As I reported not too long ago, Niji Entertainment Group, the label formed by the late Ronnie James Dio and his wife/manager Wendy Dio, is ready to open the gates for their first release. The release is a double-disc set titled “Dio At Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987” and it documents two legendary performances at the Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donnington. The first disc was recorded at Dio’s debut Donnington performance in 1983 while on tour supporting “Holy Diver”. The second disc of “Dio At Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987” recorded in 1987 has Dio sounding larger than life while touring in support of the “Dream Evil” album. This show also features Craig Goldie on guitar who had been picked as the replacement for Vivian Campbell.
Both shows are amazing in their own right but it will be cool to compare and contrast Dio in their early incarnation and a much more seasoned and strong Dio who was already 4 years deep into their career. The setlists are great representations of Dio’s already impressive career with Rainbow, Black Sabbath and finally as a successful solo artist in the band baring his own name.
According to Niji Entertainment, The set will be released as a deluxe digipak including a booklet filled with rare photographs and liner notes, and original replica all-access laminates from both shows. Ronnie was the executive producer on the Donington project, and was very much looking forward to the release.
“Dio At Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987” track listing:
CD 1: 1983
01. Stand Up And Shout
02. Straight Through The Heart
03. Children Of The Sea
04. Rainbow In The Dark
05. Holy Diver
06. Drum Solo
07. Stargazer
08. Guitar Solo
09. Heaven And Hell
10. Man On The Silver Mountain
11. Starstruck
12. Man On The Silver Mountain (Reprise)
CD 2: 1987
01. Dream Evil
02. Neon Knights
03. Naked In The Rain
04. Rock And Roll Children
05. Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll
06. The Last In Line
07. Children Of The Sea
08. Holy Diver
09. 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