Ronnie James Dio’s widow and longtime manager Wendy Dio has confirmed to Reality Check TV that the long-awaited reissue of “Stars,” the 1985 famine-relief charity single released under the HEAR ’N AID banner, will finally arrive next year.
Recorded in May and June 1985 at A&M Studios in Hollywood, the track featured an all-star lineup of metal musicians from bands including MĂ–TLEY CRĂśE, JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN, QUIET RIOT, TWISTED SISTER, BLUE Ă–YSTER CULT, SPINAL TAP, and many others.
Written by Ronnie James Dio and Jimmy Bain after a publicist suggested a metal counterpart to Michael Jackson’s “We Are The World,” the project was filmed throughout the sessions, resulting in both an album and a video documentary. Contractual issues delayed their release until New Year’s Day 1986.
Wendy Dio said she has continued working to properly restore and reissue the project. The upcoming release will include the original recording, a newly recorded version featuring younger metal bands, rare photos, signed posters from participating musicians, and behind-the-scenes material from the original sessions. Proceeds will benefit Ronnie James Dio’s cancer charity, Stand Up And Shout.