Dio

Formed in 1982 after Ronnie James Dio left Black Sabbath, Dio reunited the vocalist with former Sabbath drummer Vinny Appice for a new heavy metal band built around Dio’s voice and songwriting. The group went on to release ten studio albums, while its personnel shifted repeatedly around its frontman, who remained the only constant member.

Guitarists in Dio included Vivian Campbell, Craig Goldy, Doug Aldrich, Warren DeMartini, Tracy G, Jake E. Lee and Rowan Robertson, reflecting the band’s changing lineups across its career. Bassists, keyboard players and drummers also rotated through the group, with musicians including Jimmy Bain, Rudy Sarzo, Jeff Pilson, Claude Schnell, Scott Warren, Simon Wright and Appice among those associated with Dio.

The band drew from heavy metal and hard rock, with Dio’s work following his earlier roles in Black Sabbath and Rainbow. Ronnie James Dio had sold more than 50 million records worldwide by the time of his death. Dio dissolved in 2010 after the singer died of stomach cancer at age 67.