Tony Iommi And Ian Gillan`s "Who Cares" Project; New Music Available

Some months ago there was news that Tony Iommi & Ian Gillan were writing new music, the first new music the two of them have done since 1983 and the "Born Again" album. Tony & Ian did work together about five years ago on Ian's then solo album, "Gillan's Inn". If you never checked that out,

you should. It has a new recording of "Trashed" on it.

But that's the past. This is new. The project has a name, and it's called "WhoCares". The all-star lineup has recorded two new songs. They are to benefit a music school in Gyumri, Armenia.

First, the lineup, which is quite impressive.

• Tony Iommi - Guitars (Black Sabbath)
• Ian Gillan - Vocals (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath)
• Jason Newsted - Bass (Metallica, Voivoid, Flotsam & Jetsam)
• Niko McBrain - Drums (Iron Maiden)
• Jon Lord - Keyboards (Deep Purple)
• Linde Linstrom - Guitars (HIM, a Finnish band)

This was all recorded back in September of 2010, and finally we're getting some details on it. :) The new charity release will consist of two songs. The names of the songs are called "Out of My Mind" & "Holy Water". This will all be out worldwide on May 6th. The primary distribution format will be digital. Meaning your iTunes of the world, that kind of thing. There will be a physical media presence with the release, too. There will be a very limited press run of 7" vinyl for the album (a total of 1,000 copies), and a CD version. The CD will have a video, and a 30 minute documentary on the making of the songs.

None of this is yet available for pre-order, but when it is, I will make sure and get that information out for sure. Below is some text from earMUSIC, the folks who are distributing the release about all this:

What hides behind this new band name is in fact the renewed musical union between legendary Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan, with none other than Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi: the undisputed master of heavy guitar riffs.

The duo has recorded two brand new songs with the intent to support the rebuilding of a music school in Gyumri, Armenia. Both Gillan and Iommi have spent a lot of time in Armenia, fallen 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.

The collaboration of Gillan and Iommi, who have worked together before on the Sabbath album "Born Again", is in itself an incredible news for all rock and metal fans and will be the best of surprises to get to know who is completing the band:None other than Jon Lord on keyboard ("Mr. Hammond", partner with Gillan on all the Deep Purple classics), Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain, ex Metallica bass player Jason Newsted and HIM guitar player Linde Lindström are also featured on the two new songs.

WhoCares will release the 2 new songs on digital download and limited edition CD single on May 6th 2011: 'Out of My Mind' (and epic hard rock classic, destined to remain in time as a hard rock milestone) 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.

There is no doubt that this is the most impressive rock ensemble ever to release new material in 2011.

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."

There is also a video promo out now in which you can hear some of the new tunes. Check it out below: