Benefit concert raises more than $125,000 for cancer research fund
The Rock For Ronnie concert that took place on May 31, 2026, at the Autry Museum of the American West in Griffith Park was a huge success, raising over $125,000 for the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund. The event featured an incredible lineup of musical acts, with Lita Ford headlining the show. Other performers included Led Zepagain, Dio Disciples, Jason Charles Miller, Legs Diamond, Whole Lotta Rosies, and Saints of Sinners, who all came together for an all-star jam session that brought musicians from different genres and generations onto the stage.
The funds raised from the concert were a significant contribution to cancer research, with researchers Irene Choi and Neeti Swarup from Dr. David Wong’s lab at the UCLA School of Dentistry receiving a sizable check of $25,000. Their goal is to develop a simple saliva swab test that can detect cancer in its earliest stages, as cancer fingerprints appear more frequently in saliva than in blood.
The event kicked off with Saints of Sinners, followed by Whole Lotta Rosies and Legs Diamond, with Jason Charles Miller making his fourth consecutive appearance at the concert. Dio Disciples showcased their new lineup with Oni Logan and Robin McAuley on lead vocals, and Brian Tichy filling in for Simon Wright on drums.
Before Lita Ford’s headline set, a live auction took place where items such as an Epiphone Les Paul guitar donated by George Thorogood and a Lakland bass donated by Geezer Butler were auctioned off. Lita Ford also had a guitar designed by PBS “Guitar Builder To The Stars” Jim Cara, featuring artwork from the Holy Diver album.
After her performance, Wendy Dio presented Lita Ford with the Queen Of Rock ‘N’ Roll award, in recognition of her ongoing support for the charity. The all-star jam session featured a lineup of talented musicians, including Vinny Appice, Robbie Crane, Phil Demmel, and many others.
The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund was established in memory of the legendary singer Ronnie James Dio, who passed away in 2010 at the age of 67 due to stomach cancer. Since its inception, the charity has raised over $2 million and continues to support cancer research and treatment.
Looking ahead, the organization will be hosting the annual Bowl For Ronnie Celebrity Bowling Party on Nov. 12, 2026, with next year’s Rock For Ronnie concert scheduled for May 23, 2027. The event promises to bring together more musicians and fans in support of the important cause.