Ronnie James Dio Remembrance

Written By Bobby HQ Storm
Interviews By Sandy Storm

Ronnie Remembrance 2

May 16th is a sombre date in the Rock community. A date when sorrow resurfaces for the loss of a legend and righteous indignation is echoed across the globe towards the disease that has taken so many of our loved ones. May 16th 2010 is the date one of the greatest singers of all time, Ronnie James Dio, lost his battle against stomach cancer. This year marks the 5th year since Ronnie’s passing. Los Angeles, California hosted the 5th Year Remembrance which was a 3 day event beginning May 15 with a Celebrity Bowling event followed by the memorial service at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills on May 16th, which included speakers as well as performances. The speakers were made up of those that knew Ronnie throughout the years, such as Rudy Sarzo, Craig Goldy, Wendy Dio, Ronnie’s doctor; Sandeep Kapoor, each sharing their personal stories of the compassion that Ronnie had and how he was a living example of “Do onto others as you would have done onto yourself”. We were fortunate enough to have some of Ronnie’s close friends share a story or two with us in the audio clips below.

Craig Goldy:

Vinny Appice:

Bjorn Englen:

Wendy Dio:

Performances during the memorial included an acoustic version of “Heaven and Hell” by Great White, “Lisa “ performed by Lita Ford in memory of her mother, lost by cancer as well. Other performances; Craig Goldy on Guitar, Sean Mcnabb on Bass, Simon Wright on Drums, Scott Warren on Keyboards and Metal Queen Ann Boleyn on Vocals delivering a powerful rendition of “Sign of the Southern Cross”. “ Rainbow in the Dark” consisted of Gabbie Rae on Vocals, Rowan Robertson on Guitar, Rudy Sarzo on Bass, Vinny Appice on Drums and Scott Warren on Keyboards. Other musicians that performed; Jimmy Bain, Chris Broderick, John Payne, Rock Feinstein, Christian Martucci, Roy Mayorga, Paul Shortino, Ricky Warwick, Robbie Crane, Oni Logan, Joe Retta, Bjorn Englen.

The third day and finale began with a Motorcycle ride (Ride for Ronnie) and BBQ followed by an All-Star concert. Various vendors, whose merchandise/services consisted of shirts, jewellery, massages and food were present throughout the event area. Auctions were held featuring a guitar signed by a multitude of musicians. A photo album was also auctioned off, signed by the likes of Geddy Lee, John Paul Jones, Tony Iommi and many more of Rock Royalty. Vendors, Catering and Musicians alike donated their time, merchandise, and talent. All proceeds for the three day event went towards the Stand Up And Shout Cancer Foundation.
This event brought many together from all walks of life and different parts of the world, to remember and celebrate “The Man on the Silver Mountain” with a Heart of Gold that shone upon not just those fortunate to have had an opportunity to meet Ronnie but to all those that have been touched and influenced through his musical career….and his heart is still shining through.
One of the highlight performances was from Rock icon Eddie Money, whose band consisted of several of his children. Eddie Rocked a four song set which included; “Two Tickets to Paradise”, “No Control”,” We Should Be Sleeping” and “Shakin”. Eddie jokingly stated “I know I play Candy Rock but I Love Heavy Metal!”, to which a cheering crowd made sure that he and his band were loved and confirmed that they Rocked the stage. Lita Ford performed “ Kiss Me Deadly”. Also on the bill; DIO DISCIPLES, who gave a stellar performance, An all-star jam and DC4 featuring Jeff Duncan on Guitar, Rowan Robertson on Guitar, Matt Duncan on Bass and Shawn Duncan on Drums shredded the stage to end the event.
The 5th Year of Remembrance was not only focused on Ronnie’s humanity and music but also on the fact that this is a war against a horrific disease and urgency that all should be proactive and periodically have themselves checked out. The importance of not ignoring warning signs and educating themselves onto a healthy lifestyle…”This is your Life, This is your Time!”