Iron Deep Sabbath? Black Purple Maiden?
WhoCares?
Exactly.
If you wanted HEAVY, you’ve come to the right place.
A new hard rock/metal supergroup called WhoCares features the monster talents of Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan and Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, who are joined by bassist Jason Newsted, keyboardist Jon Lord, Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain, and HIM guitarist Linde Lindström.
Whoa.
Built around Gillan and Iommi, WhoCares are about to release their debut single and the project has even loftier goals: raising funds to support the rebuilding of a music school in Gyumri, Armenia. Both Gillan and Iommi have spent a lot of time in Armenia and have dedicated a lot of work to a nation still shocked after the earthquake that struck Armenia on December 7, 1988 at 11:41am.
There’s some history here: in 1989, within the framework of Rock Aid Armenia, the British rock stars recorded Purple's classic, "Smoke On The Water," and also released a disc called "Rock Aid Armenia."
In October 2009, Gillan and Iommi were awarded the Orders Of Honor — which were delivered to them by Prime Minister of Armenia Tigran Sargsyan — for the Armenia Grateful To Rock program, set up to express gratitude to those musicians who participated in the Rock Aid Armenia project all those years ago.
"Some twenty years ago when the call came, I thought, well at least I've helped,” said Iommi, “but it was going to Armenia and seeing the actual devastation caused by the earthquake that really made me realize that funds were still needed. Despite all the money that was raised last time, here was a music school doing their best, forgotten, in basic tin sheds. After the warmth and honor bestowed upon us during our visit, we just had to help make a difference and get the school re-built. And what better way than to hook up with some of rock's greatest players and my old mate Ian, both an honor and a pleasure."
"The idea came as Tony and I flew back from Yerevan together after being inspired by the enthusiasm of everyone there to get this thing done,” added Gillan. “It was brilliant working with Tony again after all these years; he makes life easy for a singer. The other guys need no introduction do they…"
Due for release on May 6, WhoCares issues "Out of My Mind" and "Holy Water"; the single will be available in the following formats:
• CD with bonus video clip of "Out Of My Mind" and a 40-minute documentary that shows Gillan’s and Iommi’s involvement with the Armenia cause over the years
• digital download for all of the above
• 7" vinyl limited to 1000 units worldwide
WhoCares: Ian Gillan, Tony Iommi & Friends – promo
