http://www.metalrage.com/news/58157/ronnie-james-dio-statue-unveiling-in-kavarna-video-footage-photos-available.html

The official unveiling of the monument dedicated to legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio in the Bulgarian Black-sea coastal town of Kavarna took place yesterday (Saturday, October 23). Dio's road manager Steve Mignardi and Dio drummer Simon Wright (who also previously played with AC/DC) attended the event. Sculptors Alexander Petrov and Krasimir Krastev - Lomsky spent two months working on the project, which is more than two meters in height (approximately six-and-a-half feet) and is combined with large stones taken from the sea. The statue, which was funded entirely through donations, was placed in the city's central park, as part of the soon-to-be built "Alley Of Rock", a project approved by the City Council four years ago.

I think it is a nice way to honor him

Looks better than that crappy Knucklebonz statue they're selling. Kinda surpised they don't have him throwing the horns. Guess they didn't want any controversy.

Did Dio have some sorta connection to the town of Kavarna? It's a nice tribute and all, but are folks gonna flock to Bulgeria to see it?

Ok, I can see that I suppose. If I ever find myself in Bulgeria, right after I figure out why the hell I'm in Bulgeria, I'll be sure to visit.

I hear Bulgaria has great beer.

That is so amazing!!! What a great show of work!

The city of Kavarna (aka THE Metal capital of Bulgaria) is known for hosting one of the biggest European open air summer festivals. They also have a New Year's festival where Dio participated some years ago. It is all due to the fact the city mayor Tsonko Tsonev is an avid metalhead and does not shy to spend municipal money on metal festivals and such activities.

Otherwise the town is sort of a poor-mans resort with nothing interesting to do really. Although it has been endorsed by many bands, like MANOWAR which has bought some land property and are going to build a recording studio (according to their own words).

Kavarna is also known of having a "Rock Boulevard" with big band pictures drawn on the apartment blocks along the road. So far they have Alice Cooper, Scorpions, Dio, Uriah Heep, Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Manowar, Motorhead, Tarja Turunen, etc.



And yes, the beer in Bulgaria is very cheap! You can have a pint of decent Czech ale (Staropramen, Staroburno, etc.) at bar/pubs for about $1.50 - $2.00. Local brands are even cheaper

Now that makes a little more sense. The statue is cool and all, but the location seemed a little random. Thanks, Stormy. Your explaination should be part of the press release.

You are welcome. I just happened to spend a month in Bulgaria (not in Kavarna though) and now my liver needs serious relaxation

They had to put him on the giant rock, because he just wasn't tall enough.

That's an awesome statue. A great way too honor the Metal Legend.

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!

There is no greater statue in the world than this one. TOOOOOO EFFING GOOOD!