Atlantic City - House of Blues: 08.29.09

This was the last show of "The Devil You Know" North American Tour. There was a buzz in the crowd that started as folks lined up to get into the venue. This would be my 3rd show in 8 days, and I was incredibly excited to see this show. We were able to get a VIP pass, getting us 5th in line. What a bonus, after driving 642 miles to get there, we were happy just to be able to see them, let alone have a chance to get up close. As we walked in and made our way to the stage, we ended up leading the pack. Close can not describe it, as we were front and center in front of Dio for the show!

Halestorm was the opening act, and put on a very good show. They were much better suited for a Sabbath crowd then Coheed and Cambria.

The crowd roared it's approval as E5150 came blaring over the PA system. Heaven and Hell took the stage and went into Mob Rules, with Tony breaking into the opening riff. The set list was the same set we all know and love from this 2009 tour. What else can I say about it, I know it like the back of my hand (see my other reviews from 08.21 & 08.22.09), and it was another amazing show. All 4 of the guys were in top form. Ronnie has such a way with the crowd. His stage persona is just like the line from I.."I am Giant, I'm a Monster." He knows how to bring everyone in and make it a very personal event. Tony was simply incredible. He is the greatest guitar player to ever grace a stage. Geezer is a sight to see. He was his usual self, staying in a very closed in area of the stage, but there are very few who can play the bass they way he does. He has the fastest fingers that have ever graced the strings of the bass guitar. Vinnie banged the skins with his usual vim and vigor. I love his solo, it is very entertaining. I am still of the opinion that they should drop it and do another song, but that is a very minor complaint, and I can live with the solo.

The guys looked to be having an outstanding time. Lots of smiles. I tried to get Geezer to come closer, motioning to him throughout Heaven & Hell and Country Girl/Neon Knights. He shook his head no and smiled the first couple of times, but being persistent, he ended up smiling and knodded in approval. I was cracking up. After the encore he came over towards me and threw a big handful of picks my way. I was able to get 2 of his picks, along with an Iommi pick. Made my night!

All in all, this was the best performance of the tour for me, as well as the best performance I have ever attended by H&H or any other band. There was magic in the air with it being the last performance of this tour. The crowd could sense it, and in my opinion, the band was feeling it as well.

Thank you Tony, Ronnie, Geezer and Vinnie for an incredible night in Atlantic City!

SET LIST:
E5150
Mob Rules
Children of the Sea
I
Bible Black
Time Machine
Vinnie's Drum Solo
Fear
Falling Off The Edge Of The World
Follow The Tears
Die Young
Heaven And Hell

Encore:
Country Girl / Neon Knights

Set list:

The Mob Rules
Children of the Sea
I
Bible Black
Time Machine
drum solo
Fear
Falling off the edge of the world
Follow the Tears
Die Young
Heaven and Hell
Country Girl (1 verse)
Neon Knights

Great show. Tony was animated and smiling the whole time. Looked like he was really enjoying the gig. Geezer's hands were in constant motion. It was amazing to watch how complex the bass lines really are. Vinnie beat the hell out of his drum kit. And Ronnie was dynamite as always. The sound was good, the music was tight, and the venue was intimate enough to really see the band.

The set list:
01. E5150/The Mob Rules
02. Children of the Sea
03. I
04. Bible Black
05. Time Machine/Appice Solo
06. Fear
07. Falling off the Edge of the World
08. Follow the Tears
09. Iommi Solo/Die Young
10. Heaven and Hell
11. Country Girl/Neon Knights

The set was the same as it had been all tour, not that I'm complaining.

The opening act was Halestorm with Lzzy Hale at the front. What a talented musician she is. Singing brilliantly while playing guitar very well. Halestorm was a worthy act to open for Black Sabbath. She paid her compliments to the creators of metal several times during her and the band's set.

This was the first time I saw Black Sabbath ever in my life. They did not disappoint at all. Once E5150 roared over the venue I knew I was in for the best show I have ever seen. With the spotlight shining on Tony he ripped through the Mob Rules with aggressive but pleasurable demeanor. Seeing my guitar idol 20 feet away from me was something I can't describe with words. Geezer was in top form as always. He's so brilliant and his solo during Time Machine had such a groove to it. Ronnie James Dio. The best singer of hard rock and heavy metal ever. He never puts on a bad show and that night at the House of Blues was no exception. During the intro to Falling off the Edge of the World, Dio held the "to sparkle and shine" note for so long. He was really into it as was every body else. I, amongst many others saw Vinny walking through the hall before the doors opened. Everybody cheered because he deserves it. His drum solo is something to be heard during live shows, unfortunately for me they get lost in translation on live albums. Once Neon Knights had ended, Dio said, "We'll see you again." Thank you, Tony, Geezer, Ronnie and Vinny for coming back together again to release brilliant material and for touring yet again. A special thanks to Ozzy Osbourne and Company for doing whatever that was done to push this line up to another reunion!

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