Munsey Ricci is a bit of a fixture in the heavy metal world. For over 20 years, he has been responsible for getting both metal gods and metal underdogs on the air. A bit of a master wheeler-dealer, he makes a living working for record labels and bands, getting their music airplay on radio throughout the country. He attends over 125 shows a year, and is not easy to miss, with his long, black, curly hair and his thick New York accent (and yes, you can probably hear him over the music). Check out how he keeps his enthusiasm…

Oh, Record Store Day, how I love thee as much as my wallet loathes thee. There is probably a holiday for just about everything one could want, gifts, uprisings, animals, Presidents and now a music holiday; Record Store Day. Everyone likes having music, so it’s only befitting that there should be a day in which one is encouraged to not feel guilty about blowing a paycheck on awesome vinyl and special releases. Below is a list of the more awesome things to pick up from your favorite record store on April 16. Spare no expenses because I’m certain some…

When this posthumous live release containing two performances by Ronnie James Dio and the most classic incarnations of his eponymous band at the Donington Monsters Of Rock Festival (’83 and ’87, as the title suggests) came across my desk for review, my only dilemma was which concert to put on first. The 1983 show has the Holy Diver lineup—Dio, guitarist Vivian Campbell, bassist Jimmy Bain and drummer Vinny Appice who left Black Sabbath with the lead singer—but the 1987 show has more Dio material. This is reasonable, since only Holy Diver had been released in ’83, but four years…

It’s been a sad few weeks for metal. With the passing of Peter Steele, fans mourned one of the genre’s vampiric, self-deprecating and complicated legends—but a legend that you might run into at a show. The legacy of Ronnie James Dio seems so much more untouchable and pure.

The man who threw the horns has died.

It’s not to imply Dio’s long career was free of conflict. He is primarily known by many as the man who took over for Ozzy—something some stubborn originalists still scoff at—but Dio’s character and charisma seemed to erode barriers. I can’t imagine getting…

“Ronnie has been diagnosed with the early stages of stomach cancer. We are starting treatment immediately at the Mayo Clinic. After he kills this dragon, Ronnie will be back on stage, where he belongs, doing what he loves best, performing for his fans.

Thanks to all the friends and fans around the world that have sent well wishes. This has really helped to keep his spirit up.

Long

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