Iommi & Gillan Announce New Charity Project

Ian Gillan & Tony Iommi have recruited Jon Lord, former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted, Iron Maiden's Nicko McBrain and Linde Lindström for brand new band WHOCARES, and they release a their debut single on 6 May.

Former Black Sabbath bandmates Gillan and Iommi have recorded the two brand new songs to support the rebuilding of a music school in Gyumri, Armenia. Both rock legends have spent a lot of time in Armenia, falling in love with the country and the people 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.

WhoCares will release the 2 new songs on digital download and limited edition CD single on 6 May 2011: "Out of My Mind" and "Holy Water". The CD single will also contain the 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.

Ian Gillan said: "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. 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..."

Tony Iommi added: "Some twenty years ago when the call came, I thought, well at least I've helped, but it was going to Armenia and seeing the actual devastation caused by the earthquake that really made me realise 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 honour 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 honour and a pleasure."

Planet Rock will have an exclusive interview with Tony and Ian closer to the time of the release, plus we'll be giving the song a spin - more info on that coming in the next few weeks.

In the meantime, here's a sneak preview of one of the songs: