Ronnie James Dio Has Stomach Cancer

Former Black Sabbath frontman and current Dio and Heaven & Hell singer Ronnie James Dio has been diagnosed with early-stage stomach cancer, his wife says.

Wendy Dio says her husband will immediately begin treatment at the Mayo Clinic, and he expects to beat it.

"After he kills this dragon, Ronnie will be back on stage, where he belongs, doing what he loves best, performing for his fans," she said in a statement on Dio's website.

"Long live rock and roll, long live Ronnie James Dio.

"Thanks to all the friends and fans from all over the world that have sent well wishes. This has really helped to keep his spirit up."

Dio the band axed their upcoming European tour last week after their frontman fell ill. Dio the frontman was hospitalized last week.

Dio (real name Ronald Padavona) joined Black Sabbath in 1978 after Ozzy Osbourne was fired because of his drinking problem. Prior to that, Dio had sung with Rainbow and Elf. He recorded two albums with Black Sabbath before leaving in 1982, and popularized the sign of the horns during his time with the band.

Dio and Black Sabbath drummer Vinny Appice formed Dio in 1982 after leaving the band. Dio the frontman briefly rejoined Black Sabbath in the early '90s and currently fronts Heaven & Hell, which also features Appice, Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler.

Here are Dio's cancelled dates:

Nov. 27 Manchester, England @ Manchester Academy
Nov. 28 Lincoln, England @ Engine Shed
Nov. 30 Bristol, England @ O2 Academy Bristol
Dec. 1 Antwerp, Belgium @ Trix Hall
Dec. 2 Tilburg, Netherlands @ 013
Dec. 4 Oslo, Norway @ Sentrum Scene
Dec. 5 Bergen, Norway @ Peer Gynt
Dec. 7 Gothenburg, Sweden @ Tradgarn
Dec. 8 Malmo, Sweden @ Kulturbolaget
Dec. 9 Stockholm, Sweden @ Debaser
Dec. 11 Oulu, Finland @ Teatria
Dec. 12 Tampere, Finland @ Pakkahoune
Dec. 13 Helsinki, Finland @ Cable Factory
Dec. 16 Bremen, Germany @ Aladin
Dec. 18 Nuremberg, Germany @ Lowenssal
Dec. 19 Reichenbach, Germany @ H20
Dec. 20 Munich, Germany @ Tonhalle
Dec. 22 Neu Isenburg, Germany @ Hugenottenhalle