WENDY DIO Says 'Big Gala' Is Being Planned To Commemorate 10th Anniversary Of RONNIE JAMES DIO's Death

October 26, 2019

Wendy Dio, widow and longtime manager of Ronnie James Dio, has confirmed that a "big gala" is being planned for early next year to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the legendary singer's passing. "It's [going to take place] on 2/20/20, which is the 20th of February, '20," she told Radioactive MikeZ, host of the 96.7 KCAL-FM program "Wired In The Empire", during a brand new interview (hear audio below). "We're gonna do it at [The Avalon] in Hollywood, and we'll have lots of surprises… Actually, we'll post it on our site really soon, so save the date — everyone should save the date. We've got a lot of celebrities coming, and it's gonna be a fun time. And tickets are just gonna be 25 dollars for the kids, 'cause we wanna make sure… Ronnie would give back to the fans, and we wanna make sure everybody comes and has a fun time."

Asked if the gala will include any live performances, Wendy said: "I think so. We're just getting that together right now. But I'm sure there will be."

Best known for his work with BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW and DIO, Ronnie James Dio passed away of stomach cancer on May 16, 2010 at the age of 67. A few months after his death, MTV Books announced plans to release his memoir, which at the time was going to be called "Rainbow In The Dark: The Autobiography Of Ronnie James Dio".

Wendy is currently working with legendary rock journalist Mick Wall on the long-awaited autobiography of the heavy metal master, which was three-quarters written before the singer's death.

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.

Earlier this year, Wendy told The Metal Voice that work had already started on a documentary that will cover Dio's career from his early days with ELF to his final project, HEAVEN & HELL. She went on to say that she is hoping that the documentary will receive a theatrical release before being made available on various streaming platforms.

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