The heavy metal band formed by former Black Sabbath vocalist Ronnie James Dio was Dio. Ronnie James Dio and drummer Vinny Appice left Black Sabbath in 1982 and formed the new band in Los Angeles with bassist Jimmy Bain and guitarist Vivian Campbell.
Dio released its debut album, Holy Diver, in 1983. The album introduced enduring songs such as “Holy Diver” and “Rainbow in the Dark,” both of which became signature tracks. Although Ronnie James Dio was the band’s leader and only constant member, its lineup changed repeatedly over the years.
The name can cause confusion because Dio had already been associated with several major bands. Before joining Black Sabbath, he sang for Elf and Rainbow, and later he reunited with Black Sabbath members under the name Heaven & Hell. Heaven & Hell was not the same band as Dio; it was the name used for the Dio-era Black Sabbath lineup during later tours and recordings.
Dio continued recording and touring until Ronnie James Dio’s death in 2010. The band released ten studio albums during its career.