Dio concert review; April 5th, 1997 by Jim Pennewell

The following is a review of a Dio show of the third US leg of the Angry Machines, originally mailed to me.

From: PENNJJPE@aol.com
Subject: DIO 4-5-97 in Denver
Date: Sun, 6 Apr 1997 14:45:07 -0400 (EDT)

When you hear the word "magic", Dio should be what comes to mind! He's been performing "magic" for years! I believe he'll continue, also, as he is the true "Last in Line". After all of these musicians have come and gone, Dio will still be shining on stage, even for just a few fans!

A terrific show at the Ogden Theater in Denver, Colorado on Saturday, April 5, 1997. Dio will never disappoint (I saw him play in Orlando, Florida at a small venue and the stage lights died...He still played that whole show in on dimmly lit stage...I have the photos to prove it!) !! Any night is an amazing night when you are lucky enough to hear Dio's immaculate vocals! He was flawless in Denver, even at the risk of the cold weather and later tour date.

It was a pleasure beyond words when I heard the start of "Heaven & Hell" and later when he belted out "Mob Rules"!! Also when the sound of some Rainbow tunes filled the small venue, the only thing you could see on my face was a huge smile. I had thoughts of him deciding to do some Elf tunes or maybe something from "Butterfly Ball"!! The crowd was very accepting, even though the stage was relatively plain. A few good colored lights, a nice backdrop, and a couple of small sidedrops. Hey, even if Dio sang a cappella without any lighting or stage set, he would still shine!

The sound was little muffled when he spoke in between songs ( a factor probably contributing to the quickness of his voice and the screaming fans), but the music was great! Vinnie, as always, was amazing! A little more effort could have been made on the bass and guitar solos, but they still worked.

The Ogden Theater was a SOLD OUT show! Get your tickets Dioites!! Don't miss him! I got to meet him after the show and the man is a true squire! Only about 10-15 fans hanging out in the back (the temp was very cold). When he came out, someone who worked for Dio said he was going on the bus and would be out in about five minutes to sign autographs. At that moment Dio said it would be less than five minutes because everyone had been waiting a long time in the cold. Sure enough it was about 3 minutes and Dio did not rush anyone! He took the time to talk, sign, and even snap a couple of photos! A genuine star!!! Anyone lucky enough to see him...ENJOY HIM!

-Jim Pennewell, Colorado, USA