In a country ravaged by war, a British rock band embarked on an extraordinary journey - touring Ukraine's frontlines. The group, consisting of seasoned musicians and newcomers alike, braved the dangers of a war zone to bring music and hope to those who need it most.
Behind the scenes, however, the tour was not without its challenges. Dave Robinson, the 81-year-old Irish music industry veteran, fell ill with pneumonia while driving an ambulance through the treacherous terrain. The band's bassist, Bill Wilde, struggled with debilitating flu, while Ukrainian saxophonist Ptashka Khromchenko was hospitalized for bronchitis.
Despite these obstacles, the musicians persevered, driven by their desire to support the Ukrainian people and bring a sense of normalcy to their lives amidst chaos. Their performances in hospitals, schools, and military bases drew largely female audiences, as many men were on the frontlines fighting the war.
For Hardwicke Circus, the tour was not just about playing music but also about making a difference. The band's lead singer, Jonny Foster, recalled one poignant moment where they played for a soldier who had recently lost his leg and was still recovering. "The tension draining from his face was incredible," he said.
Carrasco, the Texan musician, echoed Foster's sentiments, saying that Ukrainians fight hard but don't take no crap. Instead, they get up each morning to continue their fight. Alamo spirit!
The tour took the band across Ukraine, playing 18 concerts in just a few weeks. They visited cities like Ternopil, Cherkasy, Dnipro, Poltava, and Kyiv, leaving behind a trail of hope and music.
As they returned home, exhausted but fulfilled, Hardwicke Circus knew that their journey was far from over. They aim to return to Ukraine in 2026, determined to continue their mission of spreading music and joy in the face of adversity.
The band's message is clear: if people in the West want to make a difference, they should get out there and support Ukrainians. See how they conduct their lives during wartime - with courage, resilience, and a never-say-die spirit.
Behind the scenes, however, the tour was not without its challenges. Dave Robinson, the 81-year-old Irish music industry veteran, fell ill with pneumonia while driving an ambulance through the treacherous terrain. The band's bassist, Bill Wilde, struggled with debilitating flu, while Ukrainian saxophonist Ptashka Khromchenko was hospitalized for bronchitis.
Despite these obstacles, the musicians persevered, driven by their desire to support the Ukrainian people and bring a sense of normalcy to their lives amidst chaos. Their performances in hospitals, schools, and military bases drew largely female audiences, as many men were on the frontlines fighting the war.
For Hardwicke Circus, the tour was not just about playing music but also about making a difference. The band's lead singer, Jonny Foster, recalled one poignant moment where they played for a soldier who had recently lost his leg and was still recovering. "The tension draining from his face was incredible," he said.
Carrasco, the Texan musician, echoed Foster's sentiments, saying that Ukrainians fight hard but don't take no crap. Instead, they get up each morning to continue their fight. Alamo spirit!
The tour took the band across Ukraine, playing 18 concerts in just a few weeks. They visited cities like Ternopil, Cherkasy, Dnipro, Poltava, and Kyiv, leaving behind a trail of hope and music.
As they returned home, exhausted but fulfilled, Hardwicke Circus knew that their journey was far from over. They aim to return to Ukraine in 2026, determined to continue their mission of spreading music and joy in the face of adversity.
The band's message is clear: if people in the West want to make a difference, they should get out there and support Ukrainians. See how they conduct their lives during wartime - with courage, resilience, and a never-say-die spirit.
they got sick but they didnt let that stop them 
dave was driving an ambulance thru treacherous terrain & bill had bad flu 
ptashka got bronchitis 
but still they rocked on & brought smiles 2 people who need it most 
the lead singer said one guy lost his leg & the tension drained from his face it was like magic 
i love how the band is already planning 2 go back 2 ukraine in 2026 can u imagine more of that energy?! 
the west needs 2 step up & support those ppl who r fightin 4 their lives lets get behind hardwicke circus & show some love 2 the ukrainian people 
idk how they do it but i guess its good that people r making music 4 the troops rn, but honestly if they r just goin 2 play shows in hospitals n schools n military bases, thats a pretty lame way 2 make a difference...they shd be out there on the frontlines helpin ppl or somethn 
It's a tough one, but I think it says somethin' about how broken some of us feel. Like, we're all just tryin' to find our way through this crazy thing called life... and sometimes, all it takes is someone else bein' brave enough to show us that there's still beauty in the world 
. The fact that they performed in hospitals, schools, and military bases, drawing largely female audiences, shows their dedication to supporting the Ukrainian community 
. And I'm so glad Carrasco echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the resilience and courage of Ukrainians fighting for their country 
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. The band's message is clear: we can make a difference by getting involved and spreading awareness 
. I'm definitely keeping an eye out for Hardwicke Circus's next move - fingers crossed they'll return to Ukraine soon! 
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️. I love how Jonny Foster described the soldier's face draining of tension after their performance – it's a testament to the impact they had on someone's life 
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. We need more people like them out there making a difference and spreading love and hope 
. Let's all take a page from their book and get involved – we can make a real difference! 
Anyway, kudos to Hardwicke Circus for using their music as a way to bring some hope to the Ukrainian people. Maybe next time they can bring some hand sanitizer too? 
it's amazing how music has that power to bring people together and give them hope 
, let's get behind these musicians and support Ukraine in every way we can 
! i'm so proud of hardwicke circus for doing what they do best - spreading love & positivity through music 
. those musicians are total heroes 
! this tour is an amazing example of music being able to bring people together & transcend borders 
. can't wait to see hardwicke circus return to ukraine in 2026 
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. Is that just because men are too busy fighting wars to appreciate good music? 
. Maybe they'll get a nice warm welcome from the locals next time... or maybe they'll just get shot at again 
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