Dio - Philadelphia Freedom (2023)

SUPERB EARLY DIO SHOW IN THE WAKE OF THE BAND’S FIRST ALBUM After reigning as lead ghoul in two prototypical metal bands - Black Sabbath and Rainbow - Ronnie James struck out on his own in 1983 - because he knew he could do it better. He certainly didn't disappoint with Holy Diver, the first album from the band that could only be known as DIO. Like fellow black magicians Ozzy Osbourne and King Diamond before him, Dio had a preternatural ability to surround himself with virtuoso musicians capable of bringing his medieval fantasies to fruition. As though the molten-metal assault of his band wasn't enough, Dio augmented his arsenal with outrageous theatrics, including (but not limited to) explosions, smoke and fire, a castle, lasers and a sword fight with a 20-foot dragon. Yes, it was that awesome. All the finest moments from Holy Diver are brought to life during this incredible show, which the band performed at Philadelphia’s Spectrum on the night of August 25th 1984, alongside a post-Ozzy Sabbath classic, and what would no doubt have been Dio's signature theme if he hadn't immediately crushed it with his solo debut: Rainbow's ‘Man on the Silver Mountain.’ All cuts are flawlessly executed by Ronnie James's team of ringers, and the show remains a true favourite among fans. Recorded for live FM Radio broadcast, this entire gig is now available of this new CD set for all to enjoy.