Sacred Heart

The Zoo Crew is spinning the epic track "Sacred Heart" by Dio, from the 1985 album of the same name, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this heavy metal masterpiece. One fascinating piece of trivia about the song "Sacred Heart" is its elaborate live performance during the 1985-1986 tour. The stage setup featured a massive mechanized dragon, affectionately named "Dean" by Ronnie James Dio and the band, though the press dubbed it "Denzil." This spectacle, complete with laser effects, was captured in the VHS and later DVD release Sacred Heart "The Video", showcasing the band's commitment to delivering a fantastical experience. The song itself, clocking in at over six minutes, is a cornerstone of the album, with its soaring vocals and intricate guitar work by Vivian Campbell, who was sadly fired mid-tour due to tensions with Dio.

Another intriguing tidbit comes from the album's Latin inscription on the cover, which reads, "FINIS PER SOMNIVM REPERIO TIBI SACRA COR VENEFICVS OSTIVM AVRVM." Translating roughly to "I learned of your goals through dreams: a sacred heart, a wizard, a golden door," it reflects the mystical and fantastical themes Dio wove into his music. Fans on Reddit’s Dio community have noted that "Sacred Heart" marked a shift toward a more polished, commercial sound, which sparked mixed reactions. Some Zoo Freaks might appreciate that the album still hit #29 on the Billboard 200 and earned Gold certification from the RIAA in October 1985. However, bassist Jimmy Bain expressed disappointment in the album’s production, feeling the keyboards diluted the raw edge of earlier works like Holy Diver.

Ronnie James Dio, the voice behind "Sacred Heart," began his musical journey as Ronald James Padavona in 1957 in Cortland, New York. Starting with a band called The Vegas Kings, which evolved into Ronnie and the Rumblers, Dio initially played trumpet and sang backing vocals. By 1967, he formed the rock band Elf, where he transitioned to lead vocals and bass. His big break came in 1975 when Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple recruited him for Rainbow, leading to three acclaimed albums. Dio’s powerful voice and fantasy-driven lyrics caught the attention of Black Sabbath, where he replaced Ozzy Osbourne in 1979, delivering iconic albums like Heaven and Hell. After leaving Sabbath in 1982 due to creative disputes, he formed Dio with drummer Vinny Appice, cementing his legacy with the debut Holy Diver.

Dio’s official website, ronniejamesdio.com, is a treasure trove for Zoo Freaks, offering discography details, merchandise, and updates on his legacy. The band’s Facebook page keeps fans engaged with throwback posts, like one celebrating Sacred Heart’s 38th anniversary in 2023, asking fans about their favorite tracks. On Instagram, the official account shares vintage photos and tour memories, while the X account posts about milestones, such as the album’s release date in 1985. For fan communities, the Ronnie James Dio Fan Group on Facebook is a vibrant space where fans share memories and discuss albums like Sacred Heart. Another fan hub, dio.net, offers detailed discographies and tour archives, perfect for any Zoo Freak diving deep into Dio’s world.