Vinny Appice Reflects on Heaven & Hell's Final Years, Dio Memories

The drummer discusses the new Heaven & Hell box set and cherished moments with the late Ronnie James Dio.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:14am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked, glittering disco ball reflecting shards of light, conceptually representing the glamour and energy of heavy metal music.The new Heaven & Hell box set celebrates the final years of the iconic heavy metal band and the enduring legacy of frontman Ronnie James Dio.Brooklyn Today

In a recent interview on Loudwire Nights, drummer Vinny Appice opened up about the new Heaven & Hell box set 'Breaking Out of Heaven' and shared fond memories of working with the late Ronnie James Dio during the band's final years and the making of the classic 'Holy Diver' album.

Why it matters

Appice's reflections provide a personal look into the final chapter of the iconic heavy metal group Heaven & Hell and the enduring legacy of Ronnie James Dio, one of rock's most revered frontmen.

The details

Appice expressed surprise at the breadth of material included in the new Heaven & Hell box set, saying 'When I saw the package, I didn't know that we had that much stuff.' He noted that the set, which includes live albums and a tour program, helps celebrate the band's final years together before Dio's passing in 2010. 'I'm really happy that they're doing this. Otherwise, you know, Heaven & Hell was together, we did our thing and then it kind of fades into the background. But this is more of a celebration, it's bringing it to the front,' Appice said.

  • The new Heaven & Hell box set 'Breaking Out of Heaven' was recently released.
  • Appice joined Loudwire Nights for an interview on April 1, 2026.

The players

Vinny Appice

The drummer for Heaven & Hell and a longtime collaborator with Ronnie James Dio.

Ronnie James Dio

The legendary heavy metal vocalist who fronted Heaven & Hell and Dio.

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What they’re saying

“We were having a good time playing together and making music and we were intending to continue for a bit, to do another tour in that summer in 2010 and possibly maybe another album.”

— Vinny Appice, Drummer

“Everybody was happy, Ronnie was happy. We used to jam with Ronnie sitting there. He'd sit there and roll a joint. He'd stand there by his music stand, rolling a joint and we're just jamming then writing some lyrics down. He'd get up and sing. We never heard what he was going to sing until he got up and sang, so it was very organic. Anything could go. It was a fantastic time.”

— Vinny Appice, Drummer

What’s next

Appice said he plans to continue honoring Ronnie James Dio's memory by playing Dio songs on the anniversary of the singer's passing.

The takeaway

Vinny Appice's reflections on the final years of Heaven & Hell and his cherished memories of working with Ronnie James Dio underscore the enduring impact and creative spirit of one of heavy metal's most iconic figures.