Band-members, Musicians and Performers
- Ronnie James Dio - Vocals
Ronald James Padavona, better known as Ronnie James Dio, was born on 10 July 1942, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He would later become one of the most influential and iconic figures in the history of heavy metal music. Dio's powerful vocals, distinct stage presence, and songwriting abilities earned him the title of the "King of Heavy Metal".
Dio's musical journey began in 1957 when he formed his first band called The Vegas Kings, where he showcased his talents as a lead singer. Over the next few years, he went on to perform with various bands, including Ronnie and the Rumblers and Ronnie and the Redcaps. These early experiences helped him develop his vocal skills and stage persona.
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In 1961, Dio joined Ronnie and the Prophets, a band that gained some local popularity. During this time, he experimented with different musical styles and expanded his repertoire. In 1967, the band changed its name to The Electric Elves and later simply The Elves. As The Elves, they played a blend of rock and blues, laying the groundwork for Dio's future ventures.
In 1972, the band transformed once again and became known as ELF. Their music continued to evolve, incorporating elements of hard rock and progressive rock. ELF released three studio albums, showcasing Dio's exceptional vocal range and his ability to captivate audiences.
Dio's big breakthrough came in 1975 when he joined the British rock band Rainbow, founded by former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. With Dio as the lead vocalist, Rainbow gained international recognition and released several critically acclaimed albums. Dio's powerful vocals and poetic lyrics contributed to the band's success, and he quickly became a respected figure in the rock music scene.
In 1979, Dio made yet another significant move in his career by joining Black Sabbath, replacing the band's original vocalist, Ozzy Osbourne. With Dio, Black Sabbath released the classic albums "Heaven and Hell" (1980) and "Mob Rules" (1981), which revitalized the band's sound and solidified their place in heavy metal history.
In 1982, Dio formed his own band, simply named DIO, and embarked on a highly successful solo career. The band released numerous albums, including the critically acclaimed "Holy Diver" (1983) and "The Last in Line" (1984), which showcased Dio's songwriting abilities and his powerful vocals.
Dio reunited with Black Sabbath for a brief period from 1991 to 1992 and again from 2006 to 2010 under the name Heaven & Hell. The band released the album "The Devil You Know" (2009) before Dio's untimely death in 2010.
Throughout his career, Ronnie James Dio influenced countless musicians and fans with his distinctive voice, theatrical stage presence, and unwavering passion for heavy metal. His lyrics often explored fantasy and mythology, adding depth and a unique dimension to his music.
- Vivian Campbell Guitar
- Jimmy Bain Bass, Keyboards
Jimmy Bain (1947-2016) was a renowned musician, best known for his exceptional skills as a bassist and keyboardist. Born on 19 December 1947, in Newtonmore, Scotland, James Stewart Bain showed a profound interest in music from an early age. His fascination with rhythm and melody led him on a lifelong journey that would leave a lasting impact on the rock and metal music scenes.
Bain's musical journey began when he picked up the guitar at the age of 7, inspired by his father's love for music. However, it was the bass guitar that truly captivated him as a teenager. By the time he was 15, he had mastered the instrument, demonstrating an innate talent that set him apart from his peers. His passion for music also extended to keyboards, and he quickly became proficient in playing both instruments.
In the late 1960s, Jimmy Bain's musical career took a significant turn when he joined the progressive rock band Harlot, which later changed its name to Rainbow. The band was formed by guitar virtuoso Ritchie Blackmore, formerly of Deep Purple. With Bain's powerful bass lines and complementary keyboard work, Rainbow gained prominence in the rock music landscape. He contributed significantly to their early albums, such as "Rising" and "Long Live Rock 'n' Roll".
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In 1983, Jimmy Bain's career reached new heights when he joined forces with legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio to form the band Dio. Alongside drummer Vinny Appice and guitarist Vivian Campbell, the band released their debut album, "Holy Diver", which was met with critical acclaim. Bain's thunderous bass playing became a defining element of Dio's sound, and he continued to be an integral part of the band for several years, playing on subsequent albums like "The Last in Line" and "Sacred Heart".
After parting ways with Dio in the late 1980s, Jimmy Bain remained active in the music industry, collaborating with various artists and bands. He worked with acts such as Gary Moore, WWIII, and Wild Horses, displaying his versatility as a musician and his ability to adapt to different musical styles.
In the 2000s, Bain reunited with Ronnie James Dio, joining the band Heaven & Hell, which also featured Tony Iommi and Vinny Appice, former members of Black Sabbath. Together, they released the highly acclaimed album "The Devil You Know" in 2009, reaffirming their place in the world of heavy metal history.
Tragically, on 23 January 2016, the music world lost Jimmy Bain at the age of 68. He passed away while aboard Def Leppard's Hysteria on the High Seas Cruise, just a few days before the event was set to conclude. The cause of death was reported as lung cancer.
- Vinny Appice Drums
Vinny Appice, born on 13 September 1957, is a renowned drummer whose powerful and precise playing style has left an indelible mark on the world of rock music. Hailing from an immensely talented musical family, Vinny's extraordinary skills behind the drum kit have earned him widespread acclaim, and he has become a respected figure in the music industry. As the younger brother of the legendary drummer Carmine Appice, Vinny's journey into the world of rock and roll was destined from an early age. Throughout his career, he has worked with some of the most influential bands and musicians, leaving an enduring legacy as one of the finest drummers of his generation.
Early Life and Musical Upbringing:
Vinny Appice was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, USA, to Italian immigrant parents. Growing up in a household immersed in music, Vinny and his older brother Carmine were introduced to the world of drums and percussion at an early age. Their father, who played the jazz trumpet, and their mother, who had a passion for singing, encouraged the musical pursuits of their sons.
At the age of nine, Vinny's fascination with the drums began, and he started taking lessons to refine his skills. Carmine, already a seasoned drummer and a role model for Vinny, played a pivotal role in his musical development, providing guidance and inspiration. The two brothers spent countless hours practicing together, honing their techniques and pushing each other to reach new heights.
Breakthrough with Black Sabbath:
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In the late 1970s, Vinny Appice's career took a momentous turn when he got the opportunity of a lifetime – joining the iconic heavy metal band Black Sabbath. He replaced the band's original drummer, Bill Ward, and made his debut on their 1980 album "Heaven and Hell". Vinny's thunderous drumming and precision timing perfectly complemented the band's new musical direction, which saw the arrival of Ronnie James Dio as the lead vocalist.
During his time with Black Sabbath, Vinny Appice made significant contributions to the albums "Mob Rules" (1981) and "Live Evil" (1982), solidifying his reputation as a force to be reckoned with behind the drum kit. His drumming skills became synonymous with the raw power and energy that defined Black Sabbath's music.
Dio and Other Musical Ventures:
After his stint with Black Sabbath, Vinny Appice followed Ronnie James Dio when the vocalist left the band to form the band "Dio". Vinny became an integral part of the group, leaving his mark on classic albums like "Holy Diver" (1983), "The Last in Line" (1984), and "Sacred Heart" (1985). The band's success and critical acclaim further elevated Vinny's status as a premier drummer in the rock and metal community.
Vinny's musical journey also included collaborations with other notable artists and bands. He worked with artists like Ozzy Osbourne, WWIII, and Rick Derringer, showcasing his versatility and adaptability as a drummer.
Return to Black Sabbath and Later Years:
In the early 1990s, Vinny Appice rejoined Black Sabbath for the "Dehumanizer" (1992) album and subsequent tours. Once again, his powerful drumming contributed to the band's resurgence and reminded the world of his exceptional talent.
As the years passed, Vinny continued to pursue various projects, working with bands like Heaven & Hell (the band featuring Black Sabbath members without the original name due to legal issues) and Kill Devil Hill. His musical legacy continued to grow, and he remained an influential figure in the rock and metal scene.
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