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    Emil Lazarian
  • 6 years ago
    • Categories: 2019

Music: Roger Taylor takes over as drummer for Rock Aid Armenia

MediaMax, Armenia
Roger Taylor takes over as drummer for Rock Aid Armenia

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. 

*** 

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.

Emil Lazarian: “I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS