There's nothing like watching rockers roll, especially if it's for a great cause. The fourth annual Bowl for Ronnie event took center stage at Pinz Bowling Alley in Studio City, Calif. Thursday night (Oct. 25), with a number of rockers ready to strap on the rented shoes, knock down a few pins, talk tricks of the musical trade and reminisce about the legendary Ronnie James Dio, all while helping to raise funds for cancer research.

Prophets of Rage guitarist Tom Morello, who has been a regular at the bowling event, told us, "I didn’t really know Ronnie that well, but I’m a huge fan of his work and anything we can do to honor his memory and support finding a cure for cancer, I’m happy to do it. I own my own bowling ball and I will come and bowl for Dio anytime."

That sentiment reigned supreme as many of those on hand not only marveled at Dio's musical prowess, but the gentleman that he was and the legacy that he's left behind with the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund.

"I really think it’s a tribute to Dio’s legend as well and not just what he did for the metal community but music in itself. The fact that we have this kind of outpouring of the metal community but everywhere because cancer affects everybody from all walks of life," stated Otep Shamaya, while The Dead Daisies' Doug Aldrich added, "Ronnie did so much for music, but also for people outside of music. He had a giant heart. I’m proud to come here and do my little piece to support the great cause that he and Wendy wanted to start." Beasto Blanco's Calico Cooper marveled at the packed venue, "Look around you. This doesn’t happen by accident. This doesn’t happen for an average guy. This happens for a lord and a legend. All these people turned up and it’s sold out and we’re happy to be part of it."

Dio Disciples drummer Simon Wright championed Wendy Dio's dedication in staging the fundraising events and her determination she's put toward cancer research. "Wendy’s involvement in the cancer fund is relentless. She never gives up. She put so much work into it and I’m just happy I can be here to support it," said Wright, while Cinderella's Fred Coury stated, "For Wendy to put this together, nobody would ever say no because she’s wonderful and Ronnie was one of the sweetest beings that I and everyone here ever met. Anything that we can do to help this cause and anything we can do to fight this most horrible thing ever on the planet, we will be here. If they did this 10 times a year, we’d do it."

The night brought out some big names ready to roll. Tool's Adam Jones made his first appearance at the event, while Dio's onetime bandmate, Geezer Butler, also was a popular figure at this year's event. Both rockers ended up rolling as part of host Eddie Trunk's team, which also included Tenacious D's Jack Black, sporting his Dio jacket, as well as Tom Morello, who did in fact bring his own ball, and Doug Aldrich of The Dead Daisies. The team was rounded out by a San Jose man named Steve Prziborowisz who generously donated $7,300 on eBay to roll with Trunk's celebrity team, helping to add to this year's fundraising tally.

Admittedly most of those on hand were better at rocking than bowling, but were ready to roll just the same for a good cause. "I think I’m paired up with Geezer Butler. I’m really looking forward to that, but I hope he’s just as shitty a bowler as me, cause otherwise this could be a real embarrassing night," laughed Jack Black. Fred Coury came with his own ball, but admitted it was more for "psychological warfare" on his fellow rockers. "How am I as a bowler? I’m a good team member, but I’ll always cheer them on," stated the drummer. Meanwhile, Sons of Apollo's Jeff Scott Soto had to sit out the competition on doctor's orders with a tendon issue in his arm, but still showed up to lend his support.

Trunk's team topped the celebrity teams, besting a grouping featuring Gilby Clarke, Fred Coury, Marc Ferrari, Richie Kotzen, Tami Laster and Fuel's Brett Scallions. On the corporate side a team of Metal Blade Records staffers finished second to the team headed up by Ahmet Zappa and his family.

During the festivities, Wendy Dio was on hand to present a $61,000 check to Dr. David Wong, who has been working with his team at the UCLA School of Dentistry in developing a non-invasive saliva test to help detect cancer. Wong told us on the red carpet that the continued support from the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund has "really advanced our research and our goal of the eventuality of having a non-invasive way of find out cancer. It’s two years away. Just last week we had an aware from the National Cancer Institute for the early detection of lung cancer. But gastric cancer is next. We’re really looking forward to that."

To learn more about the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, check here. See photos from the 2018 Bowl for Ronnie in the photo gallery below.

Bowl for Ronnie 2018

Wendy Dio Talks About Ronnie James Dio Hologram

See Ronnie James Dio in the Top 66 Hard Rock + Metal Frontmen of All Time

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