The Ronnie James Dio lineup of Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult co-headlined an arena tour in 1980 with a stop at Nassau Coliseum on Nassau County. I was pumped for the concert as Black Sabbath was touring off of the great album and song “Heaven and Hell” (the equally great “Mob Rules” album was released in 1981) and Blue Oyster Cult would be a great “opening act”. Right off the bat we were a bit thrown off when the warm a up act for both finished their set and we were anticipating BOC to hit the stage when the lights went down and Sabbath came on. Blue Oyster Cult was a “Long Island” band so I assume since this was a co-headline “ Black and Blue”tour that Sabbath did the right thing and let them close the show in BOC’s backyard. The Dio version of Sabbath kicks ass and would be a tough act for anyone to follow; I know I was there primarily for Black Sabbath. The late 1970’s and early 1980’s was a great era for live double albums and interesting arena double bills and this show was obviously one of those.

Neon Knights

Rock on!

GQ