Sebastian, Fl – It is an uncomfortably warm afternoon on August 14th along the Indian River. The sun dips low over the Indian River Lagoon, casting a golden shimmer across the water as fans gather at the legendary Captain Hiram’s Resort in Sebastian, Florida. Tonight, the Sand Bar stage transforms into a shrine of metal majesty as Joey Belladonna—iconic frontman of Anthrax—leads his powerhouse tribute to Ronnie James Dio, the late titan of heavy metal.
Captain Hiram’s Resort is more than a venue—it’s a state of mind. Nestled on the waterfront, the resort pulses with tropical energy, blending Bahamian flair with Florida cool. Palm trees sway, tiki torches flicker, and the scent of saltwater mingles with grilled seafood. The Sand Bar’s open-air setup and beachy ambiance make it the perfect backdrop for a night of thunderous riffs and soaring vocals.
Belladonna’s tribute band is a tight-knit crew of seasoned musicians who channel Dio’s spirit with reverence and fire:
- Joey Belladonna – Lead vocals
- Mike Rivera – Guitar wizardry
- Rob Stokes – Bass thunder
- Jim McCourt – Percussion powerhouse
Together, they tear through Dio’s catalog with precision and passion, honoring not just the solo work but also Dio’s legendary stints with Black Sabbath and Rainbow. If the names look familiar, this is the same powerhouse band that supports Nicko McBrain of Iron Maiden and his band, Titanium Tart.
The crowd roars as Belladonna opens with “Tarot Woman,” setting the tone for a night of metal magic. His voice—still soaring and soulful—cuts through the humid air like lightning. Each track is met with raised horns and ecstatic cheers, especially during “Holy Diver,” where Belladonna channels Dio’s grit and grandeur with uncanny finesse.
Born Joseph Bellardini in Oswego, New York, Belladonna rose to fame as the lead vocalist of Anthrax, one of thrash metal’s “Big Four.” His tenure with the band spans decades, includes Grammy nominations and genre-defining albums like Among the Living and Persistence of Time. Beyond Anthrax, Belladonna’s solo projects and tribute acts—like Chief Big Way and Beyond Frontiers—showcase his versatility and deep love for rock’s golden era.
Belladonna’s tribute isn’t just a concert—it’s a resurrection. For one electric night, Dio lives again in the voice of a fellow legend, and Sebastian becomes the epicenter of metal reverence. Echoes of South Florida will be humming this one for weeks.
Gallery
Setlist
Tarot Woman / Neon Knights / Don’t Talk to Strangers / Children of the Sea / Lady Evil / Die Young / Holy Diver / The Sign of the Southern Cross / The Last in Line / Man on the Silver Mountain / Voodoo / Long Live Rock ’n’ Roll / Rainbow in the Dark / Mob Rules / Heaven and Hell / We Rock
Social Media
Joey Belladonna
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Captain Hiram’s Resort
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Remaining Tour Dates for Joey Belladonna’s Tribute to Ronnie James Dio
August 15 – Piper’s – Pompano Beach, Fl
August 16 – OCC Roadhouse – Clearwater, Fl
August 17 – Conduit – Winter Park, Fl
Upcoming Shows at Captain Hiram’s
- August 24 – Floridaze
- August 31 – Caribbean Chillers
- September 7 – The Resolvers
- September 14 – Spred the Dub
- September 21 – The Supervillains
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About the author
Ivan Romero
Ivan Romero, based in South Florida, is a music and photography enthusiast with decades of experience—from managing a record shop to working in radio and DJing during South Beach’s club revival. With a keen eye for capturing emotion and atmosphere, he covers live and corporate events across Florida, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Ivan also volunteers his talent to document school performances in his community.

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