IFSC at HPER (Moffett)
From the Hollywood Restaurant’s Facebook Page:
Time for a little heavy metal history in Cortland and at The Hollywood Restaurant in Cortland, NY!
For those of you who have been wondering why The Hollywood now features a beautiful mural by the incredibly talented artist Nico Cathcart, depicting Ronnie James Dio, Elf, The Rods, and other iconic heavy metal references—here’s the story behind it:
These aren’t just legendary names in rock history; they’re part of our family’s roots and a piece of Cortland’s musical legacy.
Ronnie James Padavona, better known to the world as Ronnie James Dio, was born in Cortland, New York, on July 10, 1942. Widely regarded as one of the greatest voices in heavy metal history, Dio’s powerful vocals, theatrical stage presence, and unforgettable songwriting helped shape the genre for generations. He also popularized the now-famous “devil horns” hand gesture, which became an enduring symbol of heavy metal culture.
His musical journey began locally before taking him to international fame:
• 1963 – Ronnie Dio and the Prophets: One of his earliest bands, performing throughout Central New York and laying the foundation for his future career.
• 1967 – The Electric Elves / Elf: Originally formed as The Electric Elves, the band evolved into Elf after a tragic car accident involving several band members. The group gained attention opening for Deep Purple, ultimately leading to Ronnie’s introduction to guitarist Ritchie Blackmore.
• 1975 – Rainbow: Dio joined Ritchie Blackmore’s new band, Rainbow, where albums such as Rising and Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll established him as one of rock’s most powerful and influential vocalists.
• 1979 – Black Sabbath: Replacing Ozzy Osbourne, Dio helped reinvent Black Sabbath with classics like Heaven and Hell and Mob Rules, ushering in a new era for the legendary band.
• 1982 – Dio: Ronnie launched his own band, Dio, releasing timeless albums including Holy Diver, The Last in Line, and Sacred Heart. Songs like “Holy Diver” and “Rainbow in the Dark” remain heavy metal anthems today.
• 2006 – Heaven & Hell: Ronnie reunited with his Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice under the name Heaven & Hell, introducing a new generation of fans to their music.
• 2011 – Dio Disciples: Following Ronnie’s passing in 2010, former members of his band came together to honor his legacy by performing his music around the world, ensuring that his influence continues to inspire fans everywhere.
The mural also celebrates The Rods, another legendary heavy metal band with deep roots in Cortland. Formed in 1980 by guitarist David “Rock” Feinstein, drummer Carl Canedy, and bassist Steven Starmer, The Rods became known for their high-energy, no-nonsense heavy metal sound. David Feinstein’s connection to Ronnie James Dio went far beyond music—they were cousins who grew up together in Cortland and shared a lifelong passion for rock and metal. Before Ronnie’s rise to international fame, the two played together in The Electric Elves, one of the bands that would eventually evolve into Elf. Their early years performing throughout Central New York helped lay the
foundation for what would become two remarkable careers. Although Ronnie and David would go on to achieve success on different paths, their shared beginnings in Cortland remain an important part of the area’s musical history. The mural honors not only Ronnie James Dio’s extraordinary legacy, but also the talented musicians, bands, and hometown connections that helped shape one of heavy metal’s most influential eras. We’re incredibly proud to celebrate not only one of heavy metal’s greatest icons, but also the local roots, family ties, and rich musical history that began right here in Cortland. We hope that when you stop by The Hollywood, you’ll take a moment to admire Nico Cathcart’s incredible artwork and appreciate the story it tells—a story of hometown talent, lifelong passion, and a legacy that continues to inspire heavy metal fans across the globe.