"Hear 'n' Aid" was a project that collected in excess of $1 million for famine relief in Africa. The project was led by
Ronnie James Dio
, and included 40 notable 80's heavy metal and hard rock bands and artists.
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.
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." Ronald James Padavona, better known as Ronnie James Dio, was born on 10 July 1942, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He would later become one of the most influential and iconic figures in the history of heavy metal music. Dio's powerful vocals, distinct stage presence, and songwriting abilities earned him the title of the "King of Heavy Metal". Dio's musical journey began in 1957 when he formed his first band called The Vegas Kings, where he showcased his talents as a lead singer. Over the next few years, he went on to perform with various bands, including Ronnie and the Rumblers and Ronnie and the Redcaps. These early experiences helped him develop his vocal skills and stage persona. In 1961, Dio joined Ronnie and the Prophets, a band that gained some local popularity. During this time, he experimented with different musical styles and expanded his repertoire. In 1967, the band changed its name to The Electric Elves and later simply The Elves. As The Elves, they played a blend of rock and blues, laying the groundwork for Dio's future ventures. In 1972, the band transformed once again and became known as ELF. Their music continued to evolve, incorporating elements of hard rock and progressive rock. ELF released three studio albums, showcasing Dio's exceptional vocal range and his ability to captivate audiences. Dio's big breakthrough came in 1975 when he joined the British rock band Rainbow, founded by former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. With Dio as the lead vocalist, Rainbow gained international recognition and released several critically acclaimed albums. Dio's powerful vocals and poetic lyrics contributed to the band's success, and he quickly became a respected figure in the rock music scene. In 1979, Dio made yet another significant move in his career by joining Black Sabbath, replacing the band's original vocalist, Ozzy Osbourne. With Dio, Black Sabbath released the classic albums "Heaven and Hell" (1980) and "Mob Rules" (1981), which revitalized the band's sound and solidified their place in heavy metal history. In 1982, Dio formed his own band, simply named DIO, and embarked on a highly successful solo career. The band released numerous albums, including the critically acclaimed "Holy Diver" (1983) and "The Last in Line" (1984), which showcased Dio's songwriting abilities and his powerful vocals. Dio reunited with Black Sabbath for a brief period from 1991 to 1992 and again from 2006 to 2010 under the name Heaven & Hell. The band released the album "The Devil You Know" (2009) before Dio's untimely death in 2010. Throughout his career, Ronnie James Dio influenced countless musicians and fans with his distinctive voice, theatrical stage presence, and unwavering passion for heavy metal. His lyrics often explored fantasy and mythology, adding depth and a unique dimension to his music. |
Music Genre: Heavy Metal |
Album Production Information: The album: "HEAR 'N' AID" was produced by: Michael Brokaw and Bas Hartong |
Record Label Information: Mercury 884 004 |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1986 Made in Germany |
Musicians on: HEAR 'N' AID |
|
---
Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )
---
Black coloured MERCURY 884 004-1 Record Label Details: Made in West-Germany ℗ 1985 Phonogram International B.V. The Netherlands