Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Dio - Holy Diver: Live - 2006 - Eagle Records

Track ListingDISC 1: 1. Stand Up & Shout 2. Holy Diver 3. Gypsy 4. Caught In The Middle 5. Don't Talk To Strangers 6. Straight Through The Heart 7. Invisible 8. Rainbow In The Dark 9. Shame On The Night DISC 2: 1. Tarot Woman 2. Sign Of The Southern Cross 3. One Night In The City 4. Gates Of Babylon 5. Heaven & Hell 6. Man On The Silver Mountain 7. Long Live Rock 'N' Roll 8. We Rock

I'll have to be honest with you. How many live Dio records do we need at this point in time? With my collection already packed to the ceiling with Ronnie's participation in Sabbath, Elf, Rainbow, and, of course, his solo projects, just counting originals. Then we have greatest hits packages, videos, and the countless remasters...well I'm needing to free up some space as it is. We already have "Intermission", "Inferno: Last In Line", "Evil Or Divine", and, well "Live Evil" as representations of his live performances. Now Eagle Rock Entertainment has brought us another live show entitled "Holy Diver: Live".

This recording took place at the Astoria Theatre in London back in 1995. "Holy Diver: Live" is exactly that, featuring a full disc performance of the metal icon running through his entire '83 debut album from start to finish. The sound quality is tight, but the guitars are slightly lower than what I have come to expect in my live settings. Ronnie's voice is right on target, and he runs through every track to the last note of "Shame On The Night" before speaking to the hot crowd. Disc two features Dio performing some of his other material, going from Sabbath classics like "Sign Of The Southern Cross" and "Heaven & Hell" to solo cuts like "We Rock". He also checks in with some early Rainbow on "Gates Of Babylon" and "Man On The Silver Mountain" among others.

The packaging showcases some colorful live photos of the band, and even features some written commentary from Dave Ling (Classic Rock Magazine). The concert was also recorded for a DVD release as well, which is also available through Eagle Records.



--EC 07.02.06