A British rock band braves war-torn Ukraine, playing concerts amidst constant threat of drone strikes and fighting. Hardwicke Circus consists of Jonny Foster, Tom Foster, and Joe "King" Carrasco, alongside new additions from Australia and the UK.
The band's journey began in June when they played eight dates across western and northern Ukraine. Despite warnings not to tour, the group remained determined to support Ukraine's war effort with their music, all proceeds going towards local charities. It was only four of the original members who refused to participate due to concerns about safety.
In October, Hardwicke Circus embarked on another 18-day journey across eastern Ukraine, visiting military bases and hospitals. Their performances were often played in subterranean venues and finished before midnight curfews, with largely female audiences attending as men are at the frontline.
Touring proved hazardous, with sirens blaring, hotel bunkers, missile and drone threats, and explosions waking them up. Despite these dangers, they remained committed to their cause.
In one dramatic incident, lead singer Jonny Foster had pneumonia and Robinson was hospitalised for a week before returning to finish the tour. Bassist Bill Wilde was too ill to travel due to severe flu, while Ukrainian saxophonist Ptashka Khromchenko needed treatment for bronchitis.
Throughout their journey, the band encountered inspiring moments, including an autistic teenager emerging from her shell at one of their concerts and soldiers expressing gratitude towards the music group's solidarity. They also witnessed Ukrainians' resilience in the face of ongoing conflict.
Despite the risks, Hardwicke Circus remains committed to touring Ukraine again in 2026.
The band's journey began in June when they played eight dates across western and northern Ukraine. Despite warnings not to tour, the group remained determined to support Ukraine's war effort with their music, all proceeds going towards local charities. It was only four of the original members who refused to participate due to concerns about safety.
In October, Hardwicke Circus embarked on another 18-day journey across eastern Ukraine, visiting military bases and hospitals. Their performances were often played in subterranean venues and finished before midnight curfews, with largely female audiences attending as men are at the frontline.
Touring proved hazardous, with sirens blaring, hotel bunkers, missile and drone threats, and explosions waking them up. Despite these dangers, they remained committed to their cause.
In one dramatic incident, lead singer Jonny Foster had pneumonia and Robinson was hospitalised for a week before returning to finish the tour. Bassist Bill Wilde was too ill to travel due to severe flu, while Ukrainian saxophonist Ptashka Khromchenko needed treatment for bronchitis.
Throughout their journey, the band encountered inspiring moments, including an autistic teenager emerging from her shell at one of their concerts and soldiers expressing gratitude towards the music group's solidarity. They also witnessed Ukrainians' resilience in the face of ongoing conflict.
Despite the risks, Hardwicke Circus remains committed to touring Ukraine again in 2026.
they're like, total heroes for still going out there and performing for the Ukrainian people despite all these crazy dangers. i mean, can u imagine if someone came to ur house & was all "ur gonna stay home cuz theres a war on"? yeah didnt think so 
but seriously though, their dedication 2 music & 2 the cause is just amazing 
i love that they got to play at military bases & hospitals & helped raise money for charities. let's give it up 4 these rockstars 
like what kind of crazy person tours war zones to play music? 
and I love how they're using their platform for good 
. It's not just their music that's making a difference, but also the fact that they're putting themselves out there, despite all the risks 
. I mean, can you imagine being on stage in eastern Ukraine, with sirens blaring and missile threats looming overhead? 
. Or those soldiers who were so grateful for the band's solidarity 
. It just goes to show that music can be a powerful force for good, even in the darkest of times.
. They're not just doing this because they feel obligated – they're doing it because they genuinely care about the people and want to make a difference. That takes a lot of courage and heart 
A rock band just trekking around war-torn Ukraine like it's no big deal! I'm all for 'em supporting the troops and whatnot, but I gotta wonder if they're being a bit reckless. I remember when I was younger, we'd play a gig in London or Paris, not knowing if there'd be any, you know, " unpleasantness". 
But these guys are literally walking into enemy fire, playing for whoever wants to listen... it's either super brave or super stupid, right? 
. And hey, if they can bring a little bit of joy and inspiration into people's lives while also supporting Ukraine's war effort... that's what I call rock on 
.
It's insane. But at the same time, their commitment to using their platform for good is really admirable 
and they're not even getting any recognition or reward from the government 
at least not yet, but honestly who needs that when you've got a community that's all about unity and love? 
I gotta say, this British rock band is literally doing some crazy stuff by touring war-torn Ukraine! 
It's amazing that they're using their music to support the locals and raise funds for charities 
. The fact that they still went ahead with their tour despite the warnings and safety concerns shows their commitment to making a difference 
It's not exactly the most relaxing gig, but I guess it's also a testament to the power of music in bringing people together 
.
. So here's to Hardwicke Circus – keep doing your thing and spreading love through music