Deep Purple Ian lead singer Ian Gillan announced his plans for formation of Who Cares band to raise funds for the reconstruction of a music school in Armenia, with Tony Iommi as another band member, Mediamax reported.

“After twenty years we are still working towards rebuilding the school and concert hall in Gyumri, which - like Spitak - suffered devastation with at least 25,000 killed and god knows how many injured and left homeless. Things are moving on quite well with a lot of support from politicians and businesses. I was able to raise a decent amount for the cause with two benefit shows in Yerevan recently”, Ian Gillan said.

“Also, I'm working on an idea with Tony Iommi. On the flight home from Armenia we decided to write a song or two and form an ad hoc band - specifically for use on fund raising occasions - called 'Who Cares'. Any live performances would be with a nebulous line-up and those plans are still on the drawing board, but we have made a move in the right direction by getting started with the writing. I visited Tony recently and we came up with a couple of songs that aren't too horrible. Hopefully we can knock them into shape in the near future and raise even more money to help the program [on reestablishing the school in Gyumri]. The idea to help Haitians is admirable and of course we are all shocked by the tragic aftermath of their cataclysm. However I think it's best to direct all my efforts where they are most effective. I see plenty of fantastic energy and awareness being put into Haiti, but after twenty years there is still work to be done in Armenia”, Ian Gillan stated.

As the singer noted, the remake of "Smoke on the Water" issued as a charity single to help Haiti earthquake victims will be released in near future.

Ian Gillan’s charity concerts with the State Philharmonic Orchestra of Armenia were organized by Mediamax on March 26-27 in Yerevan. Concert proceeds (AMD 18 mln 327 thousand) will be allocated to reconstruction of No 6 music school in Gyumri.

Concerts were sponsored by VivaCell-MTS mobile operator in partnership with bmi Airline.