The Last in Line

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as The Zoo Crew spins "The Last in Line" by Dio from their iconic 1984 album of the same name! This track, a cornerstone of heavy metal, carries a mystical vibe that fits right into the free-spirited groove of THE ZOO. One fascinating tidbit comes from horror director Don Coscarelli, who helmed the song’s music video. In the documentary Dio: Dreamers Never Die, Coscarelli shared how he pitched the concept of "teenagers in hell" to Ronnie James Dio, who added a philosophical twist, saying, “From birth to death, we’re all in a line, and imagine if you’re the last in line.” He also insisted on including Murray, the band’s devilish mascot, adding a playful yet sinister edge to the video’s fantastical narrative of a delivery boy trapped in a nightmarish dimension.

The song itself, as Ronnie James Dio revealed in a 1994 interview with Mark Kadzielawa, was built around guitarist Vivian Campbell’s arpeggio intro, paired with a monster riff crafted during rehearsals in Los Angeles. Dio, who preferred fans to interpret his lyrics personally, hinted that the song’s heroic fantasy imagery was meant to spark imagination. Recorded at Caribou Ranch in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, the album’s creation was inspired by the open spaces and stunning scenery, as Dio noted in interviews. The track became a hit, reaching #10 on Billboard’s Album Rock Tracks, and its success helped the album go platinum, cementing Dio’s place in metal history. Fans on Reddit still rave about tracks like “Egypt (The Chains Are On)” and “Mystery,” with some even speculating that “Egypt” could be a prequel to Dio’s earlier work with Rainbow.

Social media buzz adds more flavor to the song’s legacy. A post from @OfficialRJDio on July 2, 2016, celebrated the album’s 32nd anniversary, reminding fans of its enduring power. Meanwhile, @themetalvoice in 2023 sparked discussions about the album’s impact, noting its status as Dio’s second platinum-selling record and the debut of keyboardist Claude Schnell, whose contributions gave the song its epic, layered sound. The music video, a staple on MTV, was described by Vintage Heavy Metal as peak ‘80s, with Schnell’s cameo as a Porsche-driving, porn-mustache-wearing character adding a quirky touch. Fans on Facebook groups like Ronnie James Dio Fans continue to share memories of the song’s chills-inducing moments, like Dio’s soaring “HOOOOOME” after the intro.

Ronnie James Dio, the voice behind Dio, began his musical journey in 1957 in Cortland, New York, as a trumpeter in a band called The Vegas Kings, which later became Ronnie and the Rumblers. Born Ronald James Padavona on July 10, 1942, he adopted the stage name “Dio” around 1960, possibly inspired by mafia member Johnny Dio, as confirmed in his autobiography. By 1967, he formed the rock band Elf, where he sang and played bass. His big break came in 1975 when Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple recruited him for Rainbow, where Dio’s powerful vocals shone on three studio albums. In 1979, he replaced Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath, revitalizing the band with albums like Heaven and Hell and Mob Rules. Frustrated after disputes over Black Sabbath’s Live Evil album, Dio formed his own band in 1982 with drummer Vinny Appice, bassist Jimmy Bain, and guitarist Vivian Campbell. This lineup, later joined by Claude Schnell, produced Holy Diver and The Last in Line, launching Dio into metal stardom.

Dio’s legacy lives on through his official channels and fan communities. Check out the latest updates on RonnieJamesDio.com, follow Official Ronnie James Dio on Facebook, @officialronniejamesdio on Instagram, and @OfficialRJDio on X. Fans can connect on Ronnie James Dio Fans and Ronnie James Dio – Holy Diver Facebook groups, or dive into fan sites like Dio.net for tour histories and discographies. The Zoo Crew and Zoo Freaks can keep the metal spirit alive by celebrating Dio’s epic contributions to rock!