Jimmy Bain: Firing Vivian Campbel was the Biggest Mistake of Ronnie James Dio's Career


Speaking to U.K.'s Metal Hammer for the magazine's May 2012 issue which features a six-page spotlight on DIO, Bain said about Campbell's exit from the group, "Viv did nothing that warranted his removal from the band in what is still considered to be a cowardly way. For me, firing Viv was the biggest mistake of Ronnie's career. The problem could've easily been resolved if there had a been a will to do so from Ronnie and Wendy [Dio, the band's manager and Ronnie's wife]."

Bain also felt that DIO was in decline by the time the band released "Sacred Heart".

"DIO should have gotten better with each album, but what happened was the opposite," Jimmy told Metal Hammer. "The production was watered down with all the keyboards, [and] the songs were not as good because it became harder to satisfy Ronnie's need to complicate arrangement and structure."

Bain, Campbell, Appice, Schnell and Freeman "had a couple of rehearsals" last week "and it sounds great," the bassist said. He added, "Listening to Vivian playing those songs again has been amazing. He's just so into it doing this, and his enthusiasm has rubbed off on the rest of us.

"Andy isn't Ronnie. How could he be? But what he does bring is his own twist on the vocals. Our aim is to do some shows around November, concentrating on the first two DIO albums. It's gonna be great getting back onstage with these guys for the first time in so long.”

[source: Blabbermouth]





Former DIO Members Campbell, Appice, Bain and Schnell Reunite & Plan Live Shows


Former DIO and current Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell has revealed via Facebook that he is planning to join forces with three other original DIO members to play "some gigs" that will see the musicians performing material from the early DIO records that Campbell appeared on.

"I met up with the original DIO band guys, Vinny Appice [drums], Jimmy Bain [bass] and Claude Schnell [keyboards] again [Monday] night [April 30]. Now that I've brushed up on how to play those solos again, we're planning to jam some more and plan to do some gigs, too. We found a great singer who can really do justice to Ronnie's [James Dio] parts."

Campbell, Appice, Bain and Schnell previously jammed together in late February. Vivian wrote at the time on his Facebook page, "Well, that was a hoot playing the old songs with the DIO guys again. I even broke out the original black Les Paul that I recorded them on (needs a re-fret really bad!). All in all, it sounded great and now we're thinking of taking it a stage further. " He added, "A chap called Andy Freeman (friend of Vinny's;) [Hurricane, Lynch Mob, Bulletboys] stopped by for about a half hour and sang a few of the songs. He was incredible!"

Campbell and Ronnie James Dio worked together on the first three DIO albums 1983's "Holy Diver", 1984's "The Last in Line" and 1985's "Sacred Heart" — before Irishman Campbell left to join WhitesnakeE in 1987. Their subsequent relationship was strained, to say the least.

[source: Blabbermouth]





DIO's Final Studio Album 'Master Of The Moon' To Get Picture-Disc Makeover


Ronnie James Dio's stellar musical career was matched by very few, and what turned out to be the last-ever studio album released by his solo band, DIO, will be issued as a picture disc on June 5. "Master Of The Moon" will be released via the Niji Entertainment Group, and is the first time the album has been issued as a picture disc in the U.S.

Featuring the stellar lineup of Ronnie James Dio on vocals, Craig Goldy on guitar/keyboards, Jeff Pilson on bass, Scott Warren on keyboards, and Simon Wright on drums, "Master Of The Moon" features such DIO classics as "One More For The Road" and the title track. Also included is "The Eyes", which the late singer once noted was one of his all-time favorite tracks recorded by the DIO band.

The tenth DIO studio album overall, "Master Of The Moon" was the perfect way to close the solo career of one of hard rock/heavy metal's all-time great vocalists. Featuring artwork by horror/science fiction artist Marc Sasso, this striking picture disc is a must-have for DIO collectors. And soon, fans will get the opportunity to rediscover and experience this classic album like they never have before!

[source: Blabbermouth]





DIO 'Holy Diver', 'The Last In Line' and 'Sacred Heart' Deluxe Editions


The release of the previously mentioned 'The Last In Line' and 'Sacred Heart' Deluxe Editions in Japan have been delayed. A new release date have been set to March 2012. The release is now not only for Japan but they will also be released in Europe.

Also DIO's first album 'Holy Diver' will be released in a Deluxe 2CD Edition.

Press Release from Universal

Release Date: 19th March 2012

In May 2010 the world of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal had lost one of its most gifted and fervent ambassadors, with the passing of Ronnie James Dio. In his position as lead vocalist for Rock giants such as Rainbow and Black Sabbath, as well as fronting his own eponymous band for nearly three decades, Dio created some of the genres most defining and respected works. Albums such as 'Holy Diver', 'Sacred Heart' and 'Last in Line' all stand as towering monuments of sheer class and brilliance in the Rock pantheon. Dio was also to pave the way in regards to performing live, as few equaled him. With his incredible vocal range, Dio was to preside over countless memorable rock shows, enthralling his millions of fans worldwide. As well as the original CD being re-mastered, these reissues each feature a bonus CD containing an expanded booklet with notes from Malcolm Dome and has been endorsed by Ronnie's widow Wendy Dio.

'Holy Diver' was the debut album from Dio, released 25th May, 1983. It was hailed by critics as some of his best work and in January 1986 it was awarded silver certification. The upbeat sounding 'Rainbow in the Dark' was to catch MTV's attention, with the title track also standing out.

'The Last in Line' was the second Dio studio album. It was released on 13th July, 1984 and was the first album from Dio to reach platinum status as well as number 4 in the UK charts. This new album showcased the anthemic tracks 'We Rock' and 'I Speed at Night' as well as the seven-minute epic, 'Egypt ( The Chains are On)'.

Released in October 1985 'Sacred Heart' was released as the third studio album from Dio. The album reached number 4 in the UK charts and was to go on to be certified Gold. This was to become a much loved Dio album, and contained the tracks 'Rock N' Roll Children' and 'Hungry for Heaven'. The stage show that was to accompany this album was hailed as a spectacle, involving a mechanized dragon as well as lasers. Ronnie and his band were to refer to the dragon as Denzil. This was the last studio album to be released by Dio that included guitarist Vivian Campbell.

"Holy Diver" Deluxe Edition track listing:

Disc 1:

1. Stand Up And Shout
2. Holy Diver
3. Gypsy
4. Caught In The Middle
5. Dont Talk To Strangers
6. Straight Through The Heart
7. Invisible
8. Rainbow In The Dark
9. Shame On The Night

Disc 2:

1. Evil Eyes (Studio B-Side)
2. Stand Up And Shout (Live)
3. Straight Through The Heart (Live)
4. Stand Up And Shout (Live)
5. Shame On The Night (Live)
6. Children Of The Sea (Live)
7. Holy Diver (Live)
8. Rainbow In The Dark (Live)
9. Man On The Silver Mountain (Live)


The second disc for both 'The Last In Line' and 'Sacred Heart' have an extra track than reported previously.

Disc 2 'The Last In Line':

1. Stand Up & Shout – Live B-Side from Last in Line Single
2. Straight Through the Heart – Live B-Side from Last in Line Single
3. Eat Your Heart Out – Live from Mystery Single
4. Don’t Talk to Strangers- Live from Mystery Single
5. Holy Diver - Live B-Side from We Rock Single
6. Rainbow in the Dark – Live B-Side from We Rock Single
7. One Night in the City – Live, Pinkpop Festival, Geleen
8. We Rock – Live, Pinkpop Festival, Geleen
9. Holy Diver – Live, Pinkpop Festival, Geleen
10. Stargazer – Live, Pinkpop Festival, Geleen
11. Heaven & Hell – Live, Pinkpop Festival, Geleen
12. Rainbow in the Dark – Live, Pinkpop Festival, Geleen
13. Man on the Silver Mountain – Live, Pinkpop Festival, Geleen
14. Don’t Talk to Strangers – Live, Pinkpop Festival, Geleen

Disc 2 'Sacred Heart':

1. Hide in the Rainbow – Studio track, originally on the soundtrack to the movie “Iron Eagle“.
2. We Rock – Live B-Side from Rock N Roll Children Single
3. The Last in Line – Live B-Side from Rock N Roll Children Single
4. Like the Beat of a Heart – Live B-Side from Hungry For Heaven Single
5. King of Rock & Roll – Taken from Live Intermission EP
6. Rainbow in the Dark – Taken from Live Intermission EP
7. Sacred Heart – Taken from Live Intermission EP
8. Time to Burn – Studio Track taken from Intermission EP
9. Rock N Roll Children – Taken from Live Intermission EP
10. Long Live Rock N Roll – Taken from Live Intermission EP
11. Man on the Silver Mountain - Taken from Live Intermission EP
12. We Rock – Taken from Live Intermission EP

[source: Universal Music]





DIO 'Sacred Heart' Deluxe Edition To Include Live Recordings, B-Sides


According to CDJapan.co.jp, Universal has set a November 16 Japanese release date for the deluxe edition of DIO's 1985 album, "Sacred Heart". The reissue features the high-fidelity SHM-CD format (compatible with standard CD players) and cardboard sleeve jacket.

It includes a bonus disc with live tracks, B-sides and more and is part of a two-album DIO SHM-CD cardboard sleeve reissue series featuring albums "The Last In Line" and "Sacred Heart".

"Sacred Heart" Deluxe Edition track listing:

Disc 1:

01. King Of Rock And Roll
02. Sacred Heart
03. Another Lie
04. Rock 'N' Roll Children
05. Hungry For Heaven
06. Like The Beat Of The Heart
07. Just Another Day
08. Fallen Angels
09. Shoot Shoot

Disc 2:

Bonus Tracks

01. Hide In The Rainbow (EP)
02. We Rock (Live B-Side)
03. Last In Line (Live B-Side)
04. Like The Beat Of A Heart (Live B-Side)

Intermission (Live At The Sports Arena in San Diego, CA on December 6, 1985)

05. King Of Rock N Roll
06. Rainbow In The Dark
07. Sacred Heart
08. Rock 'N' Roll Children
09. Long Live Rock N Roll
10. Man On The Silver Mountain
11. We Rock

[source: Blabbermouth]





DIO 'The Last In Line' Deluxe Edition To Include Live Recordings


According to CDJapan.co.jp, Universal has set a November 16 Japanese release date for the deluxe edition of DIO's classic 1984 sophomore album, "The Last In Line". The reissue features the high-fidelity SHM-CD format (compatible with standard CD players) and cardboard sleeve jacket.

It includes a bonus disc with live tracks, B-sides and more and is part of a two-album DIO SHM-CD cardboard sleeve reissue series featuring albums "The Last In Line" and "Sacred Heart".

"The Last In Line" Deluxe Edition track listing:

Disc 1:

01. We Rock
02. Last in Line
03. Breathless
04. I Speed at Night
05. One Night in the City
06. Evil Eyes
07. Mystery
08. Eat Your Heart Out
09. Egypt (The Chains Are On)

Disc 2:

01. Stand Up And Shout (Live B-Side)
02. Straight Through The Heart (Live B-Side)
03. Eat Your Heart Out (Live)
04. Don't Talk To Strangers (Live)
05. Holy Diver (Live B-Side)
06. Rainbow In The Dark (Live B-Side)
07. One Night In The City (Live Pinkpop Festival)
08. We Rock (Live Pinkpop Festival)
09. Holy Diver (Live Pinkpop Festival)
10. Stargazer (Live Pinkpop Festival)
11. Heaven And Hell (Live Pinkpop Festival)
12. Rainbow In The Dark (Live Pinkpop Festival)
13. Don't Talk To Strangers (Live Pinkpop Festival)

[source: Blabbermouth]





Hear Ronnie James Dio's Rock Roots On 'And Before Elf... There Were Elves' Release


Over the years, legendary singer Ronnie James Dio fronted some of the most popular/enduring hard rock/heavy metal bands of all time, including Rainbow, Black Sbbath/Heaven & Hell, and DIO. But before all of these bands, there was ELF. Described as a "rock/honky tonk/blues band," ELF's forthcoming release, "And Before Elf… There Were Elves", will prove that Ronnie could easily handle other rock-related styles.

Released on October 11 via the Niji Entertainment Group, "And Before Elf" will feature twelve previously unreleased tracks (all from 1971), comprised of both live in the studio and live on stage tracks. The album will feature a striking lenticular/3D/hologram cover on which, when you turn it, you will see two alternating images — Ronnie from the first ELF LP as well as a vintage group shot from 1971. And although these recordings are 40 years old, the sonic quality still passes the test, as longtime DIO engineer Wyn Davis remastered the original tapes.

Formed in 1967 in Cortland, New York, The Elves also featured other members that would carve a niche for themselves in the hard rock world! Guitarist David "Rock" Feinstein (Dio's cousin) would go on to front The Rods. ELF would last for a trio of albums, before Ronnie exited the group in 1975, to co-form Rainbow with ex-Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore.

Ronnie James Dio always had the golden touch as a masterful singer and frontman. And upon hearing "And Before Elf… There Were Elves", you'll discover he possessed his one-of-a-kind voice from the very beginning of his career.

"And Before Elf... There Were Elves" track listing:

01. You Shook Me
02. Stay With Me
03. Four Day Creep
04. Buckingham Blues
05. Wakeup Sunshine
06. Driftin'
07. Smile For Me Lady
08. You Felt The Same Way
09. Simple Man
10. Drown Me In The River
11. Cold Ramona
12. Little Queenie

[source: Blabbermouth]





The Ronnie James Dio Story 'Mightier Than The Sword' to be released in August


The depth of loss felt within the Rock and Metal communities by the passing of Ronnie James Dio on the 16th May 2010 was immense, and is testament to the high esteem with which the man and his legacy is held. As a fitting reminder of this legacy, Universal Music is proud to present The Ronnie James Dio Story: Mightier Than The Sword, a 2CD collection celebrating over three decades of music from one of the greatest vocalists in the entire history of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal.

DISC ONE:

1. Carolina County Ball (ELF)
2. Love Is All (The Butterfly Ball)
3. Temple Of The King (Rainbow)
4. Catch The Rainbow (Rainbow)
5. Stargazer (Rainbow)
6. Run With The Wolf (Rainbow)
7. Kill The King (Live) (Rainbow)
8. Long Live Rock 'n' Roll (Rainbow)
9. Lady Of The Lake (Rainbow)
10. Gates Of Babylon (Rainbow)
11. Die Young (Black Sabbath)
12. Heaven And Hell (Black Sabbath)
13. Children Of The Sea (Black Sabbath)

DISC TWO:

1. Mob Rules (Black Sabbath)
2. Voodoo (Black Sabbath)
3. Country Girl (Black Sabbath)
4. Holy Diver (DIO)
5. Rainbow In The Dark (DIO)
6. We Rock (DIO)
7. Rock 'n' Roll Children (DIO)
8. All The Fools Sailed Away (DIO)
9. I (Black Sabbath)
10. Push (DIO)
11. One More For The Road (DIO)
12. Shadow Of The Wind (Black Sabbath)
13. Neon Knights (Live) (Heaven and Hell)
14. Bible Black (Heaven and Hell)

The Ronnie James Dio Story 'Mightier Than The Sword' will be released on the 8th August 2011

[source: MusicNews.com]





DIO Disciples European Tour Dates for June 2011 Announced


Former DIO members Rudy Sarzo (bass), Simon Wright (drums), Craig Goldy (guitar) and Scott Warren (keyboards) will join forces with singers Tim "Ripper" Owens (Yngwie Malmsteen, Beyond Fear, Judas Priest, Iced Earth) and Toby Jepson (Little Angels, Gun) to play a number of shows in Europe under the name DIO Disciples.

Because of Sarzo's commitment to Blue Öyster Cult, James Lomenzo (Megadeth, Black Label Society, White Lion) will join the band for the European dates until Rudy becomes available.

The DIO Disciples European tour dates are:

June 08: Moscow, Russia - A2 Club
June 09: St. Petersburg, Russia - Kosmonayt
June 10: Tampere, Finland - Sauna Open Air
June 11: East Midlands, UK - Download Festival
June 12: Newcastle, UK - Academy
June 14: Glasgow, Scotland - Garage
June 15: Wolverhampton, UK - Sleigh Rooms
June 16: Manchester, UK - Academy 2
June 17: London, UK - Islington Academy
June 19: Uden, Netherlands - De Pul
June 20: Aschafensburg, Germany - Colos Saal
June 21: Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle
June 22: Berlin, Germany - C Club
June 24: Dessel, Belgium - Graspop Metal Meeting
June 25: Bochum, Germany - Matrix
June 27: Vienna, Austria - Szene Wien
June 28: Lucerne, Switzerland - Konzerthaus Schuur

[source: Blabbermouth]





Black Sabbath's Dehumanizer Deluxe Edition Announced


Coming in February is the next in the Black Sabbath "Deluxe Edition" remaster series by Universal/Sanctuary. This one is Dehumanizer. Below is a press release.

It will be released on February 7th, 2011, and is the last in the series for the moment. It will be two discs, the first disc is the standard album we've known, and disc 2 is a mix of live tracks and a couple of B-Sides.

BLACK SABBATH
2CD 'DEHUMANIZER' SPECIAL EDITION
- WITH FIVE RARE LIVE TRACKS -
RELEASE DATE: 7TH FEBRUARY 2011

Originally released in 1992, 'Dehumanizer' was the first Black Sabbath album to feature the vocals of the late, great Ronnie James Dio since 1981's 'Mob Rules'. With a line-up completed by founder members Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler, and drumming duties carried out by Vinny Appice, 'Dehumanizer' is arguably one of Sabbath's heaviest albums.

This edition is expanded with the single edit of 'Master Of Insanity', an alternate version of 'Letters From Earth' that originally appeared as the b-side to the 'TV Crimes' single, and a version of 'Time Machine' originally recorded for the soundtrack to the movie Wayne's World. In addition, the set also includes five rare live tracks from Florida's Sundome recorded at the beginning of the Dehumanizer tour in July 1992, including a previously unreleased live version of 'Master Of Insanity'.

The set includes liner notes from Metal Hammer's Dom Lawson, based on new interviews with Tony Iommi.
Disc One (Original Album 1992)

1. Computer God
2. After All (The Dead)
3. TV Crimes
4. Letters From Earth
5. Master of Insanity
6. Time Machine
7. Sins of the Father
8. Too Late
9. I
10. Buried Alive 		Disc Two (Bonus Tracks)

1. Master Of Insanity (Single Edit)
2. Letters From Earth (B-Side Version)
3. Time Machine (Wayne's World Version)

Live at The Sundome,Tampa, Florida 25th July 1992:
4. Children Of The Sea
5. Die Young
6. TV Crimes
7. Master Of Insanity
8. Neon Knights
[source: Joe Siegler, www.black-sabbath.com]





Ronnie James Dio Statue Unveiling In Kavarna, Bulgaria


The official unveiling of the monument dedicated to legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio in the Bulgarian Black-sea coastal town of Kavarna took place yesterday (Saturday, October 23). Dio's road manager Steve Mignardi and DIO drummer Simon Wright (who also previously played with AC/DC) attended the event. Sculptors Alexander Petrov and Krasimir Krastev - Lomsky spent two months working on the project, which is more than two meters in height (approximately six-and-a-half feet) and is combined with large stones taken from the sea. The statue, which was funded entirely through donations, was placed in the city's central park, as part of the soon-to-be built "Alley Of Rock," a project approved by the City Council four years ago.

According to Radio Bulgaria, the decision to erect the monument was taken by the municipal administration, with the most active proponents being Kavarna Mayor Tzonko Tzonev as well as leading journalists, musicians and singers.

A replica of the monument was displayed during the three-day Kavarna Rock Fest in July and a plaster model of the statue was subsequently created, marking the final stage of the preparation for its construction.

Dio was reportedly one of the very first heavy rock icons to play Kavarna. In fact, he performed in Bulgaria no less than five times and took an active part in the campaign for liberating the Bulgarian nurses held in prison in Libya for eight years.

According to Standart News, the mayor of Kavarna, Tzonko Tzonev, has managed to turn his life-long hobby — rock music — into a successful and profitable project and thus pours funds into the treasury of Kavarna Municipality. Thanks to Tzonev's efforts, some of the greatest rock musicians of all time have come and performed in the small coastal town of Kavarna.

More photos on this link

[source: Blabbermouth]





David 'Rock' Feinstein Solo Album Featuring Ronnie James Dio out on November 23


David "Rock" Feinstein — a former member of Ronnie Dio & The Prophets, The Electric Elves, ELF, and the leader of the legendary New York band The Rods — is readying a new solo effort via the Niji Entertainment Group, "Bitten By The Beast". Released on November 23, 2010, the nine-track disc will be available as a deluxe digipack, and will certainly be of interest to metal fans worldwide, due to Feinstein's impressive hard rock pedigree. But also because the album features what turned out to be one of the last-ever recorded vocals by Ronnie James Dio (Feinstein's cousin), on the headbanging anthem "Metal Will Never Die".

"I feel like it was meant for me to write 'Metal Will Never Die'," explains Feinstein. "And it was meant to be that Ronnie James Dio should sing it! Whatever power it was that brought the two of us back together musically, I am so thankful for. Now, 'Metal Will Never Die' means more to me than any other song that I have written in my whole career as a songwriter and musician. I can't wait for the world to hear it!"

"Metal Will Never Die" is sure to be a hit at active, hard rock, and metal radio (which the Skateboard Marketing team will be heavily promoting for the coming months). "Bitten By The Beast" will undoubtedly catch the attention of Dio fans, as well as fans of vintage, anthemic metal sounds. "Nobody could really know how Ronnie worked in the studio, unless they saw it for themselves," adds Feinstein. "How effortless it was for him to sing. Years ago, Ronnie and I spoke about doing some kind of project together again." Soon, fans will be able to hear firsthand what Ronnie James Dio had known for decades — Feinstein is the real deal, and "Bitten By The Beast" will prove this point once and for all.

The Niji Entertainment Group was started by Ronnie James Dio and his wife/manager, Wendy Dio, in early 2010 (shortly before Dio's tragic passing in May of this year). The first non-Dio-related release will be "Bitten By The Beast", which will lead to further releases by other artists throughout next year, including solo efforts by Tim "Ripper" Owens, Lynch Mob vocalist Oni Logan, and former DIO guitarist Rowan Robertson.

[source: Blabbermouth]





New Music & Memoirs Planned for Ronnie James Dio


When Ronnie James Dio passed away from stomach cancer in May, he was in the midst of launching a record label with his wife and manager, Wendy Dio. The future of the company — which they planned to call Niji Entertainment Group, and would use to release recordings by Dio and other artists — was thrown into doubt. But Wendy Dio now tells Rolling Stone that she will launch the label herself, with several releases scheduled for November. Meanwhile, she has been shopping Ronnie's memoirs with an agent.

Niji will get rolling on November 9th, when they release the double-disc set Dio at Donington UK: Live 1983 and 1987, which collects two vintage performances by Dio's solo group. The '83 performance, Wendy explains, "was the first appearance in the UK of the Dio band — it's very energetic." Four years later, the band came with a different lineup and "a lot more songs under their belt." The first disc represents "a new, young band coming out of the box," says Wendy, "and then the [second disc] is a more seasoned band."

As for the memoirs, Dio completed most of the book before he died. "I'm just going to finish the end parts of it," Wendy explains. "It's actually [intended as] a three-book deal — the memoirs of Ronnie, a book of illustrated lyrics, and a photo book."

Niji plans two other releases this year, both on November 23rd: A reissue of Holy Diver, Dio's 1983 solo debut, on 180 gram vinyl; and Bitten by the Beast, an album by Ronnie's cousin, David "Rock" Feinstein. Feinstein played with Dio in Elf, and also in a band called the Rods. "Ronnie recorded two songs with him last year," Wendy says. "One of the songs is called 'Metal Will Never Die,' and will be featured on that CD."

Wendy also turned up a few more tracks recorded after "Metal Will Never Die." These were intended for parts two and three of the Magica series, which Dio launched in 2000. He wrote one song, called 'Electra,' which we put on the Tournado box set, which was just 1,500 copies," Wendy says. "Then he'd written two or three more songs. They will be released."

In 2011 the label will release a mammoth 16-album vinyl-or-CD box set, For the Record: The Complete Dio Vinyl Collection, plus The Complete Bootleg Box. ("There are a lot of [performances] from strange places," Wendy says of the Bootleg Box. "It will span over all the years that we have"). Also forthcoming: Elf vinyl reissues, and a DVD release of the import VHS video, Super Rock Japan 1985.

[source: RollingStone.com]





DIO "Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987" Two-CD Set To Arrive In November


The first official release from Niji Entertainment Group, the label formed by the late Ronnie James Dio and his wife/manager Wendy Dio, will be "Dio At Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987". Due on November 9, the two-CD deluxe digipak comes with a booklet filled with rare photos from both concerts. It also includes both "All Access" backstage laminates from 1983 and 1987.

1983 was the first time DIO played in the United Kingdom and the band's first show just happened to be the legendary Monsters Of Rock event.

"Dio At Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987" features material that was recorded on two different tours — the "Holy Diver" trek from 1983 and the "Dream Evil" tour from 1987.

"Dio At Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987" track listing:

**NOTE: This track listing has not been officially confirmed.**

CD 1: 1983

01. Stand Up and Shout 02. Straight Through The Heart 03. Children Of The Sea 04. Rainbow In The Dark 05. Holy Diver 06. Drum Solo 07. Stargazer 08. Guitar Solo 09. Heaven And Hell 10. Man On The Silver Mountain 11. Starstruck 12. Evil Eyes

CD 2: 1987

01. Dream Evil 02. Neon Knights 03. Naked In The Rain 04. Rock 'N' roll Children 05. Long Live Rock 'N' roll 06. Rock 'N' Roll Children (reprise) 07. The Last In Line 08. Holy Diver 09. Heaven And Hell 10. Man On The Silver Mountain 11. All The Fools Sailed Away ~ The Last In Line 12. Rainbow In The Dark

[source: Blabbermouth]





Ronnie James Dio Authorised Photo Book due out in the Autumn


There is an authorised photo book on Ronnie Dio due out in the Autumn, which has some great material in. It is approved by Wendy Dio and a donation from each copy sold will go to the Stand Up & Shout fund.

There will be two editions. Full details will be revealed next week. See also the DPAS Blog.

[source: deep-purple.net]





Heaven & Hell plays Ronnie James Dio Tribute concert in London on July 24


Surviving Heaven & Hell members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice will play a very special tribute to their fallen bandmate, Ronnie James Dio, at this year's High Voltage festival on July 24 at Victoria Park in London, England. The musicians will be joined by legendary former Deep Purple and Black Sabbath man Glenn Hughes and Norwegian vocalist Jorn Lande, who sings for power metallers Masterplan and is about to release his own tribute to Ronnie.

Proceeds from this performance will go to the Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up And Shout" Cancer Fund.

Iommi told: "This will be the first and only tribute we're doing to Ronnie," Iommi said. "Not that that's wrong, but we feel that it would be really nice to do this for him. And he'd really like that, I know he would. And Glenn Hughes has also been a part of the family for many years — he was a really good friend of Ronnie's; they were very close, and he was very close with us — so we think it would be apt to use Glenn. And Glenn's a great vocalist. And Jorn Lande, of course — I don't know if you're familiar with him, but he's also a very big fan of Ronnie's and a great singer."

[source: Blabbermouth]





Ronnie James Dio's final interview


In what appears to be Ronnie James Dio's final interview, Steve Simon from Texas' 39 News spoke with the legendary singer at The University Of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center while he was in chemo treatment seven weeks before his death on Sunday, May 16th at 7:45 AM PST at the age of 67.

HOUSTON - He's been called the "Grand Wizard of Classic Rock" and a heavy metal icon, but for the past few months 67-year-old Ronnie James Dio has been known as a cancer patient.

"Why come to Houston? It's the best hospital," Dio said as he got ready for a round of chemotherapy at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Monday. Dio has been going to M.D. Anderson since late last year when he was diagnosed with stomach cancer. "I've been poked and prodded in holes I never had before," Dio said.

Dio is soft-spoken and relaxed during treatment, it's a different persona then most people are used to seeing. He's been the front-man for groups like "Black Sabbath", "Rainbow" and currently he's the lead vocalist for "Dio." He made the "devil's horn" hand gesture part of the Heavy Metal culture. Those hands now get support from wife Wendy, nurses and doctors. Dio first noticed symptoms after Halloween. He felt chest-pain and indigestion that eventually led to the cancer diagnosis. Dio now comes to Houston every two weeks for treatment.

"I'm lucky that I'm a hard person in terms of my beliefs," said Dio. Dio then has a direct message for the tumor in his stomach: "Cancer, I'll kick the hell out of you."

"Ronnie is a very feisty person, He's taking in in stride. He just wants to get on with his life," Wendy Dio said.

Getting on with life means flying in from Los Angeles, five hours of chemotherapy, then flying back home. Sometimes band members, like bass player Geezer Butler, come for support. Wendy Dio is always with him. The treatment seems to be working, Wendy Dio said the tumor is getting smaller, all of this in a man with a very big voice who expects to go back on tour soon.

"The fans have been incredible, it proves to me that I've done something right with my life," said Dio.

Check out the video below:



[source: 39 News, KIAH TV, Houston TX, March 29, 2010]





Public Memorial Service Ronnie James Dio To Be Held Later This Month


There will be a public memorial service for Ronnie James Dio on Sunday, May 30 at 2:00 p.m. at The Hall Of Liberty located at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068. This will be a celebration of the life and music of Ronnie James Dio and is open to all of his friends and fans from around the world.

For those of you that will be flying in from out of town or out of the country, Ronnie James Dio's official website is working with various local hotels to arrange discount rates. As soon as they have more information, they will make it available.

Ronnie's wife/manager Wendy Dio has requested in lieu of sending flowers, please make a donation to the Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund."

Send your donations to the Niji Entertainment Group, 12400 Ventura Blvd. #624, Studio City, CA 91604, USA.

Update:

According to the official web site of the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) — an independent Baptist church and hate group known for its hatred of homosexuals and its protest activities (which include picketing funerals) — WBC is planning on picketing Ronnie James Dio's public memorial service on Sunday, May 30 at 2:00 p.m. at The Hall Of Liberty located at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, California. What will presumably one of WBC's standard "peaceful sidewalk demonstrations" is meant to "remind you who worship that old Serpent, Satan, that your time is very short," according to a post on the "Upcoming Picket Schedule" page of the web site. The post continues, "You know 67 year old, Satan-worshiping (or at least one of their enablers) Ronnie James Dio (of showing his devil horns to the world each time he goes in public) Black Sabbath fame is dead, right? 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."

The post goes on to say, "Yes, it is true that Ozzy Osbourne did 'accidentally' bite off the head of a bat, but THAT is the least of their sins (little nasties!), they currently do not do that, but they throw raw meat to the audience and encourage violence of EVERY FORM!"

The WBC web site then proceeds to list "admitted sins of this now dead and in hell pervert:
1) He hates his neighbor(s) starting with Ozzy Osbourne, and continuing down to his pornography star niece Gen Padova!
2) He hates God. Pay especial attention to the fact that he changed his original sir name from Padova to Dio, which means God in Italian.
3) Ronnie the simpleton enabled, and encouraged Sorceries: everything he was about including the little finger horn thing (he got this from his mother which is an incantation to ward off the 'evil eye') to the drugs, bloody raw meat and his fellowship with those pentagon necklace wearing freakish band members."

The post concludes: "Yes, Ronnie James Padova (NOT DIO) is currently residing in hell. When all those who worship him and his false gods meet him in hell it will be just like this: Isaiah 2:12 For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low: Isaiah 14:11 Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. Praise God all ye, His people. The Great Day of the Lord draws nigh. AMEN!"

Wendy Dio, wife/manager of late heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio, has released the following statement in response to reports that the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) — an independent Baptist church and hate group known for its hatred of homosexuals and its protest activities (which include picketing funerals) — intends to picket Ronnie's upcoming public memorial service:

"Ronnie hates prejudice and violence! We need to turn the other cheek on these people that only know how to hate someone they didn't know. We only know how to love someone we know!"

[source: Blabbermouth.net - May 20, 2010]





Legendary Heavy Metal Vocalist RONNIE JAMES DIO Dies


Wendy Dio, wife/manager of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (Dio, Heaven & Hell, Black Sabbath, Rainbow), has released the following statement to Blabbermouth.net: "Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45 a.m. [on Sunday] 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private goodbyes before he peacefully passed away.

"Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all.
"We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us.
"Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss.
"Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever."

It was only a month ago that Dio, 67, spoke about his battle with cancer with the Artisan News Service on the "black carpet" of the Revolver Golden Gods Awards, which took place on April 8 at Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles. When asked about how he had been feeling since he was diagnosed with the disease late last year, Dio said, "Well, I feel good and bad at times. It's a long process. Chemotherapy is a... I never realized what a difficult thing it was to go through. It's a real cumulative effect — the more you have, the more it piles up on top and it takes longer and longer to get over it. I find it very difficult to eat. I don't like to eat anyway, so I guess that's OK. But I know I have to. But this makes it very, very hard. But if you're determined to beat it, then you have to go with what you believe is going to beat it for you, and in this case it's that. I go to a great hospital in Houston called M.D. Anderson, which I think is the best hospital in the world, I have the best doctor in the world, Dr. Ajani, who I really trust and I really believe in, so I think I've done all the right things. It makes me feel positive about my life and positive that there is a lot more of it to live."

Earlier this month, Heaven & Hell canceled its summer tour plans in Europe due to Dio's treatment for stomach cancer. The band said in a statement that Dio wasn't "well enough to tour this summer. We hope that everyone understands and want to thank fans and industry colleagues for their continuing support at this time."

Ronnie James Dio had performed with Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and his own band Dio. Other musical projects included the collective fundraiser "Hear 'n Aid". He is widely hailed as one of the most powerful singers in heavy metal, renowned for his consistently powerful voice and for popularizing the "devil's horns" hand gesture in metal culture. He was most recently involved with Heaven & Hell, a project which also included former Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice. Their first and only studio album, "The Devil You Know", was released on April 28, 2009.

[source: Blabbermouth.net - May 16, 2010]





Heaven and Hell Cancel All Summer Shows / Ronnie James Dio is not well enough


Heaven and Hell — the band featuring Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi (guitar), Ronnie James Dio (vocals), Geezer Butler (bass) and Vinny Appice (drums) — has announced the cancellation of all planned appearances this summer in Europe, including its headline set at Bloodstock's (U.K.) 10th anniversary festival as well as performances at Sonisphere in Switzerland, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey. Also the concert in Heerhugowaard, The Netherlands on August 1st has been cancelled.

The band has issued the following statement regading the cancellations: "We have to announce that all forthcoming Heaven and Hell European shows have been cancelled as sadly [vocalist] Ronnie [James Dio, who was diagnosed with stomach cancer in November 2009] isn't well enough to tour this summer. We hope that everyone understands and want to thank fans and industry colleagues for their continuing support at this time."

Ronnie James Dio, who was diagnosed with stomach cancer last November, has released the following statement:

"I would like to voice my great disappointment on the cancellation of the Heaven and Hell summer tour. Wendy [Ronnie's wife/manager], my doctors and I have worked so hard to make it happen for all of you, the ones we care so much about, that this setback could be devastating, but we will not let it be. With your continued love and support, we will carry on and thrive. There will be other tours, more music, more life and much more magic."





Ronnie James Dio Diagnosed With Stomach Cancer [Update]


Wendy Dio, the wife and manager of legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio has issued the following update on Ronnie's condition:

"Well, it has been a very exhausting month after all the neverending tests in Los Angeles, we flew to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, and as soon as we arrived, we got a call from the MD Anderson Hospital that they had an appointment for us with the doctor we originally wanted, so we then flew to Houston to the clinic, and of course MORE tests, but Ronnie finished receiving his first chemo treatment on Wednesday, and all is going very well.

I would like to thank Tony Martell from the T.J. Martell Foundation, Dr. Stuart Aaronson from Mount Sinai, Lindsay Brown and Mike Carden from Eagle Records, and our very own Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, for all your help in getting us into MD Anderson, and also our friends Geezer and Gloria Butler, who flew to Houston to be with Ronnie while he had his chemo.

Ronnie and I are totally overwhelmed by the amount of well wishes that we have received from friends and fans - we are reading them all. Some make us laugh, some make us cry, but all of them are so filled with love that it gives us so much support and makes Ronnie even more determined to fight this battle and win. Thank you all for the positive energy and prayers."

Update:

Watch the video "Heavy Metal Rocker Treated for Cancer in Houston March 29, 2010" from 39 Online.com





Ronnie James Dio Diagnosed With Stomach Cancer


Wendy Dio, the wife and manager of legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio (Heaven & Hell, Black Sabbath, Rainbow), has released the following statement to Blabbermouth.net:

"Ronnie has been diagnosed with the early stages of stomach cancer. We are starting treatment immediately at the Mayo Clinic. After he kills this dragon, Ronnie will be back on stage, where he belongs, doing what he loves best, performing for his fans."

"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."

[source: Blabbermouth.net - November 25, 2009]





DIO: European Tour Cancelled; Ronnie James Dio Hospitalized


DIO — the band fronted by legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio (Heaven & Hell, Black Sabbath, Rainbow) — has cancelled its previously announced European tour after Ronnie was taken ill. "Ronnie has been hospitalized and we are waiting for further news," the singer's wife/manager Wendy Dio told Blabbermouth.net.

DIO's lineup for the European tour was supposed to include Whitesnake/ex-DIO axeman Doug Aldrich due to the fact that the band's regular guitarist, Craig Goldy, had prior touring commitments with BUDGIE in Australia.

[source: Blabbermouth.net - November 18, 2009]





Craig Gruber: "I Played On The Heaven And Hell Album"


Former Rainbow bassist Craig Gruber has been talking to Classic Rock about his role on the classic Black Sabbath album Heaven & Hell.

"I played all the bass on it, co-wrote some of the songs and brought in Die Young. They got me in when Geezer Butler quit, and I spent six months working with them on the record. But when Geezer contacted them and said he wanted to come back, I encouraged it – I felt that the band were better off with three originals in there.

"However, I was very upset when the album came out without my name appearing anywhere, despite the fact that they kept my bass parts and all the songs I'd been involved with. But we came to a suitable financial arrangement, and we get on fine these days. They were, and are, great people and great musicians."

Gruber has also revealed that there are that there are moves towards a reunion of Elf.

This was the band who teamed up with Ritchie Blackmore for the first incarnation of Rainbow (officially known as Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow), and featured Ronnie James Dio.

Now Gruber says that he, Dio and guitarist David 'Rock' Feinstein are in serious discussions about reforming Elf.

"It's definitely on the cards. Mickey Lee Soule would be back on keyboards, and all we'd need to do is find someone to take over on drums from Gary Driscoll (who died in 1987)."

For further info, go to www.infinitemetalwerkz.com

[source: Classic Rock Magazine - Oct. 1, 2009]





Heaven and Hell gig in Bonn to be filmed by Rockpalast for broadcast on TV


Heaven and Hell, the band featuring the former Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Ronnie James Dio and Vinny Appice, will play the Museumsmeile in Bonn, Germany on June 16th.

Support acts will be Germany's best known female metal singer Doro (Bobby Rondinelli played in her band in the past) and the German guitarplayer Axel Rudi Pell (who has been heavily influenced by Ritchie Blackmore & recorded a couple of Rainbow covers in the past).

Line-up Tuesday June 16th in Bonn Germany:

18.00 hours - Axel Rudi Pell
19.00 hours - Doro
20.30 hours - Heaven and Hell

TV Broadcast on WDR Fernsehen:

In the night of 12 to 13 July (Sunday to Monday night):

00.25 - 01.40 hours - Heaven and Hell
01.40 - 02.40 hours - Doro
02.40 - 03.40 hours - Axel Rudi Pell

[source: Rockpalast.de]






Ronnie James Dio To Write Autobiography


According to U.K.'s Classic Rock magazine, legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio (Heaven & Hell, Black Sabbath, RAINBOW, DIO) has begun writing his autobiography. It will "not be centered around myself so much as me telling my life story through the stories of those around me," he is quoted as saying.
Dio explained that he's fitting the writing around a hectic schedule with Heaven & Hell, which is scheduled to release its debut album, "The Devil You Know", later this month.

"Every time I feel I'm getting halfway there, another halfway comes along," he said. "But yes, I'm writing it and it's certainly going to be very, very interesting for people interested in the bands I've been in and the people I've played with.

"You have to have a focal point, and I guess that had to be me. It's an autobiography, but within it, I tell the stories that somehow explain a little bit what [former RAINBOW mastermind] Ritchie [Blackmore]'s like or [Black Sabbath's] Tony [Iommi]'s like or Geezer [Butler]'s like. I don't analyze them, but just in telling the tales I paint everyone in as good a light as possible. It's not a tell-all book."

According to Dio, anyone expecting to read about on-the-road debauchery and excesses will be disappointed. "I've tried to live my life on a very straight path,' he told Classic Rock. "I'm not Nikki Sixx [Motley Crue] or people who go over the edge. That's alluring to a lot of people, but I'm sure being a little bit different is alluring to some other people, too."

The as-yet-untitled book is tentatively due next year.

[source: Blabbermouth]






Heaven and Hell New Album titled "The Devil You Know" out on April 28


Heaven and Hell — the band featuring Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi (guitar), Ronnie James Dio (vocals), Geezer Butler (bass) and Vinny Appice (drums) — has set "The Devil You Know" as the title of its debut album, due on April 28 via Rhino. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Bible Black", "Rock & Roll Angel", "Breaking Into Heaven", "Atom & Evil" and "Eating the Cannibals". The LP was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales, U.K. where the 1992 Sabbath album "Dehumanizer" was also tracked.

"Everyone had so much fun playing together that we didn't want it to end," says the group. "We started writing together and the songs started flowing like we never stopped. We wound up writing and recording an album that stands up to anything we've ever done. We're really proud of the music and excited for people to hear it."

"Each of us submitted a CD of our ideas, and we narrowed it down from there," Iommi told Classic Rock. "In some ways it was like picking up where we'd left off with 'Dehumanizer'."

[source: Blabbermouth]






Ronnie James Dio On Forthcoming The Rods Album


Legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio (DIO, Black Sabbath, Heaven and Hell) is featured on two songs on the forthcoming album by THE RODS, the classic '80s metal band led by Dio's cousin, guitarist David "Rock" Feinstein. Singer Shmoulik Avigal (Jack Star, Picture, hamerhead), who previously sang on The Rods' "Heavier Than Thou" album, co-produced the CD in 2006. He said of his latest collaboration with The Rods, "It was a hard and satisfying work. We had Ronnie James Dio as a guest singer on two songs. 'The Code' and 'Metal Will Never Die'. I had some good times working with the guys again."

The Rods' new LP, titled "Vengeance", is tentatively expected later in the year. The original lineup of The Rods has been confirmed for the Headbangers Open Air festival, set to take place July 23-25, 2009 in in Brande-Hörnerkirchen, Germany. The Rods' lineup for the Headbangers Open Air appearance will include Feinstein on guitar/vocals, Gary Bardonaro on bass and Carl Canedy on drums.

[source: Blabbermouth]






Ronnie James Dio plays on Girlschool's 30th-Anniversary Album


Guitarist/vocalist Kim McAuliffe of the veteran British all-female hard rock band Girlschool has reportedly told Classic Rock journalist Dave Ling that the band's upcoming 30th anniversary album will feature a plethora of special guests, including Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath, Heaven and Hell), Ronnie James Dio (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Heaven and Hell, DIO), Lemmy and Phil Campbell from Motorhead, "Fast" Eddie Clarke (Fastway, ex-Motorhead) and a couple of members of Twisted Sister.





Ronnie James Dio kicked off his solo tour in Birmingham


DIO, the band fronted by the legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio (HEAVEN AND HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW), kicked off its short European tour last night (Tuesday, May 27) at the Academy in Birmingham, England.

"Tonight's set was a real treat for DIO fans with a fantastic selection of career spanning DIO numbers (some of which hadn't been aired for years!), with a few RAINBOW classics thrown in for good measure. Intelligently, no BLACK SABBATH songs were played tonight, this almost certainly due to the fact that HEAVEN AND HELL is now the live output should you wish to see such material performed. Also, with Tony Iommi looking on from the balcony, Craig Goldy would have been shaking in his boots at the prospect of playing Iommi's solos in front of the creator supreme".

Check the full review and more photos on BaconMusic

The group's setlist was as follows:

01. Holy Diver
02. Killing the Dragon
03. The Eyes
04. Don't Talk to Strangers
05. Drum Solo
06. Sacred Heart
07. Rainbow in the Dark
08. Temple of the King
09. Kill the King
10. Guitar Solo
11. Lord of the Last Day
12. Rock 'n' Roll Children
13. Stand Up and Shout
14. Man on the Silver Mountain
15. Catch the Rainbow
16. Long Live Rock and Roll
17. The Last in Line
18. We Rock

Remaining DIO tour dates:

May 28 - Astoria – London, UK (w/ GIRLSCHOOL)
May 30 - Sentrum Scene – Oslo, NOR
May 31 - Kopervik Festival – Karmoy, NOR
Jun. 02 - KB Halle – Malmö, SWE (w/ FATAL SMILE)
Jun. 03 - Amager Bio – Copenhagen, DEN (w/ FATAL SMILE)
Jun. 04 - Debaser – Stockholm, SWE (w/ FATAL SMILE)
Jun. 06 - Teatria – Oulu, FIN
Jun. 07 - Water & Rock Festival – Lahti, FIN
Jun. 21 - Kobetasonik Festival – Bilbao, SPA

[source: BaconMusic.co.uk - photo © Alexander Shaw]







Black Sabbath Dio-Era 5 CD Box "The Rules of Hell" out on July 22


Five-CD Boxed Set Features Newly Remastered Versions Of Every Dio-Era Sabbath Album, Available July 22 From Rhino.

Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice Are Currently Recording Long Awaited New Heaven & Hell Studio Album, Set To Be Released By Rhino In Early 2009

Heaven & Hell Will Return to the Road This Summer for the Metal Masters Tour With Judas Priest, Motörhead, and Testament

LOS ANGELES – Heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath were reborn in 1980 when founding members Tony Iommi and Terry "Geezer" Butler added vocalist Ronnie James Dio to the lineup. The band's short but memorable time together added an unforgettable chapter in Sabbath's storied history. Rhino relives the demonic fury conjured by the Dio era with THE RULES OF HELL, a boxed set featuring all three of the band's studio releases (Heaven And Hell, Mob Rules, Dehumanizer) and their double live collection (Live Evil) – each recently remastered for the first time. The set comes packaged in a deluxe slipcase with extensive liner notes featuring all new interviews with the band. This five-disc boxed set will be available from Rhino on July 22 at all physical outlets, as well as www.rhino.com, for a suggested list price of $54.98. The set will also be available the same day at all digital outlets for a suggested list price of $24.99.

Two years ago, Dio, Iommi and Butler and drummer Vinny Appice reunited to record a trio of new songs for Rhino's Black Sabbath: The Dio Years before launching a highly anticipated and greatly acclaimed world tour under their new moniker Heaven & Hell. Revitalized by the reunion, the lineup is back in the studio now recording the first ever full-length studio album from Heaven & Hell, set to be released by Rhino in early 2009. To whet the fans' appetites for the new album, Heaven & Hell will return to the road for a short stint on the Metal Masters Tour, a month-long North American trek with Judas Priest, Motörhead, and Testament. This blistering metal juggernaut will launch August 6 in Philadelphia.

The Dio-era's first effort, HEAVEN AND HELL, hit the racks on April 25, 1980. Greeted by ecstatic reviews, the album peaked at #9 in Britain. In the U.S., its Top 30 success gave the group its first platinum disc in six years. Opening with the chugging anthem "Neon Knights," the album also includes the epic title track, "Wishing Well," "Die Young" and "Lonely Is The Word."

The group's follow-up, MOB RULES, was the first without original drummer Bill Ward, who was replaced with Appice. The album bristles with Iommi's signature dark riffs, Butler's elaborate bass lines, Appice's hammering behind the drums and Dio's inimitable growling. The album includes the high-octane tracks—"Falling Off The Edge Of The World," "Turn Up The Night," and the title track—plus the mid-tempo rocker "Voodoo" and the slow-churning epic "The Sign Of The Southern Cross," a favorite among band members and fans alike.

Released in December 1982, LIVE EVIL stands as a modern metal masterpiece and a testament to the power of the Dio, Iommi, Butler and Appice lineup. Recorded in Seattle, Dallas, and San Antonio, the sound is upfront and aggressive, a virtual front-row seat for epic versions of their classics including "Neon Knights," "Children Of The Sea," "The Sign Of The Southern Cross" and "Heaven And Hell."

DEHUMANIZER (1992) is seen by many metal aficionados as one of—if not the most—underrated work to ever carry the Sabbath name. After the lineup fell apart in 1982, the group reconvened a decade later to release this lost classic. The album forged something new, pushing its legend to a new generation of metal heads with incredible tracks like "I," "Computer God" and "TV Crimes."

THE RULES OF HELL
Track Listing

HEAVEN AND HELL

1. "Neon Knights"
2. "Children Of The Sea"
3. "Lady Evil"
4. "Heaven And Hell"
5. "Wishing Well"
6. "Die Young"
7. "Walk Away"
8. "Lonely Is The Word"

MOB RULES

1. "Turn Up The Night"
2. "Voodoo"
3. "The Sign Of The Southern Cross"
4. "E5150"
5. "The Mob Rules"
6. "Country Girl"
7. "Slipping Away"
8. "Falling Off The Edge Of The World"
9. "Over And Over"

LIVE EVIL

Disc 1

1. "E5150"
2. "Neon Knights"
3. "N.I.B."
4. "Children Of The Sea"
5. "Voodoo"
6. "Black Sabbath"
7. "War Pigs"
8. "Iron Man"

Disc 2

1. "The Mob Rules"
2. "Heaven And Hell"
3. "The Sign Of The Southern Cross/Heaven And Hell"
4. "Paranoid"
5. "Children Of The Grave"
6. "Fluff"

DEHUMANIZER

1. "Computer God"
2. "After All (The Dead)"
3. "TV Crimes"
4. "Letters From Earth"
5. "Master Of Insanity"
6. "Time Machine"
7. "Sins Of The Father"
8. "Too Late"
9. "I"
10. "Buried Alive"
11. "Time Machine" (Wayne's World Version)

Heaven & Hell North American Tour Dates

(Except where noted, all shows also feature Judas Priest, Motörhead, and Testament)

AUGUST

6 Philadelphia, PA Susquehanna Bank Center
7 Washington, DC Nissan Pavilion
9 Holmdel, NJ PNC Arts Center
10 Wantagh, NJ Jones Beach Theater
12 Hamburg, NY Grandstand Stage/America's Fair **
13 Toronto, ONT Molson Amphitheatre
15 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena##
16 Pittsburgh, PA Post-Gazette Pavilion
18 Detroit, MI DTE Energy Center
19 Chicago, IL First Midwest Band Amphitheatre
22 Dallas, TX Superpages.com Center
23 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
24 San Antonio, TX Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
27 Albuquerque, NM Journal Pavilion
28 Phoenix, AZ Cricket Wireless Pavilion
30 San Bernadino, CA Hyundai Pavilion At Glen Helen
31 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre

**Featuring Motörhead and Testament ONLY
## Featuring Judas Priest and Testament ONLY

[source: www.black-sabbath.com]








Heaven & Hell to begin writing new album in March


The official web site of legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio (HEAVEN AND HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW) has been updated with the following message:

If you've been wondering what Ronnie is up to, wonder, no longer: After taking some well-deserved time off after last year's monster HEAVEN AND HELL world tour, Ronnie will be heading off to the UK in March to begin writing the new HEAVEN AND HELL record with the guys. Tony Iommi [guitar] will then travel to L.A. to reunite with Ronnie, Geezer [Butler, bass] and Vinny [Appice, drums] to continue working on the record during April and May.

Then Ronnie will take a break during the summer to play a few special up-close-and-personal dates for the DIO fans.

Upcoming DIO shows:

May 27 - Birmingham, UK – Academy (w/ GIRLSCHOOL)
May 28 - London, UK - Astoria (w/ GIRLSCHOOL)
May 30 - Oslo, Norway - Sentrum Scene
May 31 - Karmoy, Norway - Kopervik Festival
Jun. 02 - Malmö, Sweden - KB Halle
Jun. 03 - Stockholm, Sweden – Debaser
Jun. 04 - Gothenburg, Sweden – Tradgarn
Jun. 06 - Oulu, Finland - Teatria
Jun. 07 - Lahti, Finland - Water & Rock Festival