In the summer of 1989, rock-stars gathered at London Metropolis Studios to record all-star version of Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” hit to help Armenia after the Spitak earthquake. Mediamax presents the special project dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Rock Aid Armenia to reveal previously undisclosed details. 

Rock Aid Armenia special project is supported by the British Council. 

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Rock Aid Armenia creator Jon Dee has told Mediamax that Neil Peart from Rush was the original drummer for the all-star “Smoke on the Water” track. 

“He was really looking forward to recording with the other guys. Unfortunately, when we had to change the date of the first recording session, Neil was not available. 

So Roger Taylor from Queen kindly stepped in and took over the drum stool.

I was really disappointed that Neil was not available, but as soon as Roger started playing the drums in the studio, him and Chris Squire came up with a bass and drum groove that exceeded all my expectations. Roger and Chris were amazing together in the studio, so it all worked out really well in the end,” said Jon Dee.

Read also:

“Rock and Mercy”: Komsomolskaya Pravda covers Rock Aid Armenia in 1989

David Gilmour helps put together the constellation of Rock Aid Armenia

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On 5 June 2019, Yerevan will host a gala night to mark the 30th anniversary of Rock Aid Armenia. Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan, Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi and organizer of Rock Aid Armenia Jon Dee will attend the gala. The visit and celebration of the anniversary are organized by Mediamax Media Company and DoSomething (Australia).

The sponsor of Rock Aid Armenia’s 30th anniversary celebrations and the rock stars’ visit is IDBank. Koor Wines is the partner of the event.