http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=110685
Monday Jul 3 10:21 AEST
Australian Idol export Lee Harding is to follow in the outsize footsteps of Kylie Minogue, John Farnham and Robbie Williams - by entertaining Aussie diggers in Iraq.
Harding and his band Bedrock, along with comedian Clint Paddison and country music singers Nicki Gillis and Stacey Morris, leave for the Middle East on Tuesday on what the singer says will be a life changing experience.
"It's one of those opportunities you wouldn't get in normal life and I am so, so thankful I get to do it," said 23-year-old Harding.
"I can't believe I am doing this. I have never ever been overseas and my first time is to do this. It's very exciting."
Harding, who has released several singles including Wasabi and Anything for You from his debut album What's Wrong With This Picture? says he is looking forward to roughing it on the tour.
"I can't wait to be flying in the Blackhawk helicopters and armed vehicles that hammer through the towns," he said.
"We get to sleep where the diggers sleep and eat where the diggers eat. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity."
The performers will spend two-weeks touring the Middle East, entertaining troops involved in Operation Catalyst, the Australian Defence Force's contribution to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq.
Entertaining the troops is a long-time war tradition dating back to the days of legendary stars Bob Hope and Marilyn Monroe.
Tour commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Greg McCauley said the tour was essential in keeping those in the Middle East motivated.
Mr McCauley also urged any entertainers or sporting stars interested in visiting the Middle East to come forward.
"The concerts are a major morale booster for the men and women serving our nation because they provide a brief period of normality and entertainment in what can be a dangerous and difficult time," he said.
///// i hope he dies.
Monday Jul 3 10:21 AEST
Australian Idol export Lee Harding is to follow in the outsize footsteps of Kylie Minogue, John Farnham and Robbie Williams - by entertaining Aussie diggers in Iraq.
Harding and his band Bedrock, along with comedian Clint Paddison and country music singers Nicki Gillis and Stacey Morris, leave for the Middle East on Tuesday on what the singer says will be a life changing experience.
"It's one of those opportunities you wouldn't get in normal life and I am so, so thankful I get to do it," said 23-year-old Harding.
"I can't believe I am doing this. I have never ever been overseas and my first time is to do this. It's very exciting."
Harding, who has released several singles including Wasabi and Anything for You from his debut album What's Wrong With This Picture? says he is looking forward to roughing it on the tour.
"I can't wait to be flying in the Blackhawk helicopters and armed vehicles that hammer through the towns," he said.
"We get to sleep where the diggers sleep and eat where the diggers eat. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity."
The performers will spend two-weeks touring the Middle East, entertaining troops involved in Operation Catalyst, the Australian Defence Force's contribution to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq.
Entertaining the troops is a long-time war tradition dating back to the days of legendary stars Bob Hope and Marilyn Monroe.
Tour commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Greg McCauley said the tour was essential in keeping those in the Middle East motivated.
Mr McCauley also urged any entertainers or sporting stars interested in visiting the Middle East to come forward.
"The concerts are a major morale booster for the men and women serving our nation because they provide a brief period of normality and entertainment in what can be a dangerous and difficult time," he said.
///// i hope he dies.
