Tenacious D picked up the Grammy for Best Metal Performance Sunday at the 57th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.
The band were honored for their remake of Dio’s “The Last in Line” as featured on the 2014 Ronnie James Dio tribute album, “This Is Your Life.”
Tenacious D took home the prize ahead of fellow nominees Anthrax, Motorhead, Slipknot and Mastodon.
The band posted: “We dedicate our Grammy win to the great Ronnie James Dio!”
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.”
Proceeds from “This Is Your Life” 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:
Tenacious D cover The Last In Line for Ronnie James Dio tribute album
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
Search Ronnie James Dio at hennemusic
