Dio Instigated Charity Record Re-released

Hear 'N Aid's Stars was heavy metal's answer to the Band Aid single, 'Do They Know It's Christmas'. It was put together by Ronnie James Dio and his bandmates Vivian Campbell and Jimmy Bain, and the title track featured contributions by members of Mötley Crüe, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Quiet Riot, Twisted Sister, Blue Öyster Cult and even Spinal Tap.

The accompanying album featured live tracks donated by the likes of Kiss, Motorhead and Rush, although at the time contract disputes delayed the releases.

"I’m going to rerelease Stars because it only ever came out on vinyl and cassette. So it’ll come out on DVD and CD," Wendy Dio told Rolling Stone. "I have loads of outtakes for the video."

There's no word on when the re-release will include the Stars album or just the single.

Meanwhile, the first annual Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout awards gala took place last night at the Playboy Mansion in LA, with Ronnie's bandmate Geezer Butler picking up the first King Of Rock And Roll Award.

Stars such as Geezer, Keith Emerson, Slash and Glenn Hughes turned up to celebrate the success of Ronnie's charity over the past year.