Dio Disciples issue press release

From band manager Wendy Dio:

There will never be another Ronnie James Dio but we wanted to keep his music alive!

DIO DISCIPLES are:

Simon Wright (AC/DC, DIO, UFO, MSG, RHINO BUCKET) has played drums in Dio since 1990’s Lock Up The Wolves album.

On guitar is longtime Dio member Craig Goldy (ROUGH CUTT, GIUFFRIA, DAVID LEE ROTH, Dio) who made his Dio debut on 1985’s Sacred Heart album.

On keyboards is 15 year Dio and HEAVEN & HELL veteran Scott Warren. Scott made his Dio debut on 1996’s Angry Machines album.

On bass is the multi-talented James LoMenzo (MEGADETH, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, SLASH'S SNAKEPIT, HAIL!, WHITE LION, David Lee Roth).

On vocals is Tim 'Ripper' Owens (ex-JUDAS PRIEST, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, BEYOND FEAR, ICED EARTH, Hail!, CHARRED WALLS OF THE DAMNED)

Joining “Ripper” on vocals from Manchester, UK is Toby Jepson (LITTLE ANGELS, FASTWAY, GUN, TOBY AND THE WHOLE TRUTH).

Because of Rudy Sarzo’s commitment to BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, James LoMenzo will join the band for their European dates until Rudy fulfills his commitment to B.O.C.

We hope that you will support the band and become a Dio Disciple!

Stay tuned for further updates, including tour dates.

Tim 'Ripper' Owens to sing for Dio band during European and North American tour

Former Dio members Rudy Sarzo, Simon Wright, Craig Goldy and Scott Warren will be joining forces with singers Tim "Ripper" Owens for a number of shows in Europe under the name Dio Disciples.

Ronnie James Dio's widow and manager Wendy remarked: "There will never be another Ronnie, but we want to keep his music alive and hope you will support the band and become one of the Dio Disciples. We will post the UK/European tour dates as they are confirmed, and we are planning some US dates also. Hope to see you at one of the shows."

Tony Martin says he is not interested in reuniting with Black Sabbath.

In an interview with Swedish web magazine Criticalmass.de one time Black Sabbath singer Tony Martin says he has no plans to reunite with the group. This news comes on the heels of Geezer Butler announcing recently that Black Sabbath will never have an original lineup reunion again. When asked about his issues with Sabbath, Martin said:

“Not the band. But I don't have any problems with the people, though. For example, I would work with Tony Iommi, maybe. It's just that I wouldn't like to do the same thing that I did before. Just singing Ozzy songs, Dio songs and all the rest of it and my music being pushed aside. That was my issue.”

Martin who is remembered for middle-era 80's and 90's era Sabbath albums like Eternal Idol, Cross Purposes and Tyr also talked about the difficulties of today’s' music industry and the possibility of retirement.

With the passing of Ronnie James Dio last year, Ozzy's continuing solo career and Ian Gillian's schedule with Deep Purple it is possible we will not see or hear any Black Sabbath music again unless they recruit a new singer altogether.