The annual "Rock For Ronnie" benefit concert has raised over $125,000 for the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund, continuing the late metal icon's legacy of giving back to the community he helped build.
The event was held on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles' Griffith Park, drawing fans and musicians together for a day of live music in support of cancer research and patient care.
Guitarist Lita Ford headlined the bill, which also featured performances from DIO DISCIPLES — the tribute act featuring former members of DIO — along with LED ZEPAGAIN, Jason Charles Miller, Legs Diamond, Whole Lotta Rosies and Saints Of Sinners.
As is tradition, the day closed with a star-studded all-star jam bringing together a host of hard rock and metal veterans. Among the many musicians who took part were drummer Vinny Appice — a longtime collaborator of RONNIE JAMES DIO in both DIO and BLACK SABBATH — MACHINE HEAD guitarist Phil Demmel, former ANTHRAX vocalist Neil Turbin, BLACK STAR RIDERS frontman Ricky Warwick, bassist Julia Lage and many more, trading songs and solos in celebration of Dio's enduring influence.
The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund was established in 2010 by Wendy Dio, the singer's widow and longtime manager, following his death from gastric cancer on May 16, 2010. Since then, the fund has raised millions of dollars for cancer research, prevention and education, with a particular focus on the gastric, esophageal and colon cancers that claimed the RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH and DIO frontman's life.
RONNIE JAMES DIO remains one of heavy metal's most revered figures — the voice behind classics like "Holy Diver," "Rainbow In The Dark" and "Heaven And Hell," and the man widely credited with popularizing the "devil horns" hand gesture now synonymous with the genre worldwide.
Organizers have already announced that the next edition of "Rock For Ronnie" will take place on Sunday, May 23, 2027, continuing a tradition that keeps the spirit and generosity of one of metal's greatest voices very much alive.