During a conversation with David Slavković of Ultimate Guitar, Twisted Sister guitarist Jay Jay French talked about Black Sabbath, where he mentioned Ronnie James Dio was his favorite in Black Sabbath on vocals. Here’s what the guitarist said:
“You know, I saw Sabbath with Ronnie several times – I prefer that version of Sabbath.
“In fact, Twisted Sister used to cover Sabbath songs, but never Ozzy Sabbath – only Dio Sabbath.”
French added:
“Well, first of all, [Dio’s 1983 solo debut] ‘Holy Diver’ is a ridiculous record. I almost get chills thinking about Ronnie, because besides Ronnie being a great vocalist, he was one of the nicest guys in the world.
“And we toured with him extensively, and I loved – you know, I just loved all the records he did with Sabbath. They were just spectacular. And I loved his solo work.
“So, it was like a combination of things: you’ve got two songs here, three songs there – doesn’t matter, the guy could sing the phonebook for Christ’s sake – that’s the old joke about a great singer, he could sing a phonebook.
“And you’d be very happy to hear Ronnie sing a phonebook. Ronnie – we did so many shows with Ronnie. You know, on a personal note, we played with them in Greece.
“Twisted Sister headlined this night, and Dio went on, I believe, before us. My daughter was, I think, 12 years old at the time, and she got lost in the backstage area – I couldn’t find her.
“So, I’m looking at all the trailers, and I walk into Dio’s trailer, and there’s Ronnie sitting in a chair, talking to my daughter Sam!
“And I went, ‘Sam! Don’t bother Ronnie!’ And he goes, ‘Will you leave her alone? We’re having a conversation!’ ‘I’m sorr-‘ And he goes, ‘Leave her alone, you’re her father!’ [Laughs]”