The remaining original members, Iommi and Butler, began auditioning singers for the band's next release. Deep Purple and Whitesnake's David Coverdale, Samson's Nicky Moore and Lone Star's John Sloman were all considered and Iommi states in his autobiography that Michael Bolton auditioned. The band settled on former Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan to replace Dio in December 1982.
The remaining original members, Iommi and Butler, began searching for singers to record their next album. Deep Purple and Whitesnake's David Coverdale, Samson's Nicky Moore, and Lone Star's John Sloman were all considered, and Iommi states in his autobiography that Michael Bolton auditioned. The band ultimately chose Ian Gillan to replace Dio in December 1982.