Aussie Idol Lee Harding rocks Baghdad
Monday Jul 17 10:01 AEST
Pop rocker Lee Harding has ditched his trademark street look for army-style fatigues to perform for Australian troops stationed in Iraq.
The former Australian Idol contestant has followed in the footsteps of performers such as Kylie Minogue and John Farnham by entertaining the Aussie diggers overseas.
"We are not allowed to wear the official army clothes but we have got our own King Gee wear-and-tear clothes," said Harding from Baghdad.
"It is actually better to wear longer clothes over here than shorts and a T-shirt. We wear helmets and special jackets ... just as a precaution."
Harding and his band Bedrock, along with comedian Clint Paddison and country music singers Nicki Gillis and Stacey Morris, arrived in the Middle East last week.
Harding has performed some of his own songs including Wasabi and Anything For You, as well as covers of hits by AC/DC, Metallica, Motley Crue and Green Day.
The performers will be in Iraq for two weeks, entertaining troops involved in Operation Catalyst, the Australian Defence Force's contribution to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq.
"It is not dangerous at all," said Harding.
"I haven't been fearing it or worried one bit since I have been here. We are in very good hands."
While many musicians, actors and artists have spoken out against the war in Iraq, Harding said he was yet to form an opinion.
"I am sort of in the middle," he said.
"I honestly wouldn't know enough about it to make a huge judgment on it (war in Iraq)."
Entertaining troops stationed overseas has been a long-time war tradition, dating back to the days of legendary stars Bob Hope and Marilyn Monroe.
İAAP 2006
Great news. Glad he is doing well.
On ya Lee go the aussies
What a great thing for him to do :)
