Remaining Heaven & Hell members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice are set to play a one off show to celebrate Ronnie’s life and work at High Voltage Festival, London on 24th July 2010. The band will be completed by Glenn Hughes and Jorn Lande who will both contribute vocals. Former Deep Purple / Black Sabbath star Glenn Hughes was a close friend of Ronnie’s for many years and performed a musical tribute at Ronnie’s funeral service in Los Angeles. Norwegian Jorn Lande is best known in the UK as the vocalist for power metal band Masterplan, he has also released many solo albums including a tribute to Ronnie. It promises to be a fitting celebration to a man that the metal scene owes so much. >p> There will also be an opportunity to pay respects by signing a condolence book in the Ronnie James Dio Tribute Gallery, which will be presented to members of the Ronnie James Dio “Stand Up And Shout” Cancer Fund the official festival charity, and join thousands of fans for what will be a very emotional performance.

For more information and to be part of this special occasion visit www.highvoltagefestival.com

Ronnie will live on forever in our hearts and through his amazing, timeless music. We Love You! Happy Birthday Ronnie!

You can use the donation button at the bottom of the home page of www.ronniejamesdio.com and use PayPal or your credit/debit card or you can send a check/money order payable to:

The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund 12400 Ventura Blvd. #837 Studio City, CA 91604 USA

The specific purpose of this corporation is primarily to provide free cancer screening programs and testing to the public regardless of any individual's ability to pay for same, to provide financial assistance to cancer patients who are burdened with the cost of health care. Additionally this corporation may engage in activities that are reasonably related to or in furtherance of its stated charitable purposes or in any other charitable activities. This Corporation is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code).

The Board of Directors are as follows, Gloria Butler, Wendy Dio, Dr.Lois Lee, Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, Stanley J. Diamond (attorney at law) John Doran CPA, Adam Parsons, Tim Murch, Paul Newman, Nick Jackson, Neil Warnock, Robin Shaw, Maureen O'Connor, Dean Schachtel and Sheila Melody.

The funds are being held in Wells Fargo Bank, to date we have received donations of $170,620.69 through PayPal, and $38,003.05 in cheques. We received a $10,000 donation from Metallica, and generous donations from Deep Purple, Slash and Metal Blade Records and from all the wonderful friends and fans.

We held our first Board meeting on June 9th and discussed our first release of funds going to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Texas, The T.J. Martell Foundation and other Cancer Centers, we will be requesting proposals from each organization as to how the donation will be spent to be considered by the Board, before any funds are released to them. I will keep you updated of where your money is going, and can assure you it will NOT be going into any administration costs, but to the people that need it. This is the main reason I wanted to form this Fund, so we do know where the money goes and not eaten up by a big corporation that does have administration costs.

The T-shirts and buttons were made and sold to us at cost by Blastwaves Merchandise, the Memorial books I personally paid for, and we have to charge postage, as the Post Office does not mail out for free, there are NO other administration costs. The Memorial packages are packed and addressed at my office by friends and Board Members who volunteer their time. Wendy Dio

As usually you didn’t let Ronnie down you came out in full force and with all the respect in the world. It was the biggest memorial forest lawn has ever done and their staff were all extremely pleased with the way you all listened and helped us make it the easiest as well .I was personally touched by all of your memories that you shared , and honored that some of your memories of Ron included me I am truly not worthy.

Your concern for the Dio family, especially for Wendy is appreciated more than you know , and you can be sure that Ronnie was right next to you all as you cheered “Wendy Wendy Wendy” as she came out to greet and thank you all

To the crew, Well boys Ron’s final show was beautiful, so to all crew past and present thank you so much for being a part of his life, we all gave Ronnie so much happiness, and he loved us so very much . For those who made it this weekend , thank you for your hard work and whatever it takes attitude . For those who couldn’t be here , don’t beat yourselves up about it, Ron was our partner out there on the road and understands that the show must go on and he loved you for your dedication to your jobs, you will always

And for Wendy, I Know I speak for everyone when I say thank you for giving us a chance to say goodbye to Ronnie in such a beautiful and deserving way, and for keeping his music and legacy alive for many more generations to love as much as we have

In short, I can’t thank everyone enough for all the support , emails, website posts, gifts , cards, and flowers since Ron’s passing and all the support we received for the cancer fund both online and at the memorial , like Danny said “Cancer this means war!!!”

My life was forever changed by Ronnie and Wendy Dio

I miss you so much my friend, I love you,

Big Scott

Ronnie was carried to his final resting place by his friends, Vinny Appice, Geezer Buttler, Craig Goldy, Steve Mignardi, Scott Warren and Simon Wright.

Please make your checks or money orders payable to: The Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund" and send them to the Niji Entertainment Group, 12400 Ventura Blvd. #837, Studio City, CA 91604 USA.

You can also use your credit or debit card via PayPal. There is a direct link on the homepage of www.ronniejamesdio.com

The Ronnie James Dio “Stand Up And Shout” Cancer Fund Program Description

*The fund is committed to the early detection and prevention of cancer through facilitating access to medical screening and medical educational programs.

*The fund supports programs designed to integrate medical knowledge into local communities such as cancer screening programs, education on nutrition in cancer prevention, exercise and overall wellness."

*The goal of the fund is to reduce the risk of developing life threatening cancers by offering access to preventative medical services."

*Furthering the commitment for patients to access to quality medical care related to cancer, the fund seeks to assist families burdened by the cost of caring for loved ones with cancer.“

"You are the strongest chain, and not just some reflection” -Ronnie James Dio

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, we have made special rates at various local hotels available to you! Just go to our official Facebook Page for hotel information!

Well, now it has been Ronnie’s 7th chemo, another cat scan and another endoscopy, and the results are good – the main tumor has shrunk considerably, and our visits to Houston are now every three weeks instead of every two weeks.

Ronnie and Vinny went down to the studio to have a listen and see how the DVD is coming along, NOT to overdub anything as presumed by Hoss2112 or Shattered 73 on the Blabbermouth rants. I was very annoyed to read these comments, and if they were truly fans of Ronnie’s, they would know #1) that Ronnie is a SINGER and does not need to overdub a live show, and #2) He would never cheat his fans by overdubbing a Live DVD. I will not be showing these comments to Ronnie, as I know they would hurt and upset him as they did me. He has been going to the REHEARSAL studio to sing, not the recording studio!

Ronnie’s cousin Rock (from The Rods, who used to be in Elf with him) flew in from New York to visit Ronnie for a week and they enjoyed spending some time together, going to the movies and taking walks, and Ronnie and Rock went to the studio to master Rock’s new album, which Ronnie sings a track on. And Craig Goldy will be coming over to start writing new songs with Ronnie next week. It will be great to see him again, as he has been away touring with the British band Budgie.

That’s all I can think of right now until the next update. God bless you all and we are still reading all the wonderful cards and letters.

Many, many thanks,
Wendy Dio

The official nominations for the Revolver Golden Gods Awards have been announced and Heaven and Hell are nominated in 4 categories! The winners are based on fan votes, with the winners to be determined by public online voting at REVOLVERMAG.COM/GOLDENGODS, so make sure to get your vote counted!

The nominees are:

Ronnie James Dio, in the BEST VOCALIST category;

Tony Iommi is nominated in the BEST GUITARIST category;

Heaven & Hell, in the ALBUM OF THE YEAR category;

Heaven & Hell, in the "DON'T CALL IT A COMEBACK" category

The winners in all categories will be announced live at the 2010 REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARDS SHOW at Club Nokia in Los Angeles on April 8. The show will be broadcasted on VH1 CLASSIC on May 22.

So here is your mission: visit REVOLVERMAG.COM/GOLDENGODS and cast your vote for Ronnie, Tony and Heaven & Hell today!

Since my last update, we have been back and forth to Houston three times for tests and chemo treatments, an emergency run to St. Joseph’s for another blood clot, an ultrasound and another cat scan. We met with Dr. Ajani, Ronnie’s oncologist, on Monday, and he was very pleased with the treatment so far. Some tumors have gone and some have shrunk. He says we have a long road to travel, but we are on the right path. Going back and forth to Houston is getting old, with all the cancelled and delayed flights and some of the rude Continental staff, the same boring food at the hotel (I think we have eaten everything on their horrible menu!), but…when we get a good report from the doctor, it is all worth it. The only food Ronnie says he can taste is Indian curry; everything tastes like metal (HEAVY metal?) because of the chemo. We did, however, have a nice breakfast with Carmen and his mother on Friday. He is still waiting for his bone marrow transplant.

I am so sorry if I have upset any of our friends for not returning calls or emails, but please understand that it is so draining for me to go over and over to everyone about Ronnie’s progress. This is why I thought that if I wrote an update once a month, everyone can know of Ronnie’s progress at the same time. The Fan Club just delivered a huge sack of mail, and we have been reading all the wonderful cards and letters you have all sent. Thank you all so much – it keeps our spirits up knowing you all love Ronnie so much and wish him well. Ronnie and I have a great support system: Simon, who does so much; Geezer and Gloria (she has been my strength, everyday she listens to me, whether I am happy or not); Sheila and Jacqui, friends for 25 years who would go anywhere or do anything for Ronnie or I; Mike Carden, a cancer survivor who is always available to talk to; Rudy, Vinny, Doug, Scott, Big Scott, Lois and Wyn; my colleagues at work – Marchele, Lynne, Carmen, Anthony and Diana; Dr. Mena, Dr. Chu and our wonderful Dr. Kapoor, who is available 24/7 for us and spent his whole Sunday day off with us at the emergency room, and of course Dr. Ajani, who mixes his magic cocktail of chemo and gives us hope.

Ronnie takes a walk everyday in the park and keeps busy with his music and watching sports. He was really mad that he missed the Super Bowl because we had to fly back to Houston on that Sunday, as his chemo started at 8:00am on Monday. He is in real good spirits and will be going to the studio next week to listen to the mix of the Heaven and Hell DVD that will be released later this year. He is itching to get back on tour, and with the good reports and all of your prayers and good energy, I think he is going to make it. Bless you all.

Wendy

After a few hiccups between Christmas and New Year’s, such as a blood clot, a trip to the emergency room, and a three day stay at the hospital, we had a quiet holiday spent with family and close friends. Ronnie and I just returned from Houston, where Ronnie had his third chemo treatment, and all seems to be going well. Ronnie and Simon Wright went to see Avatar, which he thought was amazing! He has also been writing more chapters for his book.

While at M.D. Anderson Cancer Centre on his second trip, he met a DIO fan named Carmen who has been having treatment every other day for a year, and is eagerly awaiting a bone marrow transplant. Ronnie and Carmen have become fast friends. Carmen is a very positive happy person whose existence, like Ronnie’s, depends heavily on music and sports. On the third trip, we also met his mom and sister, whose total support is so important to all cancer patients. They have become part of our family as well.

The support we get from all of our friends and fans is such a blessing to Ronnie and I.

Ronnie, Geezer, Tony and Vinny will be doing some interviews in the upcoming weeks to be included in the new 30th anniversary Heaven and Hell DVD due out sometime this year.

We would like to thank Simon Wright, who has been such a help with everything and a good, good friend, of course our doctor at MD Anderson, Dr. Ajani, and especially our family doctor, Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, without whose quick diagnosis and help with all the nurses and hospitals, we would be lost. His care and compassion is unwavering.

Thanks again to all of Ronnie’s friends and fans, and --- by the way ---- Ronnie has not lost any hair yet!

------ Wendy Dio

Happy holidays everyone,

I'd like to take the time to thank everyone for the most wonderfull gifts I have ever received. The list includes your good wishes, your prayers, your support, your tears and laughter, your anger and rejoicing, and most of all the unwavering love you've bestowed upon me. I guess I've always felt that we were one person and that you've allowed me to be our spokesman, but until this time of my greatest peril the truth was perhaps slightly hidden. It is hidden no more. Together we' shall face the foe and live on to climb higher mountains and explore greater magic. Together we cannot fail. Please accept my never ending love and dedication to you all. So it is written, and so it shall be.

MAGIC ,
FROM RONNIE JAMES DIO

Here is an update from Wendy Dio on Ronnie's battle with stomach cancer:

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.

--Wendy Dio

Here is the latest update from Wendy Dio:

"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.

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

Long Live Rock and Roll, Long Live Ronnie James Dio"

Wendy Dio would like to thank all of our friends and fans that have sent emails, cards, and blogs on Blabbermouth and let you know that she has passed them all on to Ronnie.

Wendy always reads Blabbermouth and gives Ronnie all the kind words the fans send, any mean ones she throws in the trash, where is where they belong.

The European tour has been cancelled after Ronnie was taken ill. "Ronnie has been hospitalized and we are waiting for further news," explains Ronnie's wife/manager, Wendy Dio.

No further information is available at this time, but we wish Ronnie a speedy and complete recovery.

Ronnie has the following message for the fans:

"I would like to thank all of my friends and fans that came out to support me and the Brittany Foundation Dog Rescue on Saturday. We raised a lot of cash and got some dogs adopted. Many, many thanks - You guys are special!"

Message from Ronnie: “I’m counting on all my Southern California fans to come out and support me, Wendy and the Brittany Foundation Dog Rescue Saturday, November 7 for the Day in Their Paws Event at the foundation (36220 Anthony Road in Agua Dulce, CA 91390 – Hope to see you there!

For more information, please visit www.brittanyfoundation.com. Donations may also be made by scrolling down the home page of the website and clicking on the button beside Wendy's picture.

Heavy metal legend Ronnie James Dio will be at the Brittany Foundation, corner of Sierra Highway and Anthony Road in Agua Dulce, California, Saturday, November 7 from 3-5pm raising money to get Wendy Dio out of her cage (see details below).

Come down and see Ronnie – a handshake is $10, an autograph is $25, and a photograph taken with Ronnie, $50. All proceeds go to benefit the Brittany Foundation.

For more information, please visit www.brittanyfoundation.com.

A Day In Their Paws

Come and experience a unique and extraordinary event at The Brittany Foundation Animal Sanctuary

Saturday, November 7 thru Sunday, November 8

Brittany Foundation volunteers are going on "lock-down" in the kennels with some of our adoptable dogs for a 24-hour period. Volunteers will live for one day how these dogs live every day. Freedom for breaks, food, etc., can only be taken when time has been sponsored / purchased for that individual. Donations can be made via paypal or with a check. Freedom for these volunteers can also be purchased at our Open House on Saturday, November 7 from 11 am to 5 pm. The sponsorship rate is $1 per minute so every one of those dollars count! More details to follow. If you are interested in participating or just enjoying the day, e-mail us! Sanctuary tours, snacks, raffles, silent auction, dog training demos, are all part of the day.

Click here to see full size

While Craig Goldy is touring Australia with Budgie, Ronnie James Dio is pleased to announce that his good friend and ex-bandmate Doug Aldrich will be joining him, Rudy Sarzo, Simon Wright and Scott Warren for the upcoming UK/European DIO tour in November/December.

Dates confirmed so far are:

If you've been waiting to buy your ticket to tomorrow night's Heaven & Hell show at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, now is your chance! We are happy to announce that Ticketmaster is offering two for 1 tickets!

To participate, click here, put in the special promotion "evil" and voila! 2 for 1 tickets are yours!

LIVE NATION presents ‘NO SERVICE FEE WEDNESDAY’. Purchase any ticket today and pay NO service fee! This includes HEAVEN & HELL 8/12 at Dodge Theatre.

ALL DAY TODAY- WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5TH EXCLUSIVELY AT LIVENATION.COM!

Heaven & Hell has received a nomination for Best Album in the Classic Rock Awards and the voting for this award is now open: http://awards2009.classicrockmagazine.com/

The winners will be announced at the gala ceremony, which takes place Monday, November 2 at the Park Lane Hotel in London.

Public-voted categories include:

Best New Band

Album Of The Year

Band Of The Year

Reissue Of The Year

DVD/FILM Of The Year

Event Of The Year

Don’t forget that you can decide who walks away with all of the awards above by voting on this year’s Classic Rock Roll Of Honour! Cast your vote here!

Other awards to be presented on the night include The Classic Rock Living Legend Award, Classic Songwriter, Showman Award, Tommy Vance Inspiration Award, Outstanding Contribution, Classic Album, Metal Guru, and VIP Award.

Classic Rock Editor-At-Large Geoff Barton has said: “Now in their fifth year, our Awards have established themselves as the most prestigious event on the classic rock calendar. With Classic Rock magazine enjoying its highest ever circulation, and with rock giants such as AC/DC, Metallica and Iron Maiden heading our list of nominations, the music that we embrace in the pages of our magazine is in fine fettle. Everyone tells you the record industry is in dire straits but to be honest there’s never been a better time for classic rock music.”

The presale for all Heaven & Hell shows in August, except Baltimore, begins Wednesday May 6 at 10AM local time at www.ticketmaster.com or www.livenation.com, depending on the market.

The password for all presales is DEVIL!!!!

On April 28, Heaven & Hell released their first album in 17 years THE DEVIL YOU KNOW and the highly anticipated set did not disappoint. Revolver Magazine declared it "an album of ageless metal anthems" and The Associated Press praised its "bone-crunching riffs and power chords that can loosen the phlegm in your chest." The band plans to mix in several tracks from THE DEVIL YOU KNOW into their set of Dio-era Black Sabbath classics. Coheed And Cambria bring their unique blend of prog and metal as the supporting act on the tour. The band just released their Neverender box set. The 4-CD/5-DVD collection chronicles a series of 2008 shows where the band performed all four of their albums in the same city on consecutive nights.

HEAVEN & HELL TOUR DATES
All Dates Also Feature Coheed And Cambria Unless Noted:

Heaven & Hell will make a rare in-store appearance and signing at Best Buy in San Bernadino on Saturday, May 2. Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice will all be on hand to celebrate the release of their new album The Devil You Know, out April 28 on Rhino.

Best Buy stores will offer an exclusive version of the album featuring a bonus DVD with unreleased video of the band recording the album including studio performances, interviews, and other behind-the-scenes content. Fans who buy The Devil You Know at the San Bernadino Best Buy beginning on April 28 will get a wristband which will grant them access to get their copy signed by the band. Fans can also get wristbands for the event by purchasing the album at Best Buy stores in Burbank, Rancho Cucamonga and Riverside.

The event takes place Saturday, May 2 at 2:00 PM. Please call the San Bernadino store for more details at (909) 885-4049.

WHO: HEAVEN & HELL
(Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Vinny Appice)

WHAT: Signing Their New Album The Devil You Know

WHEN: SATURDAY, MAY 2
2:00 – 4:00 PM

WHERE: BEST BUY – SAN BERNADINO
888 Harriman Place
San Bernadino, CA 92480
(909) 885-4049

Great news for our English fans and friends: The new album from Ronnie and company THE DEVIL YOU KNOW, the band's first full album as this line up for 17 years, will premier exclusively online in the UK with METAL HAMMER on Monday April 20th.

For more information, click here.

The new single Bible Black was made available to download from all digital retailers. Here are some buy links:

iTunes

Amazon

In addition, a limited edition 7" vinyl single of Bible Black will be available exclusively for this year’s Record Store Day on April 18 for a suggested list price of $5.98. The single’s B-side features a live version of Neon Knights, recorded at the band’s heralded Radio City Music Hall performance in 2007. The 7" is available only at participating independent music retailers. For a full list of participating stores, visit www.recordstoreday.com.

Heaven & Hell have launched a Twitter profile - sign up to follow them and get inside information directly from the band at www.twitter.com/hvnandhelllive.

And to hear the new single Bible Black and for the latest updates on Heaven & Hell, check out the official Heaven & Hell MySpace page at www.MySpace.com/heavenandhelllive

Heaven & Hell is pleased to announce two new shows on their European summer tour:

June 22, Toulouse, France, Le Phare
June 23, Paris, France, Le Casino de Paris

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.gdp.fr/index.php?idDirBill=1398

LOS ANGELES —Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice returned to the stage after 15 years in 2007, launching a triumphant world tour as Heaven & Hell. Revitalized and inspired by its time on the road, the quartet recently returned to the studio, recording the band’s first album since 1992’s Dehumanizer. The highly anticipated album, THE DEVIL YOU KNOW, will be available from Rhino on April 28.

“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.”

The dark tone heard on THE DEVIL YOU KNOW is clear from several of the album’s song titles, such as “Bible Black,” “Rock & Roll Angel,” “Breaking Into Heaven,” “Atom & Evil” and “Eating The Cannibals.”

The seeds of the new album were planted in 2006, when Dio, Iommi, Butler and Appice returned to the studio to record a trio of new songs for Black Sabbath: The Dio Years, a recent compilation of essential tracks taken from the quartet’s four albums together. Soon after, the band launched a run of sold-out shows around the world, electrifying audiences with its malevolent metal fury.

Heaven and Hell, the band comprised of members of the Dio-era Black Sabbath incarnation (Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice), have confirmed tour dates for Europe for late spring 2009.

The list of dates is as follows:

May 30 - Moscow, Russia, B1
May 31 - Moscow, Russia - B1
June 1 - St. Petersburg, Russia - New Arena
June 2 - Helsinki, Finland, Icehall
June 4 - Oslo, Norway, Spektrum
June 6 - Solvesborg, Sweden, Sweden Rock Festival
June 8 - Giessen, Germany, Hessenhallen
June 9 - Berlin, Germany, Zitadelle
June 10 – Bamburg, Germany, Jakoarena
June 13 – Bergum, Holland, Waldrock Festival
June 14 – Karlsruhe, Germany, Europahalle
June 16 – Bonn, Germany, Museumsplatz
June 17 – Zurich, Switzerland, Volkshaus
June 19 – Clisson, France, Hellfest
June 26 – Dessel, Belgium, Graspop Festival
June 27 – Milan, Italy, Gods Of Metal

More shows will be announced soon.

The band has just finished recording their new studio album at Rockfield Studios in Wales, with a tentative release date in April 2009. This is the first original music from the quartet, who reunited in late 2006 to write three new tracks for the CD Black Sabbath: The Dio Years, which was followed by a year long trek around the world.

The band took off most of 2008 to write, rehearse and record the new material, stopping only for a brief tour of North America on the “Metal Masters” tour with Judas Priest, Motorhead and Testament.

For more information, visit www.heavenandhelllive.com.

Legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio recently spoke to Revolver magazine about the upcoming album from HEAVEN AND HELL — the band featuring BLACK SABBATH members Dio, Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass) and Vinny Appice (drums). The group's first LP since SABBATH's "Dehumanizer" (1992) is being recorded at Rockfield studios in Wales, U.K. (where "Dehumanizer" was also tracked).

"It sounds great," Ronnie said of the self-produced set which he co-wrote with Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler during sessions in Los Angeles and England. "It's a real cross-section of everything we've done, from 'Heaven and Hell' through 'Mob Rules' and 'Dehumanizer'. I think there's a lot of 'Dehumanizer' in it, but a lot of other things, too, a real good blend of what this band has represented."

An exclusive interview with Heaven & Hell will be featured this weekend on Headbangers Ball, which airs on MTV2 from 12AM – 1AM on Saturday night (technically early Sunday morning on August 31).

Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice will be speaking about their Metal Masters tour with Judas Priest, Motörhead, and Testament, the new Dio-era Black Sabbath boxed set, The Rules Of Hell, as well as future plans for Heaven & Hell.

Snippets from the interview are available exclusively at headbangersblog.com starting today with more rolling out through the rest of the week. Be sure to tune in this Saturday night!

Wendy Dio is very excited to tell you about a Christmas metal CD that she, Bob Kulick and Brett Chassen have been working on since June, entitled “We Wish You a Metal Xmas and a Headbanging New Year”. This is a METAL CD you will want to listen to all year round.

Wendy says, “It has been a very exciting and exhausting project, but we have managed to get an all star cast together.” The hardest person to get was Ronnie himself, as he told Wendy he doesn’t sing Christmas songs, but after Wendy hounded him for days, he finally listened to the arrangement Bob had come up with for “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”, decided he liked it, added a few bits, recorded it at Bob’s studio, and then said that it needed Tony Iommi’s signature guitar sound. Wendy then sent the track over to Tony, who also liked the track, and behold! You have a very Sabbath Christmas song. Also rounding out the circle of familiar characters on this track are Dio bassist Rudy Sarzo and drummer Simon Wright.

All of the tracks on the record are awesome and definitely have Wendy’s (and all of us here at the DIO Fan Club!) stamp of approval.

Ronnie celebrates his birthday today - still rockin' as hard as ever!

Happy Birthday to Ronnie!

*due to time constraints, the band will only sign copies of The Rules of Hell box set or Heaven and Hell: Live from Radio City Music Hall (DVD/CD)

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
31 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre

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

After weeks of speculation, Live Nation has put together a killer package that is bound to go down as the heavy metal event of 2008 - Judas Priest, Heaven and Hell, Motorhead, and Testament will be touring together for the first time.

Dubbed ‘The Metal Masters Tour,’ the sixteen date U.S. trek kicks off August 6th at the Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden, New Jersey.

Judas Priest will be supporting their epic concept album, ‘Nostradamus,’ which will arrive on June 17th via Epic Records, and tells the tale of the renowned 16th century prophet. A few tracks from ‘Nostradamus’ will make their in-concert debut on ‘The Metal Masters Tour,’ but the majority of Priest’s set list will include some of metal’s all-time classics, as well as fan favorites that span the quintet’s entire career. Without a doubt, this will be one of Priest’s most powerful sets ever. As a ‘sneak peak treat’ to fans starved for a musical taster, the first cut off the new album will make its world premiere debut as exclusive free MP3 download starting today exclusively at www.livenation.com/judaspriest.

Heaven & Hell will be supporting the release of The Rules Of Hell, a five-CD boxed set available on July 22nd from Rhino Records which features re-mastered versions of all four Dio-era Black Sabbath albums (‘Heaven and Hell,’ ‘Mob Rules,’ ‘Live Evil,’ and ‘Dehumanizer’) in a deluxe package with new liner notes.

Perennial road rats Motorhead will be touring strictly for the love of it, offering a fan favorites set spanning more than three decades worth of molar-rattling metal. Motorhead’s last album was 2006’s ‘Kiss of Death’ (released via Sanctuary Records), their 19th studio set of their long and highly influential career. A new album is currently in the works as well, which is currently being recorded at their old pal Dave Grohl’s studio with a August release date targeted. Lemmy blairs out, "Here it comes everybody, the test of your Metalness in 2008 and the years to come! Come one come all and be abused!"

Rounding out the line-up will be legendary thrash metal titans Testament, whose new album, ‘The Formation of Damnation,’ (April 29th,) displays Testament as the quintessential modern heavy metal band, whose experience and accumulated skill allows them to attack with reserves of anger, energy and finesse that make them more powerful than ever. Lead singer Chuck Billy says, “Uniting these bands is the heavy metal event of generations. We are so proud to be a part of it.”

Although all four bands may represent different subgenres of heavy metal, all four have one thing in common – they have stuck to their stylistic guns through thick and thin, and have remained true to the metal form. And soon, band and fan will be united as one on ‘The Metal Masters Tour.’

“As ever, we look forward to screaming out loud with our metal maniac fans when we hit the road,” enthuses Priest singer, Rob Halford. “Thank you once again for your devotion and support. The Priest is back!”

This tour will be limited to fifteen very special engagements, and Citi cardmembers will have pre-sale access to tickets through Citi's Private Pass® Program, available to all Citi cardmembers at www.privatepass.citi.com.

Metal maniacs seeking the ultimate concert experience can access unique VIP ticket and fan experience packages that offer premium seats, meet & greets, pre-concert parties and more brought to you by the band's official websites, www.judaspriest.com and www.heavenandhelllive.com. VIP packages for the first events will be on sale by 10 a.m eastern time on Friday, April 25th. Also, not all VIP packages are the same, so be sure to pick the right one that suits you best.

Tickets go on sale to the public beginning this weekend at www.livenation.com.

See the official web sites for continually updated tour information and on-sale dates.

The dates are as follows:

DIO is proud to welcome along with us for the Birmingham and London UK dates GIRLSCHOOL, and for Sweden and Denmark, Stockholm exports FATAL SMILE, who are currently out on tour here in the US with our good friend DORO.

Please be aware that the DIO band is not playing any North American dates this year, and that there is a person going around booking fictitious dates with unsuspecting promoters.

The only dates this year that are legitimate are the UK/Scandinavian dates as listed on the tour section.

Then, Ronnie will take a break during the summer to play a few special up close and personal dates for the Dio fans. The dates are now coming together, so check the tour section for the latest info on concerts.

Filmed in high-definition and boasting 5.1 Surround Sound, every metallic flourish and bone-crushing riff brings you as close as possible to being at this destined-to-be-legendary show, which sold out in minutes. DVD extras include the documentary Heaven And Hell Road Movie, encompassing backstage, rehearsal and interview footage and other features.

Stop by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and celebrate the release of Rhino's new Heaven and Hell Live from Radio City Music Hall DVD with a FREE screening!  The DVD will be shown in its entirety in the Rock Hall's fourth floor theatre.  FREE Heaven and Hell band merchandise including tour shirts, programs and limited edition posters will be passed out at the end of the showing (while supplies last - limit 1 item per person).

Heaven and Hell Live from Radio City Music Hall
Official Rhino Records Heaven and Hell DVD Screening
at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Weds. August 29th - 6:30pm-9:00pm
Free Admission! Free Merch!
For details http://www.rockhall.com/calendar/

Ronnie, Tony, Geezer and Vinny will be signing copies of the new DVD and CD Heaven and Hell: Live from Radio City Music Hall at the Hot Topic in Hollywood Tuesday, August 28 at 6pm.

Hot Topic (Hollywood & Highland)
6801 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 462-2590

Beginning Friday, August 17th pre-order the new Heaven and Hell CD Live From Radio City Music Hall, and get a wristband that guarantees a place in line to meet Heaven and Hell! Note: Pre-order only available at the Hollywood & Highland Hot Topic Store.

One wristband per person. Space is limited.  No cameras allowed and one autograph per person.  Due to time constraints, the band will only sign copies of the Live from Radio City Music Hall DVD or CD.

For more information, go to http://www.hottopic.com

Heaven and Hell will play 3 dates in Mexico, which have just been added to the tour page

Simon Wright will make a guest appearance with Rhino Bucket at the Rocklahoma Rock Fever Fest Sunday, July 15 at 11:20AM.

For more information on the Rocklahoma Rock Fever Fest, visit www.rockfeverfest.com.

Following the group’s successful spring tour, Heaven And Hell will again wow American audiences with its bewitching stage set and truly timeless, classic metal as Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice return for the second U.S.leg of the quartet’s continuing world tour. Set to launch on September 5, Heaven And Hell’s tour will stop in many cities not included on the previous leg and will feature opening sets from Alice Cooper and Queensrÿche. Tickets for the first 13 dates will go on sale the weekend of June 22 with more dates to be announced soon. There will also be a special fan presale for the first dates beginning Wednesday, June 20 at 12 Noon EST at http://heavenandhell.frontgatetickets.com.

Alice Cooper and Queensrÿche will join Heaven And Hell on the road this fall creating one of the year’s hardest-hitting triple bills. In addition to his duties as a rock ’n’ roll icon, Cooper is the host of the syndicated Nights With Alice Cooper radio show. Cooper’s autobiography, Alice Cooper, Golf Monster, was released last month. Queensrÿche is riding high on the success of last year’s Operation: Mindcrime II album and tour, which brought the group’s complete Mindcrime saga to the stage in its entirety. On July 3, Rhino will release CD and DVD versions Mindcrime At The Moore, which feature Queensrÿche’s performance in front of its hometown crowd at Moore Theatre in Seattle.

For more information about the Heaven and Hell fan presale, please go to http://heavenandhell.frontgatetickets.com.

The Heaven And Hell Fall U.S. Tour will include the following stops with more dates to be announced soon.

SEPTEMBER
5 Binghampton, NY Broom County Arena
7 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
8 Long Island, NY Jones Beach Amphitheatre
9 Mansfield, CT Tweeter Center
14 Tampa, FL St. Petersburg Times Forum
15 Sunrise, FL Bank Atlantic Center
16 Orlando, FL Amway Arena
22 Chicago, IL First Midwest Bank Pavilion
25 Denver, CO Coors Amphitheatre
28 Reno, NV Reno Events Center
29 Kelseyville, CA Konocti Harbor
30 Concord, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre

OCTOBER
2 Fresno, CA Selland Arena

Currently there are 12 scheduled stops, starting on March 11 in Vancouver and ending on March 30 in New York City. The Heaven And Hell world tour will continue until the end of the year with shows in the US, Asia and Europe. Additional dates will be announced shortly.

Multi-platinum recording artist Megadeth will be joining the tour, previewing never before heard material from their upcoming release on Roadrunner Records, United Abominations. The tour also brings the return of Down, featuring Philip Anselmo and Rex Brown from Pantera, as well as Pepper Keenan of COC.

The heavy metal icons are also scheduled to release a new anthology entitled Black Sabbath: The Dio Years. Anticipated release date is 4/3/07 on Rhino/Warner Bros. Records.

The Heaven and Hell Tour 2007 will include the following stops:

• Mar 11, 2007, Pacific Coliseum, Vancouver, British Columbia
  
• Mar 13, 2007, Rexall Place, Edmonton, Alberta
  
• Mar 14, 2007, Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta
  
• Mar 16, 2007, Brandt Centre, Regina, Saskatchewan
  
• Mar 18, 2007, MTS Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba
  
• Mar 20, 2007, Steelback Centre, Sault Ste Marie, Ontario
  
• Mar 22, 2007, Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario
  
• Mar 24, 2007, John Labatt Centre, London, Ontario
  
• Mar 26, 2007, Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec
  
• Mar 27, 2007, Colisee Pepsi Arena, Quebec City, Quebec
  
• Mar 28, 2007, Civic Centre, Ottawa, Ontario
  
• Mar 30, 2007, Radio City Music Hall, New York, New York (No Down)

For more information, visit www.heavenandhelllive.com

It's Official: Ronnie James Dio will appear on stage with Queensryche, October 5th at the Gibson Amphitheater, one night only to sing his part of Dr. X on Queensryche's Operation Mindcrime II.

Dio stated, "I've been asked to reprise my performance as Dr. X on the Operation Mindcrime II in a live venue. It worked out where I was able to do it for this show, and it should be quite a treat."

Dio heads off to Scandinavia next weekend, playing Copenhagen's Amager Bio on 8/28, Aarhus' Train on 8/29, the Hamar Music Festival on 8/31, Riga's Skonto Hall on 9/2, and then the Loud Park Festival in Japan in October with stops in Tokyo and Osaka before heading home to work on the next Dio studio record and putting finishing touches on the new tracks for Black Sabbath: The Dio Years.

We also wanted to thank all the fans for the tons of e-mails, comments and friend requests we have received through the DIO Myspace site since its inception. We really appreciate all the support we've received from you all. If you haven't yet seen it, you can find us at www.myspace.com/dioofficial

The X-Fest in Athens, Greece on June 6 has been cancelled, so DIO will not be appearing there. Word has it there are some new dates for South America which are being confirmed as we speak, and once they are, the tour page will be updated, so keep watching!

Also, we now have an Official Dio Myspace page, so come check us out at www.myspace.com/dioofficial!

As we get more information, we will keep you posted.

Holy Diver Live features the classic Holy Diver album in its entirety, from start to finish, recorded live for the very first time along with other Dio, Rainbow and Black Sabbath classics.

The complete tracklisting of Holy Diver Live is as follows:

Disc 1

Stand Up And Shout
Holy Diver
Gypsy
Caught In The Middle
Don't Talk To Strangers
Straight Through The Heart
Invisible
Rainbow In The Dark
Shame On The Night

Disc 2

Tarot Woman
Sign Of The Southern Cross
One Night In The City
Gates Of Babylon
Heaven And Hell
Man On The Silver Mountain
Long Live Rock & Roll
We Rock

In addition, DIO's classic CD, Holy Diver, will be re-released on CD April 17, 2006 in Europe and April 18, 2006 in the U.S. through Eagle Records featuring a recent in-depth interview with Ronnie.

For more information, please visit www.guitarworld.com.

Ronnie and the band will start working on writing for a new record in January, and it's looking like the band will hit South America in March 2006.

We'll have more tour information for you as it comes together, so keep watching the tour section. In the meantime, Ronnie's performance as Dr. X on the new Queensryche album, Operation Mindcrime II, hits stores on March 14, and we are told that Tenacious D: The Pick of Destiny, Ronnie's movie debut, will be coming out in March as well.

Ronnie, Simon, Doug, Rudy and Scott would like to thank you for your gift of support through the years and are looking forward to bringing you another year of Dio cheer in 2006!

Ronnie recently headed up to the Bay Area to record his part on the record, and commented on being chosen to play Dr. X: "I was flattered to be asked to be part of the Operation Mindcrime II project, and it was truly great to work with Geoff Tate again."

We are all very excited to hear the record, due in record stores March 14, 2006.

We will keep you posted on what develops with this situation.

With respect to the recent rumors of Ronnie's rejoining Black Sabbath, Wendy Dio commented, “Ronnie is not re-joining Black Sabbath. He’s very happy with his own band and will be touring festivals next year with Dio, NOT OZZFEST." She went on to clarify that, "the writing project is just something that may happen between Tony and Ronnie if they have time between their own projects to write one or two songs to be included on the Black Sabbath: The Dio Years box set.”

Wendy Dio states emphatically that,"Craig has NOT been drinking, and has been a real trooper, trying to perform in pain with his arm. We are very pleased that Doug is able to perform with Dio and that we do not have to cancel any shows."

In coordination with the tour, Holy Diver will be re-released on October 3rd in Europe (still working on a USA release), along with a live DVD entitled We Rock.

In other news, the December shows are slowly coming together. We should have dates for you shortly (watch the tour section), but in the meantime we can tell you that the tour will be Scandinavia December 1-10, and Germany December 13-21.

Russian dates have now been confirmed, so we have added those to the site -- Enjoy!

Billboard.com recently did a piece of the forthcoming book, which you can read here. We will have copies of the book available shortly on the merch page and also out on the road, so get yours!

We are working hard on the Hear N Aid II project. It's coming along nicely, and we are hopeful it should be finished this year sometime. Also, the Stand Up & Shout video anthology will be coming out on Rhino Records in June 2005.

Dio's 2005 tour schedule is being worked out now and looks like we will be playing South America April 2005, Asia May 2005, European festivals June & July 2005, Russia in September 2005 and the UK October 2005, followed by Christmas shows in Germany in December.

Tour dates will be posted as soon as they are officially confirmed, so keep watching the tour page for more details on when Dio is coming to YOUR town!

In other news, Master of the Moon hits record stores in Japan today, and look for Stand Up & Shout, an anthology of all the Dio videos, to be released in the United States in June 2005.

The members of DIO will be making several appearances at the NAMM convention held at the Anaheim Convention Center this year. The entire band will be appearing on Friday, January 21 at the Dean Markley booth from 1-2pm, and then at Peavey from 2-3pm. On Saturday, January 22, Craig will be signing at the Seymour Duncan booth at from 1-2pm; Rudy, Craig and Simon will be at the Digitech booth from 2-2:45pm and Simon will be signing over at Vic Firth from 3-4pm. Additionally, Rudy will be at the Washburn booth Thurs. Jan 20 from 1:30-2:30pm.

We'll be taking some time off over the holidays, but we will be in Monterey, Mexico on November 13 for the Monterey Metalfest along with Twisted Sister, Dokken, Quiet Riot and others, so if you can make it, come rock with us!

Make your plans to come join the legendary Master of Darkness, DIO for Halloween weekend! Aah-oooooooo!

The tour kicked off Wednesday night in Hartford, CT, and what a show! Fireball Ministry really rocked the house and pleasantly surprised a lot of people who hadn't heard of them before this tour. Anthrax is keeping the crowds energized and highly motivated as usual, and the Dio set has probably every favorite song you can think of as well as a few surprises.

The new record is available at the shows, and we've also got some cool new shirts at the merch booth. For now, they're only available at the shows, but we hope to be adding those to the site as well. Keep watching!