In only their seventh concert performance, the all-star cast of DIO Rules played to a packed house all things Ronnie James Dio at Jergel’s in Warrendale. The band have been making waves, and it was about time MetalTalk descended to see what all the fuss is about. Tonight, DIO Rules made the whole of Jergel’s stand up and shout.
DIO Rules
Jergel’s Rhythm Grill, Warrendale – 29 October 2026.
Words And Photography: Jim Balentine
The group, consisting of lead singer Andrew Freeman (Last In Line, Lynch Mob and Great White), lead guitarist Angus Clark (TSO, Joe Lynn Turner), Mark Klett (TSO), bassist Winston Roye (Soul Asylum, Rock of Ages) and Drummer Matt Starr (Ace Frehley, Mr. Big, KIX, The Knack), brought the magic and memories of Ronnie James Dio to the club, rocking out 15 classic songs from his days in Rainbow, through Black Sabbath to his solo material, pleasing every fan in attendance from young to old.
Ronnie James Dio has been gone from this earth since 2010. But his legacy lives on through various media sources, including Spotify, where the album Holy Diver has been streamed over 763 million times, with Rainbow In The Dark at over 294,000 downloads.
At Jergel’s, Dio solo songs Holy Diver, Don’t Talk To Strangers and Stand Up And Shout had the MTV era crowd throwing up the devil horns in a tribute to the man himself.
Many in attendance this night sang every word of every song, including one lucky fan who jumped up on stage and sang Last In Line with Freeman, impressing everyone, including the band.
Fans of the Dio-era Black Sabbath were treated to classic songs like Heaven And Hell, Children Of The Sea, and The Mob Rules.
Rainbow songs Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll and Stargazer excited the crowd from the ’70s Dio era.
A special surprise occurred when O’Hara Township native and Winger guitarist Reb Beach showed up to help perform Rainbow’s Man On The Silver Mountain and Sabbath’s Neon Knights, energising everyone with Reb’s shredding guitar work working beautifully with Angus.
The band’s musicianship is very tight, with Freeman’s screaming vocals covering an incredibly high range that would make Ronnie proud. We’ve all heard him with Last In Line, but covering the earlier Ronnie James Dio material is special.
Roye and Starr do give DIO Rules a thumping rhythm section, and with Klett moving seamlessly between keys and guitar, there is a bluster and swagger that gives Angus Clark the drive to push the songs forward with some fantastic riffing and spot-on solos.
Jergel’s was rammed on the first of a three-show weekend tour of Pennsylvania and Connecticut, and a full tour is beginning to materialise in early 2027.
MetalTalk understands the feelers are being put out to bring this lineup across the pond next year. We can but wait and hope.
No matter what era of Dio songs you grew up with or were raised on, you will not be disappointed on a night like this. These 15 classic songs aired tonight were a great representation of the legendary vocalist himself and brought back fond memories for all present.
DIO Rules Tour Dates 2027
Looking ahead, DIO Rules have announced shows at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Illinois, on Friday 8 January 2027 and Shank Hall in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Saturday 9 January. Further dates are being developed.
- 8 January 2027 – Arcada Theatre, St. Charles, IL
- 9 January 2027 – Shank Hall, Milwaukee, WI
Tickets and further information: DIO Rules official website.
