Dio

[Üncle Snake]

Claude Flowers of Figures.com is reporting that a line of toys featuring legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio is currently "in development," according to his record company, Sanctuary Records. "No word yet on who will be releasing the line, or which characters will be featured, but [Dio] himself is a legendary showman whose three-fingered 'Dio sign' salute is a hard rock mainstay," Flowers writes.

"Another likely subject is Dio's horned mascot, Murray, who appeared on the cover of best-selling albums like 'Holy Diver' and 'The Last In Line', as well as the recent career retrospective 'Stand Up and Shout'. If the figure assortment is to be definitive, it should also include the characters from Dio's science fiction fantasy CD, 'Magica', which traces an epic battle between good and evil." #nosmileys#nosmileys

[muthagoose]

Sweeeeeeeetttt!

[Ponyone]

I think we all now know what Ponyone wants for Christmas..

[Üncle Snake]

DIO, ANTHRAX and FIREBALL MINISTRY will be teaming up for a three-week tour of the U.S. beginning in late September. So far, only one date has been confirmed: October 1 at the Palladium in Worcester, MA (the billing for the Worcester show also includes MOTÖRHEAD). Exact cities and dates are expected to be announced later this week.

[muthagoose]

Wireless Flash is reporting that Jack Black's tenaciousness has been very good for heavy metal legend Ronnie James Dio.

The "School Of Rock" star has long sung the praises of the former singer of BLACK SABBATH and RAINBOW in interviews, films and his rock group TENACIOUS D, which performs a song dedicated to Dio.
It's finally paying off for Dio, who says there's been much more interest in his music lately than in years past, and admits "Jack's really helped attract the younger perspective."

Dio has just released his latest album, "Master of the Moon", through Sanctuary Records. The follow-up to 2002's "Killing the Dragon" was recorded at a Los Angeles studio and features lyrics that were directly influenced by the "terrorism, people in Africa and paranoia. Otherwise, I'd just do a great big fantasy."

[Ponyone]

The exact details of Ronnie James Dio's gardening accident of 2003 have come to light in an interview with Rockdetector.com editor Garry Sharpe-Young. Besides discussing the brand new DIO album "Master Of The Moon", how Rudy Sarzo has fitted into the new band unit and how the new songs were constructed, Garry broached two awkward questions: just what did really happen to his thumb and what are Dio's real feelings towards Vivian Campbell? Here's a bit of the interview to be posted soon:

Rockdetector.com: Last year, Internet rumours surfaced that you had severed your thumb in a gardening accident. While I'm sure a lot of fans initially brushed this off as unlikely, it then transpired to be true. What actually happened on that day?

Ronnie James Dio: "It was a killer garden gnome. I'm not joking, although I certainly wish I was. What happened was that I was in my yard trying to place this garden gnome on a slope. This is a seriously heavy piece of garden ornament, probably 60lbs or so. Anyway, it fell over, I fell into the shrubbery and then began to slide down to the bottom of the hill. I was trying to stop myself with my feet but put my hand out at the wrong moment. You can understand this all happened in a split second. My hand landed on a rock, and the gnome landed on it, squashing my thumb between the rock and the gnome. Basically it was crushed and took the end of my thumb off. I just looked at my hand and the first thought that flashed into my mind was, 'How on earth am I going to make my devil horn sign now? That's my trademark!' I wasn't worried about the injury, more concerned with my career."

Rockdetector.com: Did it enter your head that you had been struck by the ultimate rock 'n' roll irony of a bizarre gardening accident?

Ronnie James Dio: "Oh of course it did. I was imagining all the headlines in my head. It had every comedy element and more."

Rockdetector.com: How did you deal with it practically?

Ronnie James Dio: "I just picked up the end of the thumb, went back into the house, washed the nub of my thumb then got myself down to the hospital. It was quite surreal because I had one hand with this crushed thumb, basically just red meat and miniscule bits of bone, and I was holding the end of the thumb in my other hand. It was quite fascinating. It's not too often you get to see inside your thumb.

"I got a shock when I arrived in the emergency room because a nurse took a look at it first and said, 'No, I don't think we can save this.' I had to wait a while then for a doctor, all the time praying that he would come up with a different evaluation. Anyhow, he did thankfully. He said he could sew it back on. 'Please do!' I said, and that's exactly what he did."

Rockdetector.com: Was there any pain or was it totally numbed out?

Ronnie James Dio: "Totally numb, no pain whatsoever. I think all the nerves got crushed or something. It looked like it should be painful, but it wasn't. After it was sewn back on they did a proper job of it and now it's OK. It looks a little distorted and the nail has not grown fully back yet but I'm thankful I still have my thumb and I can still do my horn sign."

Rockdetector.com: What happened to the gnome? Did you take revenge?

Ronnie James Dio: "Ah no, he's still there. Only now he is on a very sensible level piece of ground. It wasn't his fault, he's an inanimate object but sometimes I look at that face and think… Y'know, he just has one of those faces! Put it this way, if I'm involved in another gardening accident you won't have far to look."

[Ponyone]

Uh...check this out...




Now that's a flyer...

[Üncle Snake]

Former DIO bassist Jimmy Bain explained to the Dio Message Board why he left the group earlier this year, "Because my heart wasn’t into it. When your heart isn't in it, you can't really do it anymore. I want to do something where maybe I can get rich… …as oppose to other people getting rich and I didn't. That is unfortunate but such is life. When you join a band you think that everything is going to be great and it doesn't end up like that so you have to leave after such a long time..years and years." Asked what he misses most about DIO, he answered concisely, "Nothing."

Bain also admitted it was he who played bass on the SCORPIONS' most commercially successful album. "I did play on 'Love at First Sting', that is the only SCORPIONS album I have played on," he said. "They paid me really a lot of money so I really didn't care that I did not get credit. They know I played on it and I know I played on it, I can hear myself playing on it. They might say that it is [former SCORPIONS bassist] Francis, but it's not."

Bain also talked about his current projects, including WWIII and offered more of his thoughts on DIO, RAINBOW and Ritchie Blackmore. You can read the entire interview by registering here and then visiting the "Don't Talk To Strangers" section.

[Ponyone]

In a recent interview with Classic Rock Revisited, vocalist Ronnie James Dio was asked about the possibility of a RAINBOW reunion at some point in the future. "There are no reunions for me," he replied. "There is no reunion with RAINBOW and there are certainly no reunions with BLACK SABBATH. I went there twice and it didn't happen the second time, either. I don't want to be involved in that anymore. They are doing what they want to do with Ozzy and that is good for them. I wish them all the best. There is nothing backward at all about what they are doing.

"We had an opportunity to do RAINBOW about five or six years ago. It just didn't quite work from a record company/management standpoint. It is a shame that it didn't happen. It was going to be one show televised and recorded in Tokyo. We could have finally given the people what they wanted. That didn't happen for all these years and I don't have time for that anymore. I tried to make my window of opportunity open for it but that window has closed. My career will be DIO and that will be the end of it.

"It is nice that people care enough to want that to happen. They care about us after all these years and they remember what good things Ritchie [Blackmore] and I did, but those days should be left where they were. They were great days and we made some really great music but life goes on. Too many times people who reunite in that classic manor are doing it because they can't carry on in this day and age. I can, so I am going to continue doing it."

[muthagoose]

Ronnie James Dio recently spoke to RockConfidential.com about the new DIO album "Master of the Moon" and his views on the world and the current state of the music business. Several excerpts from the interview follow:

RockConfidential.com: You've seen a lot of things in your career. What's your opinion of the music biz as it stands today?

Ronnie James Dio: "When I first started you really had a lot more opportunity via a record company and the people that ran those record companies. They wanted to give people a chance to develop. I think that's so very important that you don't have the mentality that I find today. I call it the 'big pen mentality.' If you don't have a big hit on your first product then they throw you away. I think that's difficult. With digital recording and home studios there is a way to give you just as proper a piece of product as big professional studios. It's opened up the competitive lanes incredibly. It's made the throw away thing even harder because if you throw one away there are 25,000 waiting for you to try them out as well. It's the lack of care that used to be there that I just don't find anymore. That is one good reason for independent labels. Until they're swallowed up by a bigger label they're usually people who are fans of the music. They're really involved and they want to give it a chance and they do. That's the biggest difference that I've seen. Musically I think we've kind of retrograded. The people I grew up listening to that I wanted to be like were good singers, good musicians, great singers, great musicians. That's what I wanted to be. Generationally the music has changed and it went to more of a social aspect of punk music to no punk music to punk music coming back again to no punk music to punk happening again! It's cool because I think making a social statement is excellent. I think that musically things have suffered a bit. Especially from the end of the vocalists."

RockConfidential.com: Through your entire career, when have you had the most fun?

Ronnie James Dio: "Actually I think the most fun for me was the very beginning with my first band, ELF. That's easily the most enjoyable for me because everything was an experience for the first time. I'd never been out of the country. Going out of the country for the first time was a wonderful experience, not only for me but the guys in that band were friends I grew up with. To share those experiences together was absolutely the best thing that's ever happened to me. That was certainly the happiest time, the most 'wide-eyed' time. Musically the 'Heaven And Hell' time was the most enjoyable. At the time SABBATH was not doing well with their last couple of albums. It was a real down-turn time for them. My inclusion in the band meant that we had an opportunity to succeed again. I always felt that band needed success. It deserved success. After all, it's a band that created heavy metal. Guys like Tony and Geezer in the band are great players. Bill and Ozzy...it was a special band and for me to come in and reach success again was a lot of fun. I really liked the guys a lot and we got along so well. It was almost like being in my first band again. They came across with this attitude, not really simplistic, but wide-eyed, moreso than other people I've worked with. Unfortunately those things fall apart but it was very productive and really a lot of fun personally."

RockConfidential.com: What's a typical day like for you if you're not involved in your music?

Ronnie James Dio: "I'm a sports freak. I love sports. I always wanted to be a baseball player. That was my dream. I never got big enough to be able to do that. I think I might've had a shot at it talent-wise. I certainly never could compete with the monsters of today, especially as small as I am. That's what I wanted to do. I'm in awe of athletes who are so dedicated. I think we can all learn from that. It takes severe dedication to achieve that kind of goal. That doesn't mean that just because they're great athletes — and we've seen this time and time again — that they're good people. When I'm not on the road I'll watch any type of sporting event. Chair throwing, bottle throwing, football, baseball, basketball. I can equate with them. I find them very similar to musicians. I've always said that the quarterback on a football team is like the lead guitar player or the vocalist. The runningback might be the same thing. The drummer and the bass player are the linemen. They're the guys that let you move. You can see how engrossed I am in sports to relate it that way, but that's something I enjoy very much. Aside from that I just don't have much time for anything outside of music. It never really ends."

[muthagoose]

Ronnie James Dio has told the Asbury Park Press that the latest DIO album, "Master of the Moon", was originally devised as a sequel to the 2000 release, the concept album "Magica". Alas, Dio felt he didn't have enough time to properly continue "Magica"'s dense story line.
Recalls the New York native, 54: "We had to change in mid-stream, so I think some of that unconscious effort going toward 'Magica' colored this album.

"Another thing that happened, of course — and still is happening — is the terrorism situation, the war in Iraq, thousands of people dying in Africa and just all the horrible things going on. These also colored what I was going to write.

"This album is quite a bit more cynical and paranoid than my albums have been in the past. The world is a very paranoid place."
While writing "Master of the Moon", Dio says he couldn't help but weave contemporary themes into the songs.

The song titled "The Man Who Would Be King", for example, was originally about the Crusades.

"I wanted to write about Richard the Lion-Hearted and his knights," Dio says.

"But when I sat down to put pen to paper, I realized the incredible correlation between George W. Bush and Richard the Lion-Hearted, both sending soldiers to the Middle East.

"I wrote it from the soldiers' perspective, about how they felt about what they were doing. Because I think most soldiers, in the beginning, certainly believe what they're told — that you're doing this for the good of your country and your family. I think it's a very noble thing.

"But as soon as the body bags start to pile up and you see your buddies dying, and mothers and fathers are crying over lost sons and daughters, I think it really changes. So in that song, the soldiers were questioning the person who sent them there."

Dio's lyrical content may sound political, but the singer insists he is not taking sides.

"I felt a need to write it that way," he says.

"It's not meant to be a political statement. I'm not a political person. I think musicians should be musicians.

"I support (the U.S. military in Iraq) 100 percent. It's nothing to do with the soldiers. I think so many times, it's to do with the judgment of the people who sent them there."

[muthagoose]

Ronnie James Dio's first seven-inch single, "Lover / Conquest", was recently auctioned on eBay. The 1958 single, only 500 copies of which are believed to have been manufactured, was reportedly sold for over $200.

As previously reported, Ronnie James Dio's first LP — a 1963 release by RONNIE DIO AND THE PROPHETS entitled "Dio At Domino's" — was recently sold for over $360 to a U.S.-based collector in an eBay auction. The songs that featured on the LP included "I Left My Heart In San Francisco", and a song from the RONNIE AND THE RED CAPS days called "An Angel Is Missing". The album also contained a version of "Great Balls Of Fire" along with other famous rock 'n' roll songs. The final track was "Love Pains", the B-side to the PROPHETS' first single.

More information about RONNIE DIO AND THE PROPHETS can be found at this location.

www.dimwhit.com/dio/history.html

[muthagoose]

According to DIO's official web site, the group's "Evil or Divine: Live in New York City" CD will be released on February 22 on Spitfire Records. This is the companion CD to the DVD released in 2003.

The "Evil Or Divine" DVD was recorded on Dec. 13, 2002 at Roseland Ballroom in New York City and was directed by Ken Botelho for Century Productions. The DVD not only includes the full, unedited concert from that evening, but also contains an extensive interview with Ronnie James Dio, backstage scenes and the video for "Push", featuring TENACIOUS D. The full track listing for the DVD was as follows:

01. Killing The Dragon
02. Egypt/Children of the Sea
03. Push
04. Drum Solo
05. Stand up and Shout
06. Rock and Roll
07. Don't Talk to Strangers
08. Man on the Silver Mountain
09. Guitar Solo
10. Long Love Rock and Roll
11. Lord of the Last Day
12. Fever Dream
13. Holy Diver
14. Heaven and Hell
15. The Last in Line
16. Rainbow in the Dark
17. We Rock

[muthagoose]

According to Ronnie James Dio's official web site, DIO will be supporting TWISTED SISTER on Saturday, February 26 at the Tito Puente Amphitheater in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

In other news, look for "Stand Up & Shout", an anthology of all the DIO videos, to be released in the United States in June 2005.

As previously reported, DIO's new live album, "Evil or Divine: Live in New York City", will be released on February 22 on Spitfire Records. This is the companion CD to the DVD released in 2003.

The "Evil Or Divine" DVD was recorded on Dec. 13, 2002 at Roseland Ballroom in New York City and was directed by Ken Botelho for Century Productions. The DVD not only includes the full, unedited concert from that evening, but also contains an extensive interview with Ronnie James Dio, backstage scenes and the video for "Push", featuring TENACIOUS D.

Aside from singer Ronnie James Dio, the rest of the band lineup for this release is: Jimmy Bain (bass), Simon Wright (drums), Doug Aldrich (guitar), and Scott Warren (keyboards).

---

: Dio: Rainbow In The Dark

---

[muthagoose]

According to a posting on The Dio Message Board, RAINBOW may reform for a series of live shows after all. Word has it that Ronnie James Dio's wife Wendy's management company Niji Management may be looking at getting the members of the group back together for a number of live appearances. The lineup at this stage looks to be as follows: Ronnie James Dio (vocals), Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Jimmy Bain (bass) and Vinny Appice (to replace the late Cozy Powell).

While there has been no official statement on the matter, the posting adds that "there is truth behind this rumor" and "this is 100 percent genuine."

[muthagoose]

According to Ain't It Cool News, heavy metal legend Ronnie James Dio (RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH, DIO) has signed on to appear in the upcoming TENACIOUS D movie, "Tenacious D: In the Pick of Destiny". The film will be directed by Liam Lynch, who also directed the video for "Tribute" and the clips shown at the D's concerts ("Butt Baby", "JB's BJ", and "Rock Star Sperm Bank"), reports TenaciousJoes.com. The film is being produced by TENACIOUS D star Jack Black's longtime colaborator Ben Stiller's Red Hour Films and Working Title Films, which produced "High Fidelity". The first draft of the script was written by Scott Aukerman and B.J. Porter, who were also writers for the HBO show. However, after careful consideration the D decided that only they could capture the true escence of the D. So Jack Black, Kyle Gass and Liam Lynch all sat down together and began writting. Six movie treatments later, they finally finished their masterpiece.

According to Liam, "It's going to shake the pillars of hell with it's radness," but when asked of the details of the plot, Liam would only say that it is a secret that "no mortal could handle the thought of." However, he has revealed two things: one, that the film will tell the story of how the D came to be, and two, that the film will showcase brand new songs from the D! The soundtrack to the movie is very likely to be the follow-up to the D's first album.

The executive producers of the HBO show (Bob Odenkirk and David Cross) will be involved in the movie, and it has also been confirmed that the D's right hand man and "webmaster" Lee will have a role in the film. So far it is rumored that MEAT LOAF will be playing Jack Black's father, Jack Black will be playing his own mother, and Will Ferrell will be playing a music-shop dude.

[muthagoose]

Ronnie James Dio recently spoke with "The Hairball John Radio Show" about his major motion picture debut in the upcoming Jack Black movie.

"I am doing a movie that Jack Black is doing," Dio said. "Jack, of course, was in one of our videos, our last video that was called 'Push'. Jack and Kyle Gass from TENACIOUS D were in that video and I got to be a good friend of Jack's, who is a brilliant person and the most intense guy I know. He loves the music that the classic rock people have made, loves the music he grew up with, so he is doing a film called 'Tenacious D – The Pick of Destiny' and he asked me to be part of it. I play myself in the film and sing part of a song that Jack and Kyle wrote. I have already done the track and I will be doing the filming on July 15th, so that is something for me to look forward to because it was a lot of fun and I am now a member of the Screen Actors Guild, which means that I can do a lot more parts now."

[muthagoose]

According to a posting on Ronnie James Dio's official web site ( www.ronniejamesdio.com ), Ronnie recently filmed a cameo in the forthcoming movie "Tenacious D: The Pick of Destiny", which is tentatively scheduled for a June 6, 2006 release date. The film is being directed by Liam Lynch, who also directed the video for "Tribute" and the clips shown at the D's concerts ("Butt Baby", "JB's BJ", and "Rock Star Sperm Bank"), reports TenaciousJoes.com. The film is being produced by TENACIOUS D star Jack Black's longtime colaborator Ben Stiller's Red Hour Films and Working Title Films, which produced "High Fidelity".

In a recent interview with "The Hairball John Radio Show", Dio spoke about his major motion picture debut: "I am doing a movie that Jack Black is doing. Jack, of course, was in one of our videos, our last video that was called 'Push'. Jack and Kyle Gass from TENACIOUS D were in that video and I got to be a good friend of Jack's, who is a brilliant person and the most intense guy I know. He loves the music that the classic rock people have made, loves the music he grew up with, so he is doing a film called 'Tenacious D: The Pick of Destiny' and he asked me to be part of it. I play myself in the film and sing part of a song that Jack and Kyle wrote. I have already done the track and I will be doing the filming on July 15th, so that is something for me to look forward to because it was a lot of fun and I am now a member of the Screen Actors Guild, which means that I can do a lot more parts now."

For more information, visit www.tenaciousdmovie.com

[muthagoose]

According to MelodicRock.com, DIO's 1983 landmark album "Holy Diver" will be re-released in upgraded form on September 30, 2005. A joint project between Universal Music and Rock Candy Records, this new version of a recognized rock classic has been comprehensively remastered for maximum impact, and will also come complete with extensive sleeve notes, expanded original artwork (including hand-written lyrics) plus a brand new audio interview with singer Ronnie James Dio himself. Distribution is via Universal Music.

In the course of the interview, Ronnie talks in detail about the formation of DIO the band, and the background to the "Holy Diver" debut — the first time he'd released a record under his own name, and the first time (having parted company with both RAINBOW and BLACK SABBATH) he was truly in charge of his own destiny.

DIO start an 11-date U.K. tour on October 9, 2005, the intention being to play the "Holy Diver" album in full in the course of what promises to be a memorable night of truly timeless music.

"It wasn't my idea, but suggested by someone else," Ronnie James Dio told U.K.'s Metal Hammer magazine. "And this seemed to be a good concept at the time, although the closer we get to doing this, the more concerned I'm getting!

"I have to admit that I've not actually listened to the album for ages, and I keep putting it off. I'm actually scared of doing so. I know what I'm like. I'll hear what we did back then, and start thinking, 'You know what? This could have been done better, and that can be improved.' But I'm gonna have to bite the bullet and do it soon.

"A lot of bands have been playing one of their classic albums from beginning to end onstage recently. DEEP PURPLE did it with 'Machine Head' and SLAYER with 'Reign in Blood'. It's something people really seem to be into, and I'm sure DIO fans are going to love it. And it's not as if it'll be a massive departure for us — we do a lot of the songs live anyway. The 'Holy Diver' album will just be a part of the whole live experience on the tour."

There are plans for DIO to both film and record this landmark event, but it won't happen on the British tour. Rather, they're going to do this in Russia.

"We're gonna be spending a month out there, and decided that's where the filming and recording would happen. That's not meant to be any slight to our British fans at all. But to go on tour in Russia is a special event in itself."

[muthagoose]

Universal Music has announced the October 3 DVD release of "We Rock" — a live-in-concert DIO extravaganza boasting two knock-out concerts filmed during DIO's 1983-1984 "Holy Diver" world tour.

Off the back of the release of "Holy Diver", arguably the finest hard rock album to come out of 1983 and a second serving of rock genius in 1984's "The Last In Line", DIO found themselves in embarking on a sell-out world tour.

Delivering concert performances of the highest calibre and putting on the kind of value-for-money show that had become something of a lost art, the "Holy Diver" world tour won the band adulation from fans, critics and fellow musicians alike.

Conscious of the success of this world tour, DIO's frontman and namesake, Ronnie James Dio, felt it was only right to spotlight the songs that had delighted legions of dedicated fans and the live-in-concert footage featured here (from Philadelphia and Utrecht, the latter a very early performance) shows just how exciting shows the first couple of years must have been. And then, of course, there's the added bonus of a brand new interview with Ronnie (recorded in Belgium earlier this year), in which he talks in detail about the "Holy Diver" album, and the background to the project in general. The approximately 100-minute DVD comes complete with a fold-out DIO poster.

"We Rock" DVD (view cover here) track listing:

Main Concert : DIO at The Spectrum, Philadelphia:

01. Don't Talk To Strangers
02. Mystery
03. Egypt / Drum Solo / Heaven & Hell / Guitar solo / Heaven & Hell
04. Last In Line
05. Rainbow In the Dark
06. Mob Rules
07. We Rock

DIO live in Utrecht, Holland:

01. Stand Up & Shout
02. Straight Through The Heart
03. Shame On The Night
04. Children Of The Sea
05. Holy Diver
06. Rainbow In The Dark
07. Don't Talk To Strangers

[muthagoose]

Spitfire Records will be re-issuing DIO's "Evil or Divine" live CD/DVD as a "double release" on October 4. The package will contain both the original DVD and CD releases, as well as bonus material, such as video for the song "Push", an interview with Ronnie James Dio, behind-the-scenes footage and a photo gallery.

"Evil Or Divine" was recorded on Dec. 13, 2002 at Roseland Ballroom in New York City and was directed by Ken Botelho for Century Productions. Aside from singer Ronnie James Dio, the rest of the band lineup for this release is: Jimmy Bain (bass), Simon Wright (drums), Doug Aldrich (guitar), and Scott Warren (keyboards).

[muthagoose]

What is Ronnie James Dio up to you say?!!!



According to the official DIO fan club newsletter, DIO will be working on a new album in January/February and going back on the road sometime in March for an extended South American tour. The band will resume work on the new CD in April/May, with plans to complete the album by the end of the year. The band's management has also confirmed that DIO will be making several European festival appearances during June, July and August. No U.S. tour plans for 2006 have yet been announced.

The current DIO touring lineup includes guitarist Doug Aldrich (WHITESNAKE), who has been filling in for an injured Craig Goldy since early October. Craig was previously said to have hurt his arm while touring Russia and was trying to continue to play the shows on painkillers, but was eventually forced to leave the trek.

Aldrich's sole studio recording with DIO came in the shape of 2002's "Killing the Dragon", after which he toured with the group before leaving to join the touring lineup of WHITESNAKE.

[muthagoose]

Eagle Rock Entertainment/Spitfire Records has set an April 18 North American release date for DIO's "Holy Diver Live" CD (one day earlier internationally).

Captured live in front of a sold-out London crowd, "Holy Diver Live" sees Ronnie James Dio delivering a truly memorable performance on this truly memorable night. Dio has been hailed as one of the finest voices in heavy metal for over 30 years now and for good reason. Due to his stints in RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH and as a solo artist, Dio is one of the few people in the history of music that can honestly say they have played on three classic albums, each under a different moniker. "Holy Diver Live" features the classic "Holy Diver" album in its entirety, from start to finish, recorded live for the very first time. It also features, among others, "Heaven & Hell", "Sign of the Southern Cross" and "Mob Rules" from his BLACK SABBATH days, "Tarot Woman", "Man on the Silver Mountain" and "Long Live Rock 'N' Roll" from the RAINBOW era and "We Rock" from his solo career.

"Holy Diver Live" CD track listing:

CD1:

01. Stand Up and Shout
02. Holy Diver
03. Gypsy
04. Caught in the Middle
05. Don't Talk to Strangers
06. Straight Through the Heart
07. Invisible
08. Rainbow in the Dark
09. Shame on the Night

CD2:

01. Tarot Woman
02. Sign of the Southern Cross
03. One Night in the City
04. Gates of Babylon
05. Heaven & Hell
06. Man on the Silver Mountain
07. Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll
08. We Rock

[muthagoose]

DIO: In Writing Mode

Ronnie James Dio's (DIO, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW) official web site has been updated with the following message:

"Ronnie and company are busy writing a new [DIO] studio record to be released later this year. Touring is expected to gear up in May with a South American jaunt, followed by a European tour commencing May 27 in Belgium. Dates will be announced as soon as they are confirmed, so keep watching the tour page for details."

As previously reported, Eagle Rock Entertainment has set an April 18 North American release date for DIO's "Holy Diver Live" CD (one day earlier internationally). Captured live in 2005 in front of a sold-out London crowd, "Holy Diver Live" sees Ronnie James Dio delivering a truly memorable performance on this truly memorable night. Dio has been hailed as one of the finest voices in heavy metal for over 30 years now and for good reason. Due to his stints in RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH and as a solo artist, Dio is one of the few people in the history of music that can honestly say they have played on three classic albums, each under a different moniker. "Holy Diver Live" features the classic "Holy Diver" album in its entirety, from start to finish, recorded live for the very first time. It also features, among others, "Heaven & Hell", "Sign of the Southern Cross" and "Mob Rules" from his BLACK SABBATH days, "Tarot Woman", "Man on the Silver Mountain" and "Long Live Rock 'N' Roll" from the RAINBOW era and "We Rock" from his solo career.

[muthagoose]

Ronnie James Dio has no plans on rejoining Black Sabbath

Legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio's (BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW) official web site has been updated with the following message:

"Just to put the BLACK SABBATH reunion rumors to rest, here is the inside scoop from Wendy Dio [Ronnie's wife/manager]: Ronnie was in the U.K. to do promo for the new 'Holy Diver Live' CD and while there, dropped in on Tony Iommi to kick around some ideas for the forthcoming box set, 'Black Sabbath: The Dio Years'. We had previously mentioned that the two would be writing together as their respective schedules permitted.

"There are NO plans for Ronnie to rejoin BLACK SABBATH, and in fact, DIO is preparing for their European tour, which begins May 27 in Roselare, Belgium. Check the tour page for the entire schedule."

Dio recorded a total of three studio albums with BLACK SABBATH — 1980's "Heaven and Hell", 1981's "Mob Rules" and 1992's "Dehumanizer" — in addition to appearing on the classic live album "Live Evil" in 1983.

As previously reported, Eagle Rock Entertainment has set an April 18 North American release date for DIO's "Holy Diver Live" CD (one day earlier internationally). Captured live in 2005 in front of a sold-out London crowd, "Holy Diver Live" features the classic "Holy Diver" album in its entirety, from start to finish, recorded live for the very first time. It also includes, among others, "Heaven & Hell", "Sign of the Southern Cross" and "Mob Rules" from vocalist Ronnie James Dio's BLACK SABBATH days, "Tarot Woman", "Man on the Silver Mountain" and "Long Live Rock 'N' Roll" from the RAINBOW era and "We Rock" from his solo career.

DIO's follow-up to 2004's "Master of the Moon" is expected before the end of the year.