The memorable Kick-Off show to this tour at Bakersfield, California. Ganging up on Ronnie, from left to right: Mike Kibby, Tapio Keihanen and myself. Great time guys--let's do it again

Finland based Tapio Keihanen, maybe the world's biggest Dio fan, flew in to the US to follow the "To Hull & Back Tour" from California to New York--hitting every date in between and actually being invited to ride on the tour bus the whole way--What a dream!!
A true gentleman, a great friend and what a fan!

Another worldly traveler, the lovely Yoko Nakajima, flew all the way from Japan to see Ronnie and the boys in San Francisco, California.
Though I have not yet had the opportunity to meet this dedicated fan, everyone who has assures me she is one solid Dio maniac.

Michael Betts, not the only--but surely the biggest--Dio fan in Australia.
I've spoken with Mike on countless occasions and collected an autograph for him at the Las Vegas show because the tour would not be heading down under this time around.
Great guy and a good friend!

Some artistic fans display an ELF banner after being signed by the frontman himself following the Louisville, Kentucky show this tour.

Wild man TeRRy Herzog and Ronnie after the Columbus, Ohio Metal Mania Tour show--note the ever present Willie Fiffe hamming it up in the

Larry George taking his boys to their first concert. GUESS WHO!! I first met Larry and his wife Laurie at the Crossroads Yucaipa show, latter so see them again at Las Vegas, and yet again at San Diego--this family are some true blooded Dio fanatics!! And just really nice people.