Playing War Zones: A Band of Rockers Braving Danger for the Cause in Ukraine
As the sun sets on a war-torn region, a different kind of battle rages on - one that requires courage, compassion, and a willingness to take risks. Hardwicke Circus, a British rock band, has embarked on an extraordinary journey, touring Ukraine despite the dangers posed by Russian drones, pneumonia, and exhaustion.
The band's 72-year-old lead singer, Dave Robinson, likened the experience to managing Jimi Hendrix in 1968, while 81-year-old guitarist, Joe "King" Carrasco, compared it to playing for the Sandinistas in Nicaragua during the Contras conflict. However, the band members acknowledge that their actions may seem foolhardy to some, but they are driven by a desire to support Ukraine's war effort and bring music to those who need it most.
The band's decision to tour Ukraine was not taken lightly. Four of its members refused to participate due to concerns about safety, leaving just Robinson, Carrasco, bassist Bill Wilde, keyboardist Conor Morrissey, and saxophonist Ptashka Khromchenko to undertake the perilous journey. The group traveled in a reconditioned ambulance, which became their home away from home as they navigated the treacherous terrain.
Their performances were not limited to traditional concerts; they also visited hospitals, schools, and military bases, bringing music and hope to those affected by the conflict. In one emotional moment, the band was presented with a British flag by soldiers from the 81st Brigade, who had received their vehicle as part of the fundraising efforts.
However, the risks were not limited to the stage. The band members themselves faced health challenges, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and flu. Robinson was hospitalized for eight days after contracting pneumonia, while Wilde and Morrissey struggled with debilitating flu symptoms.
Despite these obstacles, the band persevered, driven by their conviction that music has the power to bring people together and provide comfort in times of crisis. As Robinson noted, "It's not about getting out there and waving a flag; it's about showing solidarity with those who are doing the fighting."
Their message resonates deeply in Ukraine, where the spirit of resilience is evident in the faces of those living under siege. Carrasco, a veteran rocker, summed up this spirit when he said, "Ukrainians fight hard and don't take no shit... They sleep in their bathtubs to avoid being sprayed with broken glass and don't complain. Instead, they get up each morning and fight on."
For Hardwicke Circus, the experience has been transformative, leaving them determined to return to Ukraine in 2026. As Robinson reflected, "More touring without a safety net," a testament to their commitment to using their music as a force for good.
As we reflect on the bravery of Hardwicke Circus and their Ukrainian counterparts, it is clear that music has the power to transcend borders and bring people together in times of conflict. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, compassion, and action in the face of adversity.
As the sun sets on a war-torn region, a different kind of battle rages on - one that requires courage, compassion, and a willingness to take risks. Hardwicke Circus, a British rock band, has embarked on an extraordinary journey, touring Ukraine despite the dangers posed by Russian drones, pneumonia, and exhaustion.
The band's 72-year-old lead singer, Dave Robinson, likened the experience to managing Jimi Hendrix in 1968, while 81-year-old guitarist, Joe "King" Carrasco, compared it to playing for the Sandinistas in Nicaragua during the Contras conflict. However, the band members acknowledge that their actions may seem foolhardy to some, but they are driven by a desire to support Ukraine's war effort and bring music to those who need it most.
The band's decision to tour Ukraine was not taken lightly. Four of its members refused to participate due to concerns about safety, leaving just Robinson, Carrasco, bassist Bill Wilde, keyboardist Conor Morrissey, and saxophonist Ptashka Khromchenko to undertake the perilous journey. The group traveled in a reconditioned ambulance, which became their home away from home as they navigated the treacherous terrain.
Their performances were not limited to traditional concerts; they also visited hospitals, schools, and military bases, bringing music and hope to those affected by the conflict. In one emotional moment, the band was presented with a British flag by soldiers from the 81st Brigade, who had received their vehicle as part of the fundraising efforts.
However, the risks were not limited to the stage. The band members themselves faced health challenges, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and flu. Robinson was hospitalized for eight days after contracting pneumonia, while Wilde and Morrissey struggled with debilitating flu symptoms.
Despite these obstacles, the band persevered, driven by their conviction that music has the power to bring people together and provide comfort in times of crisis. As Robinson noted, "It's not about getting out there and waving a flag; it's about showing solidarity with those who are doing the fighting."
Their message resonates deeply in Ukraine, where the spirit of resilience is evident in the faces of those living under siege. Carrasco, a veteran rocker, summed up this spirit when he said, "Ukrainians fight hard and don't take no shit... They sleep in their bathtubs to avoid being sprayed with broken glass and don't complain. Instead, they get up each morning and fight on."
For Hardwicke Circus, the experience has been transformative, leaving them determined to return to Ukraine in 2026. As Robinson reflected, "More touring without a safety net," a testament to their commitment to using their music as a force for good.
As we reflect on the bravery of Hardwicke Circus and their Ukrainian counterparts, it is clear that music has the power to transcend borders and bring people together in times of conflict. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, compassion, and action in the face of adversity.
That's just crazy talk! I get that they want to support Ukraine, but what about their own safety? Four members couldn't even make it. And those conditions in Ukraine? You're talking pneumonia, exhaustion... it's like they're playing with fire 
. I'm all for music bringing people together, but this is just reckless 
. And have you seen the state of their ambulance? 
It's not exactly the Ritz-Carlton, is it? Still, props to them for going out there and doing what they believe in... I guess some things are worth taking a risk for 
Their willingness to take risks and face challenges head-on is a testament to their conviction and passion for making a difference. It's also interesting to note how the Ukrainian people's resilience and determination have inspired the band to return next year 
those rockstars are crazy lol i mean i get it they wanna help out but touring war zones is like, totally not cool... what's next gonna be playing on the battlefield with a sniper rifle 
just kidding ( sorta). seriously though, their dedication to bringing music to those who need it most is admirable. i wonder how many people in ukraine are still struggling with the aftermath of the war and if bands like hardwicke circus can make a real difference. they're definitely doing something different from your run-of-the-mill charity gigs 
They're not just rockstars, they're humanitarians too. I mean, 72+ years old and still touring in a war zone? That's dedication! 
I'm glad they're bringing music and hope to those affected by the conflict. They're proof that even in the darkest times, there's still so much beauty & light.
But instead of letting it bring them down, they're using it as fuel to keep going. That's what I call resilience! 
They're showing us that even in the face of adversity, we have the power to choose how we respond.
for putting themselves on the line like that, just to make some noise for Ukraine 
it's all about taking risks & being willing to step outside your comfort zone, you know? they could've easily stayed home & played a few shows in their backyard but nope, they went all out & risked everything for something bigger than themselves. that takes a lot of guts & heart 
and at the end of it all, it's not about the fame or fortune - it's about using your platform to make a difference 
. But these guys aren't just musicians, they're humanitarians too. They see the bigger picture and want to make a difference.
. When you face so much trauma and destruction, it can be hard to keep going. But these Ukrainians are showing us that even in the darkest times, there's still hope. And that's what music can do - bring people together, provide comfort, and give them the strength to carry on.
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. As we reflect on this remarkable story, it's clear that the impact of music can be life-changing, and Hardwicke Circus is an exemplary model of how art can be used as a force for positive change 
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Oh man, can you believe what those guys are doing?! 
The lead singer's comparison to Jimi Hendrix is no joke, by the way. That guy was a legend for his fearless performances.
. But those guys are like, totally rockstars, you know? 
. Can't wait to see what they do next!
. Like, I get it, some good can come out of it, but all this drama is exhausting... I mean, 72-year-old Dave Robinson contracting pneumonia in Ukraine? Come on, man! 
Can't they just stick to playing their shows and leave the globe-trotting to the pros? And what's with the ambulance thing? Reconditioned or not, it sounds like a death trap 
. I'm more worried about the logistical issues than the actual risks from Russian drones... And what about the band members' families? Are they even being taken care of over there? 
But at the same time, I get why they're doing this - music really can bring people together and provide comfort in times of crisis 
. It's like, their actions are both courageous and reckless, you know? 
. Like, you put your life on hold for a cause you care about, that's some serious dedication 
. They're not just playing shows and collecting paychecks, they're putting their bodies and health at risk to bring music and hope to the people who need it most 
Their commitment 2 bringing hope & comfort 2 those affected by conflict is really inspiring. Its like they say, music has the power 2 unite ppl across borders & bring people together 
I mean, what's next? A band of pensioners going on a death-defying road trip to play for kids with cancer? 
. And honestly, I'm not sure it's all altruistic either - is there really nothing else they can do to help Ukraine besides playing music? They're using their fame for something that feels kinda trivial to me 
. I'm all for using music as a force for good, but can we also talk about prioritizing the well-being of the band members themselves? They're putting their health at risk for the sake of a good cause 
