WhoCares was a supergroup formed by Ian Gillan of Deep Purple and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath in 2011 with the participation of a great number of rock artists as a charity project to raise money to rebuild a music school in Gyumri, Armenia, after the destruction of the city in the 1988 earthquake in Armenia. The album sold more than 20,000 copies in Europe.[2]

WhoCares
OriginUnited Kingdom
GenresHard rock, heavy metal[1]
Years active2011–2012
Past membersIan Gillan
Tony Iommi
Jon Lord
Jason Newsted
Nicko McBrain
Mikko "Linde" Lindström

Members

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The supergroup WhoCares was originally made up Ian Gillan (of Deep Purple) and Tony Iommi (of Black Sabbath).

Many artists took part in the project, namely Jon Lord (of Deep Purple), Jason Newsted (of Metallica), Nicko McBrain (of Iron Maiden) and Mikko "Linde" Lindström (of HIM)

Background

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The formation of the project WhoCares follows a two-decade continuous efforts by Gillan in helping Armenia after the devastating earthquake there in north of the country. Gillan had been involved in Rock Aid Armenia following the earthquake. The documentary Picture of Home shot by Bernie Zelvis and Christina Rowatt documented Gillan's involvement with David Gilmour, Brian May, Ritchie Blackmore and Bruce Dickinson in recording "Smoke on the Water" as a charity for Armenian relief efforts.

On a return visit to Armenia to receive honorary presidential medal for their efforts, Gillan and Iommi learned about a derelict music school in Gyumri heavily affected by the earthquake. The music school was in dire need of repairs and staff, and lacked many musical instruments. Gillan and Iommi formed WhoCares to provide financing for the school and solicited help from other artists to make music as a charity for the school.[3]

Releases

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WhoCares debut single in 2011 was the 2-track release "Out of My Mind / Holy Water", a charity release that was made available digital download, on CD and as a limited 7" edition[4]

In July–August 2012, WhoCares launched a 2-CD release Ian Gillan & Tony Iommi: WhoCares containing many classic songs, but also rarities and special tracks for the album.[5]

Members

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Discography

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Albums

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Year Album Peak Position Certification
NOR
[6]
SWE
[6]
2011/2012 Ian Gillan & Tony Iommi: WhoCares 29 26

Singles

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Year Single Peak Position Certification Album
GER
[7]
2011 "Out of My Mind / Holy Water" 86 Ian Gillan & Tony Iommi: WhoCares

References

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  1. ^ "Revolver Magazine".
  2. ^ "Silver Impala Award". Ian Gillan official website. Retrieved 20 February 2013.
  3. ^ "TONY IOMMI, IAN GILLAN SAY WHOCARES ABOUT 1988 QUAKE VICTIMS" – via www.youtube.com.
  4. ^ Undercover: Maiden, Sabbath, Deep Purple Supergroup Songs Coming
  5. ^ "IAN GILLAN & TONY IOMMI's WhoCares Album To Be Released In North America This Month". bravewords.com.
  6. ^ a b "Whocares by Ian Gillan and Tony Iommi - Music Charts". acharts.co.
  7. ^ "Out Of My Mind by WhoCares - Music Charts". acharts.co.