Check out another text written by one of our WikiBrothers:

I learned even more from Dio about how I should act with people, how to be cordial and polite. I acquired this value thanks to my parents' upbringing, but I refined it even further after this encounter with God.”

By Gilberto Morais

Hello Friends!

I had the privilege and honor of attending many shows by this extraordinary vocalist and frontman, one of the greatest voices in Heavy Metal and perhaps the one that will immortalize the genre.

Well, there were 12 shows: 1 with Black Sabbath at the time, 9 from his brilliant solo career, 1 very special appearance at the Deep Purple show with the São Paulo Jazz Symphony Orchestra, and the last one with Heaven & Hell.

Despite all this activity, I only had one chance to meet my idol, even knowing about his kindness, cordiality, politeness, and approachability.

It was during the Mágica tour in April 2001, 11 years ago, when I and 3 other people went to Rio de Janeiro to see the show that took place before the date here in São Paulo, at what is now the Citibank Hall in Rio, at the time ATL Hall.

Upon arriving in Rio, we went straight to the hotel and soon met Master Jimmy Bain, who was sitting at a table near us, calmly reading a newspaper.

Interestingly, many of those present didn't recognize him, and when we approached him, they noticed and started asking for photos, autographs, etc.

Jimmy Bain was a really nice guy, and since the fans present knew how to behave properly without causing a commotion, we had no problems with the security guards, who didn't do anything to stop us. And we weren't staying there, by the way, because they could have asked us to leave, claiming we weren't guests, but they were professional and worthy of all my respect. Congratulations on their attitude.

But we were there because of Baixinho, who is a giant, and we knew he would be by the pool, relaxing, properly enjoying the moment, and we patiently waited for him.

And he didn't disappoint us; he entered the hotel lobby and confirmed what I had always heard: before being a star, the guy is a first-rate human being.

He took photos with all of us, without exception, signed items we had brought, and recognized one of my friends. He even asked if my friend already had a ticket, and when my friend said no, he asked his manager to put his name on the guest list. He also gave us three tickets, since we had bought two, splitting the cost between the three of us, as he saw our boarding passes from where we had departed.

I'm sharing all this because Ronnie wasn't just an idol, he was a person. Yes, I still owe him, and have learned even more from him, about how to act with people, to be cordial, polite, and kind to everyone. I acquired this value thanks to my parents' upbringing, but I refined it even further after this encounter with God.

That's how it should be, and if an enlightened guy like him treats people with such politeness and respect, who am I to act arrogant, rude, and disrespectful towards my fellow human beings?

Ronnie, you'll never know this, but let it be recorded here for posterity how grateful I am to you, not only for your music but also for your behavior and attitude in terms of human relationships.

Thanks, and see you next time.

*This text was written by a Wikimate and does not necessarily represent the opinions of the site's authors.

Click here to see other texts by WikiBrother Gilberto Morais.