Dio At Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987

iTunes Review

This is the triumphant tale of two epic concerts fronted by the late, great Ronnie James Dio. The first was in 1983 at the Castle Donington Monsters of Rock Festival. The band Dio had just released its debut album, Holy Diver, now a staple in the metal genre. With a bill also including Whitesnake, Meat Loaf, ZZ Top, Twisted Sister, and Diamond Head, the group sounded supercharged and ready to prove itself. Guitar virtuoso Vivian Campbell’s muscled riffs introduce “Stand Up and Shout,” kicking off Dio's set with ultimate authority (check out Campbell’s frenzied solo work). Ronnie James Dio has the crowd in the palm of his hand with the infectious “Rainbow in the Dark” and “Holy Diver,” but he also salutes fans of his old band Rainbow with a medley comprising parts of “Stargazer,” “Starstruck," and “Man on the Silver Mountain.” Then Dio kicks down an 11-minute version of Black Sabbath’s “Heaven and Hell.” Needless to say, Dio was invited back in 1987. With Craig Goldy replacing Campbell, the band sounded noticeably more seasoned.