Ronnie James Dio | Without Hard Work, You Don't Get Anything | Toazted

Ronnie James Dio played the Arrow Rock festival in 2006 where Toazted interviewed him. In this classic interview Dio voices his opinion on the state of the music industry in the U.S.A.
Want to keep up with our new interviews or have a great idea or artist we should check out? Get in touch!
Facebook: goo.gl/uLQNgY
Twitter:goo.gl/F4hFEF
Instagram:goo.gl/PmPdZa
Toazted is the home of great music interviews. We care about art and artists, since our formation in 1993 we have chatted to everyone from The Ramones to Beyonce to Childish Gambino. Covering every genre you can ever imagine including metal,pop,rock and rap. We are dedicated to bringing you the best artists around the world and will continue to do so.

[@paulmuntean8910]

Ronnie James Dio.. the one who could sing about rainbows and still sound metal. IMO he was the best singer humanity had. He was wise and he had attitude. Dio Forever

[@Bawitdabadabangdadang]

WHEN THERE'S LIGHTNING!!!!!!!

[@bigspence404]

Very well said!

[@nicholastahan7670]

He was unique and always refreshing to listen to! A smart man.

[@nicholastahan7670]

Wow! He loved his fans. A great scholar and gentleman. Driving by his craft.

[@ryanbillings3605]

@@Bawitdabadabangdadang you know it always brings me down.

[@johns2453]

Ronnie was a very sharp man

[@jasonrichardson1208]

Dio is known for his iconic voice, but his real legacy is how he treated other people. Dio was a rare diamond in a sea of glass . RIP!

[@deradler3261]

Dio never seemed to come off as arrogant or entitled. He seemed to be very down to earth and humble. A guy that would just sit and talk with you about whatever.

[@lindaellen808]

What a great person he seems wish he was still around.

[@Toaztedmedia]

Linda Ellen indeed, an amazing artist and intelligent and kind man when we had the honour to meet him.

[@ryanbillings3605]

Me tooo Linda.

[@angeloburdo4573]

ESP ecially when he married Danny devito

[@angeloburdo4573]

Carla on cheers

[@batphink2655]

@@angeloburdo4573 Get off the crackrock are you sure you aren't Punky Meadows from Angel!

[@shaneabikhair8909]

He was spot on about today's airy fairy music . RIP Dio !

[@SuperEROQ]

I think this woke generation contributes to it too

[@matimus100]

Utter nonsense he spoke

[@Shamrockjason]

Up for almost 3 yrs and 0 dislikes... Dio speaks the truth.. RIP RJD

[@steevrawjers]

dio rocks forever

[@ThunderAppeal]

1:04 'Thats what America has become, it has become a place of trends.' So true.

[@patrickbrennan1317]

We must really look superficial to people outside USA.

[@AH-nu2py]

Patrick Brennan that’s always been the case with the US. The constant “we’re the greatest country in the world” never went down well outside the US. It wasn’t necessarily true back then. But it’s becoming less true every year.

[@dsuch81]

@@AH-nu2py Get off your high horse!

[@nayeemhasan2713]

You get off yours. He said what everyone else thinks

[@stephenhammen2426]

I always love how brutally honest Dio was in every interview.

[@tsriftsal3581]

Duh. He got to work with a man that chopped off his fingers and rocket.

[@tsriftsal3581]

Rocked

[@tsriftsal3581]

So lame

[@josephb.5497]

I've seen Dio live with Sabbath on the Dehuminizer tour in Montreal. Wow what a show. Dio and the band was amazing

[@SC-hu5pz]

My favorite album! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@herahh9635]

7 Dio shows counting dehuminizer in Tampa Fl.. met him 1 time strange highways tour . Such a nice person

[@jamescampbell2829]

He is absolutely right about today’s music in America

[@sarcasmoassholio2801]

Yeah he is. Amazing someone else is watching this video today. I miss him but his influence transcends time

[@electriceyeslide5959]

He’s right about a lot of things, smart dude…

[@bfox8577]

YEEESSSSS! I’m almost 50, but if you were still here & touring, I would drive to any state to watch you perform again!!!!! I’m betting I’m not the only one!!!! Nothin but love & respect for Dio!!!

[@kehinmikuni2693]

Mee too🤘Dio Forever

[@social191]

Dio was so correct about the misguided musical path that America is going. Every time that I go to eat, I always hear today's popular music and it deeply annoys the hell of me. When go out, I want to listen to innovative music, not rap, hip hop, and one hit wonders from artists that I never even heard of that make more money than accomplished artists who have devoted themselves to their music, like Dio, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and many of those others great rock and metal artists from the past. America needs to follow Dio's path, wake up, and listen to real music. We are heading towards the wrong path and we need to change that. If we continue to allow the rap, hip hop, and karaoke artists to gain fame and fortune for silly work, then music will be dead.

[@jjlambonscloudyproductions]

Dio was bashing the commercialization of Rap or Hip Hop. There was Onyx who did crossovers with metal. Public Enemy.KRS One,Wu Tang Clan, and so on. Those cats didnt' do big arenas they paid their dues with hard work.

[@gristams3439]

i like metal and hip hop and country and anything as long as its made by ppl who pur their heart into it(snoop dog. dr dre comes to mind they worked their asses off all i hear now is these guys just trying to sound like theyrre doing the part,,,,,,american music has been about style and trends for a very long time. look at old motely crew and all the other glam bands that made it big. they sucked musically (if u dont belive me just you tube old motley crew live) but they made it big by being the look of the time 70's had alot of crap too that made it big cus the band looked cool... im sure 60s did too ummmmm sonny and cher i got you babe lol idk i wasnt born yet

[@jeancarlosartist]

I wouldn't blame music genres. In every genre there is good music and bad. I do blame that we are not given a choice and some genres are taking most of the space. With that said, I know what you mean. Sometimes I am surprised because I could not make more annoying music than popular music if I tried!

[@hvucufufufyfyc6319]

It's not just America though. I'm from the UK and things are just as bad :(

[@levivolaju883]

jean moreno, there is nothing any good about hiphop. it's always sound shit. probably mozart or bach or beethoven will absolutely agree with me

[@Daniel_EDDA]

Miss him so much... He was a true warrior of metal

[@ricekevine1970]

Truly a visionary. His death was a tragic loss to the music community, all genres. His work opened doors for all artist. He was a down to earth man and extremely giving. He had rescue animals for pets and a had huge respect for vets.

[@jeffk3929]

ricekevine1970 Agreed...Ronnie was a great pioneer and amazing artist. His songs and lyrics will last forever. Truly a legend...I miss him so much.

[@shefliesbyherownwings]

I only wish that i could have met him in person.

[@FoxinTaiwan]

But no one listened :(

[@fersanchez9i]

I miss him...he is the voice of rock.....and his music will last forever!

[@jpkutzy3872]

Ronnie James Dio is a beautiful man with a beautiful outlook on humanity ,society, and reality . He’s truly inspiring

[@TheRadioAteMyTV]

Ronnie James Dio is highly articulate, well thought out and doesn't need ADD styled video editing tricks to make it worth watching. In fact the tricks are in the way of his words.

[@DutchDixon94]

Adore this man. Unfortunately I never saw him perform live! Wish I could build a time machine and travel back and see Dio and Thin Lizzy live.

[@hieinh]

One of the only people in metal to truly call out America's shitty attitude towards music

[@image30p]

Man he nailed it with that commentary on Children of the Sea. We are definitely taking things too fast. Dio is talking about this in 2006.

[@Driven2Beers]

You posted this 5 years ago, and yet now, less than a month away from 2024, things have hardly changed at all for the better. I have a sinking feeling that 5 years from now someone will respond to my post saying, "Nothing can be done now. It's too late."

[@chasegallagher1326]

Weren’t the ice caps supposed to be melted in 2007?

[@MetalMistress888]

I wish Ronnie was still alive. He inspired in so many ways - he made me pick a microphone up and try to sing. I always wanted to meet him - It never seemed to happen, but now its too late. However, the positive from it all is that he left us with such great albums - Rainbow Rising, Long Live R n R, Heaven and Hell, Mob Rules, Holy Diver and Last in Line - these are among the greatest metal albums of all time.

[@Toaztedmedia]

meeting RJD was, of all the thousands of artists we met, a most memorable occasion. A true legend.

[@epalisi]

I was lucky enough to see him live three times in Italy back in the 90s. Great remembrance of those years. My utmost respect for this consummate Gentleman and one of the Greatest Metal Vocalists of all time. His legacy will be the benchmark by which future vocalists will be judged.

[@jamesrbarrie]

A very well spoken man.

[@thenowherestairs]

Intelligent man. It's a shame he's gone.

[@davidepannone6021]

This interview gets more relevant as the years go by. Truly show what a great mind dio had, and this is 15 years ago, not 3/4 years ago.

[@grumgre]

I was sadly only 8 in 2006 I wish I could have been old enough to have seen him while he was alive 😭

[@turtle4775]

I was born in 2006 😭

[@playyuh]

i feel your pain , i was only 14 & listening to hip hop because i didn't know any better or anyone older then me to teach me about this kind of music . i only found out about heavy metal last year & i was 27 last year . Wasted most of my youth not knowing this beautiful music .

[@VantumSlaithe]

My dad is just some random guy and he literally fucking knew him like a homie personally. Pics and everything. Back in Encino, Cali.

[@jamescross3702]

I love you Ronnie James Dio, Rest in peace, I'll do my very best to carry the torch

[@smokymountain4222]

Dio never copied no one!!! Always original...always true!!!🤟

[@robertreed7963]

Not even himself amazingly

[@holydiver1376]

He's spot on on the hard work thing. All bands worthy of the name had very humble beginnings and took the necessary time to perfect their craft. Pretty much all my favorite bands had a debut album with poor production that didn't sell well. But if you win the X-Factor or some other shit then you get a record deal and instantly become a sell out and all the sheep watching the show buy the album. Not only that but these fucking hacks don't even compose their music or write the lyrics, it's all done for them by other hacks. They're simply not genuine artists like Ronnie was.

[@GoyBenius_0901]

Dio sang like a fucking champ but his normal voice is just so chill even when he's putting people on blast.

[@michaelmajerczyk4581]

I met him on the Magica tour in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He took the time to talk with everyone. He was a kind, and talented man.

[@burningmisery]

Truly a great human being. 🤘❤🤘

[@blakegriplingph]

It reminds me of what CJ said to Mad Dogg in GTA San Andreas: "Music business is changing, It's all about dance routines and showmanship now. Any fake-ass idiot can get a record deal these days." Dio worked his arse out and so did his contemporaries; sad that it's all like Milli Vanilli these days where you're more into selling Spotify/TikTok/whatever views than actual artistry.

[@pandapeep1148]

He was soooo right about the American market. What he said about European fans being loyal is true. Tina Turner said the same thing.

[@alainl1211]

A legend amongst men, RIP

[@jannettejans1980]

Wonderful man, brilliant artist. Love him

[@robertcollins7378]

This is a fascinating man, a shame he died young.

[@curtisunit]

Talent, intellect and compassion.

[@montesforeman5079]

The greatest of all time. Nobody comes close to matching that power.

[@Aryanof99]

Dio speaks the truth man, very metal \m/

[@hasisbaja7294]

I have 'The Dio Years' on CD. I wish I could've seen him live, but I was only 9 when he passed, and my parents are non-metal, so they'd rather take my to a Justin Bieber 'concert' than take me to a rock show. By the way, it's not only in America, even here in Bosnia people view rock and metal music as something bad that shouldn't exist in this world. People like turbo-folk and mumble rap songs just because of the rhyme and rythm, but the lyrics make no sense, and it's mostly about the singer getting laid with a random girl he 'fell in love with'. And songs view love like this; there's a random guy (the singer) who fell in love with a girls and sings only about her butt or about having s*x with her. That's what the majority of nowadays songs here in Bosnia are, and the good old Yugoslav rock and metal (yes we had both) were murdered by retarded audience, some bands that managed to survive that are getting less popular each year.

[@patrickbrennan1317]

Shit, that sucks.

[@Marielegoth]

Loveliest man ever!!! 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@lorilynnlodge1808]

The good ones always go first. We miss you Ronnie. Such a a tragic loss for all who remain. Dio forever.

[@vaettra1589]

Wow he talks really fast. Was he in a hurry or was he always like that? Interesting to hear that "Children of the Sea" is about ecology and environmental problems caused by shortsighted human behaviour, I had no idea.

[@sds4life17]

Vaettra I guess he has always been like that, perhaps his Italian blood! They also use their hands alot when they talk, they are very outspoken! Im from Cuban Descent and we are pretty much like that!😉

[@tonedeafsinger3936]

Scandinavia and Germany rules when it comes to metal (or classics:)) Let's keep it that way! And of course lets spread the message of the good music all around. Don't sell your soul (and ears) to stupid radio station shit. Listen to the real thing....

[@MrArchie800]

I love RJD to bits but man he could be a spikey character. In the interview I watched just before this one RJD was calling Tony all the bastards under the sun. He was definitely more fiery after a few beers. Sometimes he liked someone and sometimes not depending on his mood, time of day or state of inebriation. I don’t think he was an easy person to work with. (Not a criticism BTW just an observation).

[@applecake122]

Yes, he was a control freak and perfectionist.

[@scottgoodrich5825]

He owes part of his success to America. I remember him rehearsing with Elf in a garage in our neighborhood.

[@Fuxerz]

I saw Elf open for Purple. Then ronnie in Rainbow Sabbath and DIO. I did not think

[@matthoffman2077]

Ronnie always was a class act. His sentiments about where music in the US. Is going was spot on.

[@slowheat4651]

He's straight up speaking facts that apply today. I really still can't believe that he passed away over 10 years ago.

[@heyyoitsmebrian]

i had to watch this twice in a row, bc he gives out SO much information SO quickly.... very interesting how blunt he is. surprised.

[@Simon-dm5jv]

I'm So glad I was born in 1963 and crew up listening to RJD, Rainbow, Sabbath etc

[@ceg3344]

You are so lucky uncle. I was born in 80s, but grew up listening to 90s band a lot. But it's okay I guess, cause Nirvana and Green Day were really big back then in Malaysia.

[@cindykuleshnyk6743]

A Metal genius! 🤘❤

[@Stefan-]

Pity that the interview was cut in the middle of a sentance, always a pleasure to listen to Ronnie \m/

[@Toaztedmedia]

Stefan Sjöberg this is a re-upload of an old edit. Back in the days we couldnt upload long videos. We will upload the entire interview soon.

[@Stefan-]

OK, Thanks ! That would be great since im a huge fan of Ronnie James Dio and i dont think i have seen this interview before.

[@Toaztedmedia]

Great, we're on it!

[@Toaztedmedia]

Batphink Reynolds Yes we did. The interview is exclusively available for Deezer users for a limited period until juli. We will upload the video on our KZbin channel after that month.

[@rickc-137___]

He seems like such a nice guy

[@danmeme7740]

Oh Dio if you only realized many of us from the states have ALWAYS been your fan and fans of heavy music. We don't succumb to or are susceptible to the BS they try to shove down our throats.

[@Mineo644]

He’s raised Italian they were the best people at one time before America destroyed our heritage

[@josemireles852]

DAMN!!! I REALLY MISS DIO!!!

[@lesterrodriguez2884]

2020 this make more sense than ever! Take all the trendy artist and bring back Dio.

[@dustinleonsky4513]

Check out LILIAC. They are DIO INSPIRED.

[@omarmahfouz5599]

Lol Dio called it as it is, America is in a state of decay

[@Jp421JP]

It is sad what music has become in America, But, Ronnie, I was loyal to the end, as were legions of metal fans. Your music will never die.

[@lenhaptapia5469]

Ronnie James Dio was the man his music was so true from his heart dont talk to strangers all his music made sense

[@codybrockway1616]

Dio the people that matter are listening! ❤️🤘🏽😎 we all love you! You rock! RIP!

[@Driven2Beers]

I think (IMHO of course) that he was the best singer in rock. Not only that, he kept rocking the world with that amazing voice for A HALF CENTURY!

[@KurtI2525]

Every person in America should see this.

[@llaneromemoscll]

Paraphrasing Eddie Trunk, "He was a phenomenal singer but a better human being" God bless you RJD !

[@amandaozolins]

I'm listening Ronnie!! You give me endless inspiration especially when creating Crimes of Man. Thank you XxxX

[@Reddog7937]

Wow, just as much an amazing person as he was a singer! Very rare, to see a genuine down to earth guy with his talents. You hear so many stories of monstrous egos! R.I.P Dio! The king 👑

[@palmergriffiths1952]

I love how Ronnie was so candid honest and didn't sugar coat anything. He said what was on his mind and such a humble person. I miss him

[@j9soundlabs719]

Interesting contradiction he made there.. "I always thought when you entered a band, it was going to be for life"... apparently he didn't think that about Vivian Campbell or Vinny (first three DIO albums) and you can still here then "working hard" today.. - Last in Line Vivian interviewed and said he was promised "after the first three albums, he would receive... and didnt" (Ronnie's wife fired them?) Very similar scenario with Blackie Lawless and Chris Holms of W.A.S.P. coincidently Drama aside, it's too bad that business always seemed to break up these great bands.. drugs and alcohol had their fair share of divisional destructiveness.. but business should have NEVER EVER been a factor... I asked a working band member at a practice session one time (I was young aspiring) "What do you think are the main causes of band breakups and ultimately no success?" Response : " Women and lack of personal equipment " Women= girlfriends, wives, family Personal equipment= your own gear.. instruments, amps, wiring, mics, pedals ect.ect. (personal budget and priorities) I find it ironic , that Ronnie's wife appears to be the deciding factor with the business end of Vivian and Vinny's departure from Dio.

[@danielcarrasco5047]

I would have loved to have a conversation with Dio, pick his brain. Rest in Peace

[@eliahdibenedetto8961]

this man brought so much joy to me, my father, and thousands of others! Dio was and will be a great musician here and everywhere, any time, his songwriting and messages brought strength Ronnie james Dio never dies!

[@Hologhoul]

I like the way Dio egged-out but didn't cut his hair. He was just like, fuck it, I'll keep what I've got long, it's rock n roll after all.

[@HocusPocusFocus69]

Brilliant voice. Brilliant mind. RIP RJD!!!

[@mohawkmike142]

Ronnie never sold out. He stayed with his music and if you liked it good and not..down the road but he always stayed true to the music. As he says here and he way 100 percent right..today music is about selling something. It sucks and I'm glad for what he brought in his time. RIP RJD.

[@azmankamis6501]

I still believed this all since im teenager 1981 till now so much original than material popular to all people now but just copy and paste making song ... that why i still believed material music made by rock era from those time and still till now ... unbeatable level standard just amazing ...

[@mrrsnlk03]

You still have your loyalists here in America. We are the ones that grew up listening to Heavy bands like Dio. The problem is that the younger generations don't like this type and then Hollywood caters to the younger generation so the heavy great stuff never gets out.

[@SmackWaterJack001]

A Gentleman and a Beast, metal class at its finest....

[@rickschweitzer9845]

Such a wise and talented man. His creative legacy will live on forever

[@Dobie_ByTor]

So honest, wise and well spoken. Oh yeah...sang his ass off and gave his all! RIP RONNIE! \m/

[@justaguydoinstuff]

Love this man, He's so articulate and intelligent, I could listen to him all day. Met him after a concert once and was the nicest guy. I'm American and agree with everything he said. Miss you RJD....

[@delphinbringsby6768]

I miss, miss, miss this man. Long may you live on, sir.

[@MrMustard2U]

Dio was 100% correct here...

[@stevelynch5843]

Ronnie hits the nail on the head, rap sucks and it has nothing to do with music, America sucks when it comes to music now, they are so busy trying to create the next star, they are no longer trying to find the next star

[@TMoody]

Everybody wants the promotion.... nobody wants to do the motion. Ronnie is right.

[@monkeygod7503]

Came up randomly for me today. Really needed to hear the masters voice and see him. Good mind bleach.

[@markravitz1684]

Love the guy. A straight shooter. You are not allowed to be that way today. You may offend someone

[@eheavensone]

What a great man. I met him at a club we were playing at, he gave us all access passes for the show. He showed us the stage props. He's awesome.

[@Vinylrebel72]

In this house we don't watch American Idol, it's all a big Karaoke Show! Dio is always cranked in this house, Maiden, Priest, Scorpions, Megadeth will always get played here in this home. Dio is so right!!

[@markbirchette8740]

He was awesime to his fans backstage. A mug of beer he sipped ok while talking baseball and treated you like the star. I miss my friend. 🤘🍺🤘Rock In Peace Roonibr Jimmy and Claude...🤘

[@christopherbell4543]

I'll have a pack of Dio unfiltered please.

[@Deborahtunes]

Ronnie is so right. He is probably one of the most intelligent, rock musicians that ever lived, who always spoke his mind. American music has become very stupid, unintelligible, mindless, copycat trash.

[@arthuraniceto6522]

I love Dio so much...

[@topsecret1837]

“At the end of the day what rap music is is a social comment and what I find unbelievable is that it is so much more supported by the white population than it is by the black population and what I don’t understand is (from the perspective of a black person) how kids from (insert area in Midwestern US) can understand something I don’t; they didn’t experience what black people had to suffer.” -RDJ Talk about trashing hip hop culture.

[@dmdlove7757]

God I love Dio. So, check out: Dio(vocals), Randy Rhodes(guitar), John Bonham (drums), and Cliff Burton (bass guitar). I win.

[@alanprendergast7747]

the most intelligent and eloquent person in music ....ever..

[@shaunsteele6926]

yeah like one time I worked hard for years building a tower for this asshole wizard, then he just fell off the top and died. Like wtf was that all for?

[@Mephistotheles]

Is this a reference to LOTR?

[@phoebebiketravel]

would have loved to see him live, great that it's possible to check out interviews online