Dio (band)
| Dio | |
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Dio in 2005.
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Cortland, New York, USA |
| Genres | Heavy metal |
| Years active | 1982–1991, 1993–2010 |
| Labels | Eagle, Warner Bros., Reprise, Universal, Vertigo, Phonogram, Spitfire, Sanctuary |
| Associated acts | Black Sabbath, Elf, Heaven & Hell, Last in Line, Rainbow, Rough Cutt, Whitesnake |
| Website | www.ronniejamesdio.com |
| Past members | See below |
Dio was an American heavy metal band formed in 1982 and led by vocalist Ronnie James Dio, after he left Black Sabbath with intentions to form a new band with fellow former Black Sabbath member, drummer Vinny Appice. The name Dio was chosen because it made sense from a commercial standpoint, as the name was already well known at that time.
The band released ten studio albums and had numerous line-up changes over the years with Ronnie James Dio having been the only constant member. Guitarists have included Craig Goldy (most recent guitarist), Doug Aldrich, Vivian Campbell, Warren DeMartini Tracy G, Jake E. Lee and Rowan Robertson.
The band dissolved in 2010 when Ronnie James Dio died of stomach cancer at the age of 67. The band has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide.
In 1982, disagreements originating over the mixing of Black Sabbath's Live Evil resulted in the departure of Ronnie James Dio and Vinny Appice from the band. Wanting to continue together as a band, the two formed Dio in October 1982 in the United States with Vivian Campbell (guitar) and Jimmy Bain (bass). The following May, the band released their debut album, Holy Diver. It featured two hit singles, "Rainbow in the Dark" and "Holy Diver", which gained popularity from MTV. Ronnie James Dio and Jimmy Bain played keyboards in the studio, but recruited keyboardist Claude Schnell for live shows in 1983 prior to the Holy Diver tour. Claude Schnell played to the side of the stage on the first two tours before coming out front in 1985. Dio had this to say of the band's origins:
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