JANUARY 2004

RONNIE JAMES DIO

MM: Let's open with your childhood. Please tell us about your childhood and was music prevalent in you home while growing up.  If so, what kind of music did you and your family listen to or play? 

RJD: My childhood was safe and sane. No abuse and no traumas. I was surrounded by a large and loving family who taught me the importance of hard work and a meaningful education. Music was all around me, especially operatic pieces which made me marvel at the exceptional talent of the great tenors. I began studying the trumpet at five and thought seriously of making it my life's work at that instrument. Then came rock and roll and the trumpet took a back seat, but what great training it was for the career to follow. 

MM: There always seems to be some sort of fantasy theme incorporated into your music and artwork accompanying it, does this stem from an early childhood fascination?

RJD: I read constantly as a child and became fascinated by tales of dragons, knights, and damsels in distress. Sci-fi was also a must read for me, and these themes led to much of what I've written musically and lyrically. 

MM: According to your website, you will begin recording again in January 2004, please tell us of the sound of their new record that you are about to being work on -- will it have a heavy, dark, evil sound to it and what will the lyrics be about, along with it's concept? 

RJD: Our next recording will be as heavy and dark as I feel at the moment of writing. Lyrically I like to use themes that make the listener use his or her imagination, and to give a little of the lessons I've learned in my own life. The best subjects are always people, who never fail to amaze me by their unpredictability.

MM: During the next tour, will you do any material from Sacred Heart or Lock up the Wolves?

RJD: I believe that we'll include some songs from "Sacred Heart" and "Lock Up the Wolves" on our next tour. We've not touched upon them for quite a while, and it will be enjoyable to do them once again, and to spring a surprise here and there for our audiences.

MM: You've been involved in so many bands and projects, but what do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment musically?

RJD: I think any musicians greatest accomplishment is to have a long and respected career, but musically, because of the difficulties in making the album and it's great song content, the Black Sabbath project, "Heaven and Hell" has been my favorite.

MM: How did you end up on "Seeds of Change" with Kerry Livgren (a founding member of Kansas), which was a Christian album, at a time you were involved in Black Sabbath and how did you deal with the backlash/controversy coming from the Christian community after it's release?

RJD: Kerry Livgren had a project in mind for some time to make an album featuring his favorite singers and players. Luckily I was one of those favorites and so was asked to be involved. I had no idea that the content was Christian and Kerry never made it an issue. We did it on a purely musical level and his wonderfull writing did the rest. The name Black Sabbath never appeared on the album and I guess that's why I never heard of any backlash.

MM: It's been just over a decade between the last Dio album and the release of Dio's greatest hits, was there some sort of issue with the label holding up a release of Dio's greatest hits?

RJD: The release of Dio's Greatest Hits after such a long time of recording was never a matter of label control. All that was needed to accomplish it was someone who believed it was time to do it, and fortunately that happened. 

MM: Black Sabbath has yet to be inducted to the Rock N' Roll Hall Of Fame, how do you feel about that? 

RJD: I think it's a travesty. Sabbath, (Tony, Geezer, Ozzy, and Bill), created Heavy Metal music, and their influence on the music world has been immense. No one deserves it more. 

MM: Tell us what your fans will have the opportunity to see on the Evil Or Divine DVD. 

RJD: "Evil or Divine" simply shows the band at it's musical best. It's not loaded with special effects and other spam, but is still interesting to watch and hopefully a joy to listen to. 

MM: What did you think of Jack Black's parody of you during the Conan O'Brien's 10th Anniversary Special? 

RJD: I think Jack Black is one of the most talented men I've ever met. His intensity is overwhelming and his rock musical knowledge is beyond repute. Jack is a friend and would never parody someone he respects without it being meant as a compliment. I have no problem with whatever he does concerning me. 

MM: Your bio contains the following 2 paragraphs: 

“Rock & Roll” was inspired by the aftermath of the tragedy of September 11^th. Like all Americans, Dio was devastated by terrorist attacks. A native New Yorker, he wanted to reach out to its residents, to let them know that he “would be there in anyway for anyone who needed me.”  When he phoned an area radio show to express both his outrage and condolences, he was informed that “Holy Diver” and songs by Black Sabbath had been temporarily pulled from the airwaves.           

“Our rock and roll had been banned because some terrorists from a little place had committed these heinous acts against us,” he roars. “How can you be castigated for something that had nothing to do with you?  This is America. As soon as something bad happens, we want to bring the warriors in - the firemen, policemen, and the soldiers, who have gone off to a foreign land to fight for our freedom. It is as if these warriors are being told, ‘You have to go off and fight, but I forgot to tell you, we are going to take your rock and roll away from you.’ It was important for me to say ‘How dare you try to take our music away.’ 

Since September 11^th, lots of bands have done songs about or in tribute to, the victims of September 11^th -- some had to change their CD cover (such as Dream Theater that was slated for release on September 11^th and their artwork depicted New York City surrounded by flames - this artwork was completed months before the attacks) and Saliva’s latest single at that time, “Click Click Boom” was banned from the airwaves. Now that it's been several years since the September 11th terrorism attacks on the U.S., what are your thoughts now on how the music industry did and/or should respond in respect to the victims? 

RJD: We live in a "free" society which should mean that we have the right to speak our mind. Granted, some beliefs and statements are disgusting and better off not spoken, but the right to say them is still of utmost importance. The music industry's actions at the time of 9/11 and since have been actions driven by patriotism in most instances, and greed and stupidity to a lesser degree. Sounds like real life doesn't it? 

MM: With the recent capture of Saddam Hussein this past weekend, what do you, personally, feel his fate should be? 

RJD: Saddam's fate should be in the hands of his country men. They were the major victims of his brutal reign and should decide his life, death, or permanent imprisonment. Personally, I would lock him away forever. 

MM: What kind of professional vocal training have you had, if any? 

RJD: I've never taken vocal lessons. My early trumpet training and a fortunate talent for singing has always been enough for me. In the case of rock singing, I've always felt it was better to remain a bit untrained to maintain your individuality. 

MM: What is your pre and post performance ritual? 

RJD: My performance habits are to eat before 2:00 PM and nap until three hours before the show. I never examine the venue, the stage, or the audience before going on. I like to be surprised by both. A few beers before the show and I'm ready. Post performance is to talk about what we've just done and either be satisfied or change it. A few more beers, a chat with some fans and friends at the "meet and greet," back to the hotel, and perhaps a trip to the local "good time" place. 

MM: Please tell us about the Children Of The Night charity. 

RJD: Children of the Night is a sheltering non-governmental organization dedicated to the aid of runaway kids. They are taken off the streets and not returned to the abuse they ran from in the first place. They are educated and prepared for a hopefully fruitful life as young adults at the Children of the Night Center in Van Nuys, California. It is supported by many caring entertainers, (and of course the general public), who see hope and not hopelessness in the lives of these children. www.childrenofthenight.org  

MM: On "Humanary Stew - A Tribute To Alice Cooper" -- what made you decide to cover the classic "Welcome To My Nightmare"? 

RJD: I was offered some choices of Alice's songs and felt that "Welcome To My Nightmare" was best for me, and I've always liked the song. 

MM: On "Tribute To Aerosmith - Not The Same Old Song And Dance" -- what made you decide to cover the class "Dream On"? 

RJD: "Dream On" has always been a favorite of mine, and this was an opportunity to sing it and give tribute to Steven Tyler, who I think is one of the most brilliant rock singers and performers I've had the good fortune to know. 

MM: Any words/thoughts on the recent unfortunate Ozzy Osbourne accident? 

RJD: I'm of course saddened by Ozzy's accident and wish him a speedy recovery. 

MM: What newer bands are you enjoying listening to today? 

RJD: Sevendust, Mushroomhead, Stratovarius, Down 

MM: Since Metal Masters is a video show, what was the last video you saw that made you sit up and say "What a great video!"? 

RJD: The Darkness, " I Believe In A Thing Called Love ", was one of those videos that instantly caught my attention. It was like seeing "Queen" meet "Twisted Sister". 

MM: Please share with us your top 5 CDs for 2003. 

RJD: Evanescence-" Evanescence", Mushroom Head-"Xiii", A Perfect Circle-"Thirteenth Step", Iron Maiden-"Dance Of Death", Queens Of The Stone Age-"Songs For The Day" 

MM: Since Metal Masters is a video show, please tell us your top 5 videos for 2003. 

RJD: Evanescence, Foo Fighters, The Darkness, Jet 

MM: Okay...time to promote yourself.  If there is anything you'd like people reading this interview to know about -- pimp it here including any website addresses. 

RJD: Of course there's a new album in 2004 and on another front, Ahmet Zappa is producing an animated series for MTV called " Leather Wulf" which I'll be part of. Watch for it! www.ronniejamesdio.com 

Okay Ronnie, on to the more personal & fun questions! 

MM: Once I was mistaken for _________________________. 

RJD: Klaus Meine 

MM: Attention:  All new upcoming singers/musicians beware of _________________________. 

RJD: Everyone else. 

MM: What is currently in the trunk or utility compartment of the vehicle you drive on a regular basis? 

RJD: 50 bricks and a garden gnome. 

MM: Did you have a nickname when growing up?  If so, what was it and how did you get the nickname? 

RJD: It was "cool guy", and I guess I got that nickname because I was a "cool guy". 

MM: What 3 people, living or dead, would you like to have dinner with and why? 

RJD: Bach to pick his brain, Ben Franklin to marvel at his genius, and Nero to get some fiddle lessons. 

MM: Tell us something about yourself that your fans and bandmates would be surprised to know. 

RJD: I always wanted to be a basketball player. 

MM: When in any gaming city, such as Las Vegas or Monte Carlo, what is your game of choice and do you have any helpful hints on this game? 

RJD: My game of choice is locking myself in my room until we leave. Hints for this game include room service with heavy tips, pay TV, and shutting off the phone. 

MM: If Pizza Hut made a Ronnie James Dio Lovers Pizza, what type of crust (pan, thin & crispy, hand-tossed, New Yorker, Sicilian, etc.) and toppings would it include? 

RJD: Sicilian with pepperoni, sausage and cheese. Pineapple on pizza is a crime against humanity and should be immediately banned. 

MM: What would you like Santa to bring you for Christmas? 

RJD: Some sanity in the world.