WENDY DIO Says There Is 'An Offer' From METAL BLADE To Release Long-Awaited Reissue Of Eighties Metal All-Star Project HEAR 'N AID

Why It Matters

The reissue revives a historic metal‑community charity effort and directs funds to cancer research, while satisfying long‑standing fan demand for an official CD/streaming version.

Key Takeaways

• Metal Blade offered a deal to reissue the 1985 “Stars” single
• Reissue will feature vinyl, CD, and a limited‑edition photo book
• Original “Stars” was only ever released on vinyl and cassette
• Proceeds will benefit the Ronnie James Dio cancer‑research fund
• Future new‑artist version is still under consideration

Pulse Analysis

The 1985 HEAR 'N AID project, spearheaded by Ronnie James Dio, gathered forty metal icons to record “Stars,” a charity single that raised money for famine relief. Though the track saw limited release on vinyl and cassette, it became a cult artifact among metal fans, symbolizing the genre’s capacity for collective action. Decades later, the scarcity of an official CD or digital version has turned the record into a coveted collector’s item, prompting renewed interest in preserving its legacy.

In April 2024, Wendy Dio confirmed that Metal Blade has extended an offer to package the original “Stars” recording for modern formats. The forthcoming release will pair the remastered track with a hardcover photo book, featuring essays from surviving contributors such as Rob Halford and a new foreword by industry veteran Dante Bonutto. Navigating label red tape and rights clearances has delayed the project, but the partnership with Metal Blade—a label known for championing classic metal—suggests a smoother path to market. Fans can anticipate vinyl and CD editions, with potential streaming availability, fulfilling a demand that has persisted for nearly four decades.

Beyond nostalgia, the reissue carries tangible philanthropic impact. All revenue will flow to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund, supporting research into prostate, colon and stomach cancers. By reviving a historic charity effort, the project demonstrates how legacy content can be leveraged for contemporary causes, reinforcing metal’s community ethos while opening new revenue streams for estate managers and independent labels alike.