“Stars,” released under the name Hear ‘n Aid, featured 40 metal and rock artists helping to raise money for famine relief in Africa and around the world. (Syracuse.com reports)
Ronnie James Dio, known for his work with Black Sabbath, Rainbow and his eponymous band Dio, led the collaboration and co-wrote “Stars.” Others who donated their time and talents included Rob Halford (Judas Priest), Geoff Tate (Queensyche), Neal Schon (Journey), Ted Nugent and members of Motley Crue, Iron Maiden, Twisted Sister, Blue Oyster Cult, Quiet Riot, Dokken, Night Ranger, and Spinal Tap.
According to Blabbermouth, the musicians met to record the project in May 1985, but “Stars” wasn’t released until January 1986 due to contract differences with the artists’ labels. The song appeared on the charity album, titled “Hear ‘n Aid,” along with songs by KISS, Motorhead, Rush and Jimi Hendrix.
Hear ‘n Aid reportedly raised more than $3 million for famine relief in Africa, but didn’t receive as much mainstream acclaim as other celebrity-filled charity singles like 1985’s “We Are the World” and 1984’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”
A special package will be released with a CD and DVD, featuring bonus content, and raise money for the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable fund dedicated to support research and education that furthers early detection, prevention and treatment of prostate, colon and stomach cancers.
Ronnie James Dio, who was born Ronald James Padavona in New Hampshire and raised in Cortland, N.Y., was a metal singer who famously replaced Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath and popularizing “devil horns” in rock and roll.
