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."

Source:	ronniejamesdio.com
Band profile:	Manowar