BLACK SABBATH: 'The Dio Years' Collection Tentatively Due In April

December 3, 2006

Rhino Records has set a tentative April 3, 2007 North American release date for the new Ronnie James Dio-era BLACK SABBATH best-of set, appropriately titled "Black Sabbath: The Dio Years". The single-disc collection will include a couple of brand new tracks that are currently being recorded in England by the lineup of Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice, as well as liner/sleeve notes by Garry Sharpe-Young of Rockdetector.com. "I've been given a track listing, but I can't divulge that yet," says Garry. "There are a few interesting tracks on there, though."

In related news, it's looking likely that Garry Sharpe-Young's BLACK SABBATH book "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" will undergo a third amendment next year in light of the HEAVEN AND HELL project (the "new" band featuring Dio alongside original BLACK SABBATH members Iommi and Butler, plus Appice). "There's constant demand for this book and there is a lot more material still to add, both old and new," states Garry. "Some good surprises in store."

"Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" can be bought at Amazon.com. The book includes exclusive interview content with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Cozy Powell, Ronnie James Dio, Ian Gillan, Glenn Hughes, Ray Gillen, Tony Martin, Geoff Nicholls, Rob Halford, Bob Daisley, Lee Kerslake, Carmine Appice, Tommy Aldridge, Neil Murray, Dave Spitz, Eric Singer, David Donato, Jeff Fenholt, Bobby Rondinelli, Rudy Sarzo, Phil Soussan, Randy Castillo, Bernie Torme, Brad Gillis, Jo Burt, Pete Way, Dana Strum, Terry Chimes, Lita Ford, Steve Vai, Don Airey, Lindsey Bridgewater, Terry Nails and many, many more. Additional details: eight-page discography appendix detailing 264 career albums and singles from BLACK SABBATH, Ozzy Osbourne, Ronnie James Dio, Bill Ward, Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi.

As previously reported, HEAVEN AND HELL has been confirmed for next year's Sweden Rock Festival, set to take place June 6-9, 2007 in Sölvesborg, Sweden. An exclusive New York City concert date for HEAVEN AND HELL in the spring of 2007 has already been booked but the exact details have not yet been revealed. Additional U.S. shows are being scheduled for late summer 2007.

As previously reported, Dio recently revealed to Classic Rock magazine that HEAVEN AND HELL will likely headline next year's Monsters of Rock festival in England.

Ozzy Osbourne has sent his best wishes to HEAVEN AND HELL, while adding that the classic BLACK SABBATH lineup — including drummer Bill Ward — will release a new album and mount a tour late next year.

"Heaven and Hell" was the name of the first album Dio recorded with BLACK SABBATH, back in 1980.

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