Dio: Dreamers Never Die

Rockumentary on the inspirational career of Heavy Metal Warrior/Wizard Ronnie James Dio.

Details his beginnings in doowop as The Vegas Kings, greaser types Ronnie & The Prophets / Rumblers / Red Caps, through into Elf {with the huge voice}, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and ultimately DIO, it seems preternatural synchronicities accompanied him all along, and contributing to forging the juggernaut that would become HEAVY METAL. Finding his medieval gothic aesthetic persona in Elf & Rainbow, accentuated & complementary in Sabbath, then giantly evolved in namesake DIO.

The Horns

Intriguing integrations with The Occult, and utilizing The Cornu to supposedly differentiate himself from Ozzy's ubiquitous use of the "peace sign", while also asserting derivation from ancestral folklore to ward off {& implement} The Evil Eye according to intent. There are differing variations throughout various cultures and religious traditions.

Its use in diabolism spans back to the grimoires, but used in the media and the Satanic religion by Anton Szandor LaVey, and then by band Coven on album Witchcraft Destroys Minds & Reaps Souls. It signifies the Horns of Satan uplifted in defiance of the blindlight and salutation, as well as a gesture of energy direction, combined with left or right implementation, and symbolic gesticulation.

Devil's Due

The manifestation of Demonic 'mascot' Murray {more like 'guiding daemon'}; in My estimation, "Setan" finally making himself known, with giving The Devil His due on album covers, complete with the Satanic Sign of The Horns. Concerts essentially becoming veritable Infernal Mass services with all the psychodrama, imagination, charm, power, and magic of the stage show pulpit.

How he birthed taken name DIO from birthname {supposedly from a mobster}, creating a legend that would last into perpetuity. The inversion of the logo revealing the word DEVIL, even within the Italian word for "god" - turns out the Luciferian ideal of oneself as God has been there all along.

Throughout His evilution, meeting wife Wendy who became his trusted manager, he put his heart and soul into all his endeavors, impacting the lives of all he met, as testimonials throughout the presentation in the many interviews featured asserts.

It seems that overall, RJD bade that people look within themselves to find their own greatness, even displaying icons of darkness to exemplify that your power is already within you, you just have to bring it out. Entertainer, musician, poet, creator, Wizard, and Warrior - he wore many hats and horns, mastering all. He finally got his own crown, horns & wings.

Interviews: Ronnie James Dio, Wendy Dio, Mick Wall, Dave Feinstein, Dick Bottoff, Sebastian Bach, Ron Wray, Rob Halford, Eddie Trunk, Roger Glover, Glenn V. Hughes III, Lita Ford, Craig Goldy, Rudy Sarzo, Dan Lilker, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, Tony Iommi. [5/5]

Like a lot of people my age (57) I've always known he was pretty great. But man... this is such a good documentary of him (I'd say rockumentary but that seems too limiting) and his inspiring life. I watched it on a whim. But I'll tell you if you ever liked any heavy metal at all and only watch one documentary about a "rock star" (again seems too limiting) watch this one. I never knew what a truly great person he was in addition to his increfible music skills. If this movie doesn't touch you in some way and also make you relive and feel good about your heavy metal days (then and/or now) nothing will.

This documentary was extremely well put together.

The interview subjects couldn't have been better chosen, the subjects broached were all relevant and interesting, and the ending was a fitting tribute.

The music that we have from RJD is never going away and for that I am grateful.

But as far as documenting the different eras of his importance, this movie does it and does it well.

From his days doing doo-wop (that may not be what it accepts is, but that's what I'm calling it), through his time attempting to still make music that people cared about in an era of grunge and then nu-metal, he obviously gave it everything he had.

Hail the horns! \m/

I loved this documentary and loved Ronnie very much. He treated me so well over the years and always treated me like family.

There was nobody like him and there will never be anyone who can replace him. He was truly magical and was a master at his craft.

I was saddened to see Scott Warren, Ronnie's keyboard player, was not included in the documentary. Scott should have been included! He was a part of Ronnie's band and family just like all the other band members were.

I'm not sure who's decision it was to cut him or not include him, but it was a poor choice, and I'm sure, very hurtful to Scott.

I remember first time I heard a song with Dio signing on it. It was Black Sabbath Neon Knights. Was always a Sabbath fan, so I was excited to hear a new song because there was the rumors of them breaking up (1980).

At first I was like "this isn't Black Sabbath", but then totally knew it was because of the godlike guitar riffage of Tony Ionmi. Then I was blown away and that monstrous voice! I remember me and a buddy sat there, silent, grinning like idiots. I was instantly a fan after thinking I wouldn't like Black Sabbath without Ozzy.

And, hilariously, there was a scene just like that in the movie. I almost died laughing.

But the movie is killer. From his first Elvis sounding band in the 50s through every band until his death.

Wendy Dio did a fantastic job with this documentary and have such a great gift to all Dio's fans.

I had seen him a bunch of times. He was always so great to his fans. He'd get right down there with everyone, shaking their hands and hugging them. Such an awesome person and so non typical for a star.

And I'm my opinion, Dio was THE best metal voice of all time. He is sorely missed.

R. I. P. RJD.