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."

Heavy metal legend Ronnie James Dio! His mighty voice and the iconic "devil horns" defined the genre. Here's his story

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12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

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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

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

  Discover the journey of Adrian Smith, the melodic maestro behind Iron Maiden's iconic sound. From humble beginnings to heavy metal stardom, explore his passion for music, songwriting prowess, and enduring legacy. Read it Here

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

  From humble beginnings to a heavy metal icon, Bruce Dickinson's journey is filled with powerful vocals, epic stage performances, and a passion for flight. Discover the life of a true renaissance man. Read it Here

• 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, the legendary bassist behind Rainbow and Dio, was a force of nature. His driving basslines powered some of hard rock's most iconic anthems. Want to hear more?

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