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 annals 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 essay 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."

  Ronnie James DIO ( Full-name: Ronald James Padavona ) (1942-2010) , the KING of Heavy Metal with a long career (starting in 1957) being lead singer (vocals) in many different bands. DIO's career in a nutshell: 1957 The Vegas Kings, Ronnie and the Rumblers, 1958-1961 Ronnie and the Redcaps, 1961-1967 Ronnie and the Prophets, 1967-1968 The Electric Elves, 1968-1972 The Elves, 1972-1975 ELF, 1975-1978 Rainbow , 1979-1982 Black Sabbath , 1982-2010 DIO (Band) , 1981-1982 Black Sabbath , 2006-2010 Heaven & Hell.

  Ronald James Padavona was born in Portsmouth, Rockingham, New Hampshire, United States on 10/07/1942. He was the first child of Pasquale Padavona 29/09/1918 and Anna E Gulini 19/02/1918.

  When he was 63 years old, his mother Anna E Gulini died (01/06/2006).

  He married Loretta Berardi 1941 in 1963. He married Wendy Walters 1945 in 1978. He was 20 years old when he married Loretta Berardi, who was 22 years old at that time. He was 35 years old when he married Wendy Walters, who was 33 years old at that time. He got divorced from Loretta Berardi in 1972.

  On 10/07/1942, he lived in Merrimack, New Hampshire, United States. Since 1976 he worked as a singer on Rising, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow . He was 33 years old at that point. Since 1977 he worked as a singer on On Stage Gatefold, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow . He was 34 years old at that point. Since 1978 he worked as a singer on Long Live Rock And Roll, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow . He was 35 years old at that point. Since 1980 he worked as a singer on Heaven and Hell, Black Sabbath. He was 37 years old at that point. Since 1983 he worked as a singer on Holy Diver, DIo. He was 40 years old at that point. Since 1984 he worked as a singer on Last In Line, DIO. He was 41 years old at that point. Since 1986 he worked as a singer on Intermission Live , DIO. He was 43 years old at that point. Since 1986 he worked as a singer on Sacred Heart, DIO. He was 43 years old at that point. Since 1987 he worked as a singer on Dream Evil, DIO. He was 44 years old at that point. Since 1990 he worked as a singer on Lock Up The Wolves, DIO. He was 47 years old at that point. On 02/02/1991, he lived in Tarzana, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States. On from 1 May 1999 to 25 March 2008, he lived in Studio City, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States. On 03/02/2005, he lived in Los Angeles, California, United States. On from 26 August 2005 to 6 August 2008, he lived in Encino, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States. On 16/05/2010, he lived in Houston, Harris, Texas, United States.

  On 16/05/2010, he died in Los Angeles, California, United States when he was 67 years old. In 2010, he was buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States.

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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.

    Read more information on Dave Murray

• 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 February 27, 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."
  Learn more about Adrian Smith

• 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.

   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. Here is a summary of his career.

• 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 )(Full-name James Stewart Bain) was a Scottish Bass guitar player who has played in the band: Rainbow and DIO, and has also worked with Thin Lizzy, Gary Moore and many others.

    James Stewart Bain was born in Newtonmore, Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom on 19 Dec 1947.

    He married Sophia Crichton-Stuart Lady in 1979. He was 31 years old when he married Sophia Crichton-Stuart Lady. He had one daughter with Sophia Crichton-Stuart Lady: Samantha Ella Bain 1981.

    Since 1976 he worked as a Bass and keyboards player in "Rising", Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow . He was 28 years old at that point. Since 1977 he worked as a Bass and keyboards player in "On Stage", Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow . He was 29 years old at that point. Since 1979 he worked as a musician in "Black Rose A Rock Legend", Thin Lizzy. He was 31 years old at that point. Since 1983 he worked as a Bass and keyboards player in "Holy Diver", DIO. He was 35 years old at that point. Since 1984 he worked as a Bass and keyboards player in "Last In Line", DIO. He was 36 years old at that point. Since 1986 he worked as a Bass and keyboards player in "Intermission Live" , DIO. He was 38 years old at that point. Since 1986 he worked as a Bass and keyboards player in "Sacred Heart", DIO. He was 38 years old at that point. Since 1987 he worked as a Bass and keyboards player in "Dream Evil", DIO. He was 39 years old at that point. His occupation was Bass and keyboards player.

    He died on 23 Jan 2016 when he was 68 years old.

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