Dio concert review; Dec 04th, 1996 by Michael Guzzo

The following is a review of the first Dio show on the Angry Machines tour, originally mailed to me. Republished here with permission from the author. I had to edit the layout a little bit for better outlook on web, but all the information is still intact.

From: Michael Guzzo (mguzzo@erols.com)
Subject: Dio Show 12/4/96 in Springfield, VA
Date: Thu, 05 Dec 1996 09:55:14 +0000

Saw Dio last night a small venue, "JAXX" in Springfield, VA. Haven't seen him since "Lock Up the Wolves" tour in New York City. As usual, Ronnie was in top form. Voice was tops, sound was good (although he had a few problems with his mic and looked kind of pissed off at some guy backstage) and he seemed pleased. The set list was, as I remember it, in about this order:

• Jesus, Mary, and the Holy Ghost
• Straight Through the Heart
• Don't Talk To Strangers
• Holy Diver
• Double Monday
• Stand Up and Shout
• Hunter of the Heart
• Heaven & Hell
• Mistreated
• Big Sister
• The Last in Line
  Encores:
  
• Rainbow in the Dark
• Mob Rules

Comments: 1st and foremost, Tracy G. blows. I've never seen anybody play with less enthusiasm at any show - ever. He should be Tracy 'B' for the "Butcher" 'cause that's what he did with all of Vivian's solos. It's not even like he's trying put his stamp on the solo and add a lick here or there. I seriously don't think he could play them. I coudn't even discern what part of the solo(s) he was trying to fake at times. He really sucks. His solo was somewhat reminiscent of Jimmy Page's solo in "The Song Remains the Same" with a couple of Van Halen artificial harmonics thrown in for fun. He hardly touched the fretboard. I truly do not see what Ronnie sees in him.

2nd- Lose the Solos, Ronnie. Everybody was heading for the bathrooms during the drum solo, and I wish I'd gone when Tracy G. had his solo. Those10-12 minutes could have been 3 more songs in the set. We know Vinny is a good drummer and any guitarist can showcase his prowess on records and during the show.

3rd- The man still rocks and hits every note. He's got so much material to draw from, it's gotta be hard to pick what to play. However, he mixed it up pretty good, and proved that he can still do it - even if he is 50ish.

MG