It was announced this past weekend that singers Tim “Ripper” Owens and Toby Jepson will be touring with former members of Dio under the moniker Dio’s Disciples. Owens and Jepson will join Rudy Sarzo (bass), Simon Wright (drums), Craig Goldy (guitar) and Scott Warren (keyboards) on the road to pay tribute the late great Ronnie James Dio.

Wendy Dio, Ronnie James Dio’s widow and manager, confirmed the news with the following statement:

“There will never be another Ronnie, but we want to keep his music alive and hope you will support the band and become one of the Dio Disciples.

We will [announce] the U.K./European tour dates as they are confirmed, and we are planning some U.S. dates also. Hope to see you at one of the shows.”

While we’re not as familiar with Toby Jepson (singer of rock acts Little Angels and Gun), we know of Tim “Ripper” Owens’ work very well. He previously sang in Iced Earth, and can still be heard in Yngwie Malmsteen’s solo band and Charred Walls Of The Damned (Richard Christy’s power metal supergroup). However, you most likely will know him better as Rob Halford’s short lived replacement in Judas Priest. His work with any of these mentioned artists is enough proof that Owens is a great choice for this tribute project.  But just in case you’re not convinced that he can do justice to Dio, check out a clip of Owens performing the Black Sabbath classic “Heaven And Hell” with his solo band above.

We’ll keep you posted when dates and more details are revealed.