Our People in TAS
Chris Goninon - Launceston Drummer Back from Middle East Tour
“I’ve been playing since I was ten and performing in the Royal Australian Navy band for the last nine years. It’s taken me to many places including Japan, China, Singapore and Turkey — but it’s my first tour to Iraq and Afghanistan, and that had me really excited.
“Military musos aren’t limited by the boundaries of their single service anymore, we are able to go anywhere and maintain morale of personnel from any service — giving them a chance to let their hair down.
“At the end of the night, if I see a bunch of guys not thinking about war, not missing home and taken away from that for a couple of hours — that’s great.
“Touring with Angry Anderson, one of my musical heroes, was also a dream come true and I looked forward to performing with him every night.
“I grew up listening to Rose Tattoo so to perform with Angry was pretty amazing — he’s a fantastic artist.
“When we arrived in the Middle East, I was surprised by the size to the operation and the respect shown to Australian personnel serving over there.
“To see what Australian troops are committed to currently is pretty bloody amazing — the respect shown to the Australians by foreign troops is extraordinary — for a small force we have such a huge and positive impact.”
This Tour De Force brought members of the Royal Australian Navy band together with Angry Anderson, Tania Zaetta, Ami Williamson, the Wolverines, Brielle Davis and comedian Fred Lang.
Donating their time free of charge, Angry and the other performers are carrying on a tradition that began in the Second World War One, entertaining troops of all nationalities with shows that are distinctively and proudly Australian.