Tenacious D recorded “The Last In Line” for the new Ronnie James Dio tribute album, “This Is Your Life” (due April 1), and the song is now available for streaming.
Tenacious D’s Jack Black and Kyle Gass are longtime fans of the legendary singer: the pair recorded the track, “Dio”, on their 2001 self-titled debut – Ronnie countered by including the guys to the video for his 2002 single, “Push.” Dio himself also appeared in the D’s 2006 film, “The Pick Of Destiny”, and guested on the song, “Kickapoo”, from the companion soundtrack album.
“Dio was the master,” says Black. “The Pavarotti of heavy metal vocalists. Soaring melodies and a lion’s roar to match. He was also one of the coolest guys I’ve ever had the honor of meeting. No one could touch his brilliance, on or off the stage.”
“It’s hard not to pick a great Dio track, but this one appealed to us,” adds Gass. “Recording the track was a blast. Our electric guitarist John Konesky shredded a solo. I said, ‘That’s pretty good, but let’s try out my recorder.’ Lo and behold it shredded even more and added a unique element to the track. Dio obviously has been a
major influence and inspiration for the D. His performance in The Pick of Destiny was a magical moment for us, and we’ll always miss him. Rock on, Dio.”
In addition to Tenacious D, “This Is Your Life” features newly-recorded covers of the singer’s work with Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Dio by Metallica, Motorhead, the Scorpions, Rob Halford of Judas Priest, Corey Taylor Anthrax, Halestorm and others.
Proceeds from “This Is Your Life” will benefit The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund, co-founded by Wendy Dio. The charity is dedicated to supporting cancer-prevention research, raising awareness and educating the public about the vital importance of early detection and prevention when dealing with this deadly disease.
Dio died of stomach cancer on May 16, 2010 at the age of 67.
See also:
AUDIO: Corey Taylor covers Rainbow In The Dark for Ronnie James Dio tribute album
AUDIO: Hear Metallica’s tribute to Ronnie James Dio
Ronnie James Dio to be honored by Syracuse Area Music Hall Of Fame
Dio to release 1993 London concert
Search Ronnie James Dio at hennemusic
