Armenian President Armen Sarkissian attended the gala night on June 5, 2019 celebrating the 30th anniversary of Rock Aid Armenia charity initiative. The event at Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall was organized by Mediamax Media Company and Australian DoSomething organization. 

After the event President Sarkissian had dinner at Salon restaurant with Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan, Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi and founder of Rock Aid Armenia Jon Dee.

President’s photographer Davit Hakobyan asked Armen Sarkissian and the guests to stand side by side for a ceremonial photo. The photo was taken. 

Ian Gillan, Tony Iommi, Armen Sarkissian, Jon Dee and Ara Tadevosyan  

Photo: Davit Hakobyan

A few seconds later President Sarkissian said that his tie was too official for a “rock’n’ roll” evening, so he decided to take it off. 

Tony Iommi said something at that moment that I couldn’t hear well. 

Ian Gillan, Tony Iommi and Armen Sarkissian

Photo: Davit Hakobyan

In an instant Armenian President’s tie appeared on “Evil guitar genius” (in fact, a very bright person who likes joking). 

Ian Gillan, Tony Iommi and Armen Sarkissian

Photo: Davit Hakobyan

Thus, both the ceremonial and “rock’n’roll” photos will remind us of the meeting. 

Ian Gillan, Tony Iommi and Armen Sarkissian

Photo: Davit Hakobyan

Ara Tadevosyan