Former Dio guitarist Vivian Campbell has revealed plans to reboot the original lineup of Dio with new singer Andy Freeman, who he vows will “do justice” to the fallen frontman’s legacy.

Campbell, who also plays in Def Leppard and Thin Lizzy, had a rocky relationship with the former Black Sabbath and Rainbow frontman.

But the guitarist has always insisted he was proud of the work he did on the
first three Dio records (Holy Diver, The Last in Line & Sacred Heart).

Now he’s confirmed a reunion with drummer Vinny Appice, bassist Jimmy Bain and keyboardist Claude Schnell, two months after they jammed together. That was brought about when Campbell jammed Rainbow in the Dark with Steel Panther in January.

Their goal is to do some shows around November, concentrating on the first two records.

Last year Campbell revealed he’d been “numb” to the iconic singer’s death, saying: “We never had a very strong relationship beyond music. That was what brought us together. I found it difficult to communicate with him and he found it difficult to communicate with me. I didn’t have any reason to contact him after he fired me.”

An official tribute band, Dio Disciples, has been touring since last year, featuring Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens, Toby Jepson and James LoMenzo along with Craig Goldy, Simon Wright and Scott Warren – all of whom were in the band when Dio passed away.