T-40 Tops with the troops

First published August 21, 2003

Scottish soldiers from The Highlanders rocked away the night of 14 August with top-rated UK pop sensations T-40. The touring group came to Bosnia as part of the British Combined Services Entertainment. The performance marked day 2 of a gruelling week-long circuit round every major British and SFOR base in the Balkans.

Mrkonjic Grad - "It's great to be able to give a little back," says T-40 front-man, Steve Pickup. "We just don't know at home what goes on in these places when they're not in the news. Looking at the way these guys live, I know I couldn't do what they do, so it's great to be able to give a little back". The group nearly didn't make it though, as the helicopter in which they were due to fly broke down at the last minute. Alterations were made and, in true Army spirit, the group loaded all their gear onto a succession of lorries and made the hazardous journey to Mrkonjic Grad with minutes to spare.

The men of HQ Company were delighted when T-40, together with comic Phil Butler, ventriloquist Paul Zirdon and a bevy of beautiful dancers, played their hearts out to a packed mess hall. Although it would be fair to say that the biggest cheer of the evening was reserved for Steve's fellow T-40 stars, Nicole Terry and Tara McDonald, who looked resplendent in tartan mini-skirts and knee-high boots!
Highlander Michael Buchan was lucky enough to be invited back-stage to meet the guys and, more importantly, the girls before the show. "It's amazing," says Michael, 21, from MacDuff. "To be honest, the girls were so good-looking, I didn't know what to say….but I'll be sending a copy of the photo to all my mates as soon as I can!"
The troupe received a standing ovation for their efforts, making the long journey even more worthwhile. "The Highlanders have been brilliant," said Terry. "I can't wait to get my kilt on again and come back as soon as I can!"