In his life, Ronnie James Dio was one of the most giving musicians of his time to fans, peers and charitable causes, so it's fitting than in the years since his death that the music community continues to celebrate the man that Ronnie was by doing their best to raise funds for cancer research. That mission continued Friday night in Los Angeles at the 3rd Annual Bowl for Ronnie fundraiser taking place at the Pinz Bowling Alley in Studio City.

“I think it’s a win-win cause a lot of us in the business get to meet up and have fun together and hang out and we bring in a lot of money for the fund at the same time," said Dio Disciples guitarist Bjorn Englen of the event. "Every little thing you can do to get it moving in the right way, every little bit helps out. We worship Ronnie James Dio and anything for Wendy, we will do," added Machine Head guitarist Phil Demmel, who came ready to roll with a conversation starter -- a clear bowling ball with a skull inside.

“It’s everything really. It means a lot and we can’t do enough for it. People are dropping left and right and it’s terrible what cancer does. Whatever I can contribute, I’m there,” stated Scorpions drummer Mikkey Dee, while Steven Adler added, “Ronnie himself was always there to support the rockers. This is an honor to be a part of this and if Wendy and her crew are able to do the things they do to help find a cure in our lifetime, I’m 52 and hopefully that will be soon, it’ll be worth it.”

“This man had a heart of gold and to not be here to support this would not be right,” Bob Kulick told us, and Lynch Mob's Jimmy DeAnda stated, "It’s when the chips are down and people start going through some rough times that we’ve got to rally and we’ve got to come together as a community and help each other, period.” "This is a thing where there’s incredibly talented people in the room and support everywhere and it’s an incredible cause, so it’s a win-win," said Dennis DeYoung guitarist August Zadra.

“For Diva and I, both of our parents passed away from cancer so it means a lot to us to be here. It’s great to have musicians that I idolized along with Ronnie showing up to make a difference in a charity for cancer,” added Ahmet Zappa, who attended with his sister Diva and headed up a Zappa bowling team. Chas West had a similar story, sharing, "Ronnie was a genuinely caring, amazing, super talented artist. It’s sad what happened, but we’re keeping his name alive and it’s a great cause to fight cancer. My mom passed from throat cancer so it’s personal to me in that way too.”

Dio's doctor during his cancer battle, Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, revealed to us, "Tonight’s very special because we’re continuing our legacy of helping UCLA with their saliva research in detecting gastric and stomach cancer. A new study is about to be published in March with a note out to the Ronnie James Dio cancer foundation in support of their research, and we’re about a year and a half away from having an FDA approval for a screening test for stomach cancer."

Meanwhile Ronnie's widow Wendy Dio revealed that the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund will be expanding their reach in 2018. “Ronnie’s cousin, Rock Feinstein, is going to open a New York chapter, so we’ll have a ride and bowling at the same time next year,” revealed Dio. The organization's contributions now tally $100,000 for Dr. Wong's saliva screening tests, with much more contributed to other cancer research projects over the years.

The evening also gave those in attendance to reflect on their introduction to Dio and share stories. "I stole my first car listening to Heaven and Hell," recalled Demmel. "I had heard 'Man on a Silver Mountain' and stuff like that before, but when he joined Sabbath that was the perfect combination for me. And we toured with them in 2007 and I shared that story with him and he was interest to tell me his story about stealing cars, so it was a good full circle moment for me."

Sebastian Bach recalled, "I used to practice to the first Dio record in my bedroom – ‘Stand Up and Shout,’ ‘Holy Diver’ – and I learned how to sing by practicing to Dio. He used to give me a lot of compliments, saying that Sebastian sings his ass off, and I’d read that in a magazine and it was like getting a gold record to have him say something nice about my voice."

“Ronnie was the best guy," stated Beasto Blanco's Calico Cooper. "People say he was the best guy, but literally he was the best guy I ever met. He was so approachable and rad and so funny.” "He was really smart and quick. You’ve got to be on your toes,” added Dio Disciples drummer Simon Wright reflecting on his first impressions upon meeting Dio.

Once the red carpet interviews were done, it was all about having fun on the lanes. Keel's Marc Ferrari headed up the winning celebrity team, with Sons of Apollo's Jeff Scott Soto, Cinderella drummer Fred Coury, Rock Feinstein, Tami Lester and Mark Abbatista contributing for the Round Hill Publishing sponsored team. The second place celebrity team included Beasto Blanco's Calico Cooper and Chris Latham, Machine Head's Phil Demmel, Bob Kulick, Roy Z. and Rough Cutt's Chris Hager. Meanwhile, Eddie Trunk's team featuring Tom Morello, Doug Aldrich, Brent Woods, Sebastian Bach and auction winner Dan Hayes finished third. On the corporate side, Rhino Entertainment fielded the winning team, with Zappa Entertainment second and Metal Blade Records third. And for the second year in a row, Scott Courtright bowled the highest score of the evening, winning the Dean Schachtel Award. The evening also featured the presentation of another sizable check from the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund to Dr. Wong's saliva screening test research.

See our photos from the 3rd Annual Bowl for Ronnie in the gallery below and learn more about the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund and how to donate at this location.

2017 Bowl for Ronnie Gallery

Ronnie James Dio Albums Ranked

Wendy Dio Plays 'Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?' on Behalf of Ronnie James Dio

Get Tickets to the 2017 Loudwire Music Awards

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