Dio Dio At Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987
by Alex Barbieri
Staff Writer
It is often the case that after an artist passes away, their art is truly appreciated. While Ronnie James Dio was revered in life, the new live album Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987 is a welcome opportunity to again appreciate the live power and majesty of RJD.
Dio at Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987 is the first release from the Niji Entertainment Group, founded by Dio and his wife and manager, Wendy Dio. RJD was the executive producer on this live album, and it is comforting to know as you listen that he was very much looking forward to its release.
The double-disc set was released as a deluxe digipak which includes a booklet of rare photographs and liner notes, and replicas of the original all access laminates from both shows.
The first “1983” disc was recorded at Dio’s first-ever Donington performance supporting Holy Diver and features the stellar lineup of Dio, Vivian Campbell on guitar, Jimmy Bain on bass, drummer Vinny Appice and Claude Schnell on the keys.
The track list is a robust sampling of RJD’s career to that point and features songs from Holy Diver, as well as Sabbath and Rainbow classics. The moment you hear Ronnie James Dio’s voice on opening track “Stand Up And Shout” you are reminded why RJD dominated the metal kingdom in the mid-‘80s. The combination of his vocal ferocity and pitch perfect technique is simply awe-inspiring.
The second disc was recorded at Donington in 1987 in support of Dream Evil, and introduces guitarist Craig Goldy. Like the first disc, it is career-spanning but features some rarely heard Dio hits such as “Rock ‘N Roll Children” and “All The Fools Sailed Away.”
The sound quality is better than on the first disc, but the songs aren’t as incendiary as the ’83 concert. Dio in 1983 was a band on fire, out to prove themselves to the world—and you can hear that in the performances on the first CD.
A big part of Ronnie James Dio’s appeal was his humility and openness. He truly was a “gentle man.” And a big part of the appeal of this live album is hearing his between-song banter. Ever gracious, Dio repeatedly thanks and empowers the audience and uses endearing phrases like “We shall like to do this next one.”
If, like many rock fans, you still mourn the passing of the late, great Ronnie James Dio, get yourself a copy of Dio at Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987. Then, pour yourself a tall glass of Dio’s favorite Samuel Smiths beer and turn up this live retrospective of one of the greatest singers in rock history. RIP RJD.
Genre: Hard Rock/Metal
Band:
Ronnie James Dio – Vocals
Vivian Campbell – Guitar
Craig Goldy – Guitar
Jimmy Bain – Bass
Vinny Appice – Drums
Claude Schnell – Keyboards
Track Listing:
CD 1: 1983
1. Stand Up And Shout
2. Straight Through The Heart
3. Children Of The Sea
4. Rainbow In The Dark
5. Holy Diver
6. Drum Solo
7. Stargazer
8. Guitar Solo
9. Heaven And Hell
10. Man On The Silver Mountain
11. Starstruck
12. Man On The Silver Mountain (Reprise)
CD 2: 1987
1. Dream Evil
2. Neon Knights
3. Naked In The Rain
4. Rock And Roll Children
5. Long Live Rock ‘n Roll
6. The Last In Line
7. Children Of The Sea
8. Holy Diver
9. Heaven And Hell
10. Man On The Silver Mountain
11. All The Fools Sailed Away
12. The Last In Line (Reprise)
13. Rainbow In The Dark
Label: Niji Entertainment Group
Online:
http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/
www.facebook.com/OfficialRonnieJamesDio
Hardrock Haven rating: 9/10