On July 19, 2024, Niji Entertainment and BMG will unveil “The Complete Donington Collection,” a limited-edition five-LP box set. This collection features DIO’s iconic performances at the Castle Donington festivals in 1983 and 1987, both on two-LP 180-gram vinyl with an etching on Side D. Additionally, it includes a limited picture disc titled “Double Dose of Donington ’83 and ’87.”
Wendy Dio, Ronnie James Dio’s widow and longtime manager, reminisces, “Fond memories of sitting on the grass and watching the bands play. This is an amazing collection. 1983 when Ronnie had just recently formed the DIO band and again in 1987. Ronnie always enjoyed playing in Britain. He loved the audiences and the beer!”
“Dio At Donington ’83” captures the original DIO lineup during the “Holy Diver” tour, showcasing a young and eager band just three months after their debut album release. The setlist includes classic tracks from Ronnie James Dio’s illustrious career with RAINBOW and BLACK SABBATH, alongside future hits like “Holy Diver,” “Rainbow In The Dark,” and “Stand Up And Shout.”
Following three highly successful studio albums and numerous certifications worldwide, “Dio At Donington ’87” features the “Dream Evil” lineup. This performance includes classics such as “The Last In Line,” “Rock ‘N’ Roll Children,” and “All The Fools Sailed Away.”
Both discs also offer powerful renditions of RAINBOW and BLACK SABBATH classics, including “Man On The Silver Mountain,” “Neon Knights,” “Stargazer,” and “Heaven And Hell,” among others.
Ronnie James Dio, known for his work with RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH, HEAVEN & HELL, and his own band, is often hailed as one of rock’s greatest vocalists. Despite his passing in 2010 after battling stomach cancer, Dio’s music continues to resonate with fans. His official Facebook page boasts over 2.5 million followers, and his music garners over three million monthly listeners on Spotify. In the latest season of the popular Netflix series “Stranger Things,” the character Eddie Munson proudly wears a large “DIO” patch on his denim jacket.
The track listings for “Dio At Donington ’83” are as follows:
Side A:
- Stand Up And Shout
- Straight Through The Heart
- Children Of The Sea
Side B:
- Rainbow In The Dark
- Holy Diver
- Drum Solo
- Stargazer
- Guitar Solo
Side C:
- Heaven And Hell
- Man On The Silver Mountain
- Starstruck
- Man On The Silver Mountain (Reprise)
Side D:
- DIO Vinyl Art Etching
The personnel for “Dio At Donington ’83” includes:
- Ronnie James Dio – Vocals
- Vivian Campbell – Guitar
- Jimmy Bain – Bass
- Vinny Appice – Drums
- Claude Schnell – Keyboards
The track listings for “Dio At Donington ’87” are as follows:
Side A:
- Dream Evil
- Neon Knights
- Naked In The Rain
Side B:
- Rock And Roll Children
- Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll
- The Last In Line
- Children Of The Sea
- Holy Diver
Side C:
- Heaven And Hell
- Man On The Silver Mountain
- All The Fools Sailed Away
- The Last In Line (Reprise)
- Rainbow In The Dark
Side D:
- DIO Vinyl Art Etching
The personnel for “Dio At Donington ’87” includes:
- Ronnie James Dio – Vocals
- Craig Goldy – Guitar
- Jimmy Bain – Bass
- Vinny Appice – Drums
- Claude Schnell – Keyboards
The “Double Dose Of Donington” picture disc track listings are:
Side A:
- Stand Up And Shout (Live From Donington 1983)
Side B:
- Rock And Roll Children (Live From Donington 1987)
