DEEP PURPLE's Ian Gillan and BLACK SABBATH's Tony Iommi took everybody by surprise in 2011 by releasing a charity single: 'Out Of My Mind', renewing the collaboration that led the pair recording the Black Sabbath album Born Again in 1984.

Gillan discusses the project in a new interview with Guitar International's Robert Cavuoto. An excerpt follows:

Q: Tell me about the WhoCares project and why it is so special to you?

A: "I was in Armenia doing some solo shows not long after the 1988 earthquake that killed 25,000 people and made another 250,000 homeless. Armenia was still part of the Soviet Union then and there were no 24 hour news channels, so they were left pretty much to their own devices. I went to Spitak to witness the devastation. Apart from unimaginable horrors there was no music. The Mayor explained to me that everythinG had been eerily quiet since the event. No music in churches, schools, radio, etc., and it seemed that even the birds had stopped singing. I promised then to help when they were ready for music again.

A generation has passed and here we are. Thanks to the funds raised by concerts and records as well as other generous contributions from around the world and willing efforts from Armenians themselves I can tell you that the foundations for the music school were started last week when the builders finally moved in. Music is the key to all this and the school is symbolic."

Q: WhoCares is a great name with different meanings across many levels. What about the name resonates with you for this project, and the cause?

A: "Thanks, its nonchalance and passion all in one phrase – I love it! Of course, it helps to draw attention to the project as people do a double-take when they see the name. And of course we do care very much."

Read the full interview at this location.

WhoCares was released in Europe on July 13th, and in North America on August 28th. The Black Sabbath classic 'Zero The Hero' is currently streaming online at BraveWords.com - head to the left-hand-side of the site to launch the KnuckleTracks Online Audio Player.

WhoCares tracklisting:

CD1

WhoCares - 'Out Of My Mind' (first time on an album featuring Jon Lord, Linde Lindström, Jason Newsted, Nicko McBrain)

Black Sabbath - 'Zero The Hero'

Ian Gillan featuring Iommi, Ian Paice and Roger Glover - 'Trashed'

M. Rakintzis featuring Ian Gillan - 'Get Away' (first release on a Gillan album, only released in Greece before)

Tony Iommi featuring Glenn Hughes - 'Slip Away' (first time on CD)

Gillan - 'Don’t Hold Me Back'

Ian Gillan - 'She Thinks It’s A Crime' (vinyl single B-side, first time on CD)

Repo Depo featuring Ian Gillan - 'Easy Come, Easy Go' (previously unreleased)

Deep Purple featuring Ronnie James Dio - 'Smoke On The Water' (live with the Royal Philaarmonic Orchestra)

CD2

WhoCares - 'Holy Water' (first time on an album featuring Jon Lord, Linde Lindström, Jason Newsted, Nicko McBrain)

Black Sabbath - 'Anno Mundi'

Tony Iommi featuring G. Hughes - 'Let it Down Easy' (first time on CD)

Ian Gillan - 'Hole in My Vest' (7“ vinyl single B-side, first time on CD)

Gillan & Glover featuring Dr.John - 'Can’t Believe You Wanna Leave Me'

Ian Gillan & The Javelins - 'Can I Get A Witness'

Garth Rockett & The Moonshiners aka IG - 'No Laughing In Heaven' (rare track)

Ian Gillan - 'When A Blind Man Cries' (Live at Absolute Radio, previously unreleased)

Deep Purple - 'Dick Pimple'

Check out BraveWords.com review of WhoCares at this location.

New audio medleys featuring tracks from the album are available below: