48 years ago and before he found fame with Rainbow, Ronnie James Dio recorded “Never More” which appeared on Elf’s self-titled debut in 1972.

The title of this post are the opening lyric lines.

Musically it’s one of those classic proto-metal cuts, on an album which is more or less blues rock with derivative lyrics.

And it’s not an album that most fans of Dio’s work with Rainbow, Sabbath and as a solo artist will want to listen to often.

Because as we know, 4 years later, Ronnie James Dio became the devil horn saluting Ronnie James Dio we all know when he teamed up with Ritchie Blackmore.

But first, he had dues to pay. And pay then he did. Writing and performing songs that no one would listen to or even knew he did.

No one is born with a “gift” or a “natural talent”. Talent is a skill which is honed and built through passion, perseverance, practice and being uncomfortable.

And you will write a lot of songs before you end up with the songs that connect with people. And sometimes you are a too far ahead of the times for people to truly appreciate what you’ve created.

Hell and Fire burning higher / Now I can see the ever after / Clock is moving only / While I see you down here me in laughter

Never more