It’s hard to believe that May 16th will mark the fifth anniversary of the passing of Ronnie James Dio from stomach cancer. And while his passing was one of metal’s biggest losses ever, the 5th anniversary of his death will be marked by a weekend of events in Los Angeles to commemorate his legacy. In addition to a public memorial service at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills cemetery, there will also be a celebrity bowling tournament and a “Ride for Ronnie” bike ride and BBQ, both benefiting and drawing attention the the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund.
Starting on Friday, May 15th, there will be a Celebrity Rock ‘n Bowl tournament at PINZ Bowling Center at Studio City There will be bowling (of course) and also a silent auction including bowling pins autographed by the likes of Metallica, Aerosmith, Fleetwood Mac, Yes and Anthrax. Saturday, 5 years to the day of his passing, will be the memorial. Former band members and friends of Dio will be speaking and performing his music. While the event is free and open to the public, seating is limited, so it’s being asked that if you’re planning on going, send an email, your name, phone number and the # of seats to dio@cancerfund.org.
Sunday will be the first annual “Ride for Ronnie.” Riders will leave from the Glendale Harley Davidson and ride to Los Encinos Park in Encino. There will be food, music and another raffle/silent auction. Don’t have a bike? You’re still welcome to head to the BBQ. If you want to register to bowl or ride, keep an eye on the cancer fund’s website for details on how to do so. In its relatively short history, the fund, a privately funded 501C3 charity, has raised almost $1 million to cancer research projects, including the T.J. Martell Foundation for Cancer, AIDS and Leukemia Research.
