Various Artists - HEAR 'N' AID STARS 12" MAXI-SINGLE VINYL

Collectors information / Album Description: 

The purpose of the HEAR 'N' AID STARS project was to raise funds for famine relief efforts in Africa. Inspired by the charitable initiatives of Band Aid and USA for Africa, the project aimed to unite the rock and metal community in a collective effort to address the urgent humanitarian crisis caused by famine in Africa. The goal was to leverage the power of music and the influence of the participating artists to raise awareness and funds to alleviate the suffering and provide support to those affected by the famine. Through the sale of the HEAR 'N' AID STARS 12" Maxi-Single Vinyl and associated merchandise, the project sought to make a significant contribution to the global effort to combat famine and provide aid to those in need.

In the world of music history, there have been countless instances where artists came together to create something greater than themselves. One such remarkable endeavor took place in 1986, when a group of renowned rock and metal musicians collaborated on the HEAR 'N' AID STARS 12" Maxi-Single Vinyl. This unique project not only showcased the exceptional talent of its contributors but also served a noble cause, raising funds for famine relief efforts in Africa. This web-page delves into the significance and impact of this iconic vinyl release.

The HEAR 'N' AID project was spearheaded by Ronnie James Dio, an iconic figure in the realm of rock and heavy metal. Inspired by the charitable initiatives of Band Aid and USA for Africa, Dio sought to unite the metal community in a similar endeavor. Thus, HEAR 'N' AID was born—a collective effort to raise funds for the African famine crisis through the power of music.

The HEAR 'N' AID project attracted an impressive array of talent from the rock and metal scene. The 12" Maxi-Single Vinyl featured an all-star lineup including Dio, Rob Halford (Judas Priest), Geoff Tate (Queensrÿche), Don Dokken (Dokken), Kevin DuBrow (Quiet Riot), and many more. These artists, with their distinct voices and musical styles, came together to create something truly special.

The centerpiece of the HEAR 'N' AID 12" Maxi-Single Vinyl was the song "Stars". This epic eight-minute track was a majestic metal anthem, showcasing the raw power and soaring melodies that characterized the genre. The song not only highlighted the individual talents of the artists involved but also exemplified the spirit of unity and solidarity that defined the project. It became an instant classic among fans of rock and metal.

The Maxi-Single Vinyl extended beyond the powerful "Stars" track, featuring additional material that further enriched the listening experience. B-sides included "Up to the Limit" by Accept and "On the Road" by Gary Moore, providing a diverse range of musical styles for fans to enjoy. These extra tracks demonstrated the breadth of talent involved in the project and offered a more comprehensive representation of the metal community.

The HEAR 'N' AID 12" Maxi-Single Vinyl was more than just a compilation of songs. It served as a rallying cry for the metal community and a testament to the transformative power of music. The project successfully raised substantial funds for famine relief in Africa, contributing to the global effort to alleviate suffering. Additionally, the collaboration showcased the compassion and unity within the rock and metal scene, fostering a sense of camaraderie among musicians and fans alike.

These 40 artists, along with hundreds of other volunteers, donated their time and talent over four months to make Hear 'N Aid a reality. "Stars" is a plea for unity in the fight against world hunger."

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Musicians on: HEAR 'N' AID

Lead Vocals:
• Ronnie James Dio (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Munetaka Higuchi, Heaven And Hell (UK), Elf, The Vegas Kings, Ronnie & The Rumblers, Ronnie and The Red Caps, The Elves, Ronnie Dio & The Prophets)
• Dave Meniketti (Y&T)
• Rob Halford (Judas Priest, Two, Fight (US), Lord Lucifer, Hiroshima, Thark, Athens Wood, Black Sabbath)
• Kevin Dubrow (Quiet Riot) (RIP November 25th 2007)
• Eric Bloom (Blue Öyster Cult)
• Paul Shortino (Quiet Riot, Rough Cutt)
• Geoff Tate (Queensrÿche, Myth)
• Don Dokken (Dokken)

  Notes: Don Dokken ( real-name: Donald Maynard Dokken ) is from Los Angeles, California and has been lead-singer in the Rock-bands: Dokken, Don Dokken, War & Peace ( and guest singer on "Hear 'n' Aid" )

Backing Vocals
• Tommy Aldridge (Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, Patrick Rondat, Vinnie Moore, Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Manic Eden, Sykes, Motörhead, M.A.R.S.)
• David Alford (Rough Cutt)
• Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Ozzy Osbourne)
• Mick Brown (Dokken)
• Amir Derakh (Rough Cutt)
• Chris Hager (Rough Cutt)
• Chris Holmes (W.A.S.P., Psycho Squad, Animal, Sister)
• Blackie Lawless (W.A.S.P., New York Dolls, Sister)
• Vince Neil (Mötley Crüe)
• Ted Nugent (Amboy Dukes, Damn Yankees, Damnocracy)
• Jeff Pilson (Dokken, Flesh And Blood, M.S.G., Lynch
• Pilson, Power Project, Minoru Niihara, Dio)
• David St. Hubbins (Spinal Tap)
• Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy Osbourne, M.A.R.S., Quiet Riot, Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Dio, Whitesnake, Manic Eden, Dudes Of Wrath)
• Derek Smalls (Spinal Tap)
• Matt Thorr (Rough Cutt)
• Mark Stein (Vanilla Fudge)

Guitars:
• Dave Murray

  Dave Murray (Full-name: David Michael Murray ) is an English guitarist best known as a member of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. He was born on December 23, 1956 in London, England and is one of the founding members of Iron Maiden, along with bassist Steve Harris. Murray is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in heavy metal music and has been a member of Iron Maiden since their inception in 1975.band.

  Murray's musical style is characterized by his fluid and intricate lead guitar playing, as well as his creative use of harmonies and solos. He is known for his distinctive sound and technical prowess, and is widely regarded as a pioneer of the heavy metal genre. He has played on all of Iron Maiden's studio albums and has been an integral part of the band's success, helping to establish their distinctive sound and style.

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  In addition to his work with Iron Maiden, Murray has collaborated with a number of other musicians and bands over the years. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential guitarists in heavy metal, and continues to tour and perform with Iron Maiden to this day. He remains an active member of the band and continues to play an important role in their ongoing success.

  Dave Murray has been a member of Iron Maiden since the band's formation in 1975 and has been a key part of their sound and style ever since. He is known for his fluid, melodic playing style and his ability to incorporate intricate harmonies and solos into Iron Maiden's music. Over the years, Murray has established himself as one of the greatest guitarists in heavy metal and has earned a reputation as a master of the genre.

  One of the hallmarks of Murray's playing style is his use of harmonies and counter-melodies in his solos. He often doubles his lead lines with a second guitar part, creating a rich and layered sound that has become a signature of Iron Maiden's music. He is also known for his creative use of bends and vibrato, as well as his ability to incorporate classical music and folk influences into his playing.

  Throughout his career with Iron Maiden, Murray has remained a dedicated and hard-working musician. He has continued to evolve his playing style and push the boundaries of heavy metal guitar, and has been an important part of Iron Maiden's success and longevity as a band. He remains an active member of the band and continues to tour and perform with them to this day, entertaining fans with his virtuosic guitar playing and his distinctive sound.

• Melody Lines On Choruses (Iron Maiden, Urchin)
• Adrian Smith

  Adrian Smith (Full-name: Adrian Frederick Smith) an English musician and songwriter, best known as the guitarist for the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. He was born on 27 February 1957 in Hackney, East London, England.

  Smith joined Iron Maiden in 1981 and has been a member of the band ever since. He has played a key role in the development of the band's sound and style, and has contributed numerous iconic and enduring guitar riffs and solos to their songs. Some of his most famous contributions include the guitar work on classics such as "Hallowed Be Thy Name," "Two Minutes to Midnight," and "The Trooper."

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  Adrian Smith is known for his versatility and ability to adapt to different musical styles, which has been a key factor in his success as a guitarist. In addition to his work with Iron Maiden, he has also explored other musical genres and influences, including blues, classic rock, and folk. He has been praised for his ability to write and perform complex and intricate guitar parts that complement the songs and add depth and dimension to the overall sound of Iron Maiden.

  Smith has also been praised for his technical ability and his mastery of the guitar. He is known for his fast and fluid playing style, and his ability to incorporate complex harmonic and melodic ideas into his solos and lead lines. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential guitarists of the heavy metal genre, and has been an inspiration to countless other musicians and aspiring guitarists.

  In addition to his musical contributions, Smith is also known for his strong work ethic and his commitment to his craft. He is widely regarded as one of the most dedicated and focused musicians in the heavy metal genre, and has been praised for his unwavering commitment to his music and his band.

  Despite his success and impact on the heavy metal genre, Smith has remained a humble and approachable person. He is widely respected and admired by fans and fellow musicians alike, and is considered one of the most important figures in the history of heavy metal music.

• Melody Lines On Choruses (Iron Maiden, A.S.A.P., Psycho Motel, Bruce Dickinson, Urchin)

  Bruce Dickinson (real-name: Paul Bruce Dickinson) an English singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the lead vocalist for the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. He was born on 7 August 1958, in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, England. He first rose to prominence as the lead singer of Iron Maiden in 1981, and was with the band for over a decade, contributing to many of their most popular and critically acclaimed albums, including "The Number of the Beast," "Powerslave," and "Fear of the Dark."

  In addition to his work with Iron Maiden, Dickinson has also pursued a successful solo career, releasing several critically acclaimed albums and performing in a variety of styles, including heavy metal, hard rock, and classical music. He has been praised for his powerful and distinctive voice, as well as his versatility as a singer, songwriter, and performer.

  Some of the other bands he has performed in are: Samson from 1977 to 1981, Speed late 1970s, Shots in the Dark early 1980, and solo recordings.

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  Aside from his musical career, Dickinson is also known for his entrepreneurial ventures and his interests in a variety of other pursuits. He is a licensed pilot, and has flown a number of historic aircraft, including the Spitfire, a World War II fighter plane. He is also an author and public speaker, and has been involved in various humanitarian and environmental causes over the years.

  Overall, Bruce Dickinson is widely regarded as one of the most influential and talented musicians of his generation, and his impact on the world of heavy metal music will continue to be felt for many years to come.

• Craig Goldy (Dio, Giuffria,
• M.A.R.S. , Craig Goldy's Ritual)
• Eddie Ojeda (Twisted Sister, Prisoner Of War)
• Vivian Campbell (Dio, Def Leppard, Sweet Savage (UK), Whitesnake, Riverdogs, Shadow King, Clock, Trinity, Lou Gramm)
• Brad Gillis (Ozzy Osbourne, Night Ranger, Vicious Rumors)
• Neal Schon (Journey, Bad English)
• George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob, Lynch
• Pilson)
• Yngwie J. Malmsteen (Steeler (US), Alcatrazz, MVP)
• Carlos Cavazo (Quiet Riot, Snow (US), Power Project)
• Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser (Blue Öyster Cult)
• Mick Mars (Mötley Crüe)

Drums:
• Vinny Appice (Heaven And Hell (UK), Dio, Derringer, WWIII, Erik Norlander, Power Project Black Sabbath, Axis, War and Peace, 3 Legged Dogg, Circle Of Tyrants)
• Frankie Banali (W.A.S.P., Quiet Riot, Heavy Bones, Masi, Blackthorne)

Bass:
• Jimmy Bain (Rainbow, Dio, WWIII, Wild Horses, Key)

  Jimmy Bain (1947-2016) was a renowned musician, best known for his exceptional skills as a bassist and keyboardist. Born on 19 December 1947, in Newtonmore, Scotland, James Stewart Bain showed a profound interest in music from an early age. His fascination with rhythm and melody led him on a lifelong journey that would leave a lasting impact on the rock and metal music scenes.

  Bain's musical journey began when he picked up the guitar at the age of 7, inspired by his father's love for music. However, it was the bass guitar that truly captivated him as a teenager. By the time he was 15, he had mastered the instrument, demonstrating an innate talent that set him apart from his peers. His passion for music also extended to keyboards, and he quickly became proficient in playing both instruments.

  In the late 1960s, Jimmy Bain's musical career took a significant turn when he joined the progressive rock band Harlot, which later changed its name to Rainbow. The band was formed by guitar virtuoso Ritchie Blackmore, formerly of Deep Purple. With Bain's powerful bass lines and complementary keyboard work, Rainbow gained prominence in the rock music landscape. He contributed significantly to their early albums, such as "Rising" and "Long Live Rock 'n' Roll".

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  In 1983, Jimmy Bain's career reached new heights when he joined forces with legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio to form the band Dio. Alongside drummer Vinny Appice and guitarist Vivian Campbell, the band released their debut album, "Holy Diver", which was met with critical acclaim. Bain's thunderous bass playing became a defining element of Dio's sound, and he continued to be an integral part of the band for several years, playing on subsequent albums like "The Last in Line" and "Sacred Heart".

  After parting ways with Dio in the late 1980s, Jimmy Bain remained active in the music industry, collaborating with various artists and bands. He worked with acts such as Gary Moore, WWIII, and Wild Horses, displaying his versatility as a musician and his ability to adapt to different musical styles.

  In the 2000s, Bain reunited with Ronnie James Dio, joining the band Heaven & Hell, which also featured Tony Iommi and Vinny Appice, former members of Black Sabbath. Together, they released the highly acclaimed album "The Devil You Know" in 2009, reaffirming their place in the world of heavy metal history.

  Tragically, on 23 January 2016, the music world lost Jimmy Bain at the age of 68. He passed away while aboard Def Leppard's Hysteria on the High Seas Cruise, just a few days before the event was set to conclude. The cause of death was reported as lung cancer.

Keyboards:
• Claude Schnell (Dio, Rough Cutt, Hughes Thrall)