(Gibson) One year ago this week, heavy metal legend Ronnie James Dio succumbed to his battle with cancer. Almost immediately, the rock world responded with tributes and benefit projects. Now, some of those closest to the late Rainbow/Black Sabbath/Heaven & Hell singer are carrying the torch of his music with a new project called Dio Disciples.The group is composed of former Dio members Craig Goldy, Simon Wright and Scott Warren, as well as former Megadeth/Black Label Society bassist James Lomenzo, former Judas Priest singer Tim "Ripper" Owens and Little Angels/Gun singer Toby Jepson.
The group will embark on a European tour on June 8 to be followed by an American tour in September (no dates yet announced). The last four dates of the European tour will feature German metal queen Doro Pesch filling in for Owens, who will attend his daughter's wedding instead. more on this story
