Dio Disciples Perform Hits of Their Fallen Frontman

Dio Disciples, plus special guests Kuda, Rapid Fire and Inversion

7:30 p.m. Friday Sept. 23

The Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park

$20 advance, $22 day of show.

stoneponyonline.com or 732-502-0600.

Legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio was widely regarded as one of the most genuine and caring figures in the genre, a man whose devotion to his fans and kindness to his band mates knew no boundaries.

So when Dio’s widow asked his former band members if they would carry on his legacy by performing his songs live following the singer’s 2010 death from stomach cancer, they relished the opportunity.

The band, known as the Dio Disciples, performs on Friday, Sept. 23 at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park

“It’s an honor to do this,” said Dio Disciples bassist Rudy Sarzo, who spent part of his youth in West New York (Hudson County). “He still is a huge part of my life musically and as a human being. This is the least we can do.”

Sarzo joined Dio’s band in 2004 and remained with the group until the singer’s death.  “He touched everybody he met in many ways,” Sarzo said by phone from his home in Los Angeles. “He was the most personable human being I’ve ever met.”

Dio Disciples also includes guitarist Craig Goldy, keyboardist Scott Warren, drummer Simon Wright, former Judas Priest singer Tim “Ripper” Owens and British vocalist Toby Jepson.

Sarzo said Dio had a musical gift both as a superb singer and as a master storyteller who was able to bring the demons and wizards that dominated many of his fantastical lyrics to life. 

“Nobody sang like him,” Sarzo said. “He personified all his lyrics. There’s a difference between just singing the notes and living the story.”

Dio’s dedication to his fans amazed Sarzo, a music industry veteran who has played with Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake and Blue Oyster Cult.

“He loved every one of his fans,” Sarzo said. “After the show he would talk to the fans outside the tour bus until five in the morning. I couldn’t keep up. I had to go to my bunk and go to sleep.”

Sarzo said the Dio Disciples formed at Wendy Dio’s request after she saw a number of Dio tribute bands sprouting around the world after his death.

“She thought, ‘Why doesn’t Ronnie’s band go out there and do it right,’” Sarzo said. “This is the last incarnation of his band. It’s not really a tribute. It’s the actual band.”

He said the band chose Owens and Jepson to split vocal duties because of their abilities and because they have their own style.

“They are phenomenal singers,” Sarzo said. “We also didn’t want Ronnie clones.” Dio knew both men and respected them personally and professionally, he added.

The Dio Disciples’ Asbury Park performance will touch on most facets of Dio’s career, including his time as a solo artist and as a member of Black Sabbath and Rainbow. Fans can expect to hear such hits as “Holy Diver” (DIO), “Heaven and Hell” (Black Sabbath) and “Man on the Silver Mountain” (Rainbow).

Dio, who died at age 67, was a Cortland, New York native.  He played in Rainbow - the band formed by former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore – from 1975-79.

Dio performed two stints with Black Sabbath, from 1980-82 and in 1992.  Dio and the rest of Sabbath reformed under the moniker Heaven and Hell in 2006.

At the same time, Dio fronted his solo band, which he formed in 1983. Dio released 14 albums as a solo artist, four each with Black Sabbath and Rainbow, and three with Heaven and Hell. Dio’s last concert, with Heaven and Hell, was at the House of Blues in Atlantic City on Aug. 29, 2009.

Asked how he would like Dio to be remembered, Sarzo said: “Ronnie was about love. He was the most giving human being I have ever met. If you were a member of his band or a fan you were a member of his family."

The Dio Disciples:

Dio Alumni

Guitar: Craig Goldy

Years With Dio: (1986–1989, 1999–2001, 2004–2005, 2006–2010)

Appears On: “Dream Evil” (1987); “Magica” (2000); “Master of the Moon” (2004); “At Donnington UK: Live 1983 & 1987” (2010)

Bass: Rudy Sarzo

Years With Dio: (2004-2010)

Appears On: “Holy Diver Live” (2006)

Drums: Simon Wright

Years With Dio: (1989–1991, 1999–2010)

Appears On: “Lock Up the Wolves” (1990); “Magica” (2000); “Killing the Dragon” (2002); “Master of the Moon (2004); “Evil or Divine – Live in New York City” (2005); “Holy Diver Live” (2006)

Keyboards: Scott Warren

Years With Dio: (1993-2010)

Appears On: “Strange Highways” (1994); “Angry Machines” (1996); “Inferno: Last in Live” (1998); “Magica” (2000); “Killing the Dragon” (2002); “Master of the Moon” (2004); “Evil or Divine – Live in New York City” (2005); “Holy Diver Live” (2006)

Also Featuring:

Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens

Also sings for: Yngwie Malmsteen

Former Bands: Judas Priest, Iced Earth

Additional Vocals: Toby Jepson

Former Bands: Gun, Little Angels