Australian Army band a crowd favourite at 2024 Basel Tattoo in Switzerland
A mesmerising Didgeridoo performance has made the Australian Army band a fan favourite during the 2024 Basal Tattoo as crowds jumped to their feet to sing classic Aussie rock songs.
Townsville
Don't miss out on the headlines from Townsville. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Two Townsville Army musicians have returned to home soil after sharing the best of Australian music culture with the world during the 2024 Basel Tattoo in Switzerland.
Each year military bands from around the world come together to put on their best performances in front of a massive international crowd with this year’s theme ‘From America to Australia’ brightening the spotlight on the ADF performers.
Didgeridoo player, Corporal Cody Harris from the 10th Force Support Battalion is one of the first to bring Australian Indigenous culture to the prestigious stage and took the opportunity to showcase his community.
“It was nerve wracking but exciting and some of the audience reactions were pretty cool to see,” he said.
“(The crowd) see a part of Australia and the band when they’ve gone over there and they love it, but they hadn’t seen a traditional aspect to it.
“Being able to collaborate with the band is something that all of these international people haven’t seen before.”
Donning an Emu feathered headdress, kangaroo skin hides and Wiradjuri paint he was able to carry elements of his home and family with him as he filled the arena with the rhythm of his didgeridoo.
“To get my outfits made for me I had to reach back home to relatives and people to teach me how to paint myself correctly and things like that so the preparation was big but it was also a collaborative thing,” Mr Harris said.
The Corporal joined the group of 50 Australian musicians, which included a marching display, rock band and three singers.
One of the powerful Australian vocalists was musician Chantelle Anderson, who can usually be seen in front of the microphone with the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) band.
“It was pretty daunting the first night when we walked through the door and there were smoke machines everywhere and you just looked up and went wow,” Ms Anderson said.
After 11 shows across 16 days, Ms Anderson and Mr Harris had the opportunity to perform during the Basel tattoo finale, a moment the pair both said will be a highlight from their Army career.
“We received so much positive feedback, we did the finale and our final song was ‘I am Australian’ and the audience was standing up and dancing just about every night,” Ms Anderson said.
“That’s pretty special to have a completely international crowd singing a very Australian song … they loved our show because we incorporated the old and the current.”
The pair, accompanied by the 1RAR band, will be performing at the North Queensland Army Open Day on August 11 at Riverway Stadium, where they will be supported by the ceremonial guns from the 4th Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery for the afternoon finale.
More Coverage
Originally published as Australian Army band a crowd favourite at 2024 Basel Tattoo in Switzerland
300mm monster: North staring down barrel of fresh flood event
North Queensland faces more life-threatening flooding, with an active monsoon trough expected to dump up to 300mm in some areas.
New emergency alert as Far North braces for second coming of biblical flood
A second deluge of up to 300mm is set to pound Far North Queensland, with flood warnings for half a dozen rivers and more than 140mm of rain recorded overnight in some parts.