Anthrax Singer Launches Ronnie James Dio Tribute Band
Anthrax singer Joey Belladonna has embarked on a heartfelt musical endeavor by launching a tribute band dedicated to the legendary Ronnie James Dio. This new group will perform a series of shows in Florida in August, celebrating the iconic music of Dio, Black Sabbath, and Rainbow.
The scheduled dates for the tribute band’s performances are as follows:
– August 15 at Captain Hiram’s in Sebastian, FL
– August 16 at Piper’s Pub in Pompano Beach, FL
– August 17 at OCC Road House in Clearwater, FL
– August 18 at Conduit in Winter Park, FL
This tribute to Ronnie James Dio marks a significant chapter for Belladonna, who has long admired Dio’s work. A decade ago, Belladonna spoke to Jay Nanda of the San Antonio Metal Music Examiner about his involvement in This Is Your Life, a tribute album to Ronnie James Dio. When asked why Anthrax chose to cover the Black Sabbath classic “Neon Knights,” Belladonna explained:
“I think I suggested it. When we talked about doing something, collectively, we all like the song, so it was a no-brainer. We could pretty much pick anything… I went for the heavier.”
Belladonna’s connection to Dio’s music runs deep. When asked if recording the “Neon Knights” cover was a more emotional experience compared to other covers Anthrax had recorded, he responded:
“For me, no. I just love doing that type of thing, and it was another day for me to sing something of his. Obviously, I’m excited, because it is a record, but I don’t think I did it any different. In fact, I only did a couple of takes. I actually have on video the first time I tried it, and it pretty much sounds like what it sounds like already. It was business as usual for me.”
Regarding Dio’s influence on him, Belladonna shared, “Ronnie’s an inspirational singer for me.” He added:
“I really believe that as you grow up, you’re inspired by the people that perform and things that you would like to hear yourself be in that kind of category and have such a talent like he did and just be inspired. [He was a] great human being, great musician — just all that… He was just the slickest. He was so heavy but melodic, as well as his attitude about everything. He had great charisma.”
Belladonna also reminisced about his first impression of Dio, noting:
“He made me laugh big time. He just want[ed] to be funny. And yet he [was] so sincere and [could] have that serious point of view. You need to be enthralled with that when you’re around him, to have him speak to you with that kind of attitude and spunk that he had. And I’d been around him when things weren’t so good, which I won’t bring up right now, but to have him share that with me, which was more private, about being in his band — things like that. Just to engage in that with me and run that by me.”
Belladonna’s career with Anthrax has been marked by significant milestones. His most recent return to the band was officially announced in May 2010. Originally the lead singer from 1984 to 1992, Belladonna was part of the influential thrash metal group’s classic lineup. His voice has graced over 10 Anthrax albums, which have reportedly sold eight million copies worldwide.
