Gregory Armstrong unites rock legends for a powerful tribute, "This Is Your Life 2023" - Interview
In a heartfelt tribute to the late Ronnie James Dio, music veteran Gregory Armstrong has assembled a supergroup of talented musicians for the release of "This Is Your Life 2023." With this single and its accompanying video, Armstrong not only pays homage to Dio's legacy but also supports his charity, The Stand Up and Shout Foundation. Our interview with Gregory, which can be found below, did a wonderful job of shining light on the making of this outstanding song.
Inspired by the 2022 documentary, "DIO: Dreamers Never Die," Armstrong embarked on this remarkable project to give back and inspire others to do the same. He chose to re-record and produce Ronnie's song, "This Is Your Life," originally written as a ballad with piano and strings in 1996. Little did anyone know at the time, but the poignant lyrics of the song would foreshadow Dio's battle with stomach cancer.
Armstrong's vision was to create a new rendition of the song that captured the spirit of Dio's "Last in Line" era. Gathering like-minded friends and fellow rockstars, Armstrong embarked on the production journey, confident that he had something truly special to share with the world.
The magic began in Armstrong's own studio, where he laid down the foundational keyboard track. Joining him were renowned musicians who brought their personal touch to the single, including Todd Sucherman (Styx) on drums, Angus Clark (Trans-Siberian Orchestra) on guitar, Brian HBK (Hairball) on bass, Tommy Barbarella (Prince) orchestrating the string section, and Matt Kirkwold (Majesties) providing soul-stirring harmony guitar solos and the final ride-out. Veteran producer and engineer Chuck Alkazian (Pop Evil, Tantric, Soundgarden) played a vital role in the project, lending his expertise to the mixing and co-production of the song.
The result of this collaborative effort is a powerful rendition of "This Is Your Life," infused with the energy and passion of rock legends. The track resonates with emotion, reflecting the timeless appeal of Ronnie James Dio's music. From the intricate guitar work to the driving rhythm section and the soaring vocals, each element contributes to the overall impact of the song.
Listen to “This is Your Life 2023”
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