Statue of Ronnie James Dio to Be Erected in Kavarna

The Bulgarian Black Sea coastal town of Kavarna will soon be the home of a tributary statue to legendary metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio. The statue will be erected in the city's central park in the prospective "Walk of Rock."

Radio Bulgaria has reported that the decision to place a monument in the city park was made by Kavarna's municipal administration. The most active proponents for the statue were said to be the major, Tzonko Tzonev, as well as local musicians and journalists.

This past July, when the city held its three-day Kavarna Rock Fest, a replica of the statue was displayed. Since then, a plaster model of the monument has been created, marking the final preparatory stage for construction. Once completed, the actual statue will measure 1.5 meters in height (approximately four feet, eleven inches). Sculptors Alexander Petrov and Krasimir Krastev-Lomsky will be the primary artists working on the finished product, and painting duties will go to Ivan Stratiev.

Kavarna's reason for its dedication to this honourary project is more than just an enthusiasm for music. Dio was reported to be one of the first metal/hard rock icons to perform in Kavarna. More than that, he returned to perform in the city periodically, performing there at least five times during his career. What's more, Dio took an active role in the campaign to liberate Bulgarian nurses held in a Libyan prison for eight years.

Below is a photo of the plaster model of the statue. More photos can be found on Tzonko Tzonev's official website.

Rare Rainbow Clips Posted Online

Robert Daisley, who was the bassist for Rainbow from 1977 to 1979, has made some rare band footage available to fans via the Internet. Daisy released some high-quality videos featuring Rainbow playing "Gates of Babylon", "Long Live Rock 'N' Roll" and "L.A. Connection" at a New York studio. The performance in question took place prior to the release of the band's 1978 album, Long Live Rock 'N' Roll. The videos can be streamed below.

Following the death of Ronnie James Dio in May 2010, Daisley issued the following statement regarding the legendary vocalist:

"With the sad passing of my friend and colleague, the world has lost a great man. Not only was he a unique singer, musician and writer, he was a very special human being.

"Long live rock 'n' roll and long live the memory of the great Ronnie James Dio. He'll be sadly missed in many ways. Bless him."

Despite being credited on the Long Live Rock 'N' Roll liner notes, both Daisley and David Stone joined Rainbow after the recording sessions for the band's third studio album were underway. The pair appear on only a few tracks. The majority of the bass parts were played by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. Long Live Rock 'N' Roll was the last Rainbow album to feature Ronnie James Dio as vocalist. He was eventually replaced by Graham Bonnet after departing to join Black Sabbath.

Tracy G Interviewed on Heavy Metal Mayhem

Former Dio guitarist Tracy "G" Grijalva was interviewed this past Sunday (August 1) during the latest edition of the Heavy Metal Mayhem radio show with Mike "The Big Cheese." The audio interview can be streamed via Blabbermouth.net.

In late May 2010, Grijalva posted his condolences for the late Ronnie James Dio:

"My condolences for Wendy Dio and all the Dio family for their loss. My prayers are with all of you. I worked with Ronnie for six years and it was a truly amazing time. Long live Ronnie James Dio, one of the greatest rock vocalists ever!"

Grijalva left Dio in 1999, citing the band's desire "for more of a Ritchie Blackmore style" and its intention to assign him to rhythm guitar duties as the reasons behind his departure. (Read More)

Dio's Holy Diver to be Reissued...in Red

Holy Diver, the classic Dio album, will be reissued on 180-gram limited edition gatefold red vinyl on July 30. The vinyl reissue will be released by Back On Black - a company whose specialty is reviving albums on vinyl for collectors and fans across the globe.

Since its release on May 25, 1983, Holy Diver has receive incredible praise from critics and is most often regarded as both Dio's best work and a classic staple in the heavy metal genre. In the U.S., the LP was certified gold on September 12, 1984 and platinum on March 21, 1989.

Following the death of front man Ronnie James Dip in late May 2010, Holy Diver re-entered the Billboard 200 chart at No. 149 and stood at No. 11 on Pop Catalog. Some time earlier, a Dio best-of compilation debuted on Catalog at No. 32. Titled The Very Best of Dio, it was certified gold by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) on March 11, 2009 and shipments on the U.S. alone were in excess of 500, 000 copies. The best-of package had been originally issued in October 2000 and marked the second greatest-hits collection to be released by Dio.

Dio's last release, Holy Diver Live, featured a start-to-finish performance of the classic album, recorded live in 2005. The performance took place before a sold-out London crowd. The album also included other songs from various eras in Ronnie James Dio's career: "Sign of the Southern Cross," "Mob Rules," and "Heaven and Hell" from the Black Sabbath era; "Long Live Rock and Roll," "Tarot Woman," and "Man on the Silver Mountain" from the Rainbow era; "We Will Rock You" from his solo career.

Heaven and Hell is Over, Iommi Confirms

When Heaven and Hell take to the stage for Classic Rock's High Voltage Festival in London later this month, it may be the last performance the band will ever give.

Following the death of singer Ronnie James Dio in May, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice announced their High Voltage tribute set (featuring Glenn Hughes and Jorn Lande in Dio's place). This announcement led to speculation of a tribute tour, but Iommi has officially declared the High Voltage set as a one-off. (Read More)

Surviving Heaven and Hell Members to Pay Tribute to Ronnie James Dio

Earlier this evening, whilst accepting the award for Best Album at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods awards, guitarist Tony Iommi announced a tribute to Ronnie James Dio. According to Iommi, the tribute will be performed by the surviving members of Heaven and Hell at the High Voltage on June 24. (Read More)

Members of Dio, Rainbow, and Quiet Riot to Pay Tribute to Ronnie James Dio

A group of musicians - which includes Craig Goldy, Craig Gruber, Frankie Banali, and Jeff Fenholt - are scheduled to pay tribute to metal legend Ronnie James Dio. The tribute is slated to take place at The Market Block Party on June 24. (Read More)

Horns at Half Mast: Ronnie James Dio Dies

Mere hours ago, Wendy Dio, wife and manager of heavy metal legend Ronnie James Dio, issued 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."

Dio was diagnosed with stomach cancer in November 2009. Just last month he spoke to the Artisan News Service about his ongoing battle with the disease, describing the ups and downs of his condition and his determination to go on:

"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."

In early May 2010, Heaven and Hell were forced to cancel all tour dates due to Dio's ongoing cancer treatments. In an official statement, the band said that Dio would not be "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, born Ronald James Padavona on July 10, 1942 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was the only child in an Italian family. He began his foray into music playing the trumpet as a boy. Later, he began playing bass and eventually moved to singing. Perhaps best known for his immensely powerful singing voice, Dio claimed to have never taken any formal singing lessons and attributed his phenomenal ability to the breathing techniques he learned during his time playing the French horn as a child.

Dio performed with a number of groups during his career, including Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and, of course, Dio. He also worked on various projects, including the Hear 'n Aid fundraiser effort. Aside from being renowned for his vocal ability, Dio was also known for popularizing the "devil's horns" gesture in metal culture. More recently, Dio was involved with the band Heaven and Hell with former Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Vinny Appice, and Geezer Butler. The band's first and only studio album, entitled The Devil You Know, was released on April 28, 2009.

Ronnie James Dio is survived by his wife, Wendy Dio, his son, Dan Padavona, numerous family and friends, and countless fans throughout the world.

Ronnie James Dio
July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010

Ronnie James Dio Diagnosed with Stomach Cancer

Wendy Dio, wife and manager of renowned metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio (Dio, Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Heaven & Hell), has released the following statement:

"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."

Ronnie James Dio, now 67, is famous for his affiliations with his own band, Dio, as well as Black Sabbath, Rainbow, and Elf. He also worked on other projects, including Hear ‘n Aid, a fundraising effort for famine relief in Africa. Dio is widely hailed as being among the most powerful singers in metal. He is also credited for popularizing the “devil’s horns” gesture, which became a prominent part of metal culture. As of late, Dio has been involved with Heaven & Hell, an endeavour that includes former Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Vinny Appice, and Geezer Butler. On April 28, 2009, the group released their first studio album entitled The Devil You Know.

Just last week, Dio cancelled its European tour after Ronnie had reportedly taken ill. The band line-up was slated to include Whitesnake/ex-Dio guitarist Doug Aldrich (due to regular guitarist Craig Goldy having prior touring commitments with Budgie in Australia).

Dio’s most recent release was the Holy Diver Live album which featured the classic album performed in its entirely, from beginning to end, for the very first time. The album was recorded in 2005 in London.