Black Sabbath - The Dio Years

What can I say, or rather how can a review encompass how enthralled and honoured I was to witness four true legends on stage. The magnitude of this event to a fan such as I was definitely a highlight of my life.

I was not alone. As I map the Brisbane Entertainment Centre I found myself amongst fans that are true fans of the 1970’s era of Blues Roots Metal Music, you know, those that appreciate bands such as Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin and of course the purpose of our gathering this night, Black Sabbath, the Dio years.

Metal heads young and old, an entourage of bikers and metal enthusiasts flocked for a piece of memorabilia at this momentous event. After a few chilled brews with my fellow metal heads we made our way to our pews as the church bells beckon us.

Like an introduction to a gothic thriller, the chords of the church organ summoned the congregation to a black mass, hands raised to worship the princes of darkness - \m/\m/

Violet light lit the stage and the curtains drew back to reveal a medieval church setting, with the drums as its altar and Vinnie Appice the high priest.

With the “moonlight” streaming through the stained glass windows, Tony Iommi launches into the opening riff to “Mob Rules”. Geezer Butler and Ronnie James Dio complete the line up for what is a reunion that has taken over 15 years to witness – Black Sabbath, The Dio Years - Heaven and Hell Tour 2007

Performing since the 70’s, Dio has fronted legendary bands such as Elf, Rainbow and had a successful solo career as Dio. Black Sabbath - the Dio years formed in 1980 and released multiple albums - “Heaven and Hell” (1980), followed by “Mob” (1981), Dehumanizer (1992) and Live Evil (1982). The success of these albums took the Sabbath legacy to new heights and away from the commercial riff-raff it was caught up in. With Dio as the front man, Sabbath began to reignite and was achieving global recognition.

“Children of the Sea”, which was the 1st song ever written by Dio’s Black Sabbath, was belted out through the massive PA system. Another classic, “Voodoo”, had Dio enticing the crowd to chant “Bring me your children, they'll burn! Never look back, never turn! Cry me a river, you'll learn – Voodoo!” This was followed by a 10 minute jaw dropping drum solo by Vinnie Appice who joined in 1981, replacing Bill Ward. I’d lost count on how many pieces the kit consisted of, and to be honest didn’t really care as I was mesmerised by his talent to boot; his original technique and set-up had every drummer in the house drooling and making mental notes for their next drum kit setup. This was signed off with pyrotechnics letting off a mass of smoke to give the impression that the magician had left the room - “Shazam” - leaving one and all spellbound!

From here the highlights just kept coming. Tony Iommi (who I should mention is the only member to have remained in Black Sabbath throughout the band's entire lifespan) broke into a solo for “Die Young”, with blistering licks and fastidiousness; the pioneer of heavy metal riffing was once again God to every guitarist in the room This solo led into another, with the spotlight glinting off his Gibson SG. Tony carved through the solo on the fabled tale ballad of “Falling off the edge of the World”.

Master of death and destruction, wizard of mantra - Geezer is known for revolutionising the bass playing technique by de-tuning below the standard E. Pounding his 4 string Lakland, Butler stood firm to the ground and front of the stage, hammering with his fellow Gods of thunder.

Riding on the wing of an encore, and farewelling their song to never be chanted no more, Dio announced their bon voyage to Brisbane, and “Neon Knight”.

“Bloodied angels fast descending moving on a never-bending light. Phantom figures free forever out of shadows, shining ever-bright”.

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