Dan Kerby chats to The Courier about the 28 Days tour of Afghanistan

PLAYING in temperatures of minus 15 degrees is worth the chill when you’re playing for heroes.

Ballarat drummer Daniel Kerby travelled nearly 10,000 kilometres with his band 28 Days to perform for Australian troops in Afghanistan.

And it was nothing short of a life changing experience for the former Ballarat High School student.

“My mates in Bliss n Eso did a similar tour of Afghanistan in 2013 and they spoke so highly of the experience. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to a war zone and perform to our soldiers who really appreciate us being there,” he said.

“It was the first time the band had done shows like this.

“The band had toured the world many times but these shows were stand out shows to the band. A very humbling and surreal experience for all of us.”

The band left Australia in early March performing seven shows including three in Afghanistan and four in the UAE with one on board the HMAS Success.

“The experience was life changing,” he said.

“It was a rare situation where civilians (the band) got to travel to a war torn country and stay inside coalition military bases.

“We travelled via military aircraft including Hercules aircraft and Bush master vehicles, and we were briefed the same way soldiers are briefed before we entered Afghanistan. It was serious business and the threat was real.”

Despite the shock of how different the city looked compared to home, the entire band were honoured to perform for the Australian troops.

“The Aussie spirit is alive and well within the camps. These guys are representing us honourably and I could not be more proud to be an Aussie,” he said.

“We were completely honoured to be able to perform for our troops. Our troops are doing such an amazing job overseas.

“Their efforts are completely selfless and often not fully recognised back home the way they should be.

“To be able to bring a little bit of Australia (home) to the troops in the form of our music/show was an absolute pleasure and honour.

“If we could help break up the monotony of their day to day duties even for just one night, it is a tour well worth doing and much more meaningful than normal touring.”