Heart of Hollywood Mag interviewed Wendy Dio

Below you will find the amazing interview that Heart of Hollywood Mag legendary Brett Hoag did with legendary Wendy Dio.

 

https://www.heartofhollywoodmagazine.com/post/metal-mastication-sits-down-with-wendy-dio-to-talk-all-things-ronnie-including-curry

 

 

 

Remembering Ronnie James Dio

REST IN PEACE                                               RONNIE JAMES DIO

 

10.07.1942 - 16.10.2010
Autograph gotten by R. Klein!!!

Streets of Rock N Roll The Radio Show - hosted by Ron Keel - interview with Craig Goldy

 

 

Premiering today (Thursday) at 1 PM Central/2 PM Eastern at http://kbackradio.com - KBACK Rock Radio

This week, Ron Keel catches up with our old friend  Craig Goldy (Resurrection Kings, Dio, Dio Disciples) - we talk about the new album, our 1st tour together when Keel supported Dio throughout Europe, the Hologram and lots more. The playlist is dominated by some great new music: of course the title track to Resurrection Kings' "Skygazer," plus fresh cuts from Reverend Jack - Lowerline (RFL Records) - Deplorables (shoulda been in the 4th Of July special, but it's #NeverTooLate) and more.
Enjoy the show, thanks for riding shotgun with me.

Craig Gold`s Destiny Bridge

(Pic copyright by the photographer!!!)

Please send lots of likes to the pages mentioned above. Help us grow both of the pages. If you can please help us out and share the links too. And if you can please invite your friends to like these Facebook-Pages. Thank you so much in advance. We love you.

Web: Official Craig Goldy Fanpage

Web: Craig Goldy`s Destiny Bridge 



..info, news etc. coming soon...

Official Craig Goldy Fanpage online

Pics copyright by the photographer

Official Craig Goldy Fanpage online

Ilona and I got the permission from Craig Goldy to start his fanpage :-) and now its up to you to jump over to this great page. We would appreciate so much if you would like to share the page link to your pages as well. Thanks for all you do: 

https://www.facebook.com/Craiggoldyfansofficial Craiggoldyfansofficial

Dream Child - album out this september

Exklusiv Rezension: TOWER OF BABEL - Lake Of Fire

Rezension: Tower Of Babel - Lake Of Fire

Amerikanisch-europäisches Flair lässt grüßen. Heute berichtet Rocket Queen Promotion über eine super gelungenes Metal Projekt von Csaba Zevkan und Joe Stump. 

Dragon Slayer erinnert sehr an einen Mix aus Yngwie Malmsteen zu Trilogy - Zeiten und Pretty Maids zu Back to Back - Zeiten. Ab der Mitte bekommt man ein ausladendes Gitarrensolo zu hören.

Bei  It´s only Rock´n Roll tendiert die Musik zwischen Rainbow zu Bent out of shape und Stranger in us all. Während bei Song 3 Lake of fire ebenfalls mit Rainbow-Klägen und einem leicht orientalischen Touch a la Gates of babylon aufgewartet wird. Beim Song Addicted hingegen beinhaltet dieser eher Einflüsse der frühen Scorpions, wobei es im Vergleich gesanglich eher in Richtung Pretty Maids geht.
Song sieben Once Again - Was hören unsere Ohren denn hier? Es tönt nach Michael Schenker und Blackmore, auch  kommt der Clean-Gesang zur Geltung und es ist mal nicht so viel Gitarren-Solo involviert. Alles in allem etwas ruhiger gehalten. Bei Stardust lässt Sänger Csaba auch mal hohe Schreie raus. Der Bass frickelt im Solo auch schön mit.

Beim neunten Song Eyes of the world handelt es sich um ein Rainbow Cover. Eine gut gemeinte Idee, die leider nicht so an das Original heran reicht. Bei Lamb and the wolves kriegen wir hingegen ausufernde Gitarren-Soli zu hören. Es läuft ganz klar wieder auf die Malmsteen-Schiene  hinaus.

Bei Song 11 Thoth wird es doomig! Eine orientalische Melodie, erinnert tatsächlich auch an Candlemass, Hexenhaus, Memento Mori. Eher Letztere. Da war Mike Wead jeweils Gitarrist.  Ganz klar 80er bis 90er Jahre. Und beim letzten Titel All out warfare handelt es sich um ein Instrumental von Joe Stump - Malmsteen zu Rising Force - Zeiten.


Fazit:
Es scheint eher die Band von Joe Stump zu sein, der auch in der  Info keinen Hehl daraus macht, woher seine Einflüsse kommen. Den Anspruch erfüllt er aber auch. Die Musiker sind alle richtig gut. Beim Mix bzw. Produktion hätte man sich hier und da Gedanken machen können, ob Drums, Bass und Keyboards nicht etwas prominenter neben Gitarre und Gesang einen Platz hätten finden können. Hätte möglicherweise ein ausgeglicheneres Soundgefüge ergeben und etwas moderner geklungen. Das mag aber auch beabsichtigt sein durch die Produzenten Stump und Csaba.

Der Gesang erinnert oft an Ronnie Atkins von Pretty Maids. Und er drückt der Musik so seinen Stempel auf. Die Vocals sind allerdings wirklich gut, wenn man auf eine sehr rauhe Rockröhre steht. Insgesamt eine sehr old-schoolige Angelegenheit, die Fans von Malmsteen zu Rising Force - Zeiten und Blackmore - Jünger begeistern werden. Außergewöhnlich und besonders herausragend ist der Song Thoth.

Trackliste: 

1. Dragon Slayer
2. Its Only Rock N Roll
3. Lake Of Fire
4. Addicted
5. Midnight Sun
6. Eternal Flames
7. Once Again
8. Stardust
9. Eyes Of The World
10.Lamb And The Wolves
11.Troth
12. All Out Warfare


Produced by Csaba Zvekan and Joe Stump

VÖ: 20. Juli 2017
Label: Lion Music

© 21.09.2017 by RocketqueenpromotionSM

Urgent news! DIO RETURNS - Tour .... soon - mark your calendars

November 30 - Helsinki, Finland @ The Circus
December 3 - Stockholm, Sweden @ Fryshuset
December 4 - Oslo, Norway @ Rockefeller Music Hall
December 6 - Warsaw, Poland @ Progresja
December 13 - Barcelona, Spain @ Bikini
December 15 - Santander, Spain @ Escenario Santander
December 17 - Bucharest, Romania @ Arelene Romane
December 20 - Antwerp, Belgium @ Trix
December 21 - Tilburg, Netherlands @ 013

More dates to follow.

Neues Review auf www.streetclip.tv online: JOEL HOEKSTRA`S 13 - Dying To Live - Jetzt lesen

exklusiv geschrieben für www.streetclip.tv





JOEL HOEKSTRA`s 13 - Dying To Live

Stil: Rock

Label: Frontiers Records S.R.l. (Soulfood)

Jetzt schlägt es aber dreizehn! Statt dreizehn Songs, werden jedoch nur elf geboten. Aber für dieses Album gilt, dass die Qualität an erster Stelle steht.  Am besten bekannt ist JOEL als Gitarrist von NIGHT RANGER, spielt jedoch auch  für das Trans Siberian Orchester und ist aktuell seit 2014 auch für die legendären WHITESNAKE tätig - nun widmet er sich  hier erst einmal nur seinem eigenen Side-Project. Drei Alben, die rein instrumentaler Art sind hat er bisher schon am Start, daher wollte er jetzt mal seine Qualitäten als All-Star Talent beweisen, die wahrlich nicht nur aus Gitarren-Künsten bestehen.

Zur Verstärkung holte man sich hier Klassen-Musiker wie VINNY APPICE, RUSSELL B. ALLEN, JEFF SCOT SOTO, DEREK SHERINIAN und andere und dies lässt einen doch sogleich aufhorchen. JOEL HOEKSTRA`S 13 ist somit einzig und allein Joels Baby und dies kann ihm auch keiner nehmen. Zur musikalischen Ausrichtung bleibt folgendes zu sagen: Das ganze Werk startet mit ´Say Goodbye To The Sun´ - einem sehr schmissigen Werk, das nicht nur vom Songtitel her, sondern auch von den Gesangslinien her sehr an DIO erinnern lässt. Es könnte wahrlich ein schnellerer DIO Song sein.

Auch beim Song ´Changes´ kommen klar zu hören DIO Einflüsse a la ´Shivers` durch. Beim zweiten Song namens ´Anymore´ paaren sich NIGHT RANGER Melodielinien mit gesanglichen WHITESNAKE-Einschlägen. Spannend ist hierbei, dass bei diesem Song schnell durchkommt, dass dieser gefühlt ein ADRENALINE MOB Song sein könnte. Beim besagten Song kommt eine schöne Atmosphäre auf, die nach mehr schreit. RUSSEL B. ALLEN räumt mit seiner mächtigen, voluminösen Stimme mächtig ab und somit auch mächtig auf.

Für Fans von WHITESNAKE, DIO, NIGHT RANGER, SYMPHONY X sehr empfehlenswert.

Last but not least wurde Joel`s Album natürlich auch von Altmeister DAVID COVERDALE höchstpersönlich abgesegnet!

Punkte: 8


Susi Rocketqueen Müller

exklusiv geschrieben für www.streetclip.tv

Interview repost from 7.2011 - SIMON WRIGHT (DIO DISCIPLES, Dio, Hallion)

Pic source: Simon Wright facebookpage... copyright by photographer!

SIMON WRIGHT
(DIO DISCIPLES, Hallion)

***Simon Wright***

Hello Simon, very happy and honored to have you talking to me and the fans. First I want to tell you that I am totally proud of you and the guys for doing what you are doing! I really have no words for it. For i know it must be a hard journey without your good friend Ronnie. But be sure me and all the fans are 100 percent behind you.

1. Simon, you were in AC/DC before you joined the DIO band. Why did you leave the band back then?

Simon: Well, I had been in the band about eight years,quite a long time and I was becoming complacent, I guess it happens, I also felt I needed to expand on my playing a bit more.Were still friends and they are a brilliant band and I mean no disrespect but I had to move on.Now Phil is back they sound better than ever.

2. And what was different between playing in AC/DC and playing in DIO?

Simon: I think DIO music is more fill orientated and I got to create a bit more,don`t get me wrong both bands are bloody amazing to play with obviously and there are some killer songs as we know, ACDC is a bit more straight forward four on the floor kinda thing,which can be as difficult as playing complex fills, it`s just 2 different styles of playing and attitude I think.

3. Well AC/DC were much bigger than the DIO band. But from what I think it was more challenging to play drums in Dio than to play in AC/DC. But surely it was a huger audience to play for. But did you have a ball to play the straight stuff more than more variable Dio sounds?

Simon: Well, they were both as challenging just in different ways, I try to approach every gig in the same way though, that is to be consistent every night, anchor the band and play tight regardless of the size of the crowd, there could be 8 or 80000, it doesn`t matter I try and play great every night, it`s my job to do that and I owe it to the musicians around me.

4. You are also playing in Tim Owens solo band are you still playing for Tim?
And will you keep up working with Tims Solo Band? Is there any news bout
this?

Simon: Nothing planned at the moment for solo stuff with Tim,we are concentrating on the DIO DISCIPLES project,but at some point maybe.

5. What are you doing besides the Dio Disciples? I read that you aren`t playingmwith Rhino Bucket anymore. So are there any other projects you are involved with?

Simon: Well I sort of jump in and out of Rhino Bucket,were good friends and it seems to work that way, if they get stuck and need a drummer and I am available I`ll help them out, thats kind of our agreement, they are a great band. DIO DISCIPLES is my main project at the moment, so no other projects at the moment.

6. Whats your opinion about the Dio Disciples. Do you think that most of the fans like the idea that you guys keeping Ronnies legacy alive or do you have negative feedback about it too?

Simon: Well we expected some negativity and there was, but it`s getting less and less.We are very passionate about DIO DISCIPLES and I think the fans at the shows see this, were there to celebrate and honor Ronnie and his amazing legacy of music with the best fans in the world. Ronnie always said fans come first and we totally agree.



7. The Dio Disciples concert in Bochum, Germany was amazing. And it was very emotional and overwhelming for all of us. From what I read there were about 300 people who attended. So what do you suspect for the USA dates... surely more people to come?

Simon: Thank you Susi I`m glad you enjoyed the show, it gets emotional for us too, there are always things ,besides obviously the songs, that remind us of Ronnie, whether it be stories from fans, our stories on long bus rides, I`m always thinking about what he would have done there or what he would think about a certain situation, he was such a wise man. Were are hoping for bigger crowds, were kind of a new band and I think with any new band there is a growing process, the fans that saw the shows in Europe seemed to really enjoy what we are doing and hopefully word will get around about how we are honoring and celebrating Ronnie in a respectful and sincere way, I`ve said before I wish we didn`t have to do DIO DISCIPLES, instead we were doing a new DIO album and touring, now we have to honor him by keeping his music alive.

Susi: I exactly know and understand what you mean about your wish! I truely understand. Me and all the Dio-Fan Family feel the same way. And we think about it every single second and still couldn`t believe it... Simon, we are with you and forever will! 

8. Which is your fave drumset and which one do you usually play when you tour?

Simon: The drums I use when we tour the US are mine, I have two DW kits one chrome finish, which has slightly shorter depth toms and sounds great and my other has a burnt toast finish, kinda like a les paul sunburst finish, looks cool I think, and slightly longer depth toms, they both sound amazing. DW make superb drums, always consistent and great quality,they also provide me with a kit when we do shows outside the US, which is something I was looking for in a drum company, the cost of shipping drums around the world can get a little expensive.

9. So you also toured with ANVIL. And you are now a member of the
Anvil Pounders too. So when did you join and since when are you
friends with ANVIL?

Simon: Yeah we did four Spanish shows with them, great guys, Robb decided I should be an honory member of Anvil Metal Pounders Union in Barcelona, still waitin for the T-Shirt Robb, haha.We first met at a festival, I think in Finland, memories not what it was, there good guys ya know, very commited to the metal cause and a great band.

10. Some last words you would like to share with my readers?

Simon: Just to thank you all for reading this. DIO DISCIPLES will hopefully be back in Europe next year, we look forward to seeing you all at the shows, to help us celebrate and honor the greatest singer in rock, Ronnie James Dio.

All the best.We Rock!.

Simon Wright.{ Drums.DIO-1998/2010}

Thank you so much for taking your time talking to me and my readers. Wishing you all the best - keep up the good work, and thank you again for the amazing concert in Bochum. Hope to see you again in Germany soon would like to stop by to say hi again, I DEFINATELY WILL BE THERE! - Susi

DIO DISCIPLES @ FACEBOOK please give THEM a "LIKE" by clicking here and joining their FB PAGE. THANK YOU ALL!

© 07 2011 by Rocket Queen *Promotion*

Metal-Gott mit Mascara oder: Dio - Live in London - Hammersmith Apollo 1993 - VÖ: 09. Mai 2014 - Review

Headline: Metal-Gott mit Mascara

Ladies and gentlemen stand up and shout for the king of Rock N Roll - Ronnie James Dio. Denn Ronnie und seine Mannen sind auf befremdlichen Highways unterwegs und das nicht nur in London. Die hier gefilmte Show wurde am letzten Abend von Dio`s Strange Highways Tour - im Londoner "Hammersmith Apollo" aufgezeichnet.

Line-Up mässig setzt Ronnie James Dio zu dieser Zeit auf Scott Warren, Vinny Appice, Jeff Pilson und Tracy G. Neben Dio Klassikern und Nummern des aktuellen Albums Strange Highways bekamen die Fans an diesem Abend unter anderem noch einige Welthits von Black Sabbath und Rainbow zu hören und hinzuzufügen bleibt, dass das Bildformat in 4:3 - 1.33:1 allerdings etwas gewöhnungsbedürftig ist.

Tracy G. glänzt innerhalb des Songs "Pain" mit einem Gitarrensolo, den er laut eigener Aussage für jeden Auftritt dieser Tour hier und da etwas abgeändert hatte damit es nicht gleich klang. Mr. G. spielt die Dio Songs auf seine Art und Weise, er respektierte seine Vorgänger sehr aber wollte seine eigene Note mit einbringen was ihm auch gut gelungen ist. Tracy G. macht Dampf an der Gitarre. Acht Marshall Türme zieren hier das Bühnenbild  jedoch ist Keyboarder Scott Warren leider sehr im Hintergrund angesiedelt.

Mit den sogenannten befremdlichen Autobahnen wagten sich Dio Anfang der 90-er sound- und lyrik-technisch auf eine etwas andere Schiene. Viele Bands versuchten sich in den 90-er an einem Richtungswechsel was nicht vielen gelang und/oder nicht vielen abgekauft wurde. Strange Highways ist leider ein sehr unterbewertetss Meisterwerk aus der Schaffensphase von Ronnie James Dio. Das Album ist sehr facettenreich und hat somit sehr viel zu bieten - nach jedem Anhören entdeckt man etwas Neues - so wie es mir auch bei allen anderen RJD Alben geht.

Von meiner Warte aus kann ich allen Fans und die es noch werden wollen die SD Blu-Ray/DVD und das Album nur sehr ans Herz legen. Es hat einen raueren und aggressiveren Sound - im Vergleich zu Vorgänger Alben, die durch die Bank weg eher melodisch gehalten sind. Mit Strange Highways wurde ich zum DIO Fan und es war einfach meine Zeit, daher wert-schätze ich dieses Knüller-Album sehr so wie jedes andere Album von und mit Ronnie James Dio auch.


Als Bonus-Material hat man noch "Hanging with the band" hinzugefügt. Hier bekommt man die Band u. a. in der Maske zu sehen und sie geben bereitwillig Interviews. Und ja, auch ein Metal Gott wie Ronnie James Dio hat Mascara benutzt - ich habe es gesehen! Einfach Top!




Tracklist:
Stand Up And Shout
Strange Highways
Don`t Talk To Strangers
Evilution
Pain
The Mob Rules
Children Of The Sea
Holy Diver
Heaven And Hell
Man On The Silver Mountain
Drum Solo
Heaven And Hell (Reprise)
Jesus Mary & The Holy Ghost
Hollywood Black
The Last In Line
Rainbow In The Dark
We Rock
Here`s To You

Bonus Material: Hanging` With The Band


Line-Up:
Ronnie James Dio (Gesang)
Tracy G. (Gitarre)
Vinny Appice (Schlagzeug)
Jeff Pilson (Bass)
Scott Warren (Keyboard)


VÖ: 09. Mai 2014
Medium: SD Blu-Ray ebenso als DVD und 2 CD erhältlich
Promotion: BMP
Official DIO Webpage

© 25.04.2014 by Rocket Queen Promotion SM

Ronnie James Dio: The day a legend died....

This was your life! The day the legend died. Goodbye Ronnie James Dio.

My personal story about the sad day I received the news Ronnie died.

Pic source: WWW 

Some days before Ronnie left us some internet media already reported that he already died an so I was shocked and browsed the whole internet for news on Ronnies condition. So all the fans browsed the news for official statements but luckily there weren't any. So I was worrying more and more – like all the fans did. In April the news said that Ronnies condition is better so it was great news and positive vibes but then rapidly bad news were on its way in May. Well but lots of fan groups opened way after it was official that Ronnie has got cancer. I joined some groups too and we all posted and sent prayers for Ronnie to be heard. Also I sent a personal letter to Ronnie with positive thoughts and prayers also included a CD of my husband`s band to send positive vibes via music as music is what Ronnie loved best. It was really touching me writing this letter but I did it with all my love for Ronnie. And so hoped that he could read it and had the strength to read lots of his fan-mail during his hard battle... sure it was tons and tons of letters as thousands of fans all around the globe send their personal wishes to Ronnie.

So it was the day which changed my life once more... May 17^th2010. It was a Monday and I was at work. Still Ronnie on my mind. Then I was about to check my short messages with a blink of a second I found out that my husband sent a text telling me: Hi sweetheart, Ronnie is free and out of pain, he left us. Don't be sad he had a fulfilled life. Even now as I write this tears fill my eyes. So I was speechless and sad. Even if I know he had a fulfilled life and such it hit me hard. I was totally down and sad to the bones. At this moment I wanted to cry and scream all at once. But as I was at work no chance for an immediate crying-session. So I worked on tally out of my mind and waiting for the time to get out of the office. So the moment I got into my car I cried and cried – was so sad. I sure knew that Ronnie was at a better place now and without pain but I asked myself how to live a life without holy Ronnie without my master of metal? Really unbelievable and up to this day it still is... well so I let my feelings out while driving to my mom... with tears in my eyes I drove to my mom – once reached her I had to whipe the tears from my eyes and then I told her that my legend Ronnie died... and when I went back home same thing driving with tears in my eyes another hard drive. And so this crying-session with many tears lasted a whole week – it was the same feeling like a close family member died. It was and still is so hard to imagine that there won't be another Dio show nor another concert.

The good thing was that I kept on listening to the Dio albums and all Ronnie related albums all the time especially when I drove to work and back.. followed by many many tears from time to time. Well but if I would have stopped listening to Ronnie back then I think the sadness kept me away from listening to Dio Songs ever again. You the fans and members of the band and family sure know what I am talking about here. Well but still hard for me is the fact to watch DVDs with Ronnie and it is still hard for me to this day... so I am only watching them once in a while. Well a whole week of sadness paid its tribute. It was really a hard hard time and hard to get through to it. Ronnies music always guided me through some very hard times and also send a spark of light in those heavy times and is still doing it since the day I discovered Ronnie for myself way back in 1993. Ronnies magic was always there any still is and gives me support, shelter, great stories and magic. So he was like a virtual dad for me. I always admire Ronnie for what he did and what he achieved. Ronnie was loved by all and Ronnie taught us so much – in any case. Every time I listen to his songs I find something new by following the lyrics and that is also magic and very special. For me there is no other vocalist with such a generosity like Ronnie.

Last but not least I have to add: All I ever wanted was to meet Ronnie in person but sadly it didn't work … but I have great memories and I am so thankful that I had the chance to see him live on stage in 2000 (Magica tour) in Bad Laasphe and in 2009 with Heaven and Hell in my hometown Gießen. Ronnie is and was awesome. And I am so happy that Ronnie sends little signs from time to time. So he sent me many „RAINBOWS“ and every time I see a „rainbow rising“ I know that it's Ronnie and I whisper „Thank you Ronnie“!

Well and I privately do anything to let Ronnies magic live on.... like spreading videos, and pics of Ronnie, spreading lyrics on Ronnie.. remembering Ronnie in every way possible... Ronnies magic will shine on! Forever!

And now up to the special Dio family I met over the years - I thank you all for being a part of my life... Dio fans are the best most lovely people in the world. Thank you for being there in those hard times and beyond. Wouldn't know what to do without you. Also a very very special thank you to all of Ronnies real-life friends and bandmembers which I met during the last years. Thank you for becoming friends. I know you are and forever will be Ronnies pride and joy!!! And I am so proud to call you my friends... I am honoredRonnie sent YOU his friends my way as he knew how sad I was and still am. As Ronnie knew that I am so sad he sent me the best gift and so took the action and sent his friends my way and I am really so thankful for that! So thank you to all of YOU for being there for me that means the world to me. So I hope that I can meet you sometime when you are back in Germany would be most special for me. So let me know once you are in Germany and I try to arrange a meeting to get in touch and to say HI in person! YOU ALL ROCK. As Ronnie would say “WE ROCK”.


Another special personal thank you to Tim Ripper Owens for the personal meeting in 2011 (Bochum with Dio Disciples) for making this possible! Tim you are the best and I really admire you for what you do and for being you - I am very proud of you! Also thank you to Steve Mignardi for a short talk backstage. Means so much to me! Well my husband and me joined backstage back then and well I am not sure if you Craig, Simon, Scott, Toby remembered this day and remembering this? But hope you do. As you had other friends from the Netherlands backstage and were about speaking with them my hubby and me don't want to disturb you and don't want to be intrusive so we didn't interrupt those conversations. But I have to say that I am also happy to made a new friend LILLY. Shortly just a day after the show Lilly found me on facebook back then and I was happy bout that and feelhonoredto be her friend too.


Now where do we go?

with ~~~Tim Ripper Owens~~~

~~~© Pic taken by Bassluzi~~~

Craig Goldy (ex-Dio guitarist, Dio Disciples guitarist)

with friendly permission by Craig Goldy

Losing a loved one is hard.

Losing anything is hard......just think of the last time any of us even suspected we had lost our credit card.....and what it does to us....so how much more the loss of a loved one can affect us .....even on a daily basis.

I find that the memories that remain....keeps him close....

And then to realize that even though his body is no longer here.....the relationship that was so dear, actually has not been severed by a mere physical and spiritual relocation, but is maintained thru his memory and the love that we all feel and felt for him and from him.



Ronnie is always.....and will always be...on my mind and always in my heart.He made me a much better person and a better thinker even in times of life's bitter detours.Though time may fly on heartless wings.....Ronnie's memory is a stabilizing force within! I will continue to try to be all that he taught me.

His influence was so profound that I find myself at times making decisions and taking actions as though he were right next to me, ready to make a comment.....in the past, my thoughts and actions thereof were often refined and therefore enhanced by how I imagined his potential criticisms might be....and now that often spills into the present day....and I am often better as a result of it.

He is here...but he is not here.....he may be dead....And yet alive. Ronnie is the perfect example of how one man can change the world.

I've said this in the past, and am now compelled to repeat it.....there was a great educator by the name of Horace Mann who had a quote that we all should live by.....but Ronnie was truly one who did....the quote was...."Be ashamed to die....until you've won some victory for mankind"...."Be ashamed to die....until you've won some victory for mankind" !!!!

Ronnie's constant and un-wavered pursuit of supreme excellence in all and everything he did and strived to achieve, his intelligence level, sense of humor, kindness, warmth and the many people and organizations that he helped and played a major part in helping.....not to mention the unique universe his unequaled musical talent created.....that often changed the course of people's lives...is by far a victory for mankind! And Ronnie need not be ashamed to die!

He made the world a better place.......and that's not an easy thing to do! But it sure seemed to come easy and natural to him!

He was the first and last of his kind....and I for one am going to try to live up to those standards in which he so eloquently prevailed and consistently maintained on a daily basis! As impossible as it may seem to obtain.....and if there's one thing I can take with me from all my years with Ronnie.....is that dreams do come true.....and if this is a "dream on dude" moment......then that is exactly what I'm going to do.....until it becomes my reality like it was his!

My prayer for us all is that we are comforted by our most cherished memories of him and that he is in fact in a better place, knowing that he is still with us, watching over us and that our hearts and minds are guarded by the knowledge that God has a plan.....and we are all part of it......as well as Ronnie's new home is also part of the wondrous plan for peace and eternal rest awaiting us all.




Rowan Robertson (ex-Dio guitarist)

I still thank my lucky stars that one of the all time greats in rock and roll music plucked me from obscurity and said I had the talent to play for him. I sincerely miss him and cherish the memories I have of him. Cheers Ronnie!


Colin Heart (ex Rainbow tour manager)

For Ronnie. A diminutive figure of a man with a giant heart and an even bigger voice. The world misses you.



Joacim Sandin (ex Bai-Bang)

„He was the nicest person I've ever met on tour. It was on the monster of millennium tour 2001 and I played with Bai Bang and also was the bass/git tech for Ratt.“


Jeff Pilson (ex-Dio bass player)

„Ronnie was one of the most generous, talented and accomplished musicians I've ever worked with. There's hardly a day goes by where I don't think of him. I miss him so very very much but am glad his music and legacy will live on.“



Steve Mignardi (road manager and personal assistant) 

Ronnie and I have been friends since meeting in 1981. In 2002 I had the honour and privilege to take over the position as his road manager and personal assistant. Needless to say this was the best job anyone could ever imagine. Ronnie was a true gentleman in every sense. He truly loved his fans and would spend hours after a show to meet with them and listen to how his music not only inspired them but helped through difficult times in their lives. No matter how many people lined up to see him he always stayed until the last autograph was signed and picture was taken.

I believe that band members became better musicians from working with Ronnie. His quest for always being the best he could be and putting on the best possible performance every night inspired those around him. Not only the musical world but the entire world lost a great man that had so much more to contribute when Ronnie passed away. His legend lives on through his music and in the hearts of all of us who loved him so dearly.




Special thanks to Craig Goldy, Rowan Robertson, Jeff Pilson, Joacim Sandin, Steve Mignardi for writing something for my article - you are the best! 

© 2/3 2014 by Susi Rocket Queen Müller 

Vinny Appice to play with Dio Disciples 19th and 20th July....

We are happy to announce that original Dio Drummer Vinny Appice will be performing with Dio Disciples on July 18th in Toronto, Canada at The Rockpile, July 19th in London, Canada at The Eastside Bar & Grill and July 20th in Silver Creek, NY at the Willow Creek Winery! Come celebrate Ronnie James Dio with Dio Disciples featuring Ronnie's bandmates and friends Tim "Ripper" Owens, Oni Logan, Craig Goldy, Scott Warren, Bjorn Englen and Vinny Appice for these three shows! Be sure to get your tickets now at the venue box office or wherever tickets are sold!

Rowan Robertson interviewed by the Rocket Queen

Brandnew interview.... Rocket Queen interviewed the amazing ROWAN ROBERTSON (DC4) - follow the link below and check it out - thanks for your attention!

http://www.rocketqueen-susi.de/interview12_rowan_robertson.php

Dio Disciples Tourdates 2012

DIO DISCIPLES TOUR DATES 2012.

7/7/12.ISTANBUL,TURKEY,FESTIVAL ISTANBUL.
7/13/12.KAVARNA,BULGARIA,KAVARNA ROCK FESTIVAL.
8/4/12.WACKEN,GERMANY,WACKEN OPEN AIR.
8/5/12.LOKEREN,BELGIUM,LOKERSE FESTIVAL.
8/6/12.LONDON,UK,02 ACADEMY ISLINGTON.
8/9/12.GLASGOW,SCOTLAND,CATHOUSE.
8/10/12.WALTON UPON TRENT,UK,BLOODSTOCK FESTIVAL.

www.ronniejamesdio.com

www.ronniejamesdio.com