Wikipedia

Tour of Duty – Concert for the Troops

Tour of Duty – Concert for the Troops was a benefit concert held on 21 December 1999 in Dili, East Timor, for the Australian troops serving with the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET).[1][2]

Tour of Duty
Concert for the Troops
GenrePop / Rock / Country
Dates21 December 1999
Location(s)National Stadium, Dili, East Timor
Coordinates8°33′29″S 125°34′50″E / 8.55806°S 125.58056°E / -8.55806; 125.58056
FoundersDoc Neeson
Attendance4,000
Organised byGlenn Wheatley

The concert was a special Christmas present to show appreciation and support for the troops stationed in East Timor, away from their families for Christmas. It was held at Dili Stadium in front of 4000 troops from INTERFET countries, and also broadcast in Australia. Some of the troops in the audience held up signs with well wishes for their families back home.[1][2][3][4]

Singer-songwriter and musician Doc Neeson initiated the concert, and it was organised by music promoter Glenn Wheatley.[1][5] Comedy duo Roy and HG were the comperes. Featured acts included John Farnham, Kylie Minogue, Doc Neeson, Gina Jeffreys, James Blundell, The Living End, Dili Allstars and the RMC Band.[1][3]

Neeson participated in the concert despite having been involved earlier in the month in a serious traffic accident in Australia, in which he had suffered severe whiplash and serious nerve damage to his neck and spine.[5] During the concert, he performed a number of The Angels tracks and duets with Farnham, Minogue and The Living End.[3]

The concert was supported by the Australian entertainment industry and sponsors, some of which supplied products for inclusion in 'Dili Bags' to be given to attending troops. Donations were also sought from the Australian public, on the basis that money raised from public sponsorship would be donated to CARE Australia to assist with its activities in East Timor.[1]

From the concert, an album with the following tracks was produced:

  1. "She's So Fine" / "Sorry" - John Farnham and Doc Neeson
  2. "Mambo No.5" - R.M.C. Band
  3. "Way Out West" - James Blundell
  4. "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" - Gina Jeffreys
  5. "Santa Baby" - Kylie Minogue
  6. "You'll Never Walk Alone" - John Farnham
  7. "Shadow Boxer" - Doc Neeson
  8. "No Secrets" - Doc Neeson and Living End
  9. "All Torn Down" - The Living End
  10. "Jingle Bell Rock" - Kylie Minogue and The Living End
  11. "Shout" - John Farnham and Kylie Minogue
  12. "Have a Little Faith (In Me)" - John Farnham
  13. "Chain Reaction" - John Farnham
  14. "Silent Night" - Rachael Starkey (RMC Band)
  15. "I Still Call Australia Home" - Everyone
  16. "You're the Voice" - Everyone
  17. "It's a Long Way to the Top" - Everyone
  18. "Take a Long Line" - Everyone

The album was released for the first time on 25 April 2024.[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Scott, Hon Bruce (15 November 1999). "Media Release: Christmas concert for INTERFET troops in East Timor". Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Kylie Minogue sings for East Timor". Independent Online. Sapa - AFP. 21 December 1999. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  3. ^ a b c "Tour of Duty information and Set list". John Farnham Official Website. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  4. ^ Butler, Johanna (September 2019). "Did you know?". Control: Stories of Australian peacekeeping and humanitarian operations. Century of Service. Brisbane: Australian Government - Department of Veterans' Affairs. ISBN 9780648282464. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  5. ^ a b Smith, Michael (4 June 2014). "Vale Bernard 'Doc' Neeson 1947-2014". The Music. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  6. ^ "Historic 1999 Tour of Duty Concert Featuring John Farnham, Kylie Minogue and The Living End To Be Released For ANZAC Day". noise11. 20 April 2024. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
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