Dio - At Donnington UK: Live 1983 & 1987

Classic, rare, live recordings from The Man remind us how rich his legacy truly isIt seems like there has been about a release a month, for the past 3 months from either Dio or Heaven and Hell.  We truly miss Ronnie James Dio and the musical genius he was, but at least there is plenty of material in the archives to keep his spirit alive.  The latest gem, are some rare (BBC) recordings of the Dio band, from the Castle Donington festival (Monsters of Rock) from 1983 and 1987.   This new release, Dio - At Donington UK, is a two disc live set from each respective year.  These tapes came for the Dio archives and was one of the last things Ronnie worked on.  The release comes out on Dio and wife Wendy's label Niji Entertainment.  From what I've read, this is just one, of several releases of archived material to be coming our way from the great one.

The first disc shows, a young Dio band trying to get their sea legs in a midst of other metal giants.  Dio just coming off the bad split from Sabbath had something to prove and did with the release of Holy Diver.  The set list on the disc is interesting, because it is comprised heavily on Rainbow tunes.  Of course, at the time Dio only had one solo record under his belt, but I was surprised there was not more Sabbath tunes included.  The band sounds great and it is interesting to hear their interpretations of tunes from Dio's former bands.  The band sounds hungry and delivers a commanding performance.  If I had one critique on this disc it would be that the vocals are sometimes drowned out, making it hard to hear Ronnie. Another bonus is that you get to hear Vivian Campbell actually play guitar.  It has been awhile.

The second disc, and the one I was anticipating a bit less, is from the band's performance in 1987.  the band was out supporting the Dream Evil record, which I felt was not one of the bands best records, but have since found a new respect for the CD.  The band as a whole sounds like they are in more of a comfort zone with this performance.  The band has shown what 4 years can do to mature a band.  The band sounds amazing on this recording, and I have to say I was blown away by Craig Goldy's performance.  Goldy was on fire that day, and you can hear it.  This show has a better mix and sounds better that the previous disc.  Solid set list.   All in all a nice package with some replica backstage laminates from each show.  Very cool memorabilia.

Bottom Line: What can I say? Dio delivers once again.  A solid two disc set that shows how much a band can come together in 4 years.  The only thing missing from the recording is the video.  I want this on DVD.

Standout Tracks: Disc 1 - Straight Through the Heart, Heaven and Hell; Disc 2 - Neon Knights and The Last in Line

- Ragman can't wait for the next release - hopefully, some archived video footage!