Members of the Westboro Baptist Church say Dio 'is currently residing in hell'

May 23, 2010 - Ronnie James Dio’s public memorial on May 30 looks set to be disrupted by US religious cult the Westboro Baptist Church, who oppose his supposed links with the devil.

67-year-old Dio passed away on May 16 after losing his battle with cancer.

The church, who’s website is titled Godhatesfag.com, are already known throughout the US for their hatred of homosexuality and for picketing funerals. Their current website schedule sees them accuse Dio, who pioneered the so-called ‘devil horn’ sign and was the frontman of Black Sabbath, of worshipping the devil, encouraging violence and hating god.

They are asking members to attend Dio’s public funeral in Los Angeles “to remind you who worship that old serpent, Satan, that your time is very short”.

The message adds:

“We'll be there! Just because the chances of any of God's elect being amongst this group of heavy metal sycophants is slim to none does not mean they should not get some good words.”