If you're like me, you're going to try to get you hands on any vintage Ronnie James Dio footage you can. The latest thing to grace my DVD player is Dio - The Legend Live. (*Note: Don't be deceived by the photos on this DVD case. This is a classic show, not a recent show) This DVD is comprised of some live footage of the original Dio band, on the Sacred Heart tour. Unlike the Sacred Heart - The Video DVD, which featured Craig Goldy on guitars, this DVD features Vivian Campbell in his prime. This DVD was a real treat. The footage comes from a Japanese broadcast from 1985 before Campbell exited the band. The track listing is rather short, only clocking in at 7 tunes, but the footage makes up for it.
As with most TV broadcasts, the footage is shot well and looks professional. The only knock on this DVD, other than the lack of tracks, is that the editing is not too good. Apparently, this was a live show that the broadcaster would break for commercials (really?) or something, and then go back to the show. The songs on the DVD don't flow because there are minor interruptions in the footage. That being said, it didn't matter because the footage on this DVD is amazing. the band sounds great and plays very well. If you're a Dio fan, you must own this DVD.
Bottom Line: Vintage Dio with the classic line-up. Need I say more?
- Ragman is reminded of how bad-assed Vivian was and wishes that he still played that way...