The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund's second Awards Gala on Halloween night, Wednesday, October 31, at the Avalon nightclub in Hollywood honored eight supporters of the Fund while raising money for its important work. A highlight of the evening was a live performance by Dio Disciples, comprising former members of the band Dio, who were joined on stage by a number of prominent rock musicians in an all-star jam.
This year's honorees, who received awards named after Ronnie James Dio songs, were as follows:
* King of Rock 'n Roll Award: Tony Iommi, legendary guitarist for Black Sabbath and Heaven & Hell and recent cancer survivor, who was presented his award by fellow band member Terry "Geezer" Butler;
* Man on the Silver Mountain Award: Neil Warnock, Founder and CEO of The Agency Group worldwide, presented to him by Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali;
* Rainbow in the Dark Award: Stanley J. Diamond, partner, Diamond & Wilson, and member of the Board of Directors of the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up & Shout Cancer Fund, who received his award from long-time client rocker Eddie Money;
* Killing the Dragon Award: Charlie Hernandez, President of QED Productions and veteran production manager, who, with partner Lori Tierney, are the driving force behind Just a Bunch of Roadies, a nonprofit organization formed by musical touring industry professionals to respond to humanitarian crises, who was presented his award by fellow production manager Mickey Treadwell of Danny Zelisko Presents.
* Master of the Moon Award: Alex Hodges, CEO, Nederlander Concerts, whose award was presented by Joey Belladonna of Anthrax
* Sacred Heart Award: Dr. Raul Mena, Director of the Roy and Patricia Disney Cancer Center in Burbank, who concentrates in the area of cancer research, received his award from Ronnie James Dio's cousin singer David "Rock" Feinstein;
* Stand Up and Shout Award: Bob Chiappardi, Founder and CEO of Concrete Marketing, one of the largest independent lifestyle marketing companies in the music industry, known for its work with cutting edge rock and heavy metal artists. Singer Glenn Hughes introduced Chiappardi's friend and artist manager Andy Gould to accept the award because Chiappardi was detained in New York in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
The special Long Live Rock 'n Roll Award was presented by Wendy Dio, widow of the late singer and Fund President/Founder, to a very surprised Paul Dexter, Ronnie James Dio's long-time lighting designer. Last year, this special award went to Eddie Trunk of VH1 Classic's "That Metal Show," who had again planned to serve as Special Guest emcee until Hurricane Sandy cancelled most flights out of New York. Concert promoter and Dio Cancer Fund Board member Danny Zelisko took over the emceeing reins in the last moment. Members of the weirdly wonderful performance troupe Cirque Berzerk assisted with the awards presentation and performed their own set.
In addition to a number of high-end silent and live auction items, Tony Iommi donated a one-of-kind Gibson Iommi SG prototype guitar-a priceless left-handed development model made for Tony personally. Gourmet food stations, a hosted bar and a Halloween costume contest were also part of the evening. Commemorative event teeshirts and posters were also on sale.
The new line-up of Dio Disciples, comprising Tim "Ripper" Owens (vocals) , Oni Logan (vocals), Craig Goldy (guitar), Bjorn Englen (bass), Scott Warren (keyboards) and Simon Wright (drums) was the evening's entertainment. In addition to their own set, they were joined on stage for a all star celebrity jam on the following songs:
