Junior's Reading And Viewing List: May 11 - 21, 2011

Last Update - July 2, 2011 at 4:35 AM EDT

Junior's May 11 through May 21, 2011 'Reading And Viewing List' includes title links, with article snippets, from items published in the middle of May 2011.

Upcoming films, music, Formula One racing and WRC rally news are among the topics to be found here.


May 21, 2011

Dublin To Celebrate Phil Lynott On The Street
By mdome at Classic Rock

...Called The Boys Are Back In Town, this will mark the life and work of the legendary Lizzy leader. It happens on Saturday, August 20, which is Lynott’s birthday, and is being organised by Diblin City Council with street arts group MaSamba. They’ve selected some of the better known Lizzy songs, with costumes and choreography representing these...


May 20, 2011

Classic Rock’s New Releases Round-Up
By mdome at Classic Rock

This week, we’ve got new releases from old boys Saxon and Quo, a young lady called Sarah Fimm, some chaps with a King Crimson relationship, a Journey biography and Sammy Hagar’s story in his own larger-than-life style...


Friday practice - selected team and driver quotes
Posted at Formula1.com

Red Bull's Mark Webber may have led his team mate Sebastian Vettel by a country mile during Friday's opening session, but in the afternoon the situation changed somewhat with McLaren's Lewis Hamilton pushing Vettel down the order to third to run a very close second to Webber...


May 19, 2011

New 'X-Men: First Class' Clip: 'You Can Show Off'
By Rick Marshall at MTV's Splash Page

"X-Men: First Class" hits theaters soon, and along with a heap of new television spots popping up all over the place, there's also a brand new clip that just arrived online. Check out the team's introduction to Hank McCoy (a.k.a. Beast) in this scene from the film:...

Tickets for our huge Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery exhibition are now on sale!
Posted at Home Of Metal

"I’m really proud to be a Brummie and to call Birmingham my home, that’s why I’m supporting the Home of Metal events and message. Your surroundings and experiences influence your music so it’s important for people to know where that music came from!" - Tony Iommi, Black Sabbath...


The Kinks: Dave Davies On Reissues And Reunions
By mdome at Classic Rock

Dave Davies is recognised as one of the pioneers of the guitar sound that’s helped to define rock and metal over the past 45 years and more. As The Kinks continue their reissue programme (their first three albums will be put out in deluxe formats next month), he talks to Classic Rock about these albums and his thoughts on a reunion...


Spain preview - Barcelona thriller on the cards
Posted at Formula1.com

The Formula Ones teams are gathering in Spain amid excitement that the combination of KERS, DRS and Pirelli's tyres will provide an unusual level of overtaking at the Montmelo circuit, which in the past has generated low-key races with relatively little passing...


WRC only for ace Solberg
Posted at WRC.com

Petter Solberg will focus solely on his World Rally Championship campaign this season after postponing plans to enter the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in America next month...


May 18, 2011

Nicholas Hoult Reveals More Details About Beast's
'X-Men: First Class' Story Arc
By Danica Davidson at MTV's Splash Page

“X-Men: First Class” will be out in just a few weeks, and Nicholas Hoult, who plays Beast (a.k.a. Hank McCoy) is saying more — a lot more — about his character's arc in the "X-Men" prequel. Consider this your SPOILER WARNING, folks!...


New Ronnie Dio Compilation In June
By mdome at Classic Rock

...Titled Mightier Than The Sword, this double CD spans his entire career, from Elf to Heaven & Hell. The full track listing is...


Overtaking - making the impossible, possible at Barcelona
Posted at Formula1.com

The anomaly of Monaco excepted, Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya has long been the toughest F1 track for overtaking - 16 of the 20 races held there have been won from pole, including every race in the past decade...


May 17, 2011

Spain preview quotes - Red Bull, Force India, Virgin & more
Posted at Formula1.com

With last weekend's Turkish race hosted at Istanbul Park on the Asian side of the Bosphorous, the European leg of the Formula One season kicks off for real in Barcelona next weekend. The Circuit de Catalunya is a venue the teams know very well from testing, although racing there represents a completely different challenge. The drivers and senior team personnel discuss their prospects...


May 16, 2011

Ronnie's 1 year Anniversary
Posted by Joe Siegler at Black Sabbath Online

...Found this video online tonight which has interview footage with Wendy Dio, Geezer Butler, and former Elf bandmate David Feinstein. Check it out:

Long Lost Album From Irish Blues Rock Guitar Legend
Rory Gallagher Due Out May 17
Posted by Nightwatcher at Nightwatcher's House Of Rock

The story goes that Jimi Hendrix was once asked what it was like to be the greatest guitarist in the world, to which he replied, "I don’t know, go ask Rory Gallagher!"...


Raikkonen: WRC remains my main focus
Posted at WRC.com

Former Formula One title winner Kimi Raikkonen says his first commitment remains to the World Rally Championship ahead of his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut in Charlotte on 20 May...


May 13, 2011

Kenneth Branagh Reveals His 'Doctor Who' Love To Craig Ferguson
By Rick Marshall at MTV's Splash Page

Marvel's god of thunder isn't the only space-traveling hero on director Kenneth Branagh's radar these days, as the "Thor" filmmaker recently spent most of a recent interview with Late Late Show host Craig Ferguson discussing "Doctor Who"...

...Here's the first segment:

And here's the rest of it:

Listen To New Vivian Campbell Song
By mdome at Classic Rock

...Click here for the song...


Thin Lizzy Announce Three More Reissues
By mdome at Classic Rock

...Each will come in an expanded, deluxe edition with previously unreleased bonus material...


May 12, 2011

First 'X-Men: First Class' Clip: 'Magic Trick'
By Rick Marshall at MTV's Splash Page

...In the new clip, Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) encounters some difficulty getting the government to accept the existence of mutants, but all that changes when Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) decides to make an example of her own shape-shifting abilities...

VW aims to put Germany back on the WRC map
Posted at WRC.com

Volkswagen Motorsport boss Kris Nissen is aiming for his company's World Rally Championship programme to unearth 'the next Walter Rohrl'...


May 11, 2011

The Cult Seal New Record Deal
By mdome at Classic Rock

The Cult have signed a new deal and are working on an album right now...


Statistics buff Alonso convinced of his title chances
Posted at Formula1.com

Despite a slow start to his season, Ferrari's Fernando Alonso is certain he can still claim the title. Buoyed by his first podium finish of the year in Turkey, and after carrying out his own statistical comparison between 2010 and 2011. Alonso believes his championship fight is far from over, as long as the Italian team continue to improve...

Today's Tune: "Country Girl" & "Neon Knights" By Heaven & Hell

Performing in Montreux, Switzerland, on July 7, 2007.
Photo by Sandro Campardo - AP Photo / Keystone.

One year ago today, singer and song writer Ronnie James Dio passed away (67 years old), by the hands of stomach cancer. Naturally, Ronnie has been on my mind, and remembered by millions and millions of other fans as well. Therefore, this 'Today's Tune' combo was selected to honor and remember that great man.

He was lead singer for some great bands in his time - Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio and Heaven & Hell. Both of these tracks are originally from the first two Black Sabbath albums that Mr. Dio recorded with the band. I was fortunate enough to see Sabbath on both of the subsequent tours that followed. I remember those times fondly, to say the least.

The following video is from a live Heaven & Hell concert. A taste of "Country Girl", from 'Mob Rules' (1981), starts it off. Then, "Neon Knights" (1980), which was a single from the album 'Heaven And Hell', goes into full flight.

Click here, to see my long post from a few days after Ronnie's death in 2010.

Heaven & Hell - "Country Girl" & "Neon Knights"
Live - June 16, 2009

Today's Tune: "Sit Down Honey (Everything Will Be Alright)" By Elf

My favorite (several years, now) NHL hockey team, the Washington Capitals zipped through their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Playoff Series (Round 1) in five games. However, just four games into the Semifinals (Round 2), they were knocked out of the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Wednesday night (May 4th).

Of course, the way it ended was very disappointing. In the first round, the Capitals were very determined, and they dominated the New York Rangers. Then, playing a much more offensively dangerous Tampa Bay Lightning, an injury riddled Caps team could only manage to keep it close.

Like most passionate fans, my heart was broken again. A few days have passed now, and the healing process has begun. Hockey will be back in the Fall, and everything will be alright. Until then, I'll be enjoying the other two thrilling sports that give me happiness, Formula One racing and World Rally Championship competition.

This 'Today's Tune' is a similar story. It gives us the reassurance we need at such a time as this. "Sit Down Honey (Everything Will Be Alright)" is from the self titled first studio album by heavy blues-rock band Elf, when Ronnie James Dio (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell) was both lead singer and bassist. Ronnie (born Ronald James Padavona) recorded this with band mates, guitarist David Feinstein, drummer Gary Driscoll and pianist Mickey Lee Soule.

Elf - "Sit Down Honey (Everything Will Be Alright)" (1972)



Elf - "Sit Down Honey (Everything Will Be Alright)" June 10, 1973
Live! And My Soul Shall Be Lifted (Bootleg)

In Remembrance Of Ronnie James Dio

Ronnie James Dio, one of the most extraordinary singers, songwriters and entertainers of all time, passed away early Sunday morning - May 16, 2010. He was a brave and determined man, but stomach cancer won the battle anyway.

Forgive me for not posting something sooner, but besides being busy with the ever crumbling world that is my personal life, I have spent much of the free time that I do have grieving over the loss of Ronnie.

Not too long after Sunrise on Sunday morning, I signed off the internet. The last thing I had read was that Ronnie James Dio was still alive, and that reports of his death were merely rumors. The first thing I saw when I got back on the internet on Monday, was confirmation that he did pass away. It was just a little later on, while I was taking my dog for a short walk.

He had lived a lot and given a lot during his time on this Earth, but 67 years isn't all that old, and I know he had a lot more to give. The force that was Ronnie James Dio lives on in the people who loved and respected him. His influence can be heard in many a rock singer's vocal style.

I'm sure fans new and old are pulling out their Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio and Heaven & Hell records, CD's and DVD's, emersing themselves as I have done, and playing RJD recordings over and over again.

It's been a while, but I had the pleasure of going to five or so Black Sabbath and Dio concerts with Ronnie as lead singer. They were all good and satisfying times. Memories I shall cherish until my own demise. Thank you, Ronnie!

In remembrance of Ronnie James Dio, I've chosen to include a few videos of him singing what I know was one of his favorite songs to sing. From the very first Rainbow album, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow (1975), I offer "Catch The Rainbow". I just can't seem to get enough of this tune right now, and I don't feel like picking only one video. Each of the following includes different pictures and live action. My favorite is the last one, apparently a small intimate show, where Ronnie is obviously very happy. It's not the whole (long version of the) song and recorded somewhat poorly from one side of the small stage, but I love watching him enjoying life. I wish he could be doing so right now.


Service announcements from the official website:

Public Memorial Service For Ronnie James Dio
5/19/2010 2:21:32 PM

There will be a Public Memorial Service for Ronnie James Dio on Sunday, May 30th at 2:00 PM at The Hall Of Liberty located at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068.

This will be a celebration of the life and music of Ronnie James Dio and is open to all of his friends and fans from around the world.

For those of you that will be flying in from out of town or out of the country, we have made special rates at various local hotels available to you! Just go to our official Facebook Page for hotel information!

Official Ronnie James Dio Facebook Fan Page

The Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund
5/19/2010 11:59:40 AM

Wendy Dio has requested in lieu of sending flowers, please make a donation to the Ronnie James Dio "STAND UP AND SHOUT CANCER FUND". Please send your donations to the Niji Entertainment Group, 12400 Ventura Blvd. #624, Studio City, CA 91604 USA. From all of us at Niji Entertainment Group, we thank you! For those that want to use Paypal, a link will be set up at RonnieJamesDio.com .


For the long version by Rainbow, live in Munich, Germany in 1977:
Part 1 (10:35) here, and then Part 2 (7:47) here
- Oberhoffer posted May 18, 2010.

Original Rainbow audio with pics, vids - akrug79 posted May 18, 2010



Original Rainbow audio w/ pictures - BJB333333 posted May 17, 2010



Dio at Sofia, Bulgaria in 1998 - angelpriest posted May 04, 2008



Dio at Gothenburg, Sweden 1997 - japiedio posted Nov. 21, 2008

The Latest Updates On Singer Ronnie James Dio

Ronnie James Dio inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk on January 17, 2007.

In case you missed them, I just wanted to share with you the latest updates posted by singer Ronnie James Dio (Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio, Heaven & Hell) and his wife Wendy on his web site.

It was reported in late November of 2009 that Ronnie had been diagnosed with stomach cancer, after having taken ill earlier that month. Fans were advised to send get well cards and letters to the fan club. Wendy then wrote about the beginning of his treatment in last update I posted here. Here we go now, with one from Ronnie just before Christmas, and the last one from Wendy came this past Wednesday.


Holiday message from Ronnie
12/21/2009 at 1:46:54 PM

Happy holidays everyone,

I'd like to take the time to thank everyone for the most wonderful gifts I have ever received. The list includes your good wishes, your prayers, your support, your tears and laughter, your anger and rejoicing, and most of all the unwavering love you've bestowed upon me. I guess I've always felt that we were one person and that you've allowed me to be our spokesman, but until this time of my greatest peril the truth was perhaps slightly hidden. It is hidden no more. Together we' shall face the foe and live on to climb higher mountains and explore greater magic. Together we cannot fail. Please accept my never ending love and dedication to you all. So it is written, and so it shall be.

MAGIC,
FROM RONNIE JAMES DIO


An Update on Ronnie from Wendy
01/13/2010 at 6:57:50 PM

After a few hiccups between Christmas and New Year’s, such as a blood clot, a trip to the emergency room, and a three day stay at the hospital, we had a quiet holiday spent with family and close friends. Ronnie and I just returned from Houston, where Ronnie had his third chemo treatment, and all seems to be going well. Ronnie and Simon Wright went to see Avatar, which he thought was amazing! He has also been writing more chapters for his book.

While at M.D. Anderson Cancer Centre on his second trip, he met a DIO fan named Carmen who has been having treatment every other day for a year, and is eagerly awaiting a bone marrow transplant. Ronnie and Carmen have become fast friends. Carmen is a very positive happy person whose existence, like Ronnie’s, depends heavily on music and sports. On the third trip, we also met his mom and sister, whose total support is so important to all cancer patients. They have become part of our family as well.

The support we get from all of our friends and fans is such a blessing to Ronnie and I.

Ronnie, Geezer [Butler], Tony [Iommi] and Vinny [Appice] will be doing some interviews in the upcoming weeks to be included in the new 30th anniversary Heaven and Hell DVD due out sometime this year.

We would like to thank Simon Wright, who has been such a help with everything and a good, good friend, of course our doctor at MD Anderson, Dr. Ajani, and especially our family doctor, Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, without whose quick diagnosis and help with all the nurses and hospitals, we would be lost. His care and compassion is unwavering.

Thanks again to all of Ronnie’s friends and fans, and --- by the way ---- Ronnie has not lost any hair yet!

------ Wendy Dio

Ronnie James Dio Stomach Cancer Update - December 10, 2009

Ronnie James Dio in 'The Devil You Know' promotional picture.
Photo by Chapman Baehler / Rhino Entertainment.

Wendy Dio posted another update on the health of her husband, singer Ronnie James Dio (Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio, Heaven & Hell), on his site late yesterday afternoon. I thought I'd follow up on the recent announcement of Ronnie being diagnosed with stomach cancer, with the latest news about how things are going.


Latest Update - Ronnie Aces 1st Chemo Treatment with Flying Colors
12/10/2009 5:19:51 PM

Here is an update from Wendy Dio on Ronnie's battle with stomach cancer:

Well, it has been a very exhausting month – after all the neverending tests in Los Angeles, we flew to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, and as soon as we arrived, we got a call from the MD Anderson Hospital that they had an appointment for us with the doctor we originally wanted, so we then flew to Houston to the clinic, and of course MORE tests, but Ronnie finished receiving his first chemo treatment on Wednesday, and all is going very well.

I would like to thank Tony Martell from the T.J. Martell Foundation, Dr. Stuart Aaronson from Mount Sinai, Lindsay Brown and Mike Carden from Eagle Records, and our very own Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, for all your help in getting us into MD Anderson, and also our friends Geezer and Gloria Butler, who flew to Houston to be with Ronnie while he had his chemo.

Ronnie and I are totally overwhelmed by the amount of well wishes that we have received from friends and fans - we are reading them all. Some make us laugh, some make us cry, but all of them are so filled with love that it gives us so much support and makes Ronnie even more determined to fight this battle and win. Thank you all for the positive energy and prayers.

--Wendy Dio