Wendy Dio Raises Money for Cancer Research With Help From Metallica, Iron Maiden + Others (VIDEO EXCLUSIVE)

Just before beloved metal legend Ronnie James Dio (Dio, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Elf and Heaven & Hell) passed away in 2010, his wife, Wendy Dio, promised him she'd never give up the fight to find a cure for the cancer that eventually killed him.

True to her word, Wendy created the Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund which in its short time in existence has already raised over $600,000.

This past Saturday (Dec. 1) in Beverly Hills, a special charity event took place at Julien's Auctions to raise even more money for the Dio's cancer cause. Nearly 100 guitars were donated (many of them also signed) by the likes of Slash, Tom Morello, Tony Iommi, members of Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, the Alice Cooper Band, Metallica, Iron Maiden and more, as part of the Icons & Idols: Rock 'N' Roll auction.

Noisecreep spoke exclusively with Wendy and bassist Bjorn Englen from Dio Disciples, an all-star metal band that tours to keep Ronnie's legacy and music alive. We've also included a photo gallery featuring some of the signed guitars.