Download festival stage tribute to Ronnie James Dio

As a sign of respect Download festival will this year name the second stage after the recently passed away Rainbow/Black Sabbath/Dio frontman Ronnie James Dio.

The Download organisers issued the following statement.

"The rock world was in a state of shock when it was announced that Ronnie James Dio, one of the finest vocalists ever to walk the earth sadly passed away.

"The legendary singer, who fronted bands including Black Sabbath and Dio, had been battling with stomach cancer since the end of 2009.

"As our tribute to the great man, we've revealed that the second stage at this year's Download will official be called the Ronnie James Dio Stage."