Ronnie James Dio Documentary Is Officially Happening
An official Ronnie James Dio documentary is on the way, according to Ronnie's widow and longtime manager Wendy Dio. In a new interview with Wendy, she reveals her goal to release the film in 2020.
From Elf to Heaven & Hell, Ronnie James Dio’s career was legendary, spanning five decades. Even when battling cancer his 60s, Ronnie’s voice never weakened, nor did his unwavering dedication to heavy metal.
Shooting for the Dio documentary began last week, with Black Sabbath / Heaven & Hell bassist Geezer Butler serving as the project’s first interview. “We started with Geezer Butler, who's obviously Ronnie's best friend from Black Sabbath,” Wendy tells The Metal Voice. “I have so much footage — stuff that people have never seen. I've got some Super 8 stuff. I found a whole huge box of stuff — stuff from his childhood, stuff from the Rainbow days, behind-the-scenes stuff. I'm getting it now transferred, so that we can actually view it.”
Wendy has also unearthed Dio demos which have likely never been heard. “It’s the beginnings of songs, it's songs that haven't been finished, or have been finished, or were cast aside,” she described. “[Wyn Davis] said, 'This is a treasure trove.’”
When asked about a Ronnie James Dio biopic, Wendy shut down the idea for now. "No, I don't wanna do a biopic. Nobody could play Ronnie, I don't think. I don't think so. I'd like to do a straightforward documentary of Ronnie's life, with lots of footage of Ronnie. I've got so many interviews that Ronnie did and so much stuff that I'd really like to just keep it very, very natural."
The Ronnie James Dio hologram tour is now on the road, so click here for the full list of dates and read our recap of a recent rehearsal preview for the tour here.
Wendy Dio Speaks to The Metal Voice
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