On August 28, 2007, "Heaven & Hell" ("Black Sabbath") released the live album "Live from Radio City Music Hall".
"Heaven & Hell's" "Live from Radio City Music Hall" is more than just a live album; it's a testament to the enduring power of one of the most formidable lineups in heavy metal history. Released in 2007, this live recording captures the band's performance on March 30, 2007, at the iconic New York venue, Radio City Music Hall. The album and accompanying DVD offer a spectacular showcase of the magic that happens when legendary musicians reunite to perform some of the most celebrated songs in heavy metal.
"Heaven & Hell" was essentially the reformation of the classic "Black Sabbath" lineup that recorded three of the band’s most revered albums: "Heaven And Hell" (1980) (with drummer Bill Ward), "Mob Rules" (1981), and "Dehumanizer" (1992). Fronted by the inimitable Ronnie James Dio, with Tony Iommi on guitar, Geezer Butler on bass, and Vinny Appice on drums, this was a band steeped in the legacy of Sabbath but with a distinct identity of its own. The Radio City performance was a triumph, reminding fans and critics alike of the unique chemistry that made this lineup so special.
The setlist is a fan's dream, drawing heavily from the three Dio-era "Black Sabbath" albums while also featuring two out of the three new tracks from the "Black Sabbath: The Dio Years" compilation, released earlier that year - "The Devil Cried" and "Shadow of the Wind". Opening with the atmospheric "E5150" from "Mob Rules" leading into "After All (The Dead)", from "Dehumanizer" the band sets the tone for an evening of heavy, brooding, and masterfully executed metal. Tracks like "The Mob Rules," "Children of the Sea," and the anthemic "Heaven and Hell" highlight the band's ability to blend melody with dark, powerful riffing. The haunting "Sign of the Southern Cross" and the relentless "Die Young" are particular standouts, showcasing Dio's extraordinary vocal range and Iommi's unmatched guitar prowess.
This live performance is not only a celebration of the past but also a precursor to the future. The chemistry and energy displayed at Radio City Music Hall laid the groundwork for what would become the band's final studio album, "The Devil You Know" (2009). The success of the reunion and the overwhelmingly positive response from fans and critics inspired the band to return to the studio. "The Devil You Know" would go on to feature some of the darkest and heaviest material the band had ever produced, with tracks like "Bible Black" and "Fear" echoing the themes and intensity of their earlier work while pushing into even more ominous and introspective territory. The live rendition of "The Devil Cried" and "Shadow of the Wind" at this concert provided a glimpse into the band's evolving sound, bridging their legacy with their final chapter.
"Live from Radio City Music Hall" is an essential listen for those who hold the Dio-era "Black Sabbath" albums in high regard. It captures a band at the height of their powers, delivering a performance that is both a celebration of their past and a powerful statement of their continued relevance. With stellar musicianship, a carefully curated setlist, and top-tier production quality, this live album stands as one of the finest examples of what makes live music so special. It's not just a performance; it's a piece of history, since this album also serves as a bridge to "The Devil You Know", offering fans a final taste of the band's unmatched ability to craft timeless, heavy, and emotionally resonant music.
For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music
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