Dio concert review; April 14th, 1997 by Scott Young

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

From: Scott (sajung@cord.iupui.edu)
Subject: Concert Review
Date: Tue, 15 Apr 1997 18:09:19 -0500

When: 14.4.97
Where: Vogue, Indianapolis, IN USA
Opening Act: My Dying Bride
By: ScottYoung

The 8:00 show started around 8:30 with the opening act, My Dying Bride. Needless to say, they were not up to par (being as kind as I can). The dark sound lent to a crowd of the blind and deaf. The synchronized head banging to seemed to be more choreographed than there stop and go 'melodic' sound. The reeled through a set featuring the ominous "This Song Sucks" Part I,II,& III. They ended their set with "This Song Sucks and It's our Last", which incited a roar from the crowd. Well on with why we were there.

Dio hit the stage in grand fashion. The standing room only, was ready to rock! With the temperature rising and the sound raging, Dio pleased the crowd with almost all the songs off Holy Diver. "Straight Through the Heart", "Holy Diver", "Don't Talk to Strangers", "Stand Up and Shout", "Rainbow in the Dark" were true to form with all the raw energy of 14 years ago. "Gypsy" was especially raging, with the crowd moving in unison with fist raised and pumping. Vinnie ,Tracy, and Larry were a treat to see as the trio had opportunities to showcase their talent's. "Long Live Rock and Roll", "Man on the Silver Mountain", & "Mistreated" we on from start to finish with Dio playing the crowd as well as any performer I have ever seen.

The show lasted for about two hours, which kept security busy. A few idiots in the front thought they were at a Jane's Addictions concert a started a mosh pit. I didin't mind because they were removed, I found myself closer to the action :-)

Dio was in peak form as he jammed thru "Last in Line", "Heaven and Hell", & "We Rock". If you haven't seen Dio yet or it has been a few years since you last saw him, try to see the best 5'3" rocker in the world....