DIO Eterno \\ SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL To Honor RONNIE JAMES DIO

The organizers of this year's Sweden Rock Festival — which will take place June 9-12, 2010 in Sölvesborg in southern Sweden — have issued the following update:

"Ronnie James Dio made five appearances at Sweden Rock Festival: three times with his own band DIO, and twice with HEAVEN & HELL — most recently just last summer. Ronnie always had a keen eye towards Sweden and Sweden Rock, and over the years we developed a good relationship to both him and his wife/manager Wendy. It was with heavy hearts we woke up Monday morning realizing that the news of his passing the day before had not been a bad dream, and that one of the greatest of all time had indeed left us.

"To honor his memory, we have decided to rename the Zeppelin Stage: this year it will be called Dio Stage. We are also planning a tribute ceremony on one of the main stages. More info on this will follow shortly.

"In October, we will gather some of the most prominent Swedish metal musicians for a tribute concert on the Sweden Rock Cruise. The names of the participants will be announced as soon as they have been confirmed."

Last year's Sweden Rock Festival was attended by 35,200 people, but in 2010 the maximum number of visitors will be limited to 33,000.

For more information, visit www.swedenrock.com.