WhoCares: The Charitable Collaboration of Ian Gillan and Tony Iommi
Ian Gillan of Deep Purple and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath joined forces to create the short-lived but impactful hard rock and heavy metal supergroup, WhoCares. This collaboration, which also included Jon Lord of Deep Purple, Jason Newsted of Metallica, Nicko McBrain of Iron Maiden, and Mikko “Linde” Lindström of HIM, was formed in 2011 to support charity efforts. The band aimed to raise funds for the reconstruction of a music school in Gyumri, Armenia, following its destruction in the 1988 Armenian earthquake.
WhoCares released the album "Ian Gillan & Tony Iommi: WhoCares" in 2011, with the proceeds going towards the school's reconstruction and the purchase of new instruments for the students. The lead single, "Out Of My Mind / Holy Water," was well-received, and the album sold over 20,000 copies in Europe. This charitable initiative was not the first time Gillan and Iommi had supported Armenia, as they had previously been involved in relief efforts for the earthquake victims.
The formation of WhoCares was inspired by Gillan and Iommi's visit to Armenia, where they discovered the music school's plight. The supergroup's collaboration resulted in a successful fundraising effort and a meaningful contribution to the community. The album showcases the exceptional talent of the musicians involved and stands as a unique example of a supergroup formed with the noble purpose of supporting a charitable cause. Kudos to WhoCares for their philanthropic efforts and musical excellence.