Dio
The Dio group was founded in 1982 on the initiative of the vocalist Ronnie James Dio and drummer Vinny Appice, who was leaving Black Sabbath. The first line-up of the band consisted of Ronnie James Dio (vocal), Vivian Campbell (guitar), Jimmy Bain (bass; ex-Rainbow), and Vinny Appice (drums).
In 1983 the band released the album “Holy Diver”, with the excellent “Rainbow in the Dark”, “Don’t Talk to Strangers” and the title “Holy Diver”. The album is considered by many critics and fans to be the essence of the heavy metal style. The debut album and the album “The Last in Line”, released a year later and well-received was certified platinum. Halfway through the tour promoting this release, Campbell (leaving for Whitesnake) was replaced by a new guitarist – Craig Goldy. Further studio albums were released in 1987 (“Dream Evil”) and in 1990 (“Lock Up the Wolves”). The latter was recorded with a significantly changed line-up (including former AC / DC drummer Simon Wright). In 1992, Ronnie rejoined Black Sabbath, and a short episode resulted in the joint recording of the album “Dehumanizer”.
Ronnie James Dio reactivated the band in 1993, with Appic on drums, guitarist Tracy G, keyboardist Scott Warren (ex-Warrant), and bassist Jeff Pilson. The band sounded more modern, which turned out to be quite a disappointment for many fans used to the group’s previous achievements. “Strange Highways” from 1993, “Angry Machines” from 1996, and the concert “Inferno – Last in Life” from 2000 remain for many fans of Dio’s talent the worst albums in the group’s discography.
After a period of subsequent staff perturbations (including the return of Craig Golda), the eighth studio album “Magic” from 2000 reached the number 1 position on the Billboard’s Top Independent Albums list. In November of the same year, the band visited Poland as a support during the European concert tour Deep Purple. In 2002, the album “Killing The Dragon” was released, returning in style to the first albums. The last studio album “Master Of The Moon” was released in 2004.
Ronnie James Dio, according to many fans of the genre, is one of the people who have the greatest influence on the development of hard rock and heavy metal. Known primarily as the vocalist of the group’s Elf (1970-1975), Rainbow (1975-1978), Black Sabbath (1979-1982 / 1991-1993), Dio (1983-1989 / 1993-today) and also established in 2007 by former Black Sabbath members of Heaven & Hell.
