Due to Dio frontman and namesake vocalist Ronnie James Dio becoming ill, the band has canceled their upcoming European tour. Set to kick off this weekend in Scotland and run throughout December, as of now the canceled dates will not be rescheduled. While the details of Dio's illness are not yet known, the revered vocalist's wife/ manager Wendy Dio states, "Ronnie has been hospitalized and we are waiting for further news."

Known for his astounding vocals, Dio led Rainbow with Ritchie Blackmore in the '70s, post-Ozzy Osbourne Black Sabbath in the '80s and his own band Dio soon after, who share members (see: drummer Vinny Appice) with recent Dio-era Black Sabbath redux Heaven & Hell.

The current touring lineup for Dio was to feature Whitesnake guitarist Doug Aldrich, who briefly played with the band on their 2002 limited release 'Killing the Dragon.' Dio's most recent release is a special edition live CD/DVD performance of 'Holy Diver' in its entirety that came out in 2006. Since then, Ronnie James has toured with Heaven & Hell and earlier this year released a new album of all new material with the ex-Sabbath band entitled 'The Devil You Know.' The album debuted at 8 on the U.S. Billboard Charts.