WENDY DIO Says HEAR ‘N AID’s Metal Charity Classic “Stars” Is Set For Long-Awaited Reissue

Nearly four decades after uniting the metal world for a greater cause, Hear ‘N Aid‘s landmark charity single “Stars” is finally getting the reissue fans have long been waiting for.

Speaking on the red carpet at this year’s Metal Hall Of Fame induction ceremony on January 21, 2026, in West Hollywood, CA, Wendy Dio — widow and longtime manager of Ronnie James Dio — confirmed to Reality Check TV that the reissue will arrive “next year.”

Originally recorded across May 20 and 21, 1985, “Stars” was the centerpiece of a famine-relief project spearheaded by Dio under the Hear ‘N Aid banner. Over 40 artists from across the metal spectrum gathered at A&M Records Studios in Hollywood, donating their time and talent to the cause. Participants included members of Mötley Crüe, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Quiet Riot, Twisted Sister, Blue Öyster Cult, and even Spinal Tap, alongside hundreds of volunteers.

The resulting single — paired with a behind-the-scenes documentary — served as a plea for unity and compassion during the global famine crisis, raising funds for relief efforts in Africa and beyond. However, due to complex label and contract issues, “Stars” wasn’t released until New Year’s Day 1986, and only ever appeared on vinyl and cassette, leaving it unavailable in the digital era.

Wendy Dio has been vocal about correcting that oversight. During a September 2023 appearance on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk, she detailed both the ambition and the obstacles behind the reissue:

“Well, we’ve talked about it a lot. I never seem to have the time, but it will be down the pipeline. I’d like to add some new stuff to it, to get some new, younger bands in there as well to record some stuff along with the old stuff.”

She added that all proceeds would benefit the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to research and education for early detection and treatment of prostate, colon, and stomach cancers: “Obviously all the money will go to Stand Up And Shout… But it is in the works… It’s all of the red tape behind it with the managers and the record labels… But we will do it. It will be there sometime soon.”