RONNIE JAMES DIO Estate Partners With KnuckleBonz360 For First-Of-Its-Kind Immersive Experience

The legend of Ronnie James Dio is entering a new dimension. KnuckleBonz today announces an official collaboration with the Dio estate to bring the iconic heavy metal figure into the KnuckleBonz360 BackStage Experience, a first-of-its-kind immersive 3D digital platform launching summer 2026. The licensing agreement was brokered by Global Merchandising Services, the worldwide agent for the Dio estate.

KnuckleBonz360 is a digital platform featuring immersive 3D worlds built to celebrate the iconic imagery of great bands and artists. With more than 20 band worlds launching in 2026, KnuckleBonz360 BackStage Experience gives fans a place to connect with other fans, play mini-games, shop for exclusive collectibles, explore and see album art come to life.

The Dio BackStage Experience is developed by a team of incredibly talented artists and engineers and enthusiastic music superfans. The creators are also fans. Dio fans worldwide can come together in KnuckleBonz360 to celebrate his entire legacy.

Tony Simerman, CEO and creative director of KnuckleBonz Corp., says: "When we first began designing KnuckleBonz360, we immediately imagined what it would be like to go inside Ronnie's castle or step inside the 'Holy Diver' album art. We can't wait for fans to see what we have built."

Jen Harper, senior licensing manager at Global Merchandising Services, adds: "Dio's impact on music and culture continues to inspire fans around the world. We're excited to help bring Ronnie's legendary world to life in a way that allows fans to experience his legacy like never before."

Fans will enter the fantastical Dio BackStage Experience and explore the castle and landscape to celebrate Dio's entire career: from the early RAINBOW years to the earth-shaking partnership with BLACK SABBATH, and all the way through his "Holy Diver" solo era and HEAVEN & HELL.

The Dio BackStage Experience will feature digital collectibles and other physical collectibles and merch that ships worldwide. This multi-player world allows Dio fans to connect and explore together. The experience launched in July 2026.

Join the KnuckleBonz360 BackStage Experience waitlist at knucklebonz360.com.

Ronnie James Dio passed away of gastric cancer on May 16, 2010 at the age of 67.

Dio was renowned throughout the world as one of the greatest and most influential vocalists in heavy metal history. The singer, who was recording and touring with BLACK SABBATH offshoot HEAVEN & HELL prior to his illness, was diagnosed with stomach cancer in late 2009. He underwent chemotherapy and made what is now his final public appearance in April 2010 at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards in Los Angeles.

Famous for popularizing the "devil horns" hand gesture that is now synonymous with hard rock and heavy metal music, Dio was known for not wavering in his pursuit of his rock and roll dreams and continues to influence a new generation of music artists. His fans the world over remember him not only for his massive talent, but for his kindness, resulting in millions of dollars raised for cancer research in his memory via the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund.

Ronnie's autobiography, titled "Rainbow In The Dark: The Autobiography", was released in July 2021 via Permuted Press. It was written with longtime friend of 30 years and esteemed music writer Mick Wall, who took up the mantle after Ronnie's passing.

"Dio: Dreamers Never Die", the first-ever, career-spanning documentary on the life and times of Ronnie James Dio, was released in September 2023 worldwide by Mercury Studios.

Global Merchandising Services Ltd is an award-winning music, celebrity and lifestyle merchandising company. Headquartered in London and Los Angeles, Global is a licensing powerhouse with world-class expertise in design, product development, branding, manufacturing and direct sales. Global conducts business across all channels of retail distribution, live events, web shops, pop-up shops, sponsorships, endorsements and third-party licensing.

KnuckleBonz Inc. is a music merchandising and immersive digital experience company dedicated to the music superfan. Founded in 2003, KnuckleBonz has spent over two decades creating high-end collectibles and content focusing on music, art, and collector culture. With the launch of KnuckleBonz360, the company continues its mission to deliver next-level experiences and merchandise for the fans who live and breathe music.