London 4 October 2002.

Venue - The Astoria

Reason - Dio

On arrival at the Astoria I picked up my aftershow and photo pass. 

Saxon hit the stage. Initially only a small number of people were gathered. 

As Saxon's set progressed they drew more and more people to the stage. 

This was deserved. They delivered a really good set, played very tight 

and were very entertaining. All members of the band were obviously 

enjoying themselves. Saxon have a number of hit singles to their credit and 

they were duly performed to an eager crowd. 747 and Wheels of Steel 

left a lasting impression.

During the interval I took my position at the front of the stage ready 

to make use of the photo pass. It was as well that I took my space 

early. Just before the house lights were dimmed a number of other 

photographers arrived. As the lights dimmed in readiness for Dio's arrival on 

stage these other photographers made a move for centre stage. Having 

positioned myself early I simplify stood up and planted my feet. My space 

was not for sharing.

Dio open with the title track from their new CD, Killing the Dragon. A 

good number of the audience seemed familiar with the track and were 

instantly into the swing of the song. Ronnie looked in fine form and 

appeared to be enjoying himself. Simon, Jimmy and Scott were pounding out a 

tight rhythm which gave a perfect backdrop for the latest Dio guitarist 

Doug Aldrich to paint his style over Dio songs old and new. There was 

also an occasional tip of the hat to bands that Ronnie has been in from 

time to time.

After I finished taking my photos I returned to the masses. The Astoria 

was packed and I mean packed. It was not possible to stand anywhere 

without being in physical contact with someone else. This meant that I was 

unable to make any notes during the performance. The track listing from 

tonight is therefore captured by memory in the car journey home. 

Tracks performed included Killing The Dragon, Children of the Sea, Rock 

and Roll, Push, Rainbow in the Dark, The Man On A Silver Mountain, 

Fever Dreams and Heaven and Hell. All were performed well and the audience 

were with the band all the way. In my humble opinion the opening to 

Heaven and Hell received the best reception. We were also treated to 

Simons drum solo and a guitar solo from Doug. The guitar solo may have been 

a little on the long side. Doug certainly has style and a great skill.

The show came to an end. Dio back on stage for the first encore Last in 

Line. It was clear that the crowd were not going to settle for a single 

encore and second serving was We Rock. I think Dio and the audience 

were both having a good time because we were then treated to third encore,  

Mobs Rule.

I then waited expectantly for the after show. Sadly the after show was 

canceled as the Astoria had another show starting at 11.00pm and they 

had to get the venue ready.

The following day I took my colour films in to be developed (I also 

took a roll of black and white film. Black and white now take two weeks to 

be processed). Later in the day I pick up the developed photos. A 

number of the shots came out really well. There were also several failures 

as well. It was important to get these pictures developed before the 

Portsmouth show as I could learn from my mistakes and make any necessary 

adjustments.

Portsmouth 9 October 2002

Venue - The Pyramids

Reason - Dio

Welcome to a cold Portsmouth. The Pyramids is located on the seafront 

and there was a very fresh wind blowing in from the sea. Wimp factor, 

waited in the car for the doors to open.

Saxon repeated their fine set. As they got to their last song they 

introduced it as a song that might be remembered. They then began to play 

Stargazer. The audience seemed mystified, penny dropped and they became 

amused. Saxon were having a bit of fun with the Dio audience. The 

thought that flashed through my mind were that Saxon were having fun 

supporting Dio. Saxon quickly hurtled into Wheels of Steel.

I again take my photographic position early. Tonight I am spoilt. No 

other photographers. I have the run of the stage area. At this point I 

needed to pinch myself, is this real. I start off with my wide angle lens 

(which make things seem a long way away), take my pictures and Ronnie. 

I then repeat this with each member of the band with the obvious 

exception of Simon, drummers aren't too mobile on stage.

The Pyramids was not as large as the Astoria. It was also not as packed 

(I suspect there were too many in the Astoria). This meant that there 

was actually space to enjoy the show and take notes. Track listing below 

is therefore accurate.

The show again kicked off with Killing The Dragon, Egypt which turned 

into Children Of The Sea. Back to the new CD and Push. Simon's drum solo 

followed; I really do enjoy this bit of the show. Following the drum 

solo Dio pick up the pace with Stand Up And Shout, with Rock and Roll hot 

on its heels. The set continues with Don't Talk To Strangers, The Man 

On A Silver Mountain. Time for Doug's guitar solo, again it was 

excellently delivered, the guy has loads of attitude and can really play. Back 

to the tracks and next up we are treated to Long Live Rock and Roll. 

Several treats from Magic follow, ie Lord Of  The Last Day and Fever 

Dreams.

Ronnie started to have a bit of fun with the audience and made 

reference to Pompey (UK slang for Portsmouth). Ronnie explained that the last 

time he was in Portsmouth he played at the Guildhall and asked if it was 

still there. Ronnie then explained that tonight was the last night 

after about six months on the road and thanked the road crew, Saxon and of 

course the Portsmouth audience. On with the show and into Holy Diver. 

Time for the last record in the set. The show finishes with Heaven and 

Hell.

Ronnie thanks the crowd, and I guess intended to leave the stage. In 

the event he concedes that we want another song. Last in Line was 

delivered. The second encore and we have Rainbow In The Dark. For this one of 

the guitarists from Saxon (Graham Oliver) joined Dio on stage.

As the venue in Portsmouth was smaller than at London I wasn't sure 

that we were going to get a third encore. Dio didn't disappoint, back for 

the final encore with We Rock. Towards the end of this song Ronnie 

invites the singer from Saxon to join him on stage. To me this confirmed 

that Dio and Saxon had enjoyed working together. A good end to a great 

concert.

Time for the after show. We waited for a considerable time after the 

end of the concert. Anyone without an after show pass was cleared out 

while the road crew started to take the sound system apart. Slowly members 

of Saxon and Dio started to appear. First person that I spoke to was 

Graham Oliver from Saxon. Graham had enjoyed this tour with Dio and felt 

that rock music was enjoying an increased level of popularity. Saxon 

have recently worked with Motorhead and that had also gone well.

I was then joined by Scott Warren. Had a long discussion with Scott 

while he signed my copy of KTD. We even shared experiences from the first 

time that I met the guys in Dio (at an outdoor festival in Germany 

several years ago). Next out Jimmy, I only had a short conversation with 

Jimmy.

I was next fortunate enough to have a good conversation with Ronnie. 

Ronnie gave me an outline of the US tour that will be starting in 

November. During our conversation I asked Ronnie to sign a photo for my son 

(Casey James who was nearly called Dio - I told Ronnie about this who 

thought that Casey James was much better). Without any encouragement from 

me, my son has become a Dio fan and he is only five. Ronnie was pleased 

to sign a photo for Casey James. Ronnie also signed one of the photos 

that I took on the 4 October 2002 at the Astoria.

Simon next. Simon is a nice guy who always remembers me.

Finally I got to meet the new guitarist Doug. Doug was very polite and 

courteous. Good guy and a perfect gentleman.

Time to hit the road. Portsmouth is only an hour from home, therefore I 

should be in by about 1.30am. On waking the next day at 6.15am in 

readiness for going to work, I felt absolutely knackered. However, it had 

been a very worthwhile couple of days. A couple of Dio shows with a good 

support band. The chance to take some photos from the privileged 

position at the front of the stage and another meeting with the guys in Dio. 

Ronnie and the rest of the people at Dio have certainly satisfied this 

Dio fan.

Mike Dallenger