Dio was an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles in October 1982 by singer Ronnie James Dio and drummer Vinny Appice after they left Black Sabbath. Ronnie James Dio was the only constant member; about twenty musicians passed through the band before it ended in 2010 with his death. The final line-up was Dio, Craig Goldy, Simon Wright, Scott Warren and Rudy Sarzo.
Below are the band’s key members with instruments and years, followed by every other official member.
Ronnie James Dio – Vocals, Keyboards (1982–2010)
Ronnie James Dio founded the band after leaving Black Sabbath and led it until his death in 2010, singing on every release. Dio himself and Jimmy Bain played the keyboards on the debut album Holy Diver (1983).
Vinny Appice – Drums (1982–1989, 1992–1998)
Vinny Appice co-founded the band with Dio after both left Black Sabbath. He drummed on every Dio release from Holy Diver to Dream Evil (1987), and returned for Strange Highways and Angry Machines.
Jimmy Bain – Bass (1982–1989, 1992–1993, 1999–2004)
Jimmy Bain had played with Dio in Rainbow. He was the original bassist and returned twice, appearing on Magica (2000) and Killing the Dragon (2002). He died in 2016.
Vivian Campbell – Guitar (1982–1986)
Vivian Campbell replaced Jake E. Lee shortly after the band formed and played on every release from Holy Diver to Intermission (1986), the era of “Rainbow in the Dark” and “Holy Diver”.
Claude Schnell – Keyboards (1983–1989)
Claude Schnell was recruited for live shows in 1983, before the Holy Diver tour, and played on the records from The Last in Line (1984) to Dream Evil.
Craig Goldy – Guitar, Keyboards (1986–1988, 1999–2002, 2003–2010)
Craig Goldy had three spells in the band, playing on Dream Evil, Magica and Master of the Moon (2004), and was part of the final line-up.
Simon Wright – Drums (1990–1991, 1998–2010)
Simon Wright drummed on Lock Up the Wolves (1990) and returned in 1998, staying until the end.
Scott Warren – Keyboards (1993–2010)
Scott Warren joined in 1993 and remained until 2010, appearing on Angry Machines, Master of the Moon and several live albums.
Rudy Sarzo – Bass (2004–2010)
Rudy Sarzo was the band’s last bassist, from 2004 to 2010, and appears on Holy Diver – Live (2006).
Other Official Members
- Jake E. Lee – guitar (1982); left before the first album
- Rowan Robertson – guitar (1989–1991)
- Teddy Cook – bass (1989–1991)
- Jens Johansson – keyboards (1989–1991)
- Tracy G – guitar (1993–1999)
- Jeff Pilson – bass (1993–1994, 1996–1997, 2004 session)
- Jerry Best – bass (1995–1996)
- Larry “Bones” Dennison – bass (1996–1999)
- Chuck Garric – bass (1999–2000)
- Doug Aldrich – guitar (2002–2003, touring in 2005 and 2009)
- Warren DeMartini – guitar (2003)
Live substitutes James Kottak (drums, 1997) and Bob Daisley (bass, 1998) filled in on tour but were not official members.
After Dio: Dio Disciples and Last in Line
After Ronnie James Dio’s death, two groups of former members reunited independently to play Dio songs. Dio Disciples has included Simon Wright, Scott Warren and Craig Goldy, while Last in Line grew out of the reunion of the original line-up, Vivian Campbell, Vinny Appice, Jimmy Bain and Claude Schnell, that Campbell announced in May 2012.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who were the original members of Dio? Ronnie James Dio, Vinny Appice, Jimmy Bain and Jake E. Lee, with Vivian Campbell replacing Lee before the first album.
- Who was in Dio’s final line-up? Ronnie James Dio, Craig Goldy, Simon Wright, Scott Warren and Rudy Sarzo.
- How many guitarists did Dio have? Official guitarists included Jake E. Lee, Vivian Campbell, Craig Goldy, Rowan Robertson, Tracy G, Doug Aldrich and Warren DeMartini.
- When did Dio break up? The band ended in 2010 when Ronnie James Dio died.
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