Live From Radio City Music Hall [Live]

Why this band isn't called BLACK SABBATH completely escapes me. I suppose people will say it's to avoid people buying concert tickets and turning up to see OZZY with his old band - but is anyone really that stupid? Dio, Iommi, Butler, Appice is not THE classic Sabbath line-up, but it certainly is A classic Sabbath line-up. This band was together back in 1980, touring the classic album 'Heaven and Hell' and their announcement of a worldwide reunion tour this year sparked great excitement in the world of rock and metal.

Recorded early on in the tour, 'Live at Radio City Music Hall' does exactly what is says on the tin! This is a full HEAVEN & HELL, sold out show from the legendary venue in downtown Manhattan, New York, captured on DVD and double CD. For Dio-era Sabbath fans, this release is an absolutely essential purchase. The video editing is excellent, with just the right amount of cuts and angles. As for the sound, it's also superb, thus making the CD worthwhile to enjoy the concert experience on the move.

As you'd expect, the setlist is made up of purely Dio-era Sabbath - with the best songs from 'Heaven and Hell', 'Mob Rules' and 'Dehumanizer' (although where's 'Time Machine'?). There's also the 3 brand new songs from the new 'Dio Years' collection, released in the summer. There are only two moments in the show where you can go and make a cuppa. There's the obligatory drum solo (zzzzzzzzz) and then the 45 minute version of 'Heaven and Hell' - OK, I'm exaggerrating, but the live version of the song doesn't half drag on!

As for the band's performance, Ronnie James Dio's voice is starting to show it's age, but he does sound better here than on his last live release, 2005's 'Holy Diver Live' (as DIO). Tony Iommi's plastic tipped fingers are still going strong, as he churns out his masterful riffs and terrific, blues influenced solos. As for Geezer Butler and Vinnie Appice, well, it would be harder to find a more reliable rhythm section.

In terms of DVD extras, there's plenty, including lots of interesting band interviews and a good insight behind the scenes of a HEAVEN & HELL show. Certainly, well worth a watch. Overall, this is a great package and fantastic document of a very important piece of BLACK SABBATH history. If this doesn't wet your appetite for the UK tour in November, then nothing will!

Friday now - got this show on Tuesday evening. Played it non stop since then. It;s absolutely brilliant. Just short of 2 hours of non stop heavy rock. I was never a Tony Iommi in the 70s but my God he's so damn good. I also used to think Ossie was the only singer for Black Sabbath - how wrong was I. Stand outs - very hard cos its so consistently good. But a reworked "Heaven and Hell" is inspired. Any downers - OK the 3 or minute drum solo on dsc 1 is unnecessary and the long fade out of audience sounds is a bit indulgent. But what the hell its just a joy to listen to.

Heaven and Hell or Black Sabbath incarnate instrumentally are great during this live concert but i would say not quite as good as the Live in Europe Album.
The Truth let it be known here is that the tracks on the Devil You Know Album are first class but this is where so tragically the Band come to a shuddering halt with no one knowing in the band
that Ronnie James Dio was suffering from stomach cancer and the vocal performance reminds me of what we all know now but didn't know then.
I hate seeing or hearing great singers or rock vocalists sounding out of there range and struggling whereas the rest of the band are on top form but this most definitely was not Ronnie's Fault.
I was looking forward to some more albums by Heaven and Hell(Black Sabbath) with Ronnie Dio in good health and feel a sadness that this legendary Rock Vocalist should be cut down in his prime.
I will give this album 5 stars for the genius and bravery of Heavy Rock Legend Ronnie James Dio !!!!
A Sad Epitaph for a Great Band!!!!