The season finale episode of the acclaimed music podcast “Backstaged: The Devil in Metal” has just been released. Hosted by bestselling author and music journalist Jon Wiederhorn, the episode is a 70-minute-long extravaganza that explores the spectacular life and tragic death of metal legend Ronnie James Dio.
The episode addresses Dio‘s early years and career with insightful and informative new interviews with Dio‘s widow Wendy Dio. Additional details about Ronnie‘s sometimes turbulent years with RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH, DIO and HEAVEN & HELL come from BLACK SABBATH founders Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler, along with DIO‘s longtime drummer Vinny Appice. Alice Cooper and members of ANTHRAX, TWISTED SISTER and SLAYER provide additional commentary.
Previous episodes of “Backstaged: The Devil In Metal” address alternatively shocking, outrageous, hysterical and heartbreaking stories about metal culture, lifestyle and history, and include shows about the birth of the genre, the occult, heroin abuse, partying, groupies, horror and road pranks, as well as two-part episodes of metal icons BLACK SABBATH and JUDAS PRIEST.
“Backstaged: The Devil In Metal” is a production of Diversion Podcasts with iHeartRadio. All episodes can be found on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcasts, Spotify and wherever you find your favorite podcasts.
Ronnie passed away of stomach cancer on May 16, 2010 at the age of 67.
Dio was renowned throughout the world as one of the greatest and most influential vocalists in heavy metal history. The singer was diagnosed with cancer in late 2009. He underwent chemotherapy and made what is now his final public appearance in April 2010 at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards in Los Angeles.
Dio‘s long-awaited autobiography, titled “Rainbow In The Dark: The Autobiography”, will be released on July 27 via Permuted Press. It was written with longtime friend of 30 years and esteemed music writer Mick Wall, who took up the mantle after Ronnie‘s passing.
