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Ronnie James Dio was dominant in 2007 as Heaven and Hell shook the downtown
The late Ronnie James Dio’s devil’s horns were the hit of the evening when Black Sabbath alumni played Sault Ste. Marie in 2007. Dio died three years later, in 2010. Bendiksby, Terje/AFP/Getty Images
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The Sault Star’s Jeffrey Ougler was in his element, reviewing a dynamite rock/metal show put on by Black Sabbath alumni Ronnie James Dio, Terence (Geezer) Butler, Tony Iommi and Vinny Appice, as the unit Heaven and Hell, which played the former Steelback Centre in 2007. Ougler spoke to Butler prior to the show and was jacked to take his seat among so many other metal enthusiasts that unforgettable March evening. Here is Ougler’s review as it appeared in the March 21, 2007 edition of The Sault Star.
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Anyone expecting Ronnie James Dio to pull in his horns as he reaches senior status can go square to . . . well, you know where.
The mystic Pied Piper of metal gave Sault Ste. Marie a true taste of his still superior vocal range Tuesday night, joining Black Sabbath alumni Terence (Geezer) Butler, Tony Iommi and Vinny Appice as the unit Heaven and Hell, for an evening of eardrum-crunching entertainment.
Liberally flashing his trademark devil’s horns, the still trim diminutive Dio seethed with a raw energy on stage that belied his 64 years (Wikipedia lists him being born July 10, 1942). A hairline that has crept nearly halfway up his skull only accents Dio’s bony facial features, which bear a passing resemblance to those of legendary occultist Alleister Crowley in his later years.
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For the Heaven and Hell tour, the band swept more than 20 years of dust from classic Sabbath pieces, recorded following Ozzy Osbourne’s late 1970s departure. Although a good chunk of the fist- waving fans – many crunched in like sardines on the floor of the Steelback Centre – were either in diapers or still a gleam in their father’s eye when these tracks were first laid down, their enthusiasm was nonetheless genuine. Many appeared to know lyrics by heart when Dio coaxed a sing along.
Classics, such as Die Young, Children of the Sea, Neon Knights and The Mob Rules, were joined by new Dio/Iommi penned-pieces, including The Devil Cries. There was no phoning it in for Dio, as he belted out – with an evangelical verve – lyrics with such dark, demonic overtones that just hearing one verse would send the Rev. Jerry Falwell’s generous jowls into a ferocious quiver. Dio did miss a couple of high notes, most evident on Die Young. Less than stellar acoustics at Steelback didn’t help the matter, either.
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But generally, he was right on cue. Iommi proved, hands down, why he is still hailed as one of the undisputed kings of the heavy metal axe. A solo leading into Die Young was nothing less than blistering. Both he and Butler were fairly stationary throughout the performance – not a sign of age or lethargy. Both have traditionally stuck close to the sidelines, affording Osbourne and Dio ample leg room.
Appice proved an able replacement for original Sabbath drummer Bill Ward, slated at first to be part of the Heaven and Hell project – Sabbath is still together, but on hiatus – but subsequently dropped out.
There’s no doubt the mob ruled Tuesday night, as front-row roughhousing was sometimes reminiscent of Altamont, albeit a little less deadly. The mosh pits and crowd surfing were lively, but never out of hand. There was plenty of black apparel, leather, cleavage, long hair, no hair – what you’d expect at a heavy metal concert.
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Somewhat disappointing were the empty seats along the Steelback’s far end and some uninhabited floor space. This was surprising given the legendary status of the players and the relatively inexpensive ticket price.
Baby-boomers aren’t entirely to blame.
Dave Mustaine and Megadeth aren’t exactly dull stars in the metal universe. The opening act has established itself as thrash-metal icons. Those present Tuesday night overwhelmingly approved with pumped fists, especially when Mustaine and the boys put their touch on a Metallica piece. (The speed metal pioneer was a Metallica member before getting the boot.)
Why more Gen-Xers couldn’t have coughed up $59 for Megadeth or fellow openers Down is beyond bewildering.
But sheer enthusiasm, especially on the floor, more than made up for bare chairs. And don’t be surprised if someone flashes you the devil’s horns this week.
It’s contagious.
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