In September 1987, a long time ago, we organised the first two MONSTERS OF ROCK in Italy: in Reggio Emilia, as part of the Festa dell'Unità, and in Milan at the Palatrussardi, where in the previous May they had promoted both Slayer and Manowar, and where in the same year we were supposed to bring (but the European tour was cancelled by them for, let's say, 'chemical' reasons...) Motley Crue, with a debut band as special guest, Guns and Roses...
Headlining those first pioneering MOR shows was RONNIE JAMES DIO! The anticipation was high and everything was ready, too bad that on the very day of the first show the truck with the entire backline of DIO caught fire across the border... RONNIE of an absolute and over the top likability
available, together with his manager wife WENDY DIO, didn't make a fuss and played in Milan anyway, using the backline of an unknown local band from Novara, Black Swan, with his band, who had been offered the opportunity to open the show, which also included Skanners from Bolzano and the German Helloween.
Ronnie, happy as a clam after the show, returned again in '87 in November for two more shows at the Palatrussardi and the Palasport di San Lazzaro in Padua.
May God bless the little big man Ronnie and may the angels enjoy him in fiery jams with Jimi, Janis, Keith Moon and many others, perhaps organised by Bill Graham and Franco Mamone :-)))))
Claudio Trotta
