Ronnie James Dio Concert Released By Rhino Records On DVD

Artist: DIO
Title: Sacred Heart-The Video (1986/2004)
Genre: Rock-Metal
Format: DVD [ 60 MIN.; COLOR; NOT RATED]
Release Date: Mar 23, 2004
Label: Rhino Records-http://www.rhino.com
Website: http://www.ronniejamesdio.com

It was not too long ago that I criticized Ronnie James Dio for not developing and furthering his music, even though he has enjoyed a long and successful career. I got a dose of reality after listening to him talk about his career on the Sacred Heart DVD. Dio spoke of how the fans have always wanted the same thing from him and his bands, they expect a certain sound and show, and he gives it to them. It is as simple as that so I cannot fault the man for wanting to keep his fans happy, its also smart business.

A performance in 1986 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia from the Sacred Heart tour captures Dio and his band in high gear. They were tearin’ it up on this magical night and the crowd loved every minute of it. Fortunately, the show was captured for all of us old head bangers (and young) to enjoy nearly 20 years later.

This was Dio in his prime. With a successful stint with Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow and a few solo albums under his belt, the man was a seasoned pro and he exuded confidence in each performance during this concert. While his band was in accord with his every move, the audience fell right into the palm of his hand.

The quality of the video is quite good considering it was prior to all of the advances in technology from the ‘90s and beyond. It is a shame it only lasted 60 minutes. Regardless of wanting more, it was a solid 60 minutes of rock ‘n’ roll bliss with one of the major figures in rock music history Ronnie James Dio. It does not get much better. The lights, props and all-around stage show were terrific and in addition to all of that, a good interview with Dio and his guitar player Craig Goldy made for a nearly complete audiovisual experience. This one is a real keeper.

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck-http://www.muzikreviews.com

March 27, 2004

Rating-8/10

Dio’s Band:

Craig Goldy-Guitar
Claude Schnell-Keyboards
Jimmy Bain-Bass
Vinny Appice-Drums

1. Draco Ignis
2. King Of Rock And Roll
3. Time To Burn
4. The Last In Line/Holy Diver
5. Heaven And Hell
6. Sacred Heart
7. Rock 'N' Roll Children
8. Long Live Rock 'N' Roll
9. Man On The Silver Mountain
10. Rock 'N' Roll Children (Reprise)
11. Rainbow In The Dark
12. Hungry For Heaven