Guest
The “Hear 'n Aid“ project started taking shape in 1985 when Ronnie James Dio, deeply moved by the famine crisis in Ethiopia, decided to bring together the heavy metal community to contribute to famine relief. Dio, known for his powerful and emotive vocals, had a substantial influence in the metal scene and was able to rally support from various musicians. Dio reached out to artists from different metal bands, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. The project featured a diverse lineup, including vocalists, guitarists, bassists, drummers, and other instrumentalists. Some of the notable contributors included Rob Halford, Geoff Tate, Vivian Campbell, Adrian Vandenberg, and many more. The recording session took place at A&M Studios in Hollywood, California, and Jimmy Bain, Dio's bandmate from Dio and Rainbow, played a crucial role in the production. The result was the song “Stars,“ a nearly 8-minute epic that showcased the individual talents of the participating musicians. In addition to the single “Stars,“ the “Hear 'n Aid“ album was released, featuring extended versions of the song, as well as other tracks contributed by the participating artists. The album also included a documentary-style video that provided a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the project. “Hear 'n Aid“ was unique in that it brought together musicians primarily associated with the heavy metal and hard rock genres, which weren't always in the mainstream spotlight. The project aimed to dispel stereotypes about metal artists and show that they could unite for a charitable cause. While the commercial success of “Stars“ might not have matched other charity singles of the era, the project succeeded in raising awareness and funds for famine relief. The humanitarian spirit of “Hear 'n Aid“ showcased the social consciousness within the heavy metal community and illustrated the power of music to make a positive impact on the world beyond entertainment.
