Last In Line Announces Fall Tour

Last In Line will tour America this fall. The band is basically the original DIO lineup... without Ronnie James Dio of course. This makes Last In Line a super group now, featuring folks like Vivian Campbell and Vinny Appice. Of course, Vivian is also a guitarist for Def Leppard and when I saw the tour announcement yesterday, my first thought was... "How does he have the energy?"

Maybe these guys that tour relentlessly are super-human or something. All I know is I am usually exhausted by work and I'm not traveling from place to place and changing time zones constantly. My job isn't physical. I'm not in the heat.

Last In Line will tour in support of a new album called Jericho, which came out at the end of March. Clearly Last In Line couldn't tour because of Vivian's Def Leppard commitments, but the fall is fair game. Last In Line will also be part of the Rock Legends Cruise XI with Sammy Hagar and Bret Michaels in February 2024.

Comments

[Him]

Yes, without Dio. But also without Bain. He often gets/got overlooked. He had a stellar career. I was lucky enough to see him with Dio on the Magica tour in a small club. Amazing to behold both of those fellows. And Wright did right by the songs, as did Goldy (who now seems a bit 'off', though still can play).

Still can't get into the band though. And it isn't Freeman. I think he does a good job, considering what he is asked to sing and what he sings on their original tracks. And it also isn't Soussan, even if he seems like a bit of an asshat in interviews and perhaps assumes he has a higher place in the firmament (and a better grasp on politics) than he actually does. Like I said, I just can't get into the music they are making now. Something is missing for me.

But I am glad that they and Dio Disciples are spreading the Dio love. I only wish all that squabbling could end. There was enough of it while Dio was still alive. And I heard that even Dio's hologram, now retired, has commented on it: "Enough already! Time for Wendy's!" I hope he is referring to the fast food place. Giggle.

[Mike]

I dig this band, have only purchased the first album (with Bain on bass); checked the other releases out on streaming and I think they are solid. I would definitely check out a show if they came anywhere near me… even if it’s just to see Viv play guitar again (something he doesn’t get to showcase in his day job).

[Him]

I hear you, Mike. Campbell's day job must pay well. And he also likely did well in his previous employer's business, wrangling snakes while the aging screamer humped his mic stand!

Sad fact is, he has never really recaptured that fire he had on those Dio records (his solo stuff, Riverdogs, and Shadow King are all fine, but . . .). But seeing him play those classic songs now? I wouldn't mind either, esp. if it was convenient for me to do so. Though I suspect in a live setting, even their original tunes might sound a bit better.