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Dio (band)

From Alfawiki
Dio
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
FoundedOctober 1982; 44 years ago (1982-10)
FounderRonnie James Dio
Defunct2010 (2010)
FateDissolved following the death of Ronnie James Dio
Headquarters
Los Angeles
,
United States
Key people
Ronnie James Dio (vocalist), Vinny Appice (drummer), Vivian Campbell (guitarist), Craig Goldy (guitarist), Doug Aldrich (guitarist)
ProductsStudio albums, live albums, singles
Number of employees
Various lineups over time

Dio was a renowned American heavy metal group established in 1982, fronted by vocalist Ronnie James Dio. Following his exit from Black Sabbath, Dio intended to create a new band featuring former Black Sabbath drummer Vinny Appice. Throughout their career, the band released ten studio albums and experienced multiple lineup shifts, with Dio remaining the only consistent member. Prominent guitarists who played with the band included Vivian Campbell, Craig Goldy, Doug Aldrich, Warren DeMartini, Tracy G, Jake E. Lee, and Rowan Robertson.

The ensemble dissolved in 2010 after the passing of Ronnie James Dio due to stomach cancer at age 67. Over their tenure, Dio sold more than 50 million records globally.

Formation and Holy Diver Era (1982–1983)

In 1982, disagreements regarding the mixing of Black Sabbath's Live Evil led to the departure of both Ronnie James Dio and Vinny Appice. They went on to form Dio in October 1982 in Los Angeles, recruiting bassist and former Rainbow colleague Jimmy Bain along with guitarist Jake E. Lee, who had previously played with Ratt and Rough Cutt. Soon after, Lee exited due to creative differences and was succeeded by Vivian Campbell.

Their first album, Holy Diver, was released in May 1983 and included popular tracks such as "Rainbow in the Dark" and "Holy Diver", which received extensive airplay on MTV. While Dio and Bain managed keyboard duties during recording sessions, keyboardist Claude Schnell joined for live performances starting in 1983, initially playing offstage before moving onto the main stage by 1985.

Dio characterized this initial phase as marked by a strong commitment to work and a united vision that helped propel their early achievements:

The Last in Line Through Dream Evil (1984–1989)

With Schnell officially part of the lineup on keyboards, the band issued their second studio album, The Last in Line, on July 2, 1984, followed by their third release, Sacred Heart, on August 13, 1985.

In 1985, Dio, Campbell, and Bain participated in the Hear 'n Aid initiative alongside other heavy metal musicians with the track "Stars". However, Campbell became unhappy working within the band dynamic and was eventually dismissed. He later joined Whitesnake in 1987. Several live recordings from the Sacred Heart tour were featured on the 1986 Intermission EP with Campbell on guitar; this EP also introduced Craig Goldy as the new guitarist through the studio track "Time To Burn."

The band's fourth studio effort, Dream Evil, was released on July 21, 1987. Following this release, Goldy departed to focus on solo work. In June 1989, then-18-year-old Rowan Robertson was announced as Goldy's successor; however, additional personnel changes soon ensued with Schnell, Bain, and Appice all leaving the group.

Lineup Transitions (1990–1999)

Replacing Schnell, Bain, and Appice were Jens Johansson, Teddy Cook, and former AC/DC drummer Simon Wright. The band released Lock Up the Wolves in early 1990. During the subsequent tour, Dio’s reunion with ex-Black Sabbath bandmate Geezer Butler led to a brief reformation of Black Sabbath and their album Dehumanizer. Afterward, Dio reassembled his own band once more—bringing back Appice but introducing new members. By 1993, guitarist Tracy G, keyboardist Scott Warren from Warrant, and bassist Jeff Pilson of Dokken had joined. The band's lyrical focus shifted from fantasy motifs toward contemporary themes. Albums from this era—1993's Strange Highways, 1996's Angry Machines, along with the live release Inferno: Last in Live—elicited mixed reactions among fans; some considered these works a departure from Dio's classic '80s style. Due to disappointing sales of Angry Machines, management advocated for a return to earlier sounds which led to Tracy G’s exit and Craig Goldy’s reinstatement. Appice also departed once again.

Comeback era (2000–2004)

The return of Craig Goldy paved the way for the launch of Dio's eighth studio album, Magica, in 2000. Often hailed as a "comeback record," it achieved a peak position of No. 13 on the Billboard independent charts. The lineup featured Goldy on guitar, Simon Wright on drums, and Jimmy Bain on bass; bassist Chuck Garric joined for the European leg of the tour. Scott Warren continued as the live keyboardist, while both Dio and Bain managed keyboard duties in the studio. As a concept album, Magica combined the band’s traditional sound with contemporary keyboard influences. During the tour, Goldy’s family obligations caused friction, resulting in his exit in January 2002. He was succeeded by Doug Aldrich, whom Bain had encountered during a Metallica tribute recording session. Aldrich’s input on the ninth album, Killing the Dragon, was minimal, as Dio and Bain primarily handled songwriting. Released in 2002 under Spitfire Records, the album was well received within metal circles and entered the Billboard top 200. Aldrich departed in April 2003 to join Whitesnake, leading to Goldy’s return; shortly thereafter, Bain left the band.

Master of the Moon period and hiatus (2004–2010)

Dio’s tenth studio album, Master of the Moon, was released on August 30, 2004, across Europe via SPV Records and on September 7, 2004, in the United States through Sanctuary Records. The recording featured multi-instrumentalist Jeff Pilson (formerly of Dokken) on bass exclusively for studio sessions due to his ongoing commitments with Foreigner; for touring purposes, Rudy Sarzo, known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, and Blue Öyster Cult, took over bass duties.

In 2005, Dio issued the live album Evil or Divine – Live in New York City, documenting the same performance captured on their 2003 DVD release. The band toured extensively throughout South America, Japan, Europe, and Russia that year. Their autumn tour, titled "An Evening With Dio," featured a full set followed by a complete rendition of Holy Diver. A DVD filmed in London along with a double CD audio version named Holy Diver – Live were released in April 2006.

In 2007, Dio reunited with Black Sabbath members under the moniker Heaven & Hell, culminating in the release of The Devil You Know in 2009. This collaboration postponed plans for a follow-up to Master of the Moon, namely Magica II. After a three-year break interrupted briefly by a short European mini-tour consisting of 10 shows in May and June 2008, a larger tour comprising 22 concerts scheduled for late 2009 across the UK and Germany was planned. Guitarist Doug Aldrich was slated to replace Craig Goldy for these dates due to scheduling conflicts. The band intended to release a new single titled "Electra" alongside this tour—their first new studio material in five years—and aimed to record one or two albums during 2010.

On November 18, 2009, plans for the European tour were scrapped after Dio was hospitalized with stomach cancer. His manager and wife Wendy Dio expressed hopefulness regarding his recovery and eventual return to performing.

On February 19, 2010, Dio announced a limited edition release of the Tournado Box Set, which included the Killing the Dragon CD, a PAL-format Evil or Divine DVD, bonus content such as interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, a promotional video for "Push," exclusive collectible Dio cards, and the bonus CD single "Electra"—the final track recorded from the incomplete Magica II & Magica III projects.

Passing of Ronnie James Dio

Ronnie James Dio passed away on May 16, 2010, at the age of 67 due to stomach cancer. His death occurred at the Texas Medical Center located in Houston, Texas.

Later that year, on November 9, 2010, the live album Dio at Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987 was released posthumously. This album showcases Dio's performances at the Monsters of Rock festival and includes tracks from his time with Rainbow, Black Sabbath, as well as selections from his solo career.

In an interview with Classic Rock Magazine, guitarist Craig Goldy disclosed that they had been working on a new Dio album prior to Dio’s passing, having nearly finished one song. Wendy Dio, Ronnie’s widow and manager, intended to re-release the 2000 album Magica featuring additional tracks, including this nearly completed piece. The lyrics, penned during Dio’s fight with cancer, have been described as deeply moving and difficult to hear.

On March 18, members of Dio’s last lineup who are still alive announced a collaboration with former Judas Priest vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens, forming the group Dio Disciples. Since 2011, this project has toured extensively.

In May 2012, ex-Dio guitarist Vivian Campbell revealed intentions to reunite the original Dio band for prospective performances. This ensemble would feature Campbell alongside drummer Vinny Appice, bassist Jimmy Bain, and keyboardist Claude Schnell, with singer Andrew Freeman stepping in for Dio. They perform under the name Last in Line.

Murray

Murray serves as Dio's demonic mascot and appears on numerous album covers such as Holy Diver, The Last in Line, and Dream Evil. He also features on some singles and compilation albums and has been incorporated into stage show designs.

Holy Diver

The debut studio album Holy Diver (1983) was the first to showcase Murray on its cover art. Depicted as a demon tormenting a cleric, Ronnie James Dio suggested that the image leaves it unclear who is truly monstrous—the demon or the priest.

The Last in Line

On Dio’s sophomore studio album The Last in Line, Murray appears again as an enormous figure watching over souls rising from their graves on Judgment Day.

Dream Evil

Murray returns to his original depiction on the cover of Dream Evil, where he is seen haunting a child through a bedroom window amidst other sinister beings. The album’s theme revolves around nighttime fears and superstitions, which is echoed both in the artwork and the track "Faces in the Window."

Legacy

The comedy rock duo Tenacious D paid homage to Dio with their song "Dio" from their debut album, blending respect and humor towards his metal legacy. Jack Black credits Dio’s period with Black Sabbath as a major influence on his own metal pursuits. Tenacious D appeared in the video for Dio’s track "Push," while Ronnie James Dio himself participated in their film The Pick of Destiny.

In Netflix's Stranger Things, the character Eddie Munson (played by Joe Quinn) sports a Dio patch crafted from a t-shirt sourced from Ronnie James Dio's estate. Costume designer Amy Parris explained that Munson’s character is a fan of wizard-themed metal bands like Dio and Metallica, leading them to connect with Dio’s estate for authentic merchandise.

The 1989 Nintendo Entertainment System game Holy Diver, named after the band’s song, features characters modeled after band members despite lacking official licensing.

The antagonist Dio Brando from the manga JoJo's Bizarre Adventure takes his name from the band. This references both the band's impact and plays on the Italian term for "God," underscoring the character’s imposing nature.

Band members

Last roster

  • Ronnie James Dio – lead vocals, keyboards (1982–2010; until his passing)
  • Craig Goldy – guitar, keyboards (1987–1989, 1999–2001, 2004–2005, 2006–2010)
  • Simon Wright – drums, percussion (1989–1991, 1998–2010)
  • Scott Warren – keyboards (1993–2010)
  • Rudy Sarzo – bass guitar (2004–2010)

Successor ensembles

Two distinct bands formed by former Dio members, known as DIO Disciples and Last in Line, have independently regrouped to celebrate and perform Dio's repertoire.

Dio Disciples

Present lineup

Past members

Touring contributors

Last in Line

Current lineup

Former members

Discography

Studio releases
Live recordings

Videography

External links

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