Dio: Finding the Sacred Heart—Live in Philly 1986

Metal howler Ronnie James Dio, who died in 2010, pulls out all the stops for this satisfying 1986 show at Philadelphia's Spectrum Arena, where the quintet was touring behind their third album, Sacred Heart. The red and green lights, castle turrets, and fire-breathing animatronic dragon (nicknamed "Dean") all help lend a medieval flair to the proceedings, while audience members respond in kind with devil horns. Although Dio's silver-studded, black leather look hadn't changed much since the 1970s, his band mates reflect the 1980s with their big hair, and red, white, and gold-accented outfits. Drummer Vinny Appice and keyboard player Claude Schnell play atop vertiginous risers, while Dio, bassist Jimmy Bain, and guitarist Craig Goldy (replacing Vivian Campbell) roam across the king-sized stage. Appice, who delivers a long solo after "Last in Line/Children of the Sea/Holy Diver"—the highlight of this 16-song set—bangs the skins with laser-lit sticks on a gargantuan drum kit (Goldy and Schnell enjoy solos, as well). The band engages in a minimum of patter here, although Dio introduces a few numbers, such as "Don't Talk to Strangers" from their first album (Holy Diver), and "Hungry for Heaven," from the movie Vision Quest. Other songs and medleys stem from Dio's years with Black Sabbath ("Heaven and Hell") and Rainbow ("Rock 'n' Roll Children/Long Live Rock 'n' Roll/Man on the Silver Mountain"). Extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes, interviews with Dio and Goldy, and the music video for “Rock ‘n' Roll Children.” Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and LPCM stereo on Blu-ray, this is recommended. (K. Fennessy)