Band & Artist Dossier

Dio

Origin: Los Angeles, California, U.S. · Active Years: 1982–1993, 1994–2002, 2004–2010 (Ronnie James Dio led the band until his death in 2010)

A detailed catalogue profile for Dio.

In this archive

1 album / credit record(s) · Heavy Metal

American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles in October 1982 by vocalist Ronnie James Dio (Ronald Padavona) and drummer Vinny Appice immediately after both left Black Sabbath following disputes over the mixing of the 1982 live album Live Evil. Dio recruited former Rainbow bassist Jimmy Bain and, after briefly working with guitarist Jake E. Lee, settled on Irish guitarist Vivian Campbell to complete the classic lineup. The band's 1983 debut Holy Diver, produced by Dio himself, became a heavy metal landmark on the strength of MTV hits "Holy Diver" and "Rainbow in the Dark," and was followed by The Last in Line (1984) and Sacred Heart (1985) before Campbell's 1986 departure ended the band's most celebrated lineup. Ronnie James Dio remained the band's sole constant member through numerous later lineup changes.

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Band Lineup & Member Profiles

Lead vocals, keyboards, band leader
1982–2010
Former Rainbow and Black Sabbath frontman who founded the band bearing his name after leaving Sabbath in 1982; produced the band's early albums and remained its only constant member until his death in 2010.
Guitar
1982–1986
Irish guitarist recruited via Jimmy Bain's recommendation; played on the classic-era albums Holy Diver, The Last in Line and Sacred Heart before being dismissed in 1986.
Bass, keyboards
1982–1989
Former Rainbow bassist and Dio's Los Angeles neighbor who joined at the band's formation and helped recruit Vivian Campbell; played on the band's first four studio albums.
Drums
1982–1989
Former Black Sabbath drummer who left Sabbath alongside Dio in 1982 to co-found the band; played on all of the classic-era albums through Dream Evil (1987).

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Complete 1980s Studio Discography

4 studio albums released from 1980–1989 by Dio. Archived records link directly to full dossiers; remaining releases are queued for harvesting. MusicBrainz source.

Holy Diver cover
Holy Diver
1983 · Warner Bros.
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♫ 1984
The Last in Line
1984 ·
⏳ Queued for Harvesting
♫ 1985
Sacred Heart
1985 ·
⏳ Queued for Harvesting
♫ 1987
Dream Evil
1987 ·
⏳ Queued for Harvesting

80s discography & production credits in the archive

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