[SXSW ’22] ‘DIO: Dreamers Never Die’ review: Going to Heaven and Hell

How does a heavy metal singer invent a hand signal known the world over plus sell tens of millions of albums and still become an afterthought? DIO: Dreamers Never Die is a look at one of the most important names in heavy metal history. It also examines why Ronnie James Dio often gets overlooked. 

The documentary examines what is essentially the three careers of Dio. Before fronting Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and Dio, he was a crooner for The Vegas Kings. It follows the typical musical documentary formula. This works very well in DIO: Dreamers Never Die. As the story of Dio progresses, it becomes clear, he is a regular person. 

This also helps explain why Dio is not mentioned as often as Ozzy Osbourne or Bruce Dickinson. He was not the stereotypical heavy metal guy. There are no wild drug stories or black magic rumors to be found. Despite inventing the devil horns, he even played a small role in the Satanic Panic of the late 1980s. 

DIO: Dreamers Never Die is allowed to focus on the man. This not a Behind the Music type story. It is a straight line that follows his decades long career. While this done run the risk of becoming tedious – and fans will definitely get the most entertainment out of it – it never becomes boring. Filmmakers Don Argott and Demian Fenton do not let things become a simple retelling of Dio’s career. There is a consistent narrative to it all. 

Naturally, there is archival footage and interviews. Those looking for salacious details about Dio’s life will be disappointed. As it turns out, Ronnie James Dio was a genuine and sincere person. DIO: Dreamers Never Die is a surprisingly emotional look at a heavy metal icon.

SXSW takes place from March 11-March 20. Tickets can be purchased here.