The legendary Ronnie James Dio, who passed away in 2010 at the age of 67, left an indelible mark on the rock and metal scenes as the frontman for iconic bands such as Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and his eponymous group, Dio. His powerful voice and captivating lyrics continue to resonate with fans around the world, ensuring that his legacy remains alive even 15 years after his departure.
Annual charity events and tributes serve to honor Dio’s memory and introduce his timeless music to new generations. One such event, the annual Bowl For Ronnie, benefits the Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund and will take place this Thursday, November 13, at the PINZ Bowling Center in Studio City, California. This star-studded gathering will feature several of Dio’s former bandmates and notable figures from the rock and metal community.
Below, we dive into this year’s event and explore the favorite Ronnie James Dio songs chosen by five prominent rock and metal icons.
Bowl for Ronnie 2025 Attendees
This year’s event promises a lineup of special guests who will come together to celebrate the memory of this heavy metal legend:
- Doug Aldrich (Dio, Dead Daisies, Whitesnake)
- Dennis Atlas (Toto)
- Sebastian Bach and his bandmates Frederico Delfino and Paris Bierk
- Ira Black (Dio Disciples, Vio-Lence)
- Rob “Blasko” Nicholson (Ozzy Osbourne)
- Ann Boleyn of Hellion
- Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group)
- Phil Buckman (Fuel)
- John Bush (Armored Saint)
- And many more notable musicians and actors…
Eddie Trunk will return as the host, joined by a team featuring legends such as Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath) and Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme).
The Favorite Ronnie James Dio Song of 5 Rock + Metal Icons
Rudy Sarzo — “Gates of Babylon” (Rainbow)
Rudy Sarzo, bassist known for his work with Dio, shares, “My favorite Ronnie James Dio composition is ‘Gates of Babylon.’ When I joined Dio in 2004, I asked Ronnie if we could add it to our setlist. He initially hesitated, but after we played it, he smiled and said, ‘Well, I guess the song stays in the set.’ It became a staple in our performances and remains a cherished memory for me.”
Tom Morello — “The Mob Rules” (Black Sabbath)
Guitarist Tom Morello selects “The Mob Rules,” stating, “It’s an absolutely crushing banger of a song. The riff is iconic, the rhythm section is relentless, and Dio’s incredible vocals make this track a pinnacle moment in metal history.”
Eddie Trunk — “Stargazer” (Rainbow), “Heaven and Hell” (Black Sabbath), “Holy Diver” (Dio)
Eddie Trunk, a notable music commentator, offers a unique approach by choosing three songs. He describes “Stargazer” as “Epic with a capital E!” and highlights the brilliance of the musicians involved. For Black Sabbath, he picks “Heaven and Hell,” noting it was his introduction to the band during high school, while for Dio, he chooses “Holy Diver,” emphasizing its massive riff and timelessness.
Lita Ford — “Stargazer” (Rainbow)
Rock icon Lita Ford resonates with Eddie’s choice, declaring “Stargazer” as her favorite. She recalls how the album “Rainbow Rising” helped her through tough times with The Runaways. “It’s a song that never ages, and I warm up my voice by singing along with Ronnie’s incredible performance,” she adds.
Brendon Small — “Sign of the Southern Cross” (Black Sabbath)
Brendon Small, co-creator of Metalocalypse, praises “Sign of the Southern Cross,” calling it “one of the greatest songs of all time.” He appreciates the song’s dynamic range, showcasing Dio’s ability to blend heavy and dramatic elements with quiet, controlled vocals.
Ronnie James Dio Through the Years
Explore a gallery that showcases the legendary Ronnie James Dio from the early days of his career until his untimely passing.
Conclusion
Ronnie James Dio’s music continues to inspire and influence countless artists and fans across the globe. Events like Bowl For Ronnie not only celebrate his remarkable contributions to rock and metal but also ensure that his legacy is cherished for years to come. As fans and musicians alike reflect on their favorite Dio songs, it’s a testament to the timelessness of his artistry.
FAQs
What is the Bowl For Ronnie event?
The Bowl For Ronnie event is an annual charity event that benefits the Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, honoring the legacy of Ronnie James Dio.
When and where is the Bowl For Ronnie 2025 taking place?
The event will take place on November 13, 2025, at PINZ Bowling Center in Studio City, California.
Who are some of the notable attendees at the Bowl For Ronnie event?
Notable attendees include Doug Aldrich, Sebastian Bach, and Geezer Butler, among many others from the rock and metal community.
What is the favorite Ronnie James Dio song of Tom Morello?
Tom Morello’s favorite Ronnie James Dio song is “The Mob Rules,” performed by Black Sabbath.
Why is Ronnie James Dio considered a legend in rock and metal music?
Ronnie James Dio is considered a legend due to his powerful voice, profound lyrics, and significant contributions as the frontman for multiple iconic bands, which have left a lasting impact on the genre.
