DIO
Donington ‘83 & Donington ‘87
Niji Entertainment Group
The Backstory
Both Donington ‘83 and Donington ‘87 have been previously released. In 2010, these live performances were combined as two CD set. It was the first release from Ronnie James Dio & Wendy Dio’s imprint Niji Entertainment Group. So why are we here again?
First of all, the release is long out of print. Second, the 2022 re-releases are available on vinyl for the first time. Third, there is a lot of renewed interest in DIO as of late with the 40th anniversary of their debut album Holy Diver, their song “Rainbow In The Dark” appearing in the latest Thor movie, and the recently released Ronnie James Dio documentary DIO: Dreamers Never Die.
Donington ‘83
DIO was pretty low on the card at The Monsters of Rock in 1983. Ronnie James Dio was fresh out of BLACK SABBATH, assembled the DIO band, and released their debut album Holy Diver mere months before this performance. The Monsters of Rock featured WHITESNAKE headlining, MEAT LOAF, ZZ TOP, and TWISTED SISTER performing after DIO. Let’s face it, DIO had a lot to prove then, and prove it they did!
Ronnie, Vivian Campbell, Jimmy Bain, and Vinny Appice are simply on fire at Donington ‘83. They whip the crowd into a frenzy with their opener “Stand Up and Shout”, followed by “Straight Through The Heart”. It is clear that DIO have captured the crowd and have them eating out of their hands. Since the group only had one album behind them, they had to supplement with material from BLACK SABBATH and RAINBOW.
It’s funny looking back that the four songs the band played from their debut were 4 of their most enduring songs over the decades. They had no idea at the time how things would play out. DIO’s performance of “Heaven And Hell” clocks in at 11 minutes and never gets boring.
Vivian Campbell’s solo work throughout the set is second to none. Vinny and Jimmy hold up the back end with perfect timing and play well with each other. Ronnie’s vocals at Donington ‘83 are powerful, energetic, and commanding. It's no surprise that Ronnie reached the heights that he did.
Donington ‘87
DIO now have four years and four albums under their belt. The band has moved up the card with only BON JOVI headlining after them. Below them are METALLICA, ANTHRAX, W.A.S.P. and CINDERELLA. Gone is Vivian Campbell, with his departure being well documented over the years. On guitar is Craig Goldy, who would form a long relationship with Ronnie James Dio.
This performance coincides with the release of DIO’s 1987 album Dream Evil, so it only makes sense they kick the set off with the title track. It’s a bit odd that they chose to follow that song with BLACK SABBATH’s “Neon Knights” instead of pushing it more towards the middle or end. I can probably name 5 DIO songs that should have been in this set instead.
Donington ‘87 overall is another fantastic performance by DIO, but so very different from the ‘83 show. Here the band sounds more mature and seasoned, but in ‘83 they're a bit on the raw side, and full of more piss and vinegar.
Ronnie adds a little more to the story of “Last In Line”. DIO combines pieces of “Children of The Sea” with “Holy Diver”, but these are more teasers than full performances. They do make a great segway into “Heaven and Hell”. It doesn’t matter which show you are listening to, DIO plays their RAINBOW material at double time. The crowd becomes unhinged with the closer “Rainbow In The Dark”.
The Verdict
Donington ‘83 and Donington ‘87 are peas in pod, representing the beginning and pinnacle of DIO. Neither performance could be improved upon, though you could probably live without “Naked In Rain” in the set list of ‘87. I’ve heard all of the DIO live releases (with the exception of 1986’s Intermission), and the Donington performances are at the top of the pile.
If you have the 2010 CD release there is no reason to seek out the 2022 version. However, if you are a vinyl collector, or became one after the 2010 release, then by all means add these sets to your collection. The 2022 CD versions come with updated artwork inside and a 3D cover, which they call ‘lenticular’ these days. It appears the same goes for the LPs.
Donington ‘83 - 5.0 out of 5.0
Donington ‘87 - 4.8 out of 5.0
