The New York Times released an online hodgepodge of musicians we lost during 2010, and have omitted three major losses during the year that should anger metalheads across the Earth. In their year review, the Times has snubbed Ronnie James Dio (Black Sabbath, Dio), Peter Steele (Type O Negative), and Paul Gray (Slipknot).
You can view the New York Times montage over at their site if you can be bothered. I’m not embedding it here, because for my part, I’m disgusted they’ve overlooked three significant musicians — presumably just because they’re from the metal genre. The grounds upon which I make this assumption are that there is no metal whatsoever in their “tribute.” Rock, Soul, Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, Post-Punk are all included in the company of Funk, Disco, and others. Metal (and related genres) are nowhere to be seen.
Considering that Ronnie James Dio is even now one of the biggest influences in Hard Rock and Heavy Metal around the world, I’m shocked that they’ve disregarded him. The man helped define hard rock and metal during the Seventies and Eighties, and has been pointed to by artists such as Henry Rollins, Jack Black, and many other contemporary figures as a key reason they decided to take the career paths they chose.
Also as shocking is the omission of Peter Steele who is not only part of the metal scene, but also of the New York scene as well. I’ve spoken with several people who live in the area, including Geeks of Doom editors Empress Eve and Dave3 who live in Steele’s old Brooklyn neighborhood, who have stories they tell of how much a loved figure he was in the region not just for his music, but for the person he was.
The New York Times unmistakably has no clue. Don’t get me wrong… I’m not venting just because this is about metal, I’m venting because I am a music fan at heart — I listen to a lot, and the genres that have sprung forth in the last couple of decades owe much to the innovators in Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. To omit them in a homage or tribute is disrespectful to the musicians and their fans, and is an indicator that the New York Times are lacking in wisdom when reflecting on those who have made significant contributions to the music industry.
To close, I give you OUR tribute to Ronnie James Dio, Peter Steele, and Paul Gray… three videos of songs that made them and their bands memorable. Also, here’s our obits for Dio and Steele: Rock Legend Ronnie James Dio Has Died; CONFIRMED: Type O Negative Frontman Pete Steele Has Died.
I invite your responses and criticisms and look forward to reading them.
Remembering Dio, Steele, and Gray
[NY Times article via Buzzfeed]
WOW, just wow. I have been such a huge fan of all three of these guys for so long.
All of them very important in their genres and to be so overlooked is insulting.
I remember the first time I heard Type O. A friend came over and said “you have to hear this song, its called Christian Woman.”
After that it was all over. I was hooked. And now I have passed that on to my kids. We all thought it sucked so much when Steele passed. That such a unique voice was lost.
Don’t even get me started on RJD. That man was awesome till the bitter end.
Slipknot I have always enjoyed the music but never got to know the members like I have with the other two. Still a loss in my eyes though.
Good post G.o.D. good post.
HA, I just realized that Gooks of Doom is abbreviated as GoD, complex much?
Comment by Brian M. Frain — December 30, 2010 @ 12:18 am
I guess they didn’t realize that Ronnie James Dio started all the way back in the doo-wop era and progressed with the different music genres throughout his career with metal obviously being his most influential. He was and will always be a legend.
Comment by Larry — December 30, 2010 @ 8:51 am
Ahh fuck the New York Times.
Seriously though, it’s not just them that ignores Metal. Rolling Stone, SPIN, AP, and all other major news and media outlets have ignored the genre for years because the metal labels don’t have the advertising budgets the major record labels do, and in the event they do, they don’t consider Metal enough of a money maker to warrant massive advertising dollars. It’s always been that way too, for as long as I can remember.
Besides, I know people like you and me will remember them, and its better than reading or watching about some half-assed tribute by some shithead big-name publication who cared nothing about the life of the person being honored.
Comment by Brian — December 30, 2010 @ 10:21 am
UNBELIEVABLE !
Comment by missy — December 30, 2010 @ 11:03 am
Who is really surprised by their cultural scope?
I think Brian said it best: “Besides, I know people like you and me will remember them, and its better than reading or watching about some half-assed tribute by some shithead big-name publication who cared nothing about the life of the person being honored.”
We will remember these guys.
Comment by Mithoviel — December 30, 2010 @ 11:15 am
“I guess they didn’t realize that Ronnie James Dio started all the way back in the doo-wop era and progressed with the different music genres throughout his career with metal obviously being his most influential. He was and will always be a legend.” I don’t just agree with you, Larry. I love you.
Comment by Du-Grey — December 31, 2010 @ 1:08 pm