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The
lead singer of the Choirboys, Mark Gable, gets the crowd
going at one of their concerts on Tour de Force II in the
Middle East.
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Photos
by SGT Bill Guthrie
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CPL
Byron Crump goes solo during a Central Band set at a performance
on Tour de Force II.
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AUSTRALIAN
rock group The Choirboys have backed up from their previous concert
tour of the Solomon Islands to spearhead the latest Tour de Force
concert entertaining 920 Australian service personnel in the Middle
East.
Comedian George Smilovic, singer/ songwriter Drew McAlister and
author Bessie Bardot joined the group to perform at several venues
around the region and aboard the deployed frigate HMAS Adelaide.
Eighteen members from the Royal Australian Air Force Central Band
supported them.
Choirboys vocalist Mark Gable said the group had jumped at the
opportunity for the repeat performance after touring the Solomon
Islands. “We had an amazing time in the Solomons seeing first
hand the good work our soldiers are doing,” he said.
“We remember the level of support and appreciation we received
in the Solomons. It was brilliant. “Now, this is a very small
way we can show our appreciation to ADF personnel who are working
hard in the Middle East.
“It’s been a phenomenal experience and from what we have seen
so far, you can only be inspired by what a great job our Defence
Force people are doing in tough conditions.
“The response of the troops has been fantastic.
They really accepted us into their world and liked having us here
to give them a break from their routine.” The Commander of Australian
Forces in the Middle East, Brigadier Peter Hutchinson, praised
the entertainers for making the trip and providing quality entertainment
in a difficult and dangerous environment.
“These entertainers have provided us with a fantastic reminder
of home,” he said.
