Hey Metalheads, as we all know after the passing of Ronnie James Dio in 2010 not only was the metal community sad but there was a void in the music world that can never be filled. However, the beloved frontman made an unprecedented return to the stage at Wacken last summer in the form of a hologram and the showcase has now made its U.S. debut.

The 28th Annual Pollstar Awards were held at The Novo in Los Angeles on February 2nd and featured a special Dio Disciples performance of “We Rock,” featuring the Eyellusion-created Dio hologram. With the drum kit placed on stage left, this setup made room for the hologram to be projected on the center of the stage where Ronnie moved about on a raised platform.

The video below has raised mixed feelings as fans are happy at the chance to relive the magic of Dio onstage, but at the same time serves as a reminder the singer is no longer with us. Keep in mind though that the hologram is supported by Wendy Dio, the singer’s widow and long time manager.

Fans can look forward to a more extensive version of the hologram on tour later this year. In our exclusive interview with Wendy Dio, she said: “We’re developing a new [hologram] right now with six songs. So if we do an hour show, Ronnie will probably come out four times. If we do a 90-minute show, he’d come out six times. We’re developing that – should be ready by September.”