlight on his musical versatility. he aims to visit a variety of genres and musical landscapes that offer a more relaxed and mellow outlet alongside his more Rock and blues oriented core.
Self-confessed fan of Liverpool FC and F1, Anders now joins us to share his love of the late, but ever so great talent of Ronnie James Dio.
Why I Love Ronnie James Dio
When people ask me why I love Ronnie James Dio, I usually struggle to put it into a short answer. It’s not just about his legendary voice, although that’s reason enough. It’s the combination of his power, his storytelling, his charisma, and the sheer dedication he showed to his craft and his fans. To me, Dio wasn’t just a singer—he was an artist who created worlds with his music, a guiding figure who made heavy metal feel both larger than life and deeply personal.
When I First Heard Him
My first encounter with Dio was in 1993, when my brother came home with the then-new Dio album Strange Highways. At the time, I didn’t really know much about Dio. My brother was raving about the guitarist—“Listen to the guitar!” he said excitedly. But for me, it wasn’t the guitar that stood out. It was that unmistakable voice, that raw, soaring, almost mystical quality Dio brought to every line. From that moment, something clicked.
The Turning Point
Strange Highways quickly became one of my favorite albums, and I’ve always found it strange (no pun intended) that so many people dismiss it. To me, it’s one of Dio’s most powerful and underrated works. The energy, the grit, and the emotional weight of that record grabbed me immediately. That was the moment when I realized I wasn’t just casually listening—I was becoming a fan for life.
Influence and Inspiration
Dio inspired me in many ways. He taught me that heavy metal could be more than just riffs and volume—it could tell stories, spark imagination, and connect people on a deeper level. He also set an example in terms of professionalism and kindness. Even though I never got the chance to meet him in person, I’ve heard countless stories about how genuinely warm and humble he was with fans. That kind of integrity left a mark on me as much as the music itself.
Favorites
Of course, it didn’t stop with Strange Highways. I dove headfirst into the catalog: Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Elf, and all of Dio’s solo work I could get my hands on. Back in the day, that meant spending hours on YouTube and even sneaking around file-sharing sites to discover hidden gems. Choosing favorites is tough, but songs like Strange Highways, Heaven And Hell, and Stargazer have a permanent place in my heart. And then there are the iconic album covers—so many of them felt like windows into the fantastical worlds Dio’s lyrics described. They weren’t just records, they were experiences.
Live Experiences
I’ve been fortunate enough to see Dio live more than ten times. Each gig was an unforgettable event, the kind of night that leaves you buzzing for days afterward. His presence on stage was electric, yet it never felt staged or fake—he was simply born to perform. There was even one occasion when I was close to meeting him backstage. Sadly, he wasn’t around, though I did meet the keyboardist and the opening band. It’s a shame, because meeting Dio himself would have been a dream come true. Still, those concerts gave me memories I’ll carry forever.
In conclusion
For me, Ronnie James Dio isn’t just an artist I enjoy—he’s a lifelong inspiration. From that first moment in 1993, through endless hours of listening, through the concerts and the deep dives into his vast body of work, Dio has been a guiding presence in my love of music. He showed me that heavy metal could be powerful, poetic, and even magical. And that’s why I’ll always say, without hesitation: I dig Ronnie James Dio.
Our thanks to Anders for shining the spotlight on a true legend.
Here’s Ten Years From Now:
Anders Rasmussen online: Facebook and a glut of his music on Spotify
You can read more from our extensive archive of Why I Love pieces from a wide array of artists on an even wider array of subjects, here.
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