Dio
Dio's The Last in Line artwork by Barry Jackson

666 items from Ronnie James Dio's estate being auctioned off in NYC

The estate of Ronnie James Dio will soon be holding a vast auction of the late metal legend’s memorabilia, which consists of exactly 666 items. As Rolling Stone points out, there will be a free, public exhibition for the Julien’s Auction happening at NYC’s Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square from September 10-13 from 11 AM to 9 PM each day, followed by a live and online auction on September 14 and 15 at the same location, with one happening at 10 AM and 1 PM each of those two days.

Items being sold at the upcoming auction include the original Barry Jackson painting used for Dio’s 1984 LP The Last in Line (seen above), as well as some of Dio’s many instruments, such as a 1961 Gibson bass guitar used during Dio’s time as a member of Elf, and a 1984 Aria Pro II Super Bass Elite II bass guitar used during the recording of 1987’s Dream Evil. Here’s more:

…his pair of moon and stars patchwork jeans worn extensively on stage with Rainbow (estimate $2,000–$4,000); Dio’s custom made violet suede vest with tails and red leather shin guards worn on stage and in promotional photographs for the 1985 Sacred Heart Tour (estimate $2,000–$4,000); a personalized Black Sabbath hooded velour robe from the 1981 Mob Rules tour worn regularly back stage (estimate $1,000–$2,000); Dio’s personal rolling wardrobe case (estimate $800–$1,200); some of the most ambitious and spectacular stage design rock has ever seen with props such as a monumental animatronic sphinx on plinth base from the 1984 The Last In Line tour (estimate $2,000–4,000) and a massive animatronic dragon’s head from the 1985 Sacred Heart tour (estimate $3,000–5,000); an array of Dio’s studio and stage used instruments and gear such as a custom Charvel guitar featuring a one–of–a–kind wizard paint motif (estimate $3,000–$5,000); a 1978 “Gold” record award commemorating Australian sales of the Rainbow album Rising (estimate $600–$800) and a 1978 “Gold” record award for the album Rainbow: On Stage (estimate $600–$800) and more.

Wendy Dio also released a statement on the auction:

I am glad that Ronnie’s extensive collection of items will go to his fans, museums and collectors around the world to be displayed for all to see and enjoy. These items are very special to me but I recognize the historical importance of anything to do with Ronnie and he would want his fans to be able to own, enjoy and see these items for many years to come.

You can find out even more info about the auction, and find out how to bid here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ns5R7G6GCpM