KnuckleBonz Unveils a Ronnie James Dio Limited Edition Collectible! A Portion of all Proceeds at KnuckleBonz.com will be Donated to the ‘Stand Up and Shout’ Cancer Fund Created in Honor of Ronnie James Dio. KnuckleBonz is excited to announce its production of the Ronnie James Dio Rock Iconz® statue. This is a limited edition statue with only 3000 created, making these highly collectible. Each figure in the edition is hand-painted, numbered and includes a certificate of authenticity.
This is an officially licensed product, approved and endorsed by Wendy Dio and Niji Entertainment. Wendy Dio remarked about the project, “Ronnie would be very proud.” KnuckleBonz is honored to be creating a tribute piece of Ronnie James Dio, widely recognized as one of the most powerful singers in all of heavy metal.
The Ronnie James Dio Rock Iconz Statue: The sculpture of Dio is displayed with his signature devil horns and iconic crouched stance. This is a hand-crafted statue. Every piece is painted by hand and numbered. A certificate of authenticity is included on the base of each statue. The statue is approximately 8” hiqh and stands on an attractive wooden display base. The Ronnie James Dio limited edition statue will be available December 2010. Pre-orders are available at www.knucklebonz.com.
“We learned that Ronnie wanted to work on a statue project before he fell ill. We are honored that Wendy Dio and his management called on us for this project,” remarks Tony Simerman, President and Creative Director of KnuckleBonz, Inc. “It’s been a real pleasure to work with Ronnie’s family and the people at Niji on this project. I was a fan of Ronnie’s very early and owned all the original Rainbow records. I was fortunate enough to see him out in front of Sabbath. RJD was one of the greatest live performers I have ever seen,” adds Simerman.
KnuckleBonz creates hi-end sculpture that features rock’s most highly influential artists. Dedicated to honoring rocks greatest through master artistry, KnuckleBonz has established the music-based sculpture series: Rock Iconz.
This is a limited edition statue created by KnuckleBonz; only 3000 will be created.
Wendy Dio, wife/manager of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW), has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:
“Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45 a.m. [on Sunday] 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private goodbyes before he peacefully passed away.
“Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all.
“We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us.
“Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss.
“Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever.”
It was only a month ago that Dio, 67, spoke about his battle with cancer with the Artisan News Service on the “black carpet” of the Revolver Golden Gods Awards, which took place on April 8 at Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles. When asked about how he had been feeling since he was diagnosed with the disease late last year, Dio said, “Well, I feel good and bad at times. It’s a long process. Chemotherapy is a… I never realized what a difficult thing it was to go through. It’s a real cumulative effect — the more you have, the more it piles up on top and it takes longer and longer to get over it. I find it very difficult to eat. I don’t like to eat anyway, so I guess that’s OK. But I know I have to. But this makes it very, very hard. But if you’re determined to beat it, then you have to go with what you believe is going to beat it for you, and in this case it’s that. I go to a great hospital in Houston called M.D. Anderson, which I think is the best hospital in the world, I have the best doctor in the world, Dr. Ajani, who I really trust and I really believe in, so I think I’ve done all the right things. It makes me feel positive about my life and positive that there is a lot more of it to live.”
Earlier this month, HEAVEN & HELL canceled its summer tour plans in Europe due to Dio’s treatment for stomach cancer. The band said in a statement that Dio wasn’t “well enough to tour this summer. We hope that everyone understands and want to thank fans and industry colleagues for their continuing support at this time.”
Ronnie James Dio had performed with ELF, RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH, and his own band DIO. Other musical projects included the collective fundraiser “Hear ‘n Aid”. He is widely hailed as one of the most powerful singers in heavy metal, renowned for his consistently powerful voice and for popularizing the “devil’s horns” hand gesture in metal culture. He was most recently involved with HEAVEN & HELL, a project which also included former BLACK SABBATH bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice. Their first and only studio album, “The Devil You Know”, was released on April 28, 2009.
Monday May 11, 2009 Source:Media Relations Location: New York City
New York L.E.S. bands Dead Sparrows (formerly Madison’s The Cummies) and Des Roar plan a weekend of rock’n’roll for the first time ever in Madison, WI. Sunday’s show at Frequency will serve as the album release for the Dead Sparrows’ Into the Nettles.
“We haven’t been home as a band since we left in 2005,” said Jonny Airis, drummer of the Dead Sparrows “and we wanted to really dig in before we came back. But we wanted Madison to be the debut of the new album, and we’re glad to have Des Roar with us.”
While routinely playing in Madison, Dead Sparrows were well known among local promoters and venues, often playing as themselves or in other bands at the King Club, the former Slipper Club, the Corral Room, The High Noon Saloon and Stage Door Theater. Saturday’s show at The Corral Room will begin at 10:00pm, and Sunday’s album release will begin at Frequency at 9:30pm.
Arriving in New York, Dead Sparrows forged a relationship with Lower East Side music venues, gaining month-long residencies after a short period of solo dates and befriending local favorites, Des Roar, a California-sonic garage band. The two bands have played a multitude of shows together, promoting one another’s bands, securing opening slots for major touring acts and attracting the attention of rising-level New York publicity firms.
Both bands have had their share of successes. Des Roar most recently playing runway shows at both New York and LA Fashion Weeks this past year, while Dead Sparrows have added legendary Irish guitarist/producer to their lineup, pushing them before larger audiences. Finn is best known for his work with Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode fame and his songs have appeared on major soundtrack releases.
LOCAL DATES:
Saturday, May 30 @ The Corral Room
Dead Sparrows w/ New York counterparts, Des Roar :: 10:00pm
Sunday, May 31 @ Frequency – Into the Nettles Release Party
Dead Sparrows and Des Roar w/ The Optimistic :: 9:30pm
Friday April 24, 2009 Source:Summerfest Location: Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. officials are excited to announce the ninth show slated for Summerfest 2009. Bob Dylan will headline the Marcus Amphitheater on Wednesday, July 1 at 7:30 PM along with special guest Willie Nelson.
Dylan, a musician and songwriter for over five decades, has influenced numerous genres of music and multiple generations. A pioneer in the folk-rock and country-rock genres, his unconventional voice redefined the role of vocalist in popular music. Many of his songs, like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They are a Changin’,” have become timeless classics. His most recent album, Together Through Life will be released April 28.
As a songwriter and performer, Willie Nelson has become a country music icon. His music is influenced by Western swing, jazz, country, honky tonk, rock & roll, folk and blues, creating a distinctive, elastic hybrid. Some of his many hits include “Always on My Mind”, “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys,” and “Highwayman.”
Tickets for Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson will go on sale Saturday, May 2 at 10 AM and will be available for $59.50 (Red), $49.50 (Yellow), and $37.00 (bench). All prices include Summerfest admission. Tickets can be purchased at the Marcus Amphitheater Box Office, Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 1.800.745.3000 (live Ticketmaster Agent) or 1.866.448.7849 (“Ticketmaster Express” automated phone line). Patrons may also utilize “ticketfast” at Ticketmaster.com to print bar coded concert tickets from home. Convenience fees may be added to all purchases.
A limited number of bar-coded wristbands for free, general admission lawn seats will be available the day of the concert for this show. The wristbands will be issued in the forecourt of the Marcus Amphitheater on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the show to patrons who have obtained admission to the grounds. Patrons must obtain admission to Summerfest in addition to any free general admission lawn ticket.
Summerfest 2009 will take place June 25 – July 5 from noon until midnight daily. The World’s Largest Music Festival and Milwaukee’s cornerstone summer celebration attracts the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. The Marcus Amphitheater and 10 additional stages, along with a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits, are set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops, creating a festival experience like no other. Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Great Taste of Summerfest. For more details visit Summerfest.com.
Saturday January 3, 2009 Source:The Blues Foundation Location: Memphis/Milwaukee
25th International Blues Challenge—The World’s Largest Gathering of Blues Bands February 4-7, 2009
The program for the 25th International Blues Challenge (IBC), set for February 4-7, 2009 in Memphis, Tennessee, is taking shape, full information of which is posted at www.blues.org. The 25th edition of the world’s premier Blues music competition will feature more than 100 bands and 60 solo/duo acts from 36 states and nine countries. Blues musicians will be attending from Australia, Canada, France, Israel, Italy, Norway, Poland, United States and, for the first time, Croatia. The winners receive cash prizes, professional services and appearances at top Blues festivals. Advance tickets are available at www.blues.org.
The events begin Wednesday evening with the Beale Street Merchants hosting a Meet ‘n Greet at the New Daisy Theater, the Memphis Grizzlies presenting four IBC participants during its Blues night at the FedEx Forum in conjunction with their NBA game against the Houston Rockets. Following the game, a special 25th IBC Kick Off Concert, featuring a number of top finishers from recent Challenges, including Trampled Under Foot (2008 IBC 1st Place), Sean Carney Band (2007 1st Place), Homemade Jamz Blues Band (2007 2nd Place), Jonn Richardson (2005 IBC 1st Place and Best Guitarist), Zac Harmon (2004 IBC 1st Place). Friday afternoon will see the first-ever FedEx International Showcase, featuring many of the acts from outside the United States, and the Smokin’ Bluz Youth Showcase, featuring more than a dozen acts whose members are under 21.
The IBC semi-finals commence at 5:00pm Thursday evening in 16 Beale Street clubs and continue before a different set of judges in those clubs Friday evening. The ten band finalists will begin at 2:00pm Saturday afternoon at The Orpheum Theatre while the six solo/duo finalists will commence at 8:30pm Saturday night at the Orpheum. The judges will also present a custom Gibson guitar featuring The Blues Foundation logo to the most promising guitarist. Blues musicians Cassie Taylor and Jason Ricci will host the band finals and Delta Groove Music’s Randy Chortkoff will be master of ceremonies for the evening finals. A complete list of participating acts can be found at www.blues.org.
The weekend also features the prestigious Keeping the Blues Alive (KBA) awards that honor the men and women, who have made significant contributions to the Blues music world, in 22 categories such as journalism, literature and photography and to the best clubs and festivals, as well as managers, promoters and producers. The Blues community will recognize its peers in a moving Saturday morning ceremony at the Downtown Doubletree Hotel.
The 25th International Blues Challenge is sponsored by Arts Memphis, band Village, Beale Street Merchants Association, Budweiser and its local distributor, D. Canale Beverages, FedEx, Gibson, Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, Smokin’ Bluz, Sonicbids, T. Clifton Art, Tennessee Arts Commission, Tennessee Film, Entertainment and Music Commission and Sirius XM Satellite Radio.
Media Sponsors include Beale Street Caravan, Big City Rhythm and Blues, Blues Blast, Blues Festival Guide, Blues Revue, BluesWax, Downtowner, House of Blues Radio Hour, Living Blues, Memphis Flyer and WREG-TV and Sirius XM Satellite Radio.
The International Blues Challenge and Keeping the Blues Alive Awards are produced by The Blues Foundation, a non-profit organization established to preserve Blues history, celebrate Blues excellence, support Blues education and ensure the future of this uniquely American art form. The Foundation consists of a worldwide network of 165 affiliated Blues societies and has individual memberships spanning the globe. In addition to the, the Foundation also produces the Blues Music Awards and the Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. For more information or to join The Blues Foundation, log onto www.blues.org.
Milwaukee’s Sue DaBaco & Wise Fools will be representing Wisconsin at the IBC event in Memphis, and a fundraiser to help the Grafton Blues Association with expenses for the trip will take place on January 24th at the Black Swan Banquet Hall in Grafton (13th Avenue) at 7pm.
January 24, 2009 7pm
Sue DaBaco & Wise Fools, T-Man and the Young Guns
Black Swan Room
13th Avenue (next to Grafton Alehouse)
Grafton, Wisconsin
$5 donation at door
Charlie Steffens of KNAC.COM recently conducted an interview with Don Dokken. An excerpt from the chat follows.
KNAC.COM: You guys had beautiful women at your beck and call every night back in the ‘80’s, didn’t you?
Dokken: Yeah. We did. And I had a lot of women because I was the baby-faced androgynous-looking-kind-of-singer guy and chicks would go “Oh, I’ll fuck you in a heartbeat.” I’d think “You don’t even know me. You know the guy in the video. You don’t know what I’m like, who I’m like, what kind of person I am.” It didn’t matter. At some point you think they’re all just sluts and whores and you wake up one day and you say, “No, I’m the slut. I’m the whore.” You wake up and you realize there’s more to life than that. It became tedious. First it was a game for your ego. My kids came along after the Monsters of Rock tour. I had a boy and a girl, and everything changed. The whole world looked different. They’re innocent, and you see through their eyes. It’s the normal story: do you want to go to The Rainbow Friday night when they’re seven or do you want to go to the Cub Scout meeting? It sounds corny, cheesy, and domestic, but that’s real life. My son’s coming out next week to spend a week with me on the road and I’m totally excited about it. Am I excited about meeting bimbos backstage? No. I’m excited about my son coming out and hanging out with me for a week. He just turned 20, and just got his pilot’s license yesterday. So we’re going to celebrate. After he goes home my daughter’s coming out for a week. That’s life.
KNAC.COM: It was devastating, to say the least, for you to watch your band go to pieces. How did you deal with it?
Dokken: I was angry when DOKKEN broke up. It’s the story of my life and I went to therapy. I go, “My whole life is fucked now.” Nirvana came out and I thought, “Well, I had a good run. Ten years. It’s over.” I kicked back for three years, got my head straight, and then said, “Well, I’m just going to continue on. I’m just going to keep fighting the fight and making records. That’s what I do. I’m not going to go through life angry, because it will make you old and haggard and tired and bitter. Nothing good comes out of it.”
KNAC.COM: What does the typical audience look like on your current tour with POISON?
Dokken: I’m laughing, because there are a lot of people I’ve noticed at the shows who don’t seem to know the POISON songs. They’re not really hardcore fans of the genre. A lot of them come because they want to see [POISON singer] Bret Michaels from the reality show “Rock of Love”. All these MILFS. These forty-year old women, screaming “Bret Michaels, Bret Michaels!” And they’re wearing the cowboy hat. You can see they’re having a good time, enjoying watching the show, and liking DOKKEN. It’s been a very strange, interesting demographic of women. I’m used to going onstage and hearing the roar, and now I go onstage and hear this high-pitch screaming. It’s mind-boggling. It’s like I’m on tour with David Cassidy. God bless Bret. I’m glad Bret found all this success. I’m really happy for him, but you gotta chuckle at this point in our career and go, “You girls don’t get it, do you?” They just wanna see the David Cassidy up there. Bret’s reinvented himself as a reality star, and it’s paying off for him and POISON. It’s like curiosity…I don’t know what it is. That TV show turned a whole generation of people on to POISON, who had never heard of POISON.
Tuesday August 12, 2008 Source:Blabbermouth Location: Japan
Japan’s DIR EN GREY will embark on a North American headlining tour in November/December. Support on the trek will come from THE HUMAN ABSTRACT.
The dates are as follows:
Nov. 05 - Revolution - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Nov. 07 - The Club @ Firestone - Orlando, FL
Nov. 08 - Center Stage - Atlanta, GA
Nov. 10 - Rams Head Live - Baltimore, MD
Nov. 11 - The Theatre of Living Arts - Philadelphia, PA
Nov. 12 - Wilbur Theatre - Boston, MA
Nov. 14 - Terminal 5 - New York, NY
Nov. 15 - Le Medley - Montreal, QC
Nov. 16 - Kool Haus - Toronto, ON
Nov. 18 - Clutch Cargo’s - Pontiac, MI
Nov. 19 - House of Blues - Chicago, IL
Nov. 20 - First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN
Nov. 22 - The Eagles Club - Milwaukee, WI
Nov. 23 - Pop’s - Sauget, IL
Nov. 25 - House of Blues - Houston, TX
Nov. 26 - Palladium Ballroom - Dallas, TX
Nov. 28 - Marquee Theatre - Tempe, AZ
Nov. 29 - The Wiltern LG - Los Angeles, CA
Nov. 30 - Warfield Theatre - San Francisco, CA
Dec. 02 - Hawthorne Theatre - Portland, OR
Dec. 03 - The Showbox - Seattle, WA
Dec. 05 - Gothic Theatre - Englewood, CO
DIR EN GREY will release its new album, “Uroboros”, on November 12. The album will be released in three editions; a standard edition, a limited edition and a deluxe edition. The standard edition will be released as a single-disc CD album, while the limited edition will include a bonus disc. The deluxe edition, a significantly more expensive release, will include two CDs, one DVD and two LPs, and will be available for pre-ordering only until August 17.
“The album will be stuffed with themes of ‘guilt and reincarnation’ as well as ‘the past, present and future of DIR EN GREY,’” guitarist Kaoru explained back in May. “This will be heavier and darker than previous albums, with a sort of oriental and religious mood and connotations. We’re experimenting with different sounds — we’d like to introduce a multitude of different instruments on this album.”
