At the fifth annually held 2019 Ride for Ronnie event, Dave Grohl stepped in to play the drums for Thin Lizzy’s “Jailbreak” and Motorhead’s “Bomber”. Dave Grohl’s appearance was not actually planned. According to RollingStone, a fan had approached him at the grocery store inquiring about his presence at the event, which provoked his impromptu appearance on Sunday. The event, held in Encino, California, is a tribute to the late Ronnie James Dio, who was a heavy metal singer-songwriter and composer. He was involved in the groups: Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell, Dio, Rainbow, and Elf. In honoring him, there is a motorcycle ride and concert that takes place annually, hosted by radio and TV host Eddie Trunk.

At the event, Grohl commented on his relationship to the singer-songwriter, “I am here on this beautiful day in Encino [because] everybody loves Ronnie James Dio. He was my neighbor actually; we lived down the street from each other. I encourage everybody to come out and support the cause, because it’s a beautiful day with a bunch of beautiful people and we hope to see you next year.” Ricky Warwick, Robbie Crane, and Buckcherry’s Keith Nelson were among the members that played with him. Others that shared the stage were Petty Cash, Bullet Boys, DC4, Budderside, Sadie and the Tribe and the Dio tribute act, and Dia.

By how the event was described, you could tell that Ronnie James Dio was greatly loved and still remembered today. It is an important event for people to come together, not only in remembrance of the late musician but also in awareness of a good cause.

Ride for Ronnie helps to raise awareness and money for the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, which raised $50,000 at last years event. Dio died of stomach cancer in 2010.

Photo Credit: Boston Lynn Schulz