Sold Date: March 25, 2024
Start Date: March 2, 2024
Final Price: $60.00 (USD)
Seller Feedback: 3453
Buyer Feedback: 0

Hard rock and heavy metal legend Ronnie James Dio was in several obscure bands from the late 50s through the mid 60s or so. By 1967, he fronted a "boogie rock" band called the Electic Elves, which got shortened to the Elves, then simply Elf in 1972. Elf released their debut album that same year, and it was produced by Deep Purple's bass player Roger Glover (with help from Deep Purple's drummer Ian Pace). Elf would even go on to tour with Deep Purple. (If you're not familiar with any of Elf's music, check out their minor hit "Carolina County Ball".)

Apparently, Deep Purple guitar wiz Ritchie Blackmore thought highly of Ronnie James Dio's singing, so when he left Purple to form Rainbow, he asked Dio to join him. And of course he accepted! After a few years with Rainbow, and three studio albums, Dio joined Black Sabbath in 1979, and by '80, they released the metal masterpiece 'Heaven and Hell'. Dio left Sabbath in '82, after their album 'Mob Rules' and a live record ('Live Evil'), and started his own band (Dio). The band Dio recorded on and off through the years, and RJD (and his drummer Vinnie Appice) even returned to Sabbath in the early 90s for an album and tour. In 2006, Dio joined Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and drummer Vinnie Appice, in the band Heaven and Hell; named, of course, after the 80s Black Sabbath album.

A long and prestigious career in hard rock and heavy metal, with deep ties to Sabbath! Dio will always be considered one of the best singers in rock and roll history. He could hit notes that few others could. He wrote great songs (though sometimes the writing got a little strange). But most of all, he loved his fans, and he believed in rock and roll! (RIP RJD. You were truly the best of the best, and you were an awesome musician, a talented songwriter, and a great philanthropist. You are missed!)

In today's rockin' good deal, you'll get TWO picture discs, and TWO magazines featuring RJD! First up is the 'Master of the Moon' pic disc LP, originally released TWENTY years ago, in 2004. This one is hard to find, and I don't see any other ones here on eBay right now. (The average sale price for these go for about $65). This is a heavy 180 gram vinyl. It comes in a clear plain PVC jacket. The vinyl itself looks good, but has many light scratches on it, mainly on the B side. Purchased used, so I'm sure this was once displayed. But the scratches are light, and only visible up close. The A side artwork is from the cover of the album, and is really intense!

The self-titled Elf album was bought new, and never played. (I have both of these titles on CD, and I never play specialty vinyl such as pic discs or colored records, so can't vouch for their sound quality.) 'Elf' comes in its original PVC jacket with hype sticker and number sticker. This is also 180 gram vinyl. Taken out only to photograph. Jacket is NOT split...at all! (Average sale price around $50.)  And yes, that's Ronnie James Dio on the cover, made up to look like an elf, straight out of a dungeons and dragons fantasy world!

I'll also add TWO magazine featuring Dio (the band) and Dio (the man)! First up is the February 1986 issue of 'Hit Parader' magazine. Complete with a Kiss centerfold, and an ad for Rush's album 'Power Windows' on the back cover! With an awesome article about the band Dio inside, a young RJD on the cover, and articles about other 80s metal bands like Ratt, Ozzy, Motley Crue, W.A.S.P., and more! Mag has a little shelf-wear on it and some damage on the spine, but overall not looking too bad, and holding up well for something that's over THIRTY EIGHT years old.

The second magazine, and last item in this crazy good deal, is the June 2009 issue of 'Revolver' magazine, and the cover is Heaven and Hell (the band)! Really, some of the last work that RJD finished before his death in 2010. Heaven and Hell recorded an album in 2009, plus some live stuff. This magazine is in better shape than the 'Hit Parader', but it too has a little shelf-wear on it. The ink looks like it's run a bit, and Geezer's face is melting somewhat (only fitting as Geezer's been melting OUR faces for over FIFTY years! Lol). Minor flaws, but a great Heaven and Hell article!

Grab this Dio bundle, with a look back at the early days, with the 'Elf' picture disc LP, the twenty year old album 'Master of the Moon' on picture disc LP, an 80s vintage 'Hit Parader' magazine with RJD on the cover, plus a 2009 'Revolver magazine with Heaven and Hell on the cover! Pretty much from beginning to the end...

***Shipping worldwide once again! Ebay has enrolled me in their new international shipping program and handles all fees, paperwork, and we are both covered if anything happens in transit. And I pack well, using cardboard mailers and/or bubble wrap and padded mailers. So your item should get to you, wherever you are, in good shape!***

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Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Ask me about combined shipping when you make multiple purchases.  If there are any problems once you receive your item(s), please give me a chance to make it right. MOST problems are easily resolved... Immediate payment if I accept your best offer, please. Also, if you try to make a seriously low-ball offer, it will automatically decline it. (REASONABLE offers usually get automatically accepted.) Thanks for stopping by. Take care, and have a good day!