For Immediate Release: August 27, 2026 | Walnut Creek, CA - - The legend of Ronnie James Dio is entering a
new dimension. KnuckleBonz® today announces an official collaboration with the Dio Estate to bring the iconic heavy metal figure into KnuckleBonz360TM BackStage Experience, a first-of-its-kind immersive 3D digital platform launching Summer 2026. The licensing agreement was brokered by Global Merchandising Services, the worldwide agent for the Dio estate.
KnuckleBonz360™ is a digital platform featuring immersive 3D worlds built to celebrate the iconic imagery of great bands and artists. With 20+ band worlds launching in 2026, KnuckleBonz360 BackStage Experience gives fans a place to connect with other fans, play mini-games, shop for exclusive collectibles, explore and see album art come to life!
The Dio BackStage Experience is developed by a team of incredibly talented artists and engineers and enthusiastic music superfans. The creators are also fans! Dio fans worldwide can come together in KnuckleBonz360 to celebrate his entire legacy.
“When we first began designing KnuckleBonz360 we immediately imagined what it would be like to go inside Ronnie’s castle or step inside the Holy Diver album art. We can’t wait for fans to see what we have built,” says Tony Simerman, CEO and Creative Director of KnuckleBonz Corp.
“Dio’s impact on music and culture continues to inspire fans around the world,” says Jen Harper, Sr. Licensing Manager at Global Merchandising Services. “We’re excited to help bring
Ronnie’s legendary world to life in a way that allows fans to experience his legacy like never before.”
Fans will enter the fantastical Dio BackStage Experience and explore the castle and landscape to celebrate Dio’s entire career: from the early Rainbow years to the earth-shaking partnership with Black Sabbath, and all the way through his Holy Diver and Heaven and Hell solo era.
The Dio BackStage Experience will feature digital collectibles and other physical collectibles and merch that ships worldwide. This multi-player world allows Dio fans to connect and explore together.
The experience launches in July 2026. Join the KnuckleBonz360TM BackStage Experience waitlist at knucklebonz360.com.
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About Dio Estate: NIJI Entertainment Group Inc. founded by Ronnie James Dio and Wendy Dio is dedicated to preserving and honoring Ronnie James Dio’s legacy. The company oversees projects related to his music, life and career. Long live Ronnie James Dio!
ABOUT GLOBAL MERCHANDISING SERVICES, LTD Global Merchandising Services Ltd is an award-winning music, celebrity and lifestyle merchandising
company. Headquartered in London and Los Angeles, Global is a licensing powerhouse with world-class
expertise in design, product development, branding, manufacturing and direct sales. Global conducts
business across all channels of retail distribution, live events, web shops, pop-up shops, sponsorships,
endorsements and third-party licensing. For more information: globalmerchservices.com
ABOUT KNUCKLEBONZ KnuckleBonz® Inc. (KnuckleBonz.com) (KnuckleBonz360.com) is a music
merchandising and immersive digital experience company dedicated to the music superfan. Founded in
2003, KnuckleBonz has spent over two decades creating high-end collectibles and content focusing on
music, art, and collector culture. With the launch of KnuckleBonz360™ (knucklebonz360.com), the company
continues its mission to deliver next-level experiences and merchandise for the fans who live and breathe
music.