RITCHIE BLACKMORE, who was instrumental in the Rock Aid Armenia Project, was just awarded Honorary Medal of the Prime Minister of Armenia, Tigran Sargsyan.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the charity in which classic rock stars from all over the world gathered to contribute their talents on to Ritchie's classic anthem 'Smoke On The Water'. All proceeds were donated to the Armenian Earthquake victims.

Thus far in 2011, Blackmore's Night has nine shows booked in Germany.