They always say there is a great woman behind every man and that couldn’t be more true with Wendy Dio, wife of the late great Ronnie James Dio. The legendary front man who spent time fronting the bands Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell, Rainbow, Elf, and Dio. Ronnie James Dio is the man who popularized the metal horns we all throw in the air to show our love and support. Wendy and Ronnie were married in 1975 and in addition to being his loving wife she was also his manager as well. In the 80’s, she managed the Los Angeles rock bands Rough Cutt, and Hellion. In 2009 Ronnie James Dio was diagnosed with stomach cancer. At the time Dio had just began working with Heaven & Hell again. The following year in 2010, Heaven & Hell announced they were canceling all summer dates as a result of Dio’s illness. Unfortunately we lost our great metal warrior on May 16, 2010. His last live performance was with Heaven & Hell on August 29, 2009, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Since his death Wendy has kept his name alive by forming The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable fund dedicated to support cancer prevention research, raise awareness and educate the public. It’s not surprising that Dio himself was a very charitable person as well. He was a passionate supporter and contributor to charitable work, including his commitment to “Children of the Night” for over 25 years, as well as numerous animal charities. Thus far has The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund has raised 2 million dollars. Some of the ways in the past they have raised funds is the Ride For Ronnie which is on it’s 4th year this year which will feature Steven Adler’s All Star Band, Dio Disciples, Beasto Blanco and more. Last year’s ride raised over $40,000. They have also started an annual Bowl For Ronnie event as well. You can check out information about the Ride For Ronnie and other events here.
