Hardwicke Circus, the Carlisle-based rock band currently touring Ukraine, has faced an unexpected setback after their manager was hospitalised with pneumonia, writes Chris Jones.
Dave Robinson — the legendary co-founder of Stiff Records, the label that launched the careers of Elvis Costello, Ian Dury, and The Pogues — fell ill while accompanying the band on their concert and humanitarian tour, which has seen them perform at military hospitals and underground venues across the country.
From his hospital bed, Robinson said: “Well, this week, for my sins, I’m sitting in a small bed in a small eastern town hospital in Ukraine.
“Not in great shape coming in due to my band picking up various bugs at various military wounds hospitals that we played, as well as some subterranean clubs across Ukraine last week. They tell me I must be here for a week, so who knows?”
Robinson described receiving “great service, the most uneatable food and absolutely no English,” but praised the staff for their care and dedication.
“They’ve given me vast amounts of intravenous drugs and antibiotics — but all good support and I am creeping forward,” he said.
Despite the setback, the band will try and continue their tour schedule, performing for soldiers and civilians in towns affected by the war.
Vocalist Jonny Foster said: “Our sax player Ptashka has also been admitted to the hospital, and most of the rest of us have the flu, but we are staying focused and hopeful.
“We’re all thinking of Dave and can’t wait to have him back with us. His spirit and sense of humour keep us going, even from his hospital bed.”
The Hardwicke Circus tour of Ukraine, with the support of Mission Aid for Ukraine, will be donating two 4×4 vehicles to the frontline.
If all goes well, Robinson hopes to reunite with the band in around 10 days and continue the journey back home to the UK. Until then, he remains under medical supervision.
