Talking exclusively to Classic Rock, Ronnie James Dio revealed that they’ll be playing a new song on tour.
“It’s called Electra, which will be released as a limited-edition single, although I’m not sure as yet just how we intend to put it out.
“However, it was important to me that Dio didn’t just come over on the back of the old material, but that we had something fresh to offer.”
Live, the band – also featuring guitarist Doug Aldrich, bassist Rudy Sarzo, drummer Simon Wright and keyboard player Scott Warren – will be concentrating on their own back catalogue this time around, with nothing at all included from Black Sabbath.
“We’ll probably do a coupe of things from Rainbow, but there’s no point in doing anything by Sabbath. I’ve been doing that with Heaven & Hell. There are a lot of people out there who are fans of Dio the band, rather than of me as the former singer with Rainbow and Black Sabbath, and for them we’ll do some material we’ve not done for a long time from the Dio era.”
The band are also planning a new album – or rather two. The aim is to record these simultaneously next year.
“I want to finish the story started with the Magica album [released in 2000]. There are two parts left, and we’ll do those together. At moment, though, I’m not sure when we’ll be recording. Part of the reason for this is that there’s more happening with Heaven & Hell.”
On the H&H front, Classic Rock can reveal that Dio and his bandmates – guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Vinny Appice – will be touring the UK early next year.
“I’ve heard we’ll be over in February, and knowing the way things work with this band we’ll probably do a lot more touring on the back of that. Not that I’m complaining. Working with these guys again has just been so much fun, and very rewarding. There are no egos getting in the way now. We’ve all grown up a lot.
“I’m delighted with the reaction to our album [The Devil You Know]. We knew it was good, but everyone has been so positive about it – that’s just so gratifying. The challenge now is to better it, and also to do something a little different.”
As if all this wasn’t enough to keep the celebrated vocalist busy, Ronnie Dio’s still working on his autobiography ["It's on the back burner right now, because of everything else that's going on"], plus there’s the real prospect of an Elf reunion.
“I’ve been talking to my cousin ‘Rock’ [guitarist David 'Rock' Feinstein] about getting that band back together, and it’s certainly on the cards. But, as usual, it’s dependent on schedules coinciding.”
Elf were the band with whom Dio sung prior to joining Rainbow. They released three studio albums, and Ronnie’s ambition is to re-record some of those songs.
“I’d only want to do an Elf tour if we could come up with a new album. That would include reworkings of some of the older songs, which I don’t think we ever did justice in the studio, plus also a few new tracks.”

YES! Dio back on tour! I've seen H&H several times, but I want to see DIO again.

Elf would be cool too. I'd love to meet David 'Rock' Feinstein, I'm a big The Rods fan.

I'm a Dio NUT! Love him in Heaven and Hell and in the band Dio! Though, I prefer Dio to Heaven and Hell, so I am stoked about getting two new albums simultaneously!!! YAY!!!

I'll take some new Dio & Elf for sure!

Wow, that is some pretty awesome news. I am a bit embarrassed, but I do not think that I have listened to any of his 2000 plus material. Last I heard was maybe Magica...

Great news, both solo Dio....and Ronnie talking about H&H needing to top things on the next album!

Dio, the best vocalist of all time

What happened to Craig Goldy?

I too am really looking forward to some solo Dio!

Saw H&H every time they came through!

Love to see Elf too!

Saw Dio a few years back with Maiden and Motorhead. Got a free ticket for giving blood. Good show.

Having every studio album from Dio (save Angry Machines), I am most definatly looking forward to this. I just hope they're better than the last two. While Killing The Dragon and Master Of The Moon weren't terrible albums, they just weren't up to snuff with what I expect from Dio. If possible I would like to see Dio live again (I saw him in '98 withe Maiden but I don't remember much from it-too far from the stage).

nice! You can never have too much Dio!

I thought KILLING THE DRAGON was excellent. MASTER OF THE MOON started off strong with the opening track ("One For The Road") but then kinda peters out as the album goes on.

Bump did not want to start a new thread hopefully it is nothing serious:


Dio have cancelled their entire UK tour.
According to Ronnie James Dio’s wife and manager, Wendy, the singer – who is 67 years old – has been hospitalised.
Wendy did not go into further details.
However, the dates are not being rescheduled, and ticket holders should return to the point of purchase and get refunds.
The Dio tour was due to begin in three days’ time, at Glasgow 02 Academy on November 21th, and finish at Bristol Academy on the 29th.
As soon as Classic Rock gets word on Dio’s condition we’ll let you know

Wow, wonder how that effects the schedulked Norway gig.

Oh wow. This is bad news. I hope Ronnie is okay.

He is getting older now, and he just did a major tour with Heaven and Hell ... so perhaps he needs a little break. He should probably slow down a bit in his older age.

God can't die! =(

Ronnie James Dio is 67 and has toured non stop for close to two years with BLACK SABBATH and in between tours managed to co wrote and record and album, then no sooner then the Sabbath tour ends he goes on tour with Dio, I am sure he just needs a rest.

"Get well, you magical elf!!"

Well it doesnt sound well, it doesnt say anything like sick as in a flu or anything, this could be something much worse, such as heart, stroke, or something that if he survives may take a long time to rehabilitate.

I am sorry to sound like a Debbie Downer, but it doesnt sound good. I hope I am wrong, but like it or not the dude needs some prayer, if that is your thing, even though I am sure he would refuse any himself LOL!

Hope you get better soon Ronnie, get back there and finish Magica and make another H&H album before you call it a day! Not that I am selfish here or anything.