Metallica's Lars Ulrich Pays Tribute To Lifelong Friend Ronnie James Dio

Metallica's Lars Ulrich has penned an open letter to rock legend and his lifelong friend Ronnie James Dio who died yesterday.

The drummer penned the letter shortly after finishing a gig in Zagreb as part of the band's European tour where he wrote that meeting Dio inspired him to be in a band.

Heavene & Hell, Black Sabbath, Rainbow and Elf singer Dio on Sunday following a battle with stomach cancer.

“I was met with the news that you've passed on. I'm kind of in shock, but I wanted you to know that you were one of the main reasons I made it onto that stage to begin with,” Ulrich wrote.

“When I first saw you in Elf, opening for Deep Purple in 1975, I was completely blown away by the power in your voice, your presence on stage, your confidence, and the ease with which you seemed to connect to 6000 Danish people and one starry-eyed 11 year old, most of whom were not familiar with Elf's music.”

Signing off the lengthy ode, Ulrich wrote: “Ronnie, your voice impacted and empowered me, your music inspired and influenced me, and your kindness touched and moved me. Thank you. Much love, Lars.”

KISS and Motley Crue have also both paid tribute to Dio since his passing, while Download Festival have named their second stage after him.