Manowar - Magic Circle Music's Dio Tribute Under Fire
Self-proclaimed kings of metal Manowar and Magic Circle Music - the company owned by bassist Joey DeMaio - find themselves in the middle of a media storm because of their Dio tribute album (read: cash grab).
It all started when Manowar and Magic Circle Entertainment decided to "honor one of metal's greatest legends with Magic - A Tribute to Ronnie James Dio, featuring Magic Circle Music artists and friends performing some of Dio's most inspired work."
Magic - A Tribute to Ronnie James Dio features a Manowar cover of "Heaven And Hell", while HolyHell covers "Holy Diver", with other performances of Metalforce, Jack Starr's Burning Starr, Feinstein and a thing called the "Magic Circle All Star Band" covering "Long Live Rock 'n' Roll".
According to a press release, the album - which will be released today in Germany - "is from the hearts of these musicians. It is not only their privilege, but also their duty, to honor Ronnie by singing his praises while singing his songs."
There was no word if any of the revenue generated from the sale of Magic - A Tribute to Ronnie James Dio would go to the Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up And Shout" Cancer Fund.
But - and here's where it gets sticky - ex-Elf guitarist, and a cousin of Dio, David "Rock" Feinstein responded to the release as follows: "I just found out that Magic Circle Music stated on their site that I was contributing a song to their proposed tribute album to Dio. It also states that I specifically wrote this song for Ronnie. This is totally UNTRUE! The song is called "Far Beyond" and was a cut on the Feinstein Third Wish album, released by Magic Circle Music (SPV) in 2004. The song was co-written by myself and John West eight years ago.
I am NOT a part of this Magic Circle tribute album, and will ONLY be a part of any tribute to Ronnie that is sanctioned by Niji Entertainment Group and Wendy Dio."
And then, Manowar director Neil Johnson issued the following statement defending the release, saying the criticism is fueled by jealousy. He stated: "I hope you all will enjoy it and please do not be influenced by some of jealousy and negativity being spread about this very heartfelt project, which I, along with many others who shall soon come forth, are very proud of. Magic Circle Music will be issuing a statement very soon but in the meantime let me personally express my feelings about it with some indisputable facts:
1. Joey DeMaio along with other members of Manowar knew Ronnie long before the people who are speaking ill of this project, with the exception of Rock Feinstein.
2. Joey and Ronnie were very close friends and no words of jealousy can ever change that, please look at the video that is forthcoming to see it for yourself.
3. In my opinion, Rock Feinstein has one person and one person only to thank for the fact that he has a career today and that person is Joey DeMaio.
The fact is... Joey signed him to Magic Circle Music personally, Joey not only made it possible for him to play at Wacken, but Joey played the song "Far Beyond" on stage with him. It is well known that Ronnie and Rock had not spoken to each other (not the first time for something like this to happen) for many months and Joey alone is responsible for reuniting them onstage that night.
Lastly, this tribute is being done in memory of a friend by his friends not for financial gain... Joey DeMaio trusts his fans, and his fans trust him... seeing this video will hint that there is a real, legitimate history (and reason) behind our Dio project."
Though in the meantime, also Ronnie James Dio's widow Wendy has slammed the tribute projects. She issued the following statement on the official RJD website: "I have seen lately on Blabbermouth.net a lot of announcements of bands releasing "so-called" Dio Tribute CD's. Please do not be fooled by thinking they are doing this for the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund, the money is going in their pockets and not to the Fund. I find this totally disgraceful and upsetting that they are trying to make money off of Ronnie's death."
It all started when Manowar and Magic Circle Entertainment decided to "honor one of metal's greatest legends with Magic - A Tribute to Ronnie James Dio, featuring Magic Circle Music artists and friends performing some of Dio's most inspired work."
Magic - A Tribute to Ronnie James Dio features a Manowar cover of "Heaven And Hell", while HolyHell covers "Holy Diver", with other performances of Metalforce, Jack Starr's Burning Starr, Feinstein and a thing called the "Magic Circle All Star Band" covering "Long Live Rock 'n' Roll".
According to a press release, the album - which will be released today in Germany - "is from the hearts of these musicians. It is not only their privilege, but also their duty, to honor Ronnie by singing his praises while singing his songs."
There was no word if any of the revenue generated from the sale of Magic - A Tribute to Ronnie James Dio would go to the Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up And Shout" Cancer Fund.
But - and here's where it gets sticky - ex-Elf guitarist, and a cousin of Dio, David "Rock" Feinstein responded to the release as follows: "I just found out that Magic Circle Music stated on their site that I was contributing a song to their proposed tribute album to Dio. It also states that I specifically wrote this song for Ronnie. This is totally UNTRUE! The song is called "Far Beyond" and was a cut on the Feinstein Third Wish album, released by Magic Circle Music (SPV) in 2004. The song was co-written by myself and John West eight years ago.
I am NOT a part of this Magic Circle tribute album, and will ONLY be a part of any tribute to Ronnie that is sanctioned by Niji Entertainment Group and Wendy Dio."
And then, Manowar director Neil Johnson issued the following statement defending the release, saying the criticism is fueled by jealousy. He stated: "I hope you all will enjoy it and please do not be influenced by some of jealousy and negativity being spread about this very heartfelt project, which I, along with many others who shall soon come forth, are very proud of. Magic Circle Music will be issuing a statement very soon but in the meantime let me personally express my feelings about it with some indisputable facts:
1. Joey DeMaio along with other members of Manowar knew Ronnie long before the people who are speaking ill of this project, with the exception of Rock Feinstein.
2. Joey and Ronnie were very close friends and no words of jealousy can ever change that, please look at the video that is forthcoming to see it for yourself.
3. In my opinion, Rock Feinstein has one person and one person only to thank for the fact that he has a career today and that person is Joey DeMaio.
The fact is... Joey signed him to Magic Circle Music personally, Joey not only made it possible for him to play at Wacken, but Joey played the song "Far Beyond" on stage with him. It is well known that Ronnie and Rock had not spoken to each other (not the first time for something like this to happen) for many months and Joey alone is responsible for reuniting them onstage that night.
Lastly, this tribute is being done in memory of a friend by his friends not for financial gain... Joey DeMaio trusts his fans, and his fans trust him... seeing this video will hint that there is a real, legitimate history (and reason) behind our Dio project."
Though in the meantime, also Ronnie James Dio's widow Wendy has slammed the tribute projects. She issued the following statement on the official RJD website: "I have seen lately on Blabbermouth.net a lot of announcements of bands releasing "so-called" Dio Tribute CD's. Please do not be fooled by thinking they are doing this for the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund, the money is going in their pockets and not to the Fund. I find this totally disgraceful and upsetting that they are trying to make money off of Ronnie's death."
| ronniejamesdio.com | |
| Band profile: | Manowar |
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| Doc G. Full Grown Hoser Staff Posts: 9718  |
Damn, is everyone making money off of Dio's death except for me? In all seriousness, this is bullshit. I'd like to hear their defence against Wendy Dio's comment. "Uh, well, she didn't know Dio as well as Joey DeMaio." Right....
---- "I got a lot of really good ideas, problem is, most of them suck." - George Carlin
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| corrupt With a lowercase c Admin Posts: 3537  |
This is pretty much what I expected to happen. It also fits perfectly into my picture of Joey DeMaio. Too bad that despite all this they will indeed make good money with this.
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| BudDa Elite Posts: 887  |
Written by Doc G. on 18.06.2010 at 11:03 ..yeah, and I think its gonna remain that way..lol Hey Neil, comeon, I mean what do u take us for..Ofcourse theres money to be made. We just wanna hear it from the horse's mouth where all that money will be going... to the cancer fund or to Demaio's pocket..?!
---- Freeze! Step away from the hubris.
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| Bas Retired Staff Elite Posts: 5591  |
Wasn't it already a wellknown fact that Joey DeMaio is the biggest douchebag in metal history?
---- BAS - Beautifully Accented Sexiness
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| Marcel Hubregtse Grumpy Old Fuck Elite Posts: 40071  |
Fucking cashgrab unless ALL the proceeds go to a cancer fund.
---- Member of the true crusade against European Flower Metal Yesterday is dead and gone, tomorrow is out of sight Dawn Crosby (r.i.p.) 05.04.1963 - 15.12.1996 
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| Lord_Regnier Posts: 1469  |
Written by Doc G. on 18.06.2010 at 11:03 Typical of this shit band to seize any opportunity to make money, even in the most embarrassing way. Damn I hate Manowar. I will still hate those greedy douchebags in the afterlife. And to think there are people who take this sellout band seriously and believe they really represent metal, while they're such a disgrace. "Whimps and posers, leave the hall". Well, if it were true, not a single Manowar show would happen because the biggest posers are on the stage. @Marcel: Even if the money would go to a cancer fund (and I'm sure it won't), it still pisses me off because Manowar use it as a way to promote themselves. They're not in it for Dio's glory but for their own. I must admit I really like Wendy's words and I trust them much more than anything DeMaio can say. She's right: for lots of bands and artists, it's a hypocritical and disgusting way to make money out of her husband's death. Not a tribute but more like some kind of insult.
---- "Why would we fear death, when life is so much more frightening?"
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| Metal Maiden Megadead Posts: 352  |
Totally agree with you Lord, as well as with Wendy...All the people trying to capitalize on Ronnie's death make me sick...Except for Joey DeMaio, who makes me sick all the time...
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| Chidder Posts: 188  |
If they want to pay the tribute, why can't they record some Dio songs and released it for free download? Or play some Dio/Black Sabbath songs on the concert? Anthrax played in Warsaw "Heaven & Hell" and it is a way the tribute should be made - not earning money, but simply playing his songs, keeping him alive in our memory.
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| Valentin B Iconoclast Posts: 10094  |
Written by Chidder on 18.06.2010 at 16:45 way to ruin the surprise for everyone : 
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| Chidder Posts: 188 |
The setlist for all the bands is already known and spread through the entire world. But it is a Soni - I'm sure they will suprise You more than once
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| Valentin B Iconoclast Posts: 10094 |
Written by [user id=101272] on 18.06.2010 at 17:49 same here, i can't care less for Joey's bullshit as long as they write decent music(and their last EP is at least above average). he does seem to have been a good friend with Ronnie though.
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| BitterCOld The Ancient One Admin Posts: 15287  |
Pathetic cashgrab by perhaps the single most pathetic band in metal.
---- get the fuck off my lawn. Beer Bug Virus Spotify Playlist crafted by Nikarg and I. Feel free to tune in and add some pertinent metal tunes!
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| Andreas Posts: 334 |
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| Ph0eNiX Fire from Above Posts: 418  |
Easy way to solve it.... Give all funds to the cancer fund, let everyone put out a Tribute album, just make sure they all find out some way to put out a track list that doesn't conflict with the other Tribute albums track listing. If people want to ensure it's not about the money set it up so that the money does not go into the hands of anything else other than Dio's cancer fund. This way it's not only going to ensure "It's not about cash it's about the music" and that "It's clearly going somewhere to benefit everyone who really needs it/truly can benefit."
---- 
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| BitterCOld The Ancient One Admin Posts: 15287 |
Other bands play, manowar do the hustle. 
---- get the fuck off my lawn. Beer Bug Virus Spotify Playlist crafted by Nikarg and I. Feel free to tune in and add some pertinent metal tunes!
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| JohnDoe Account deleted |
JohnDoe
Account deleted Written by BitterCOld on 18.06.2010 at 23:22  - what band is that? De Maio looks like he is going to the discotheque.
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| Lord_Regnier Posts: 1469 |
Written by Valentin B on 18.06.2010 at 19:10 Well, that's precisely the problem I have with this band: not only that the band members are despicable douchebags but they never made decent music and release nothing but shit.
---- "Why would we fear death, when life is so much more frightening?"
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| Symmachus Posts: 2002 |
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| DreamNightmare Posts: 42 |
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| Lord_Regnier Posts: 1469 |
Written by DreamNightmare on 19.06.2010 at 12:21 You could be surprised how many people swallow every shit this band throws at them and how many of them believe they are trve and tough only because they listen to this kind of ultra-commercial poser cheesemetal band. Lots of people don't have enough wits to realize it's all image and marketing when it comes to Manowar.
---- "Why would we fear death, when life is so much more frightening?"
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| Doc G. Full Grown Hoser Staff Posts: 9718 |
Written by Lord_Regnier on 19.06.2010 at 19:27 Well, I like a lot of Manowar stuff. I usually try to ignore politics when listening to music...but this is just too far for me.
---- "I got a lot of really good ideas, problem is, most of them suck." - George Carlin
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| Lord_Regnier Posts: 1469 |
Written by Doc G. on 19.06.2010 at 20:41 I understand. All the other bands who are trying to turn Dio's death to their own benefit are no better than Manowar in the current case. It's just that it's such an habit with Manowar that it's kinda more infuriating. They always have to make everything so out of proportion and criminally pretentious, I think lots of people have enough of their despicable behavior. To tell the truth, even if I would like Manowar's music, which is absolutely not the case as I've been thinking for decades that their music sucks major ass, I would still despise them as human beings and condemn their attitude. Self-proclaimed Kings of Metal there's only one throne they deserve to sit on: the one with a little level to flush the water. For example, I like Dissection (apart from "Reinkaos") but it doesn't prevent me to utterly despise the human being Nodveidt was.
---- "Why would we fear death, when life is so much more frightening?"
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| Doc G. Full Grown Hoser Staff Posts: 9718 |
Written by Lord_Regnier on 19.06.2010 at 20:59 Yeah, that basically sums up my feelings toward the band. Their past transgressions were more...cute in a way. The type where you can kind of sit back and go "haha, look what they're up to now." but this is just disgusting. I wouldn't say hate all of Manowar either. It appears DeMaio is the main dickwad in all their silly behaviour.
---- "I got a lot of really good ideas, problem is, most of them suck." - George Carlin
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| Lord_Regnier Posts: 1469 |
Written by Doc G. on 19.06.2010 at 21:04 Interesting. I've been wondering since long ago how the other band members really are. DeMaio is one of the most disgusting douchebag in the metal scene, if not the most sickening of all, but I've never been sure about the others. But they're staying in the band so, to a certain extent, they agree with his behavior in some way. Because, honestly, there's no way I could be in the same band of such an asshole and tolerate his behavior. I would end up telling him to "fuck off", to "eat shit" or I would punch him or whatever. Sometimes, the way he speaks makes me wish he will choke in his sleep. Even Varg Vikernes pisses me off less than Joey DeMaio.
---- "Why would we fear death, when life is so much more frightening?"
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| Xim Rocker of Worlds Posts: 273  |
In some ways it does seem like people are trying to exploit Dio's death to make money, but in a lot of other ways it seems a lot of people want to pay a tribute to him.
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| BitterCOld The Ancient One Admin Posts: 15287 |
Written by Xim on 21.06.2010 at 06:32 it's simple. if you want to pay tribute, there are two ways to do it. 1. coordinate with Wendy or someone at the SUAS Cancer Fund and have your tribute part of something that they do. (basically, record and donate a song to them for use of the fund) ... or if releasing a tribute, coordinate so that proceeds go to the fund. 2. cover a Dio song and pop it up on your band's website for free download. basically either do the right thing and donate proceeds to help battle the disease that killed him (and many, many, many other people) or at least don't profiteer off it.
---- get the fuck off my lawn. Beer Bug Virus Spotify Playlist crafted by Nikarg and I. Feel free to tune in and add some pertinent metal tunes!
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| Lord_Regnier Posts: 1469 |
Written by Irritable Ted on 24.06.2010 at 22:48 Only makes it more obvious that it's nothing else than one more cash grab from the Kings of Cheese. It's a blessing there are still lots of underground metal bands to compensate for greedy corporate assholes like Manowar, otherwise I would have lost all faith in metal years ago. At least true, real metal still exists, despite all the sold-out posers who give a false image of what metal truly is and plague it like a cancer.
---- "Why would we fear death, when life is so much more frightening?"
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| Lord_Regnier Posts: 1469 |
Written by Irritable Ted on 24.06.2010 at 23:08 I haven't heard it until now but since I think anything Manowar ever made is pure shit, I expect nothing but crap.
---- "Why would we fear death, when life is so much more frightening?"
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| Gambler Gambler Posts: 1 |
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