How did I become a Ronnie James Dio Fan?

I have great memories of listening to Rainbow back in the '70's while cruising around in my friend's 1966 Impala SS. I was not even old enough to drive when I first heard Rainbow and little did I know how what it would all lead to later on.

In 1980 the album Heaven and Hell was released. This is definetly my all time favorite Hard Rock/Heavy Metal album. I really started to admire Ronnie's voice. This about the time I began to really look at the family tree of Deep Purple, Rainbow, Black Sabbath and a few years later Whitesnake as well. During the Mob Rules Tour I was lucky enough to see Black Sabbath perform in Reno, Nevada. (I wish I could find a recording of that show!).

I was very dissappointed after Ronnie had left Black Sabbath but that disappointment was short lived with Ronnie's formation of his band called Dio. Ronnie's first solo release, Holy Diver, was a natural progression from Black Sabbath and since then others have only tried to replicate the strength and style of Ronnie's voice.

In 1985 I gained more respect for Ronnie not only as an artist, but as a person. I learned of Ronnie's involvment with various organizations that were helping people in need. This really showed that some "headbangers" do care about social issues and are trying to do something about it.

On July 31, 1987 I had the biggest thrill of all and that was talking to Ronnie on the phone one day before the Dream Evil tour began. Ronnie was very easy to talk to and I could never thank him enough for that brief half hour of conversation.

If that was not enough I have had the chance to meet him in person on three other occassions backstage after a show in San Jose, CA during the Lock Up The Wolves tour and in Sacramento, CA during his Dehumanizer tour with Black Sabbath, and recently in Palo Alto during the Angry Machines tour. During my visits with him he was always very courtious to his fans and never acted like he was in a hurry to get back to the bus and on to the next gig.

So that is why I have been a fan of Ronnie's for the last few (20 some odd) years. I hope that while I may not have much up to the minute information about Ronnie's current album release, I can at least provide a starting place for others who are interested in learning more about the work of Ronnie James Dio and his band.

Mike Kibby

Update July 7, 1997