Dio

Dio was an American heavy metal band formed in 1982 and led by vocalist Ronnie James Dio. The group began after Dio left Black Sabbath with the intention of starting a new band with Black Sabbath drummer Vinny Appice. From the outset, Dio functioned as a vehicle for Dio’s vocals and songwriting, with personnel shifting frequently around him while he remained the only constant member.

The band released ten studio albums and went through numerous lineup changes over the years. Several guitarists passed through the group, including Vivian Campbell, Craig Goldy, Doug Aldrich, Warren DeMartini, Tracy G, Jake E. Lee, and Rowan Robertson. Other members associated with Dio across different periods included bassists and keyboardists such as Jimmy Bain, Rudy Sarzo, Jeff Pilson, Jens Johansson, Claude Schnell, and Scott Warren, as well as additional drummers and touring personnel including Simon Wright, Vinny Appice, Teddy Cook, Jerry Best, and Tracy Grijalva.

Although the lineup evolved repeatedly, the band’s identity remained tied to Ronnie James Dio’s presence and leadership. In addition to appearing under the name Dio, the act has also been credited and referenced in various forms and languages, including Ronnie James Dio and related aliases. The band is commonly associated with heavy metal and hard rock styles, and is often linked in genre terms to album rock, glam metal, alternative metal, and speed metal.