Unveiling Heaven & Hell: A Retrospective of Ronnie James Dio's Legacy (2026)

The final chapter of a legendary voice is being immortalized! Get ready to dive deep into the incredible comeback of Ronnie James Dio with members of BLACK SABBATH, now as HEAVEN & HELL. This wasn't just a reunion; it was an unexpected, powerful second act for a band that defined heavy metal.

Rhino is set to release "Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007-2009", a comprehensive collection that captures the magic of Dio's last tour of duty with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice. Decades after their initial groundbreaking work, these titans of rock reignited their collaborative fire, proving that true musical chemistry knows no age.

Mark your calendars for March 27th! This epic release will be available in two deluxe formats: a 7LP vinyl box set and a 4CD/Blu-ray box set. Both editions are packed with treasures, including a beautifully illustrated book featuring new liner notes penned by Hugh Gilmour, a replica tour book, and a poster to adorn your walls. It's a collector's dream come true!

But here's where it gets truly exciting: "Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007-2009" marks the very first time the complete "Live From Radio City Music Hall" performance will be available on vinyl! Plus, you'll discover eight tracks making their vinyl debut, including essential studio recordings from "The Dio Years" and select, electrifying live performances. The Blu-ray version goes even further, offering video footage from "Live From Radio City Music Hall" and "Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell - Live At Wacken," alongside intimate band interviews. And for a taste of what's to come, an HD-upscaled video of the track "Bible Black" is available today!

The "Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007-2009" collection chronicles the band's triumphant return, kicking off with their unforgettable 2007 New York performance at Radio City Music Hall. This was followed by the critically acclaimed studio album "The Devil You Know" in 2009, which soared to the Top 10 on the charts, and the live album "Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell - Live at Wacken", captured during their electrifying tour later that same year in Germany.

Here's a peek at the incredible track listings:

"Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007-2009" 4CD Track Listing:

Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007–2009 7LP Track Listing:

  • LP One: The Devil You Know
    Side One

    1. Atom And Evil
    2. Fear
    3. Bible Black Side Two
    4. Double The Pain
    5. Rock And Roll Angel
    6. The Turn Of The Screw
    7. Eating The Cannibals
  • LP Two: The Devil You Know
    Side One

    1. Follow The Tears
    2. Neverwhere
    3. Breaking Into Heaven Side Two: Bonus Tracks
    4. The Devil Cried (from "The Dio Years")
    5. Shadow Of The Wind (from "The Dio Years")
    6. Ear In The Wall (from "The Dio Years")
  • LP Three: Live from Radio City Music Hall
    Side One

    1. E5150 / After All (The Dead)
    2. The Mob Rules
    3. Children Of The Sea Side Two
    4. Lady Evil
    5. I
    6. The Sign Of The Southern Cross
  • LP Four: Live from Radio City Music Hall
    Side One

    1. Voodoo
    2. The Devil Cried Side Two
    3. Computer God
    4. Falling Off The Edge Of The World
    5. Shadow Of The Wind
  • LP Five: Live from Radio City Music Hall
    Side One

    1. Die Young
    2. Heaven And Hell Side Two
    3. Lonely Is The Word
    4. Neon Knights
  • LP Six: Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell
    Side One

    1. Mob Rules
    2. Children Of The Sea
    3. I Side Two
    4. Bible Black
    5. Time Machine
    6. Fear
  • LP Seven: Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell
    Side One

    1. Falling Off The Edge Of The World
    2. Follow The Tears
    3. Die Young Side Two
    4. Heaven And Hell
    5. Neon Knights

Blu-Ray Video Content:

  • Live from Radio City Music Hall
    Extras:

    • Heaven And Hell Road Movie
    • Hail The Gods Of Metal
    • Meet The Mob
    • Radio City
    • The Wisdom Of Dio
  • Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell
    Extras:

    • 30th-Anniversary Interviews (Ronnie James Dio, Geezer Butler, Vinny Appice, Tony Iommi)
    • Ronnie James Dio Tribute (2010) (Tony Iommi, Vinny Appice, Geezer Butler)

For those new to the saga, Ronnie James Dio first stepped in for Ozzy Osbourne in BLACK SABBATH in 1980, contributing to seminal albums like "Heaven And Hell" and "Mob Rules" before a brief departure. He returned in 1992 for the "Dehumanizer" album and then, in 2006, he and the BLACK SABBATH stalwarts (Iommi, Butler, and Appice) reunited under the HEAVEN & HELL banner. This led to the release of the aforementioned "The Devil You Know" in 2009, which debuted at No. 8 on The Billboard 200 chart, selling 30,000 copies in its first week.

Sadly, Ronnie James Dio passed away on May 16, 2010, at the age of 67, after a battle with stomach cancer. He was a titan of heavy metal, renowned for his unparalleled vocal prowess and influential presence. His autobiography, "Rainbow In The Dark: The Autobiography," was released in July 2021.

Tony Iommi himself has spoken about the profound connection he felt during this period. He recalled a conversation in Japan with Ronnie, where they discussed continuing their work together. "We've gotta do another album. Let's do another album, another tour," Dio had said. Iommi expressed his deep sadness that Ronnie didn't get to fulfill those plans, but emphasized how well things were going and how much they enjoyed working together. "We loved working together. I loved working with Ronnie," he stated.

Iommi also reflected on the last tour with Dio as incredibly precious, noting a deep bond formed among everyone involved. He admired Dio's remarkable ability to connect with people, often inviting fans into his dressing room before shows without any pre-show vocal warm-ups, yet delivering flawless performances. "He was a really nice, caring character," Iommi remembered, even recalling phone calls from Dio in the hospital shortly before his passing. "He thought a lot of everybody – he really did. And he loved his fans."

And this is the part most people miss... While the music of HEAVEN & HELL is undeniably powerful, it also represents a unique moment in rock history: a testament to enduring talent and the profound impact of a legendary vocalist. The fact that these musicians, after decades of individual and collective triumphs, could still create something so vital and compelling speaks volumes.

What do you think? Does the story of HEAVEN & HELL and their final collaboration with Ronnie James Dio inspire you? Do you believe that true musical magic can transcend time and previous band dynamics? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear your agreement or any differing perspectives!

Unveiling Heaven & Hell: A Retrospective of Ronnie James Dio's Legacy (2026)
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