Legendary hard rock musician Vinny Appice is speaking out about the growing impact of cancer, a disease that deeply affected his life and career.
In a recent interview with The Adventures Of Pipeman, the veteran musician shared his thoughts on the increasing number of cancer cases, especially among younger people, while remembering his late bandmate Ronnie James Dio, who died from stomach cancer in 2010.
“It’s an awful thing,” Appice said. “And it’s pretty popular right now, let’s put it that way.”
His comments come as health experts continue to track a troubling trend: more young individuals are being diagnosed with cancer despite overall improvements in detection and treatment over the past few decades.
Vinny Appice and Phil Soussan of Last in Line perform onstage at the NI Music Awards.Photo by Carrie Davenport/Redferns
Appice, known for his work with iconic bands like Black Sabbath, Dio and Heaven & Hell, pointed to possible environmental factors behind the increase in cancer diagnoses. While he admitted uncertainty, he shared personal observations and concerns.
“Probably all the junk in the air and the food and the water and all that stuff, so who knows…” he said.
He also spoke about seeing unusual patterns in the sky, referencing what some call “chemtrails.”
However, scientists explain that these are actually contrails—condensed water vapor from airplane engines at high altitudes. Studies and agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency have clarified that there is no verified evidence supporting claims that these trails are harmful chemical releases.
Despite differing views, Appice’s main concern remains clear: more people are getting sick, and it’s happening earlier in life.
Cancer has already left a lasting mark on his journey. Ronnie James Dio, his longtime collaborator and friend, passed away from stomach cancer, a disease that often shows symptoms only in its later stages, making it harder to treat.
For Appice, the loss of Dio is not just a chapter in rock history, it’s personal.
“It’s kind of a sad ending,” he said while reflecting on their final years together in Heaven & Hell. “But I’m glad we got to do it [and that we’re] putting this out, being Ronnie’s last [album].”
The two musicians shared decades of music and friendship. From their time in Black Sabbath during the early 1980s to forming Dio and later reuniting under Heaven & Hell, their bond was strong both on and off stage.
Appice described their creative process as natural and joyful. “We were just having a great time,” he said of recording classic albums like Holy Diver. “We didn’t sit there and go, ‘Let’s make an album that’s going to last 45 years.’”
Their final project together, The Devil You Know, was released in 2009, just a year before Dio’s passing. Plans for more music and tours were cut short when the singer became ill.
Even today, Appice keeps Dio’s memory alive. “He’s always in my heart,” he shared. “I always think about him and maybe crank up a Dio song or something.”
Now 68, Appice remains active in the music world. From performing with tribute projects to teaching drum clinics, he continues to influence new generations of musicians.
He recently celebrated the release of Breaking Out of Heaven, a box set that highlights the final years of Heaven & Hell. The collection serves as both a tribute to Dio and a reminder of the band’s powerful legacy.
“When I saw the package, I didn’t know that we had that much stuff,” Appice admitted to Loud Wire. “This is more of a celebration—it’s bringing it to the front.”
Beyond the stage, Appice’s reflections show a deeper message: life is fragile and health challenges can affect anyone, even rock legends.
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This story was originally published by Parade on Apr 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the Celebs section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.