Download Festival 2010 To Rename Second Stage 'Ronnie James Dio Stage'

The organizers of the annual Download festival — which returns for an eighth year to Donington Park, United Kingdom from Friday, June 11 to Sunday, June 13 — have issued the following update:

"The rock world was in a state of shock [yesterday, May 16] when it was announced that Ronnie James Dio, one of the finest vocalists ever to walk the earth sadly passed away.

"The legendary singer, who fronted bands including Black Sabbath and Dio, had been battling with stomach cancer since the end of 2009.

"As our tribute to the great man, we've revealed that the second stage at this year's Download will official be called the Ronnie James Dio Stage."

Writing on his Twitter profile, festival organizer Andy Copping said, "The second stage at Download this year is to be renamed the Ronnie James Dio stage as a tribute to the great man with the incredible voice."

after download festival; sonishpere istanbul has renamed all stages "ronnie james dio stage" too