Description
Dio – Finding The Scared Heart – Live In Philly 1986 – Double 180 Gram Vinyl Records
Finding the Sacred Heart – Live in Philly 1986 is a live album by the legendary heavy metal band Dio. Recorded during Dio’s Sacred Heart tour on June 17, 1986, at The Spectrum in Philadelphia, this performance captures Ronnie James Dio and his band at the height of their power, delivering an intense, theatrical, and musically precise show. This live album is a testament to Dio’s iconic voice and presence, as well as to the band’s musicianship and dynamic performances, which made them one of the standout acts of 1980s metal.
The Sacred Heart tour was renowned for its elaborate stage production, which included a massive dragon prop, laser effects, pyrotechnics, and an iconic “sacred heart” backdrop. This ambitious live show created a fantasy-themed spectacle that fit Dio’s lyrical themes of heroism, mysticism, and the battle between good and evil.
By 1986, Ronnie James Dio had solidified his reputation as one of the defining voices in heavy metal, following his legendary tenure in Rainbow and Black Sabbath and a successful solo career with the Dio band. The Sacred Heart tour was in support of Dio’s third studio album, Sacred Heart, which featured hit songs like “Rock ’n’ Roll Children” and “Hungry for Heaven.” The live performance in Philadelphia includes tracks from Sacred Heart as well as fan favorites from earlier albums, showcasing the band’s powerful setlist and Dio’s ability to captivate an audience.
Musically, the performance blends classic heavy metal with a sense of epic storytelling and fantasy themes. Dio’s band at the time included guitarist Craig Goldy, bassist Jimmy Bain, drummer Vinny Appice, and keyboardist Claude Schnell, all accomplished musicians who bring technical skill and showmanship to the live show. Goldy, who had recently joined the band, adds his own style to classic tracks while maintaining the melodic and powerful guitar work expected from Dio’s music.
Key Tracks
“King of Rock and Roll” – The show opens with this high-energy track, setting the stage for the night with driving guitar riffs and powerful drumming. Dio’s commanding vocals and charisma immediately pull the audience in, making it a fitting start to the concert.
“Sacred Heart” – The title track from the Sacred Heart album is a dramatic, epic piece that combines Dio’s fantasy-inspired lyrics with Goldy’s guitar riffs and a haunting atmosphere. It’s one of the night’s standout moments, enhanced by the stage’s “sacred heart” backdrop and pyrotechnics.
“Rock ’n’ Roll Children” – A hit single from the Sacred Heart album, “Rock ’n’ Roll Children” is a fan favorite that brings Dio’s themes of youth and resilience to the forefront. Dio’s vocal delivery is emotional and powerful, resonating with the crowd.
“Don’t Talk to Strangers” – This classic from Dio’s debut album, Holy Diver, showcases Dio’s dynamic range, beginning with a haunting intro that builds into a full-throttle metal anthem. It’s a prime example of Dio’s storytelling and musical range.
“Heaven and Hell” – A tribute to Dio’s time in Black Sabbath, this track is reimagined with powerful guitar work from Craig Goldy. The extended jam showcases the band’s musicianship, and Dio’s interpretation is both nostalgic and fresh, giving new energy to the classic.
“Rainbow in the Dark” – One of Dio’s signature songs, “Rainbow in the Dark” brings the audience to a peak. With its iconic keyboard line and driving guitar, it’s a powerful moment in the set, with Dio’s vocals hitting every note with precision.
“Stand Up and Shout” – A fast-paced, hard-hitting closer from Holy Diver, “Stand Up and Shout” is an explosive end to the concert. Dio’s vocal performance is energetic and raw, leaving the crowd energized.
The concert embodies the classic Dio mix of fantasy, empowerment, and epic storytelling. Songs like “Sacred Heart,” “The Last in Line,” and “Rainbow in the Dark” are filled with vivid imagery of heroism, introspection, and resilience, central themes in Dio’s body of work. The concert’s elaborate production, complete with the mechanical dragon and fantasy set pieces, creates a sense of theatricality that matches Dio’s powerful lyrical content.
Ronnie James Dio’s stage presence is magnetic, with his ability to command the audience evident in every song. His voice is flawless throughout the performance, hitting high notes effortlessly while engaging the crowd with passionate intensity. The band’s chemistry and precision also shine, especially during extended jams and solos that add depth to the live experience. Craig Goldy’s guitar work, combined with Vinny Appice’s tight drumming and Jimmy Bain’s bass lines, create a solid foundation for Dio’s voice to soar.
Finding the Sacred Heart – Live in Philly 1986 has been celebrated by fans as a definitive live recording of Dio’s 1980s performances, capturing the band’s creative and technical peak. The release of the remastered video and audio in 2013 was particularly well-received, as it gave fans a chance to experience the concert with improved sound quality and visuals. The concert is often cited as one of the best live representations of Dio’s work, showcasing his vocal prowess, theatricality, and connection with the audience.
The recording has helped solidify Dio’s legacy as one of heavy metal’s most enduring and influential vocalists. The Sacred Heart tour’s ambitious production and stage effects set a new standard for live metal shows, influencing later bands in the genre. Songs like “Rainbow in the Dark,” “The Last in Line,” and “Heaven and Hell” continue to be celebrated as classic metal anthems, and this live album is a testament to their enduring power.
Finding the Sacred Heart – Live in Philly 1986 is more than just a live album; it’s a document of Dio’s legacy, capturing his voice, charisma, and the power of his band at a time when they were pushing the boundaries of live performance. For fans of Dio and heavy metal, the album is an essential experience, offering a glimpse into the spectacle and skill that made Dio an icon. It’s a reminder of the theatricality and intensity that defined 1980s metal, and it continues to inspire metal fans and musicians with its blend of fantasy, powerful music, and unforgettable stage presence.
Recorded live at Spectrum, Philadelphia, USA on June 17 1986
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Draco Ignis
King Of Rock And Roll
Like The Beat Of A Heart
Don’t Talk To Strangers
Hungry For Heaven
The Last In Line/Children Of The Sea/Holy Diver
Drum Solo
Heaven And Hell
Keyboard Solo
Guitar Solo
Sacred Heart
Rock ‘N’ Roll Children/Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll/Man On The Silver Mountain
Time To Burn
Stand Up And Shout
Rainbow In The Dark
We Rock
