Dio, in my opinion, is the greatest voice in rock/metal history. He has the type of voice that brings chills and makes you think..."how can someone be that good?" A true master. Listen to "The Sign of the Southern Cross" and "Children of the Sea" live at Radio City Music Hall with the band Heaven and Hell. You don't compare Dio to anyone (Freddy Mercury? Really?), you compare everyone to Dio 😊. Glad you enjoyed this so much. R.I.P. RJD.

@cradlegrl

Жыл бұрын

I agree. Dio was in a league of his own! I was fortunate to see his last concert in 2009 in Atlantic City. His death crushed me!

@helkas3316

Жыл бұрын

NO !, "Children Of The Sea" off "Live Evil" !. Ffs !, that's the very best version and it is not subjective. His version at radio city was greatish, but, Live Evil is on fire !. Get it right !.

@bdb3223

Жыл бұрын

@@helkas3316 I got it right. I was listening to Dio while you were still in diapers.😄😄

@bobbigboss111

Жыл бұрын

You're right. Don't compare Dio to anyone. No one have so much beautiful songs as much as Dio, and no one could sing or reach his crown. Dio forever.

@wilyjetset

Жыл бұрын

@@bdb3223 @helkas3316 I like how you're both sticking to the rules - even Dio can only be compared to Dio :)

Ronnie James Dio really made Rainbow a name in history. The band Rainbow was formed by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore when he left Deep Purple and Dio was the first (and best according to me) singer in that band that lasted for many years in various lineups. Another good-to-know fact is that Dio is completely self-taught!

@wtglb

Жыл бұрын

Agree, Dio was best vocalist, but the second best IMO, was Doogie White, his “Hall of the Mountain King” is just stellar!

@dolphin8077

Жыл бұрын

Agree 👍 Dio, Cozy Powell and Blackmore, what a powerful and iconic trio🌈🤘🏼🥁🎸

@tommillsap7120

Жыл бұрын

Rainbow - Mistreated live in Munich '77

@helkas3316

Жыл бұрын

@@tommillsap7120 Yeah, if you want to spend the day listening to it. Children of the Sea off LIVE EVIL epitomizes Dio's full capabilities. If you disagree, listen to it in its entirety uninterrupted by girlfriends, wives, children, pets, brats, and cellphones, or even loud sharp knocks at the door with yelling commands to open or we're coming in !.

@bobbigboss111

Жыл бұрын

@@wtglb Doogie White? How many hit song he own? Don't get me wrong. The man could sing but not like Dio and not my type!

Mr Lavigne, for a real and glorious live performance, I suggest Mistreated from the 1977 Munich concert. Amazing.

@wtglb

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

@shadybrain3424

Жыл бұрын

one of the best vocal performances ive seen on yt

@BegToDiffah

Жыл бұрын

Truth!

@SupaBeluga

Жыл бұрын

This is the best Dio live performance that has been recorded. An absolute must-see for his canon

@skatzoheros9

Жыл бұрын

I agree mistreated is stunning.

I think the live version of "Heaven and Hell" by Black Sabbath is one of Dio's finest performances - highest recommendation.

@pensiobengt

Жыл бұрын

Have to agree with Heaven and Hell!

@langdalepaul

Жыл бұрын

Which live version? From Live Evil?

@rickandgen

Жыл бұрын

Agree, preferably the Live Evil version ( including Sign of the Southern Cross)

@thewicked0ne

Жыл бұрын

@@langdalepaul The Black n Blue version: kzread.info/dash/bejne/p4t1ysZte868hbg.html

@pappapata

Жыл бұрын

I Agree👌👍

I saw an interview once in which Ronnie was asked how he warms up his voice before performing. He said "I drink one beer, and smoked half a joint" 😊

@tdog8507

3 ай бұрын

Just naturally gifted.

The ULTIMATE CLASSIC of DIO,BLACKMORE & POWELL ! ......STILL on of the Greatest Rock Songs ever Written !!!!!

@Fuxerz

5 ай бұрын

Stargazer is epic. That's probably Blackmore's best work on tape. You had to see Blackmore live to appreciate how great he is. A mount rushmore guitarist.

his stamina is largely credited to him playing trumpet as a young man-evidently his father made sure he would practice for hours

This song is epic in every way. Blackmore's solo is easily his best and is in the top 10 without question. Don't let Dio's pretty voice get in the way Ken. Just close your eyes and let his voice carry you to another universe. This song is from the album Rising 1976.

Flawless, effortless and timeless. The diminutive man with the gargantuan voice. He stole every show. No matter what you pick next, it will be incredible. 🤘

@abraxasvoice440

Жыл бұрын

No shit!!!😅

Thank you Ken... This song is an epytome of Heavy/Power Metal by the "God Voice" himself. Thanks for the reaction and analysis. If you want to see more of Dio, I would suggest his take on "Mistreated", by Deep Purple, the live version.

@jeffreymeyer4848

Жыл бұрын

YEESSSSSS!!!!!!!!

Probably one of the most innovative most melodic singers of his time. Yeah he's a God

Cudos for the remark of Dio's traditional italian singing! No reactor (i've seen many so far) has detected that bellcanto influence he carried along to rock/metal!👍🙂And added to that the comedia del Arte theatricality puring out of him..Operatic clear intonation has roots on that volk tradition in Italy (everything pronounced clear and intense-the Mediterranean temperamento is the reason here)😂

@Nissardpertugiu

Жыл бұрын

Considering what his background is, family wise...

Gates of babylon is another great song if you want to stick with Dio, is wonderful

This is a montage of live shots laid over the recorded version. These performances are from the mid 70's and did not have the modern equipment required to capture the true sound of the show. I was there in Chicago for the 1977 live show. Trust me, The entire audience was standing on their chairs with their jaws agape. Ronnie's voice was so powerful and the band was kicking on all cylinders. It was glorious to say the least. You are so correct. This song was Ritchie's answer to Zeppelin's Kashmir. Rainbow Rising. The 2nd effort from the band. My favorite and the beginning of neo-classical metal. Ronnie played trumpet when he was younger. I think this helped him to develop his lung power.

@jenifferjones

6 ай бұрын

Lucky dude, seen him later in the 80's, but would of liked to see him with Rainbow but drafts I was only 11 no chance.

You can take any song from Rainbows live gig in Munich 1977 and it's super good. Very underrated band.

@jelly-baby

Жыл бұрын

I would have upvoted until you used the U word

@ImDembe

Жыл бұрын

@@jelly-baby Why is that? Ask random people, they know Deep Purple, probably who Dio is or a song or two but get one to name a Ranbow song with Dio on vocals good luck.

@jelly-baby

Жыл бұрын

@ForWhomTheBellsTolls because underrated is the most overused word on KZread. At the time, Rainbow and Dio were big, and recognised. Just because people can't name his work currently doesn't equal underrated. I expect some people can't name The Beatles, or their songs.

@charbelhaddad3057

Жыл бұрын

Mistreated - catch the rainbow - man on the silver mountain - etc all in Munich

@johnraina4828

11 ай бұрын

@@charbelhaddad3057 yes in Munich

One of my DIO favorites is “Last in Line.”

@jeremiahrose4681

Жыл бұрын

Great song

It's Dio... I mean what else needs to be said. Arguably the greatest untrained rock singer in history.

Rainbow - Mistreated (Live in Munich 1977) - kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZYadrK2uidnfYNY.html I think this song should conclude the Rainbow era of Dio.

@earnestbass4092

Жыл бұрын

Yes. That is a great suggestion. One of my Rainbow faves!

@josephstude5638

Жыл бұрын

mine also, love to see this one.

Rainbow with Dio : Mistreated (Live Munich ),the Cover Version of the Deep Purple Song with Coverdale on Vocals.

All the fools sail away, is a Dio track that is well worth exploring

Rainbow was one of the best rock bands ever. Dio on vocals and Ritchie Blackmore from Deep Purple pn guitar.

@brucedickinson12

Жыл бұрын

And cozy Powell on drums

@alexandremaireno-ni4ec

Жыл бұрын

With Jimmy Bain then Bob Daisley on bass...one of the best line-ups ever put together

He didn't even use to warm up before he entered the stage. A true force of nature.

I remember an interview, probably in a magazine. Ronnie said he listened to a lot of opera growing up and especially loved Mario Lanza. He had no formal classical training vocally.

@Stefan-

Жыл бұрын

Yes, he had no vocal training at all in fact.

@MsBenlane

Жыл бұрын

@@Stefan- neither did bruce dickinson and rob halford. is there a rock singer who did?

@Stefan-

Жыл бұрын

@@MsBenlane Im sure there are lots and lots that have training especially these days, back then it was probably less common but my point was mainly that one of the most highly regarded singers (Dio) had no vocal training which is impressive. The singer in an earlier band (prog metal) that i was in used to give vocal lessons to singers, thats probably my only concrete example at the moment but thats because i really havent looked into who had lessons or how common it is.

One vocal coach who wanted to learn about metal watched a bunch of interviews with metal singer's. She was amazed that most of them were influenced by the same 3 singer's. Rob Halford, Bruce Dickinson and Dio . They are metal gods , to most metal heads .

Someone do early Dio. ELF....."Carolina County Ball".

@wtglb

Жыл бұрын

Yes!! And Ronnie & The Prophets!

@timcliffsmith

Жыл бұрын

Or Nevermore

@dsorichetti154

Жыл бұрын

​@Swamper60 or heaven is missing an angel. I'm pretty sure it's a ronnie and the redcaps song.

@Stefan-

Жыл бұрын

@@dsorichetti154 To be exact the name of the song is "An angel is missing" kzread.info/dash/bejne/l52E3Nukk5y-YcY.html

He was just incredible. Soooo versatile, check out his “Butterfly Ball” and “Love is All” that he did live with Deep Purple in 1999, just so good

@phillipevans9414

Жыл бұрын

@Swamper60. Yes, this. Still probably my favorite song, and my introduction to Dio, all those years ago. Cheers!

@colrhodes377

Жыл бұрын

Stunningly brilliant

This is not live, but there ARE live versions of this and they're even BETTER. Ronnies gift was from GOD.

Rainbow was the band. Ritchie Blackmore's band.

One more thing. A lot of people aren't aware of this song, but listen to his cover of Aerosmith's "Dream On" with Yngwie Malmsteen on guitar. You'll forget all about Steven Tyler. 😄

I was incredibly fortunate to have gotten to know Ronnie. Such a gracious dude. So nice. So polite. Always thought of fans and generally put them above his own good sometimes. RIP!

@jenifferjones

6 ай бұрын

Amen

Excellent choice.

Remember that many of the metal artists from the 70 and 80’s had classical training. I once even read that heavy metal was a modern neoromantic genre. Then metal got more intense, loud and characterized by the distorted voice or the very high-pitch. But with artists like Dio, we can see lots of performing quality. I recommend Strangeways from Deep Purple, excellent composition and also great voice from Ian Gilan. The song sounds like a tango, very unique.

@cango5679

Жыл бұрын

Ronnie - if I remember correctly never took singing lessons. He told that his trumpet training from the early age of 4-5 gave him the breathing exercises that he eventually learnt to master and helped in his voice. Imagine him to have lived in the 1700-1800 hundreds... with no recording devices to leave his legacy behind. What a loss that would have been.

No Synthie Orchestra, Polyphonic Synths were not available back then. IT is the Munich Symphonic Orchestra conducted by Eberhardt Schönher. As you said a mashup of some live video and the original album "Rising" soundtrack.

'Man on the Silver Mountain' LIVE in Munich 1977, the 14:45 minute long version. UNREAL RONNIE AND BLACKMORE!!

This is the BAND Rainbow, while Dio was their singer.

Wonderful reaction! Thank you so much for reacting to the divine Dio! If u like to react to more Dio please try " Neon Knights" with Black Sabbath.

@jeremiahrose4681

Жыл бұрын

I was going suggest that song, beat me to it. Great song.

Mistreated live in Munich is incredible also. You need to check if out

MY FAVOURITE RAINBOW SONG! Thank you Ken for reviewing this song. RJD is the Master!

METAL GOD

Rainbow is the name of the group, another awesome Dio song with Rainbow is Gates of Babylon :)

Thank you Kevin, such a pleasure 😊 Next Sign of the Southern Cross, Heaven and Hell, Catch the Rainbow, Children of the Sea 🤘😎🤘

I was lucky enough to Dio live once and man he was so good. Just a monster vocalist. Nice breakdown Ken

This my favorite DIO song, I know it's Rainbow. May my favorite rock song, there isn't many better.

Rainbow was the band found by Ritchie Blackmore - the guitar player of Deep Purple - after he left Purple in 1975. He formed the band with Ronnie and the rest of the band Elf excluding the guitar player. This somg is from the bands second album Rainbow Rising where he replaced every member of the lineup of the 1st album except for Ronnie. Rainbow was actually Blackmores band…

@SupaBeluga

Жыл бұрын

Rainbow's "Rising" has gotta be one of the best rock albums of all time, though so I can't stay too mad at Blackmore's ongoing mad antics

@alexandremaireno-ni4ec

Жыл бұрын

​@@SupaBeluga played by one of the best line-ups ever assembled

@thetruthhurts6652

Жыл бұрын

@@SupaBelugacan’t blame Blackmore. Superstar musicians have to do what they want and when theirs 5 of them it’s like trying to get 5 alpha dogs to be nice to each other.

btw Ken, your impressionization of DIO's vocals was really good. This is written by someone who has been listening to DIO for almost 40 (well, maybe 35) years.... Thx a lot man.

Greatest Epic song in Hard Rock / Metal history!!! Never can be equaled.

Ya gotta see early Dio when he played for Elf.Good song to listen to is Never More.🤘

Another great Dio Rainbow tune to check out is one of my all time faves - The Gates of Babylon. But to me, the GREATEST Dio vocal performance (besides Stargazer) is Sign of the Southern Cross from his Black Sabbath years. Just phenomenal.

This honestly sounds like something that should be in a Broadway show, as the climactic piece

Omg it's finally here! ❤️ Thank you!

i love the passion Ken

Just incredible - wow, great👍

Stargazer has been my favorite song ever since the first time I heard it. It wasn't until more recently when I was recommended a different reaction video to it here on KZread that I found there were so many other people who appreciate it as much as I do. As a millenial, most people I knew barely even heard of Dio, sadly. I know I'm a bit late to this one, but if you're still looking for more recommendations to continue looking into Dio, I would start with the followup "Light In The Black". Not nearly as powerful, but it is the part 2 of the story. The next Rainbow album has some really great stuff on it like "Gates of Babylon" and "Rainbow Eyes" which I can never hear without getting chills. Honestly, Dio was so amazing that I could tell you to just go listen to everything, but after seeing your reaction here, the few other standouts I would suggest for you specifically would be to go back to Elf's "Wonderworld". I'm sure plenty of people will tell you to check out "Heaven And Hell" from Black Sabbath, which won't miss. I would also suggest going ahead to Dio to find "When A Woman Cries", "As Long As It's Not About Love" and "In Dreams". I think those are just some of the most striking examples to show you what Dio could do with that incredible voice of his.

This is such a great song. Love hearing it.

Please turn to Danzig next...you could start with his most commercially successful video, "Mother '93 Live"...his nickname is Evil Elvis...well deserved.

@hays9008

Жыл бұрын

😂that voice will trip him out

Excellent analysis my good sir 👍

Mistreated live with Rainbow; as amazing as this is, I really think he's even more compelling on that one. What a fantastic voyage and I learned quite a bit too (which is what I'm always looking for). Have a great one!

HE IS AMAZING!!

I love a lot of metal vocalist that are considered the best at what they do but Dio live is unmatched. I explain it like you are alone with him in a room and he is singing just to you.

Seen him, and there are no imitators, I don't think anybody would have the guts to try. RIP dude.

..and finally there is no single live recording on the net of surely one of the greatest vocal performances ever. In a way its better for that. legends are made this way.

Dio is the G O A T!! You really need to check out DIO Evil On Queen Street. His vocals are sooo amazing! Sends chills up and down my spine!1🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

If You listen carefully, You'll hear the harmonies between the vocals, drums and solo guitar! The stars were set at the same time and place in universe. , so the three of them could join in the band, This kind of magic will never ever happe again. Rainbow was almost to good to be true. And "Stargazer" proves my point! 🤩🤘

self taught singer and even better lyricist/storyteller. The man was blessed.

Ken. You sound great. Those notes are hard to hit. respect.

I would recommend Mistreated - Rainbow, the live version. That one makes you really appreciate how great Dio was live

What a timeless classic Stargazer is. I've listened to it many times and it never gets tired or boring & its runtime is meaningless to me as it takes you on its magnificent journey with Ronnie's amazing storytelling. Thanks for giving it the respect it deserves & some great insight to his vocal performance. Top notch stuff.

"Stargazer" was Ritchie Blackmore's answer to "Kashmir" which came out the year prior. I feel the song is an epic masterpiece that is better than Kashmir (by a little). Dio's voice is mixture between Rock and Opera. To really appreciate his talent, I always point to the 1977 Munich Rainbow Concert and the song "Mistreated". Dio's performance is outstanding. Link kzread.info/dash/bejne/dKmFqclvXZrVe9LN.htmlnsane

@jherokgregori6913

11 ай бұрын

The best releases of the RJD era are those from the '76 tour of Germany and Japan,hear them to believe them...On Stage and Live in Germany 1976 albums...

I truly appreciate when smart, trained, talented people share their experience of discovering unique and notable compositions and performances. Great takes on this one. Enjoy the ride! rl 🤘👹🤘

the first three albums of Rainbow with Dio & Blackmore were masterpieces You can check "Mistreated" Deep Purple's cover, real live on the same tour. Fantastic performance, power from diaphragm, no back vocals, nothing. One singer that owns the stage. To my opinion, his best live performance.

I'm glad you didn't edit the solo, some vocal coach reaction channels edit it since they're there to react to the vocals.The solo just climbs and climbs to meteoric heights then drums slam back in. Also many have compared this and kashmir.

Awesome channel. It just popped up on my feed. Yesterday I received the best compliment. I was compared to an artist, who did a solo opening for Pink Floyd, back in 78. It was such a delightful message, as I can no longer sing, due to throat surgery. Maybe someday, I can do the request. John Martyn was the solo artist, that blew away the Pink Floyd crowd, as He opened their concert. 😮❤

Oh man...Dio, I love that guy!

I've been waiting a long time for you to this reaction, Thank you Ken! You're absolutely right about the more clean, controlled and classic style of singing he had. His influences where from the 1950's and earlier. He was a pionier for metal to use his techniques to a different style of music and a fatherfigure for all metalsingers. This song gives me goosebumps everytime. Maybe the live version of the song Heaven and hell next? Love your reactions and you've got a awesome voice aswell. 😄

My top 3 songs of all time. 🤘 Insane

You are right that the song and video are independent of each other - but whoever put the video together did an amazing job. As for Dio I am still bowing to his greatness 30 years later and my knees are sore

he is in total command like a classical composer. Beautiful 2 watch.

One tiny man to rule them all! RIP DIO

the best rock song ever

Awesome! Thank you for this. Now do R.E.M. - Leave

For long time fans - that fade out where Dio is saying he is going home and the video creator chose to linger on the last image is very intentional and appreciated😭

Studio recording with live video on top of it, I have the album - exact match. Still, classic metal song (band and vocals, sometimes the band gets forgotten when you have metal icon singing). One of my favorites.

I wish I saw Dio live when I was younger

This was music when music!!!

Rainbow Rising, one of the greatest albums of all time. I first heard Stargazer over 40 years ago and i still enjoy listening to it as much today as i when i first heard it. I always watch reaction videos to Stargazer but i have yet to see a reaction video to A light in the Black which was the follow on to Stargazer and another epic track.

I feel so fortunate I was able to see him perform live before he passed. And I've seen hundreds of shows. But he had the most power and presence of any singer I've ever seen. How that voice came out of a man 5 ft 3 I have no idea

I think if you listen to later Dio (Falling off the Edge of the World for example, and then his solo stuff) we get a LOT more of the raspy/fry sounds later in his career. This is a great song and, to many this is cited as a great example of Ronnie's range but, for my money, to see Dio's real range I'd suggest Rainbow's "mistreated" live in Munich. I believe this is the live recording from the Munich show. Thanks for the video.

He had great production of the e vowel. He can make that otherwise thin and light vowel as robust and thick as all other sounds.

@Bravilor

Жыл бұрын

Especially at 8:40, the ascending line and the vowel sound in "his", sounds like a very difficult thing to pull off and not only maintain, but increase, intensity and power in that e vowel.

Cool dio fact: He was featured on Tenacious D's "Kickapoo" and did the recording in one take. After he said "that was awesome, want me to do another? I'd love to do that again". His one take was flawless. Ronny freakin James Dio

This is my fav song Dio sings

RIP DIO❤❤❤❤

Ian Gillan next - Child in Time

You are right. The audio is from the studio album and the video footage a montage of concerts. The song itself is about the vacuousness of hubris and vanity. A wizard who enslaves and oppresses others to achieve his own ill-conceived and illusionary dream of the tower to heaven only to take the penultimate leap and fall to his death, a victim of his own failings. All set to a staggering musical narrative around minor harmonic scales and wonderous vocals and guitar and a band of stellar performers of their art . Not bad for mere rock musos eh?

He was a true rock god! RIP RJD! Part of my life since the late 70's. I bought Holy Diver the first week it came out! I had to save money from my newspaper route job..well worth it! I bought the older rainbow stuff shortly afterwards, and the Sabbath stuff, of course

@jenifferjones

Жыл бұрын

Amen, brother!

Ronnie could do it all. He could sing the phonebook and make it compelling. Even when he was out of character, like on Rainbow Eyes or Love is All, he was magnificent.

Another song where DIO shines - Mistreated (Live in Munich)

Rainbow was not a album. It was a full band lead by Richard Blackmoore and during some time they had Dio on vocals.

A Light In The Black needs to be next

I had a live version of this on vinyl, from the Monsters Of Rock festival from 81 or 82, it was a label compilation album, bought in 83 I think. Long time ago, but it was brilliant live!

@bluesdoc737

Жыл бұрын

Hey Brendan Dio had left Rainbow when they played Monsters of Rock at Donnington in 1980, the singer then was Graham Bonnet. Footage of that concert is on YT.

When Dio was with the band Rainbow and did the song Stargazer it was in 1976. When he did Holy Diver was 1983, almost 10 years and he gets better as he ages. Oh and you did miss the song" The last in line epic. One more off the Holy diver album, the song Rainbow in the dark, both when he went out on his own solo. So many more but these two, he really stretches the pipes! And of course I'm a subscriber, the only vocal coach I'm subscribed too. I like you don't pause the songs excessively, and wait to give your analysis. Thanks