HEAVY METAL ROCKERS TO GIVE AID TOO

The joke going around the USA for Africa Foundation offices last week was that heavy metal rockers would form the ultimate “We Are the World” superstar spinoff by forming an ad-hoc group called “Bang Your Head for Africa.”

But all jokes seem to be on hold when it comes to famine-relief music. Heavy-metal help is on the way with the actual coalition name of Hear ‘N Aid. A best-of-heavy-metal rock summit, Hear ‘N Aid is in its pre-production stages, according to its organizers. Commitments from the world of decibel delirium already include Ratt, Quiet Riot, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, the Scorpions and Black Sabbath.

Heading the list of ear-blast groups who will assemble at a Los Angeles area studio in mid-May to record “Star”--their version of “We Are the World”--will be the heavy-metal parody group Spinal Tap.

“We are the ones who weren’t invited (to the USA for Africa session on Jan. 28),” said Hear ‘N Aid spokeswoman Sharon Weiss. “This will be for the leather pants crowd.”

With the creation of Hear ‘N Aid, any satirical speculation about the next super group singing for Ethiopia seems risky at best. Musical marathons that have actually come to pass thus far include ad-hoc sessions featuring stars from the worlds of American pop, British rock, gospel music, country, reggae, Canadian pop and--in a marathon session Tuesday at A & M Recording Studios in West Hollywood--Latino music.

Hear ‘N Aid, spawned by a February radio special aired over KLOS-FM (95.5) to raise money to feed Africans, has proven that any kind of musical super grouping is fast becoming immune to satire.

“It started with the KLOS radiothon, which raised about $175,000,” said Vivian Campbell, a guitarist with the group Dio and co-author of the 8-minute single “Star” that Hear ‘N Aid will record.

Exclusion of heavy-metal stars from the USA for Africa super session was a contributing factor to the decision to record a heavy-metal single for Africa, but not the controlling factor, Campbell said.

“It’s so incredible when you sit back and say, ‘How much money can be raised?’ ” he said. “I know there’s a kind of fever right now with everybody getting involved in charity, but then again, why the hell not?”