Ronnie's last show, 5 year anniversary.

[Damian]

I wasn't really even thinking about this lately but I figured I would post about it, not only because August 29, 2014 will mark exactly five years since Ronnie James Dio sang his final song on stage, but also because now the stage itself is going away. The House of Blues in Atlantic City, NJ, a part of the Showboat Hotel and Casino and the last stop on the Heaven and Hell tour for Ronnie, Geezer, Tony, and Vinny, is closing up for good along with the entire property on August 31. I have some great memories from inside that building, but none greater then spending that last day backstage with Ronnie, walking the stage before the show, interviewing fans who had no idea at the time that Ronnie had cancer and would not only never be performing again, but would be leaving the Earth in less then 9 months.

I feel insanely lucky to have been able to document that night on video, I can't believe its been 5 years. Rest in Peace Ronnie, and now also RIP House of Blues Atlantic City!

D.

For those who never have seen any of the footage I'm referencing, Joe has them here- http://www.black-sabbath.com/otherstuff/videoarchives/

Besides the videos mentioned above, this page also has my interview with Ronnie after the show, and a chat with Grammy Award-winner Lzzy Hale of Halestorm before she blew up. Enjoy!

[OzzyIsDio]

Thanks for sharing that with us Damian, I'd love to have a copy of that show they should've made it into a DVD.

[Damian]

Thanks for sharing that with us Damian, I'd love to have a copy of that show they should've made it into a DVD.

It's my pleasure. I wish I could share the entire show with you but we were only allowed to record the opening number. Before we were moved away from the stage we had great sightlines which you can see during Halestorm's set. All in all it worked out in the end and that night remains a benchmark experience of my life.

[kamikazetom]

Thanks for sharing this Damian - very tough to believe it's been 5 years since Dio's last show and almost 5 years since his death - Sad to hear that the House of Blues is closing as well - loved watching the video again - Thanks again Damian for all you & Joe do for us on this site.

[OzzyIsDio]

It's my pleasure. I wish I could share the entire show with you but we were only allowed to record the opening number. Before we were moved away from the stage we had great sightlines which you can see during Halestorm's set. All in all it worked out in the end and that night remains a benchmark experience of my life.

I'm sure it was a benchmark experience Damian, I could just imagine.

I never got to see Dio/Sabbath, my biggest regret.

[Never Satisfied]

Thank you for sharing. I'm lucky I got to see that incarnation of Sabbath in 2007 and on my Birthday in 2008. 6 years ago to this day. What an amazing night that was!!!! The man is gone but the music lives on forever.

[OzzyIsDio]

Thank you for sharing. I'm lucky I got to see that incarnation of Sabbath in 2007 and on my Birthday in 2008. 6 years ago to this day. What an amazing night that was!!!! The man is gone but the music lives on forever.

And ever and ever and ever!

[scorpio 2000]

I can't believe it's been 5 years. I was lucky to have seen Ronnie perform twice with the guys.

[H&H]

It was such an awesome night. I drove 600+ miles to see the show. Ended up getting a VIP pass and was up front on the rail in front of Ronnie. While waiting for the show to begin, Damien came over and interviewed me and another fan who had drove a similar distance form another State (me from Michigan and he from NC if memory serves me). We had no clue that Ronnie was sick. The only tip off, in hindsight, was it appeared Ronnie was very quick to exit the stage, but as it happened, it did not appear strange.

This is my favorite concert memory, and I feel very fortunate that I decided to make the trip to see this show. It was my third show of the TDYK tour, as I saw them in Detroit on August 21, Cleveland on August 22 and then this show on August 29, 2009.

[Electra]

I regret never seeing Heaven and Hell... I wasn't as big a Dio fan 5 years ago as I am now. That's the show I would've gone to too, I live in NJ.

[OzzyIsDio]

I regret never seeing Heaven and Hell... I wasn't as big a Dio fan 5 years ago as I am now. That's the show I would've gone to too, I live in NJ.

I'm from Jersey too, born and raised. That was one of my biggest regrets as well.

[matthepet]

Dio Disciples will be performing on the E4 festival Saturday, Dec. 6 in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. They also will be playing the VIP Pre-party the night before (Dec. 5) at Bar Centenario.
Thanks.
toppers

[Blackguard]

Now that the Ronny James Dio era can only be relived on CD & DVD; those releases have become that much more valuable to me.

[DuckyOlo]

there will be 5 years, times running fast.
I feel like it was yesterday, when he died.

[sellingmysoul]

I regret never seeing Heaven and Hell... I wasn't as big a Dio fan 5 years ago as I am now. That's the show I would've gone to too, I live in NJ.

Exactly ..I had a chance to see Heaven and Hell in 2007 I believe..I had the tickets in my hand and elected to see Lynard Skynard instead. What the hell was I thinking!!!