British rock band Hardwicke Circus, led by singer and guitarist Jonny Foster, is combining music and humanitarian support on their latest tour of Ukraine.
The group, joined by American guitarist Joe King Carrasco, took a route that included Lviv, Kyiv, Dnipro and Cherkasy, and brought two emergency evacuation vehicles to frontline troops.
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“This tour has been one of the most moving experiences of my life,” said Foster. “Every city, every audience, every handshake reminds us why we play music – it’s about connection, hope, and resilience. Even when the unexpected happens, like a power outage or a van breakdown, the energy from the Ukrainian people transforms any setback into something unforgettable.”
At one show, a sudden power cut nearly forced cancellation.
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“We thought the night might be lost,” Foster recalled. “But just before we went on stage, the power came back. The audience had already lit up the room with their phones and voices – that collective strength was more powerful than any amplifier.”
Away from the stage, the band visited military hospitals, schools and communities hit by the war. Delivering an SUV – packed with medical supplies and essentials – was one of the most emotional moments of the tour. Soldiers on the front line expressed gratitude, saying the vehicle would directly support their operations and save lives.
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Foster reflected on his experience so far: “I never imagined music could take us somewhere like this. Meeting soldiers, doctors, and families who’ve lost everything yet still smile and sing – it makes you realize the strength of the human spirit. It changes how you see the world.”
The tour hasn’t been without hardship. The band’s manager and saxophonist, Dave Robinson – the legendary co-founder of Stiff Records – was hospitalized in Ukraine with pneumonia. Yet even from his hospital bed, Robinson praised the resilience of both the Ukrainians and his band.
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Now, with their spirits high, Hardwicke Circus are excited to return to Kyiv for their upcoming gig on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at Docker-G Pub – continuing a tour that has become as much about solidarity as sound.