2010 will go down as the year that we lost one of hard rock/heavy metal's all-time great vocalists, Ronnie James Dio, after a valiant battle with cancer. Throughout a career that saw Ronnie pen or co-pen classics with such legendary acts as Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell, and with his solo group, Dio, there are simply not enough words to describe the singer's contribution to rock music worldwide.  Niji Entertainment Group Inc. has announced the opening of www.officialronniejamesdiowebstore.com

Dio fans around the world will now be able to purchase official tour shirts, jackets, hats, CD's, DVD's, blu-rays, vinyl and box sets from Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Dio on the web store.  There will be many cool new Dio items recently designed that will be MUST HAVES for your collections! The web store also offers all the official Heaven & Hell items including shirts, CD's, DVD's and vinyl.

Dean Schachtel, General Manager for Niji Entertainment Group, commented 'Fans were having a hard time finding product in stores. They can now have a one stop shop at our web store and purchase their favourite Dio collectables and memorabilia at fair prices.'  The web store also offers worldwide shipping which is certain to please Dio's large and loyal fan base. Selected official Dio t-shirts will be available for purchase as well.  This week features an official 1985 Sacred Heart t-shirt. Each week thereafter, a different one will be available, eventually including classic tour t-shirts.

To celebrate the life of the man that has become synonymous with metal, the double disc set, 'Dio at Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987' will be released on November 8th, 2010.  This item is available for pre-order for only $15.98, and as an added bonus until November 5th, 2010, includes an original stick on backstage pass.  The first disc was recorded at the first-ever UK performance by Dio's solo group, while on tour supporting their classic debut, 'Holy Diver.' And the set-list does a superb job reflecting Dio's debut (featuring such classics as "Rainbow in the Dark," "Stand Up And Shout," etc.), as well as classics from both Rainbow and Black Sabbath ("Man on the Silver Mountain," "Heaven and Hell," etc.) - resulting in a thorough retrospective of Dio's career, from Rainbow to Black Sabbath to solo hits.  The second disc of 'Dio at Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987' features guitarist Craig Goldy's debut - recorded in 1987, in support of the 'Dream Evil' album, and contains highlights from Dio's career.  'Dio at Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987' will be the very first release from the Niji Entertainment Group (which was formed by Ronnie James Dio and his wife/manager, Wendy Dio, in early 2010).  The set will be released as a deluxe digipak including a booklet filled with rare photographs and liner notes, and original replica all access laminates from both shows.  Ronnie was the executive producer on the Donington project, and was very much looking forward to the release.

One of the brand new exclusive collectable pieces available on the Dio web store is an autographed limited edition baseball, presented in a display case (only two thousand were produced).  Each piece is numbered, and features Ronnie's DIO logo and autograph. It was well-known to many Dio fans that Ronnie loved baseball, and it was his dream to play in the major leagues. He was once quoted saying he would trade in his rock star career for one playing with the Yankees!

The Niji Entertainment Group is a full service record label, and will be releasing rare and unreleased recordings from Dio and other artists.  November 22nd will see two additional releases from the Niji Entertainment Group - a deluxe limited edition picture disc of Dio's classic solo debut, 'Holy Diver,' and 'Bitten By The Beast' from David "Rock" Feinstein.  "Rock" is Ronnie's cousin, and was a member of Elf, and the leader of the legendary NY band The Rods. 'Bitten By The Beast,' features the single "Metal Will Never Die," with lead vocals by Ronnie James Dio. This single will be heavily worked to active rock and metal radio this fall.

While Ronnie was alive, he always wanted to have his own action figure/statue.  And now, this has become a reality - KnuckleBonz has created the Ronnie James Dio rock iconz statue, which will be available in late fall 2010.  These statues are only produced in limited edition runs of 3000, which make them highly collectible and sought after from fans.  A portion from the sales of the Dio statue will go to the Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund, in honour of Ronnie James Dio.  Pre-orders available by visiting www.knucklebonz.com

Über Röck has two copies of the 'Dio at Donington UK : Live 1983 & 1987' double disc set to give away to two lucky readers! If you want to be in with a chance of winning one of these awesome sets then all you have to do is answer the following question, sending your answer, name and address in an email headed 'Dio Comp' to mail@uberrock.co.uk with all entries to reach us by midnight on November 8th. Here goes;

According to the lyrics of Tenacious D, on the wings of what did Dio soar?

Usual terms and conditions apply. Winners will be notified by email. Good luck \m/