Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #40466 in DVD
• Released on: 2006-05-22
• Rating: Exempt
• Aspect ratio: 1.77:1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1

Customer Reviews

DIO - Holy Diver Live
RONNIE JAMES DIO or Ronnie James Neo? As with many acts these days, DIO is an artist who, in recent years, has released a live album circa every new studio album. 'Killing The Dragon' was followed by 'Evil Or Divine', while last opus 'Master Of The Moon' preceeds his current release - 'Holy Diver - live'.

One more for the road then, but tellingly, this is not just another live release - nods to M & S commercials aside, this is a live collection that sees RJD perform the classic 'Holy Diver' album in its entirety - and some job at that. In spite of inevitable signs of strain and sometimes ludicrous improvisation, DIO remains an unbelievable live vocalist, flying the flag for old school heavy metal at full mast with both flair and gusto.
'Holy Diver', 'Don't Talk To Strangers' & 'Rainbow In The Dark' are probably the most popular classics from the album, while lesser known vintages such as 'Gypsy' & 'Caught In The Middle' truly justify the success of this project - and reason 26 to shop for Dio (shepherds pie just out of shot).

Concerning other fan favourites, its the same old song - heavyweight material from his RAINBOW and BLACK SABBATH days to keep even his most ardent fans happy, including a shortened version of the epic 'Sign Of The Southern Cross' and magnificent cuts of 'Stargazer' & 'Tarot Woman'.

Sadly, there's no material from 'Master Of The Moon' itself - disappointing given the album's quality, but given the only song to feature on the tour was 'The Eyes', you wouldn't have bet on any appearances. Finally, its interesting to note that DIO has recorded his latest live chapter with his former guitarist. - Doug Aldrich - originally in DIO during the 'Killing The Dragon' era before packing his bags and joining WHITESNAKE - stands in for the unavailable Craig Goldy. Despite a blistering, 'groupies throw your knickers at him' performance, DIO still manages to take a pop at Aldrich on the excellent 'Shame On The Night', shouting out, "Dougie, shame on you'. Whether in jest or genuinely serious, its a true rock 'n' roll moment. A cracking release - DIO and metal fans, come on down!

No frills, just good old-fashioned ROCK
Dio has, as Tenacious D point out, rocked for a long, long time but on the evidence of this live concert DVD, its going to be some time yet before he is ready to pass the torch.

This show, filmed at the London Astoria in October 2005 was built around the seminal 1983 album 'Holy Diver'. The prospect of seeing the whole of the album performed live drew in the punters wherever they played, and the Astoria was packed out to see Dio's current line-up take a step back in time. There was a late change to the squad however; regular guitarist Craig Goldy had withdrawn from the tour with a hand injury so former Dio six-stringer Doug Aldrich deputised at extremely short notice, having just completed a tour with Whitesnake.

Although the band were renowned at one time for their ever more elaborate stage sets, these days they stick to the basics, just five guys on stage, with lights, amps and a simple backdrop (of the 'Holy Diver' album cover art) - Denzil has long since been retired! The filming of the concert footage is similarly straightforward; plenty of camera angles offering many views of the band members rocking out, including one 'flying camera' over the crowd. Unlike the previous DVD: 'Evil or Divine', there is no grainy filter effect nor are there any sepia 'cut' shots - just straightforward live footage all the way.

With such a minimalist approach it falls to the guys on stage to deliver the goods, and alongside Ronnie James Dio is one of rock's real showmen in bassist Rudy Sarzo. He throws shapes many guitarists would balk at, while keeping perfect time and all with a huge grin on his face - he shows here why he has remained in demand among the premier league of hard rock. Doug Aldrich on the other side of the stage brings electrifying solos and equally dynamic stage presence to Dio. He and Sarzo are a perfect blend; the DVD is worth getting just to see these two at work. With Simon Wright driving the whole thing along with precision and Scott Warren adding the colour it is a formidable combo.

OF course the main focus is on the man who gives his name to the band: Ronnie James Dio demonstrates here just why he is held in such high regard by fans and fellow musicians alike. His voice remains strong and clear, if a little lower in pitch nowadays, and his ability to deliver his lines with such power while bounding about the stage is truly astonishing - others would need to stand and breathe deeply to do that, and to do it for two hours plus, night after night, beggars belief.

The DVD features the full set from the Astoria show, and the 'Holy Diver' segment is preceded by a short animation; an extended version of that was played each night but is edited down for this presentation. They have left in a scary moment when a stage intruder dared to invade during 'Heaven and Hell'; not the brightest thing that fan ever did but it was handled superbly by the singer, and it did not even throw him off his stride. Both drum and guitar solos are featured in full, and a nice moment is when the camera zooms out to reveal an audience member holding a digital camera up to take a picture of Doug Aldrich in full flight. At the end of the set, with the cheers of the crowd ringing in the band's ears the footage fades out.

The interview section is reasonably standard fare, interestingly however it is bassist Rudy Sarzo who is on screen first, all band members talk about how well things had gone on the tour. Particular mention was made of the band's trip to Russia prior to the UK dates; both RJD and drummer Simon Wright spoke at length about the enjoyable experience the band members had. Finally, the crew get to speak on camera too, and it is clear they too remain fans of the 'man on the silver mountain'.

All in all a worthwhile purchase, whether you were lucky enough to see this show last year or not. The band are once again on the road this year, with Craig Goldy having recovered from injury to reclaim his guitar role, and as intimated at the top of this review, Tenacious D will have a long wait before they can expect the torch!

Classic Dio,
Okay...just finished watching the dvd.......and its amazing...much better sound than the cd....I don't know why....Guitars are louder....and Mr Dio performance is just without faults....excellent....his ability to sing these songs is still there....all the reviews about his voice being past it...are a load of crap!
The Godfather of Metal....is still sitting on top of the mountain...and nothing will knock him down!Rudy shows us why he is one of the best bass guitar players out there....magnificent is all I can say...Simon....is the imposingly splendid thunder....his drums will shake your bones,outstanding solo from Simon,Scott's playing is really good....for a metal band....you can hear Scott playing and is not missing from this Dio symphony of classic songs....which is good.I will not spoil it too much for the fans.....get out there now and get your copy now!
There is great interviews from all the band......you got digital sound 5 and 1.....DTS....the whole lot!One thing I did notice from the inner notes....apart from the mistake about ''Goldy''featured spot....when it should have been Doug.....there is no pictures of Doug on the dvd package....or inside....oh well ....we are not perfect....anyway thats just minor details....I am not a fan of Doug's playing and I will ADMIT....he is brillant on the dvd...I am just don't know what happened with the cd.....also Doug played better in London....than what he did in Glasgow..But this dvd is about the outstandingly good and skilful Mr Dio.....this is an amazing singer....who just gets better and better...Mr Dio should be proud...this is an accomplishment of something very special for the fans.....and I thank him for sharing his talent with us....Long Live Rock and Roll.
Holy Diver is a classic cd....timeless...and you get the whole cd in the show...plus classic tracks from the Rainbow and Black Sabbath days,like Tarot Woman,Gates of Babylon and much more..you also get One Night in the City and of course Heaven and Hell.This is classic Dio.