JUNKMAN Recaps The 2026 ROCK FOR RONNIE Benefit Concert

Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 9:53 AM

By Junkman

At The Gene Autry Museum of Western Heritage Lawn at Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA on May 31st

All Photos By Junkman

It was another picture-perfect sunny Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles. The weather was in the mid 70’s. As far as I am concerned, it’s the ultimate day for a concert in the park. Bring your lawn chair and sunscreen, and your favorite friend, and have a nice day in the sun. That is exactly what I and a bunch of other rock n’ rollers did this past weekend as it was time for the annual “Rock for Ronnie” concert in the park.

This concert, produced by Wendy Dio and her magnificent team, is a benefit for the “Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund” that Wendy created as a tribute, and a way to honor her late husband, singer Ronnie James Dio who succumbed to stomach cancer in 2010. Since Ronnie’s passing Wendy and her team have tirelessly worked with Ronnie’s doctors and cancer specialists to create awareness for the public to get early cancer screenings, as well as research for a potential cure.

The lawn area of the Autry Museum in Griffth Park, is next to the LA Zoo, and is an outstanding place to hold a concert. It’s right off the 5 freeway for easy access, and parking is expansive and free, with easy in and out’s- a rarity these days just about anywhere. Tickets were inexpensive, and it was very family-friendly. The first thing that I noticed where a line of food trucks, everything from BBQ, to coffee, to ice cream and more greeted attendees as they walked in.

As I walked past the trucks, the next thing I saw was a group of tables displaying a host of collectibles and more to be bid on for a “silent auction” with all proceeds to go to the cause. Included among the some 40 silent auction items this year were large framed prints of live photos of Ronnie James Dio, Eddie Van Halen, Metallica and others shot and signed by legendary photographers Mark Weiss and Richard Galbraith; a signed poster from Alice Cooper; a signed and framed boxing glove from Mike Tyson; a signed and framed photo of Hulk Hogan; and a collection of nearly the entire Judas Priest album catalog on both vinyl and CDs, donated by Judas Priest. Judas Priest singer Rob Halford even donated a signed copy of his book, as well as a cool Rob Halford signed “action figure.” Plenty of other items from tour jackets, to hotel stays, and even a pair of VIP tickets to the upcoming “Aftershock” rock festival were also available to be bid on.

In addition to the silent auction, year’s LIVE auction included three priceless guitars from three stellar artists: Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath, George Thorogood and Lita Ford. Geezer Butler has signed and donated a Lakland bass guitar, while George Thorogood signed and contributed an Epiphone Les Paul guitar. Lita Ford once again asked PBS Guitar Builder to the Stars Jim Cara (www.caraguitars.com), who has designed custom guitars for her, Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley of Kiss and Brad Gillis of Night Ranger, among others, to create a special one-of-a-kind guitar for this year’s auction. It features the artwork from Dio’s Holy Diver album, and Lita signed it and then played it during her set at ROCK FOR RONNIE. In addition to the guitars, a violin from the landmark S&M2 Metallica & San Francisco Symphony concert, plus a Metallica vinyl box set from the event has been donated to the auction by the band.

This year’s sponsors include Calabasas Beer, Pali Wine, Liquid Death Mountain Water, Marquis Sugar Free Mate Beverages, Motörhead Beer, Rainbow Bar & Grill, Total Wine and More; In ‘N Out Burger and Raising Cane’s.Also featured was the debut of “Lemmy’s Lounge” in the form of a branded area created by the Rainbow Bar & Grill to replicate their West Hollywood restaurant’s popular tribute to the late Motörhead singer. Attendees were able to utilize this unique branded seating area to consume a variety of beverages purchased from the Beverage Tent.

In addition to a large vendor village around the perimeter, which features all types of rock n roll inspired clothing, jewelry and artwork, there were information booths about cancer screenings and treatment. Returning to the event was the popular Garden of Hope, where attendees can personally celebrate the cancer victims and survivors in their lives with specially-designed messages they can hang up in the Garden. The space has been redesigned this year as a very special commemoration and meditation area, and featured a life-sized cutout of Ronnie James Dio to welcome visitors.

At the south end of the lawn stood the stage, with a large VIP seating area (which sold out) immediately in front of it. The area filled up pretty quickly around it, with lots of rock n rollers from all points. I spoke with quite a few people who had come from out of state to be there. Lots of black t-shirts and jeans, as well as many in shorts and tank-tops, wisely prepared for a day in the sun. There were some shade trees around the perimeter, as well as in the back of the “Lemmy’s Lounge” where those that needed a break from the heat would gather.

The music started off with a quick set from young LA bases trio “Saints of Sinners” who rocked a very retro-sounding set, which included a cover of Motley Crue’s “Take Me to the Top” that got the still–arriving bulk of the crowd on their feet. They were followed by LA band “Legs Diamond” who used to perform on the LA Sunset Strip clubs way back when, and have reformed, and played a set of their old songs.

MC for the day, Sirius/XM personality Eddie Trunk then appeared onstage and welcomed the crowd along with Wendy Dio. They were then joined by singer Ari Kamin, who sings for Steven Adler’s “Appetite” band, who then led the crowd in a blazing version of our national anthem. Next up, the all–female (with the exception of a male drummer…) tribute to AC/DC “Whole Lotta Rosies” fired up the crowd with a set of both Bon Scott and Brian Johnson AC/DC classics. These girls have been rocking crowds for what seems like forever, and always bring smiles wherever they play.

Up next was rocker Jason Charles Miller and his extraordinary band, who, in my opinion, had the tightest set of the day. Miller’s crossover brand of “American Rock” fit in seamlessly with the more extreme “Metal acts” and his band led by Millers howling wail, and terrific guitar playing, flanked by fellow guitarists Gary Joseph Potter Jr, and Allie Kay. They honored Ronnie James Dio with an excellent version of “Lonely Is the Word” from the first Dio-led Black Sabbath LP “Heaven and Hell.” The crowd roared its approval at sets end.

For over 37 years, “Led Zepagain” the Led Zeppelin tribute band, has rocked crowds all over the world. They truly are one of the “OG’s” of rocks tribute acts, and I had a chance to speak with singer Swan Montgomery after their set. Swan is not only a dead ringer for Robert Plant both physically and vocally, but is also an accomplished engineer, and since having come over from Ireland, has led Led Zepagain to stages everywhere. He even has written a book “Zepagain Led By Zeppelin” based on his many experiences and his love for the band. Zepagain's set was well received, as they absolutely NAIL all things Led Zeppelin. Even Eddie Trunk exclaimed something like “Nothing better than listening to some live Zep while hanging out in the park on a sunny day!” Swan told me that none other than Jimmy Page is a fan. He also introduced me to Page’s former teenage girlfriend Lori Maddox, who was known during the 1970’s as “Lori Lightning” who was rocking out in the VIP section.

As the stage was being cleared after Led Zepagain’s set, Eddie Trunk and Wendy Dio presented a large check to Dr Sandy Kapoor, who was Ronnie’s doctor, during his cancer battle, for the purpose of continued cancer research. Kapoor and his team have made great strides over the years to champion a cure, and being part of the organization has opened a lot of doors and continue to give hope to families and patients who suffer from the evils of cancer.

Next up onstage was the re-vamped Dio Disciples, an all-star band of players, who through various bands have one thing in common- rocking the music of Ronnie James Dio like no other. Today the Disciples featured past members Scott Warren on keyboards as well as Bjorn Englun on bass guitar. Joining them onstage was none other than Rowan Robertson, who first played in Dio at the age of 17! Filling in for the injured drummer Simon Wright was the incredible Brian Tichy. And doing co- lead vocals were Lynch Mob singer Oni Logan and MSG powerhouse Robin McAuley.

What followed was by far the most powerful version of the Dio Disciples that I have seen yet. They nailed classic song after classic song. Tichy adds a new dimension to any band the plays with and his powerful techniques where just what the band needed to take it to another level. If that wasn’t enough bot Logan and McAuley sounded fantastic on every song. Sometimes they were sharing the vocal, and sometimes talking turns. They blended very well. Everyone looked like they were having the time of their lives onstage as well as off, and the crowd went absolutely crazy during each number.

After the DD set, Eddie Trunk and Wendy Dio again went onstage and conducted not only the raffle item giveaways but also a live auction on some incredible items, like signed guitars and more. Soon Lita Ford and her band arrived onstage and rocked. Opening with her first solo hit “Gotta Let Go” Ford and her band, guitarist Patrick Kennison, bassist Martin Andersson, and drummer Bobby Rock blasted out an eleven song set that combined her catalogue of songs, as well as some killer covers of Elton John’s “The Bitch Is Back” the Sex Pistols “Black Leather” and a nice version of Alice Coopers ballad “Only Women Bleed.” Ford, looking “rock and roll ravishing” in a silver and black body suit, and playing a variety of her signature BC Rich guitars, also played and signed a custom guitar and gave it to the fan who bid the most for it. Closing her set out with the audience sing-along “Kiss Me Deadly” she was all smiles as the adoring crowd screamed for more.

As has been tradition, an “All Star Jam” featuring the likes of Dio and Black Sabbath drummer Vinny Appice , Phil Demmel (Kerry King, Machine Head), Ricky Warwick (Thin Lizzy Black Star Riders), Robbie Crane (Warrant, Black Star Riders), Julia Lage (Vixen), Dave Moreno (Bruce Dickinson), Keith Nelson (Buckcherry), Marc Ferrari (Keel, Cold Sweat), Marty O’Brien (Daughtry), Mike Dupke (Wednesday 13), Michael Nelson (Thin Lizzy), Neil Turbin (Death Riders, Anthrax), Mike Mangin (The Cult), Robert Sarzo (Hurricane), Shani Kamelman (Iron Maidens), Victor Wichmann (Metalachi) and musician and sponsor Bill McBride and more. Highlights included Warwick, Keith Nelson and Robbie Crane blasting out some Thin Lizzy songs, and Kirsten Rosenberg , the incredible vocalist for the Iron Maidens lending her powerful vocals to Black Sabbath’s classic “Children of the Sea” among many other killer metal moments that sent the crowd, musicians, and organizers home completely happy with the day’s festivities.

Bravo to Wendy Dio and her team, especially publicist/organizer Sharon Weisz for again, putting on such a great event as they do every year. It seems to always get better, as hopefully those that are suffering with cancer are getting better as well. For more info on the Cancer Fund and organization, please log on to www.diocancerfun.org and donate. Every bit helps. Help spread the word. As the late, great Ronnie James Dio sang- “Stand Up and Shout!”