Artist: Dio 
   Title: Dio At Donington UK: Live 1983 - 1987
   Label: Niji entertainment Group 

There have been many tributes to Ronnie James Dio since his premature departure from this world but he left us a legacy that no one can replace, HIS MUSIC.

The Niji Entertainment Group was set up by Ronnie and his wife and manager Wendy earlier this year and their first release is this excellent double live CD of both the Donington live shows in 1983 & 1987.  

 “When Ronnie James Dio stepped onto the Donington stage in the summer of “83” unveiling a new band and preparing to showcase songs from a brand new album, he was an artist to whom the words “legendary’ and ‘loved’ could be evenly applied”.  

These are the opening words in the accompanying booklet that goes with this release and is as good place to start as any.

This year 2010 we have seen the rock world unite in mourning the death of a true legend in Ronnie James Dio, after losing his battle with stomach cancer. The news rocked the world of rock, not just in his own genre but many others, such was his presence and stature in the world of Rock and Metal.

Ronnie was best remembered as one of the best live frontmen in the business and he was at home on the stages of the world doing what he did best, so this double CD is a great tribute to both the man and his music, not only covering early DIO years but also his work with Rainbow and Black Sabbath with monster rock songs like ‘Man on the Silver Mountain', the uber superb 'Heaven & Hell' and who can forget 'Starstruck', 'Stargazer', 'Neon Nights', 'Children of the Sea', all these great songs along the fantastic Dio songs like 'Stand Up And Shout', 'Holy Diver', 'The Last In Line', 'Dream Evil' and so so many more. 

My fondest memories of the man are when Dio played Newcastle City Hall as part of the 'Holy Diver' tour, after the show tables were put up in the foyer and we queued outside and Ronnie and the rest of the band sat for what seemed liked ages meeting the fans and signing autographs, which nowadays bands charge for the privileged via Meet and Greets, but this was a man who connected with his audience and I will always remember that show and being able to shake hands with the great man himself afterwards. 

As well as the excellent music on this album it comes as deluxe digi-pak with a booklet filled with rare photos and liner notes also replica all access passes for both those Donington shows, to say this is a must buy for all Dio fans is an understatement, since I got this review copy it has never been off the CD player and will remain there for many months to come. 

Ronnie James Dio  - A shining light - A Rainbow in the Dark

CD 1 - 1983:

1. Stand Up And Shout
2. Straight Through The Heart
3. Children Of The Sea
4. Rainbow In The Dark
5. Holy Diver
6. Drum Solo
7. Stargazer
8. Guitar Solo
9. Heaven And Hell
10. Man On The Silver Mountain
11. Starstruck
12. Man On The Silver Mountain (Reprise)

1. Dream Evil
2. Neon Knights
3. Naked In The Rain
4. Rock And Roll Children
5. Long Live Rock N' Roll
6. The Last In Line
7. Children Of The Sea
8. Holy Diver
9. 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 

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