DIO - This Means War! Page 4
by Martin Popoff

"He, like our engineer, he's very, very able to interpret some of the things I'd like him to do. And he also has a real sympatico with the kind of music I've always liked. Because it's the same kind of music he's always liked. And I think we've grown together in that interpretive way. We have the same work ethic. He's tireless, just like I am. We want it always to be done the right way, and never let anything be taken for granted. I think his playing on this album is absolutely excellent. I think this is the best guitar work Craig has done, certainly on a Dio album. And his contribution as a writer - and not only as a writer, but as a comrade - is very, very important to me. He brings this incredible tool to the table. And I don't want to use that word to describe him, absolutely. He's certainly not a tool; he's not a screwdriver or a pair of pliers. But he's got so much expertise that people probably don't even realize. It's just so easy to say 'Play this for me.' OK, done. No argument, no 'Why do you want me to play that?' Because he understands what it is I'm looking for, because we have that kind of bond. So those are the things he brings to the table."

Look for Dio, as usual, to tour the record heavily. Where? "The only ones I know of are Hartford, Connecticut, Worcester, Mass, New York and Philadelphia," says Ronie in closing. "I'm not sure what the others are. They never tell me until they push me of the door (laughs)." Keep your eye on www.ronniejamesdio.com for additional North American dates as they unfold...