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.