A Ronnie James Dio documentary is in the works
Offering some never-before-seen footage and a look at the star’s decades-spanning career
Image: Ann Summa / Getty
BMG has announced that a documentary about Dio, Rainbow and Black Sabbath singer Ronnie James Dio is in production.
The documentary is being made with the full authorisation of Dio’s estate, directed by Don Argott and Damian Fenton. It will feature never-before-seen archival footage and photos, including scenes with Dio’s closest peers, friends and family, building upon the singer’s unfinished autobiography. Dio died in 2010 following a battle with stomach cancer.
Dio’s career spanned five decades, in which he sang for bands such as Elf, Rainbow, Heaven and Hell, Black Sabbath and, of course DIO.
In a statement about the film’s announcement Dio’s widow Wendy said: “I am very excited to be working with BMG on Ronnie’s long-awaited documentary. Ronnie loved his fans and I hope they will enjoy this trip through Ronnie’s life.”
Kathy Rivkin Daum, an Executive Producer at BMG, said, “We are incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with artists to tell their stories on the big screen. Dio, a larger than life rock hero, whose music means so much to millions of fans worldwide, deserves nothing less. The story behind his passion, ambition, and the highs and lows of success, in the rock and metal worlds, is something audiences have never seen before and won’t soon forget. We are honored to partner with Wendy on this incredible journey celebrating Ronnie’s life and work.”
Today (20 February) month, a memorial Awards Gala is to be held by the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer fund, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the singer’s passing. Those being honoured include label executives from Rhino Entertainment/Warner Music Group and BMG, Dio’s longtime recording engineer Wyn Davis and Jeff Pezzuti, the CEO of Eyellusion, the company that created the hologram for the Dio Returns! Tour.
On top of this, BMG is to release a newly remastered collection of Dio’s studio albums made between 1996 and 2004: Angry Machines, Magica, Killing the Dragon and Master of the Moon. The reissues also feature rarities and unreleased bonus tracks, such as live recordings from the tour supporting each album. The reissues are released on 21 February.
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