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Band Timeline
1982
Formation of Dio band
In October 1982, after departing from Black Sabbath, vocalist Ronnie James Dio and drummer Vinny Appice formed the heavy metal band Dio in Los Angeles. They recruited bassist Jimmy Bain, who had previously played with Dio in Rainbow, and guitarist Jake E. Lee. Shortly after formation, Lee left due to musical differences and was replaced by Vivian Campbell. This new band marked the beginning of Ronnie James Dio's solo band career after years of collaboration with other groups.
1983
Debut album 'Holy Diver' released
Dio released their debut album Holy Diver in May 1983. The album was highly successful and included hit singles like 'Holy Diver' and 'Rainbow in the Dark,' which gained significant popularity aided by MTV airplay. Though Ronnie James Dio and Jimmy Bain played keyboards in the studio, keyboardist Claude Schnell was later recruited for live performances. Holy Diver established Dio as a prominent force in heavy metal with its powerful vocals, melodic guitar work, and thematic lyrics.
1984-1985
Second and third albums: 'The Last in Line' and 'Sacred Heart'
The band expanded to a quintet with Claude Schnell on keyboards and released The Last in Line in July 1984. This album further solidified their success, achieving platinum status and spawning popular singles like 'Last in Line'. In August 1985, Dio released their third studio album Sacred Heart, which reached gold status in the US. The album was supported by extensive touring. These years were a peak period in both creativity and popularity for Dio, maintaining their status as a top heavy metal act.
1986-1987
Lineup changes and 'Dream Evil' album
During the Sacred Heart tour, tensions grew, leading to Vivian Campbell's departure. Craig Goldy replaced him on guitar. Dio released their fourth studio album Dream Evil in July 1987. Though successful, Goldy left shortly after to pursue solo projects. The band also participated in the Hear 'n Aid project in 1985, contributing to metal community charity efforts. This era showcased Dio's adaptability amidst personnel shifts while continuing to produce high-quality metal music.
1989-1993
Further lineup changes and evolving sound
After Dream Evil, several members departed including Claude Schnell, Jimmy Bain, and Vinny Appice. New members included Jens Johansson (keyboards), Teddy Cook (bass), and Simon Wright (drums). The 1990 album Lock Up the Wolves was released with a heavier sound. Rowan Robertson joined as guitarist in 1989. By 1993, the lineup stabilized somewhat with Tracy G on guitar, Scott Warren on keyboards, and Jeff Pilson on bass. The band started moving away from fantasy themes toward more contemporary issues in their music during this time.
1996-2004
Later albums and musical experimentation
Dio released albums Strange Highways (1993), Angry Machines (1996), Magica (2000), Killing the Dragon (2002), and Master of the Moon (2004). These works explored heavier and sometimes darker themes with experimentation in sound and production. Although not achieving the commercial success of earlier albums, these releases reinforced Ronnie James Dio's position as a committed and evolving artist within heavy metal. The band also underwent several lineup changes during this period.
2006
Formation of Heaven & Hell and continued influence
Ronnie James Dio reunited with his former Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice to form Heaven & Hell in 2006, reviving the classic Black Sabbath lineup with Dio as vocalist. This collaboration brought renewed attention to Ronnie James Dio’s legacy and music, producing new albums and tours. Meanwhile, the Dio band continued to have an active fanbase, and Ronnie James Dio remained a revered figure in heavy metal.
2010
Death of Ronnie James Dio and dissolution of the band
In November 2009, Ronnie James Dio was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Despite treatment, he passed away on May 16, 2010, at the age of 67. His death marked the end of the Dio band as an active entity. Ronnie James Dio is widely regarded as one of heavy metal's greatest vocalists and influential figures, credited with popularizing the 'devil horns' hand gesture and leaving a lasting legacy through his distinct voice and powerful metal compositions. The band's music continues to influence heavy metal artists and fans worldwide.
Albums
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Members
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Jimmy Bain
1982
1989
Bass guitar
Claude Schnell
1984
1989
Keyboard
Doug Aldrich
2005
2006
Electric guitar
Larry Dennison
1997
1999
Bass guitar
Craig Goldy
1999
2001
Electric guitar
Vinny Appice
1982
1989
Drums (drum set)
Simon Wright
1989
1991
Chuck Garric
2000
2001
Additional
Bass guitar
Scott Warren
1993
2010
Keyboard
Ronnie James Dio
1993
2010
Lead vocals
Eponymous
Craig Goldy
2006
2010
Electric guitar
Doug Aldrich
2001
2004
Electric guitar
Bob Daisley
1998
1998
Additional
Bass guitar
Ronnie James Dio
1982
1991
Lead vocals
Eponymous
Vivian Campbell
1982
1986
Electric guitar
Jeff Pilson
1993
1996
Bass guitar
Rudy Sarzo
2005
2010
Bass guitar
Jerry Best
1985
1985
Additional
Bass guitar
Jeff Pilson
2004
2005
Bass guitar
Teddy Cook
1989
1991
Bass guitar
Tracy G
1993
1999
Electric guitar
Vinny Appice
1993
1999
Drums (drum set)
Jens Johansson
1989
1991
Keyboard
Jake E. Lee
1982
1982
Electric guitar
Craig Goldy
2004
2005
Electric guitar
Jimmy Bain
1999
2004
Bass guitar
Craig Goldy
1986
1989
Electric guitar
Rowan Robertson
1989
1991
Electric guitar
Simon Wright
1999
2010
Story of Dio
Ronnie James Dio, following his departure from Black Sabbath (a split fueled by disagreements over the Live Evil album mix), launched his eponymous heavy metal band in 1982. The shrewdly chosen name, already synonymous with the powerful vocalist, provided a strong commercial foundation. Dio`s initial lineup included former Sabbath bandmate Vinny Appice on drums, along with Jake E. Lee on guitar and Jimmy Bain on bass. Lee was quickly replaced by Vivian Campbell, solidifying a lineup that would soon make waves.
Over the next decade, Dio released ten studio albums, becoming a force in the metal world. However, the band experienced numerous lineup changes, with Dio himself remaining the sole constant member. A veritable who`s-who of guitarists passed through the ranks, including Vivian Campbell, Craig Goldy, Doug Aldrich, Warren DeMartini, Tracy G, Jake E. Lee, and Rowan Robertson. Despite this revolving door of musicians, the band maintained a distinct identity, fueled by Dio’s unmatched vocal prowess.
The bands legacy ended tragically in 2010 with the death of Ronnie James Dio from stomach cancer at age 67. His influence, however, remains undeniable, with over 50 million records sold worldwide, cementing Dios place as a heavy metal giant.
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