DIO's "Intermission" wasn't just a live album; it was a declaration. Released in 1986 on 12" vinyl, this electrifying record captured Ronnie James Dio and his band in peak form, thundering through a selection of classics at the height of their popularity.
Recorded at the San Diego Sports Arena in 1985 during the "Sacred Heart" tour, "Intermission" served as a sonic testament to the band's intense stage presence and Dio's enduring power as a frontman. Alongside the brilliant Vivian Campbell on guitar, Jimmy Bain on bass, and the ferocious Vinny Appice on drums, Dio unleashed a barrage of metal anthems.
The setlist was a true retrospective of Dio's career at that point. From the iconic "Holy Diver" and "Rainbow in the Dark" to the crushing "The Last in Line" and "We Rock," the album showcased their most beloved material, delivered with raw power and precision.
But "Intermission" offered more than just hits. It also included a studio track, "Time to Burn," giving fans a taste of the band's ongoing musical evolution. Furthermore, a medley of Rainbow classics, including "Man on the Silver Mountain" and "Long Live Rock 'N' Roll," paid homage to Dio's past while thrilling die-hard fans of his earlier work.
While "Intermission" might not have sparked major controversies, it solidified Dio's place among metal's elite. Its raw, live energy proved they were more than a studio project; DIO was a force of nature onstage. It's a snapshot of a band firing on all cylinders, with the legendary Ronnie James Dio leading the charge
