Rock concert aims to raise £500k to help war wounded

Organisers behind the Help For Heroes gig, lined up for the Royal Highland Showground on June 11 next year, hope to raise half-a-million pounds for members of the armed forces.

The gig is set to be headlined by former Simple Minds bass player Derek Forbes and drummer Brian McGee, who currently tour under the title XSM (Ex-Simple Minds).

Organisers Crimson Orange also hope to recruit a raft of local talent to fill the bill. Manager Daniel Clifford, 33, a former squaddie who suffered brain damage in Bosnia, said: "We need to raise an 80,000 outlay to ensure that all profits go directly to Help For Heroes.

"We want Edinburgh bands to come forward for the chance to play a 30-minute set in front of 30,000 people. I know how hard it is to get by with a conflict injury. When I got back from Bosnia I had post traumatic stress disorder, and took a severe knock to the head.

"The neurologist says my injuries have now developed into a brain tumour and I have to walk with an orthotic leg."

Amongst the local acts set to take part are Edinburgh singer Rachael Roberts, who will perform a Vera Lynn set for the older veterans.

Mr Clifford added: "It doesn't matter if you're one or 100, there's going to be something there for everyone.

"We're currently in the process of negotiating sponsorship with the big local companies like Heineken, Carling and RBS, and recruiting all of the bands."

Crimson Orange is run by Dundee-based partners Chris Gibson, 46, an award-winning musician, and vocalist Elaine Stewart, 44, who are recruiting acts from around the country.

Amongst the acts already confirmed are Glaswegian indie rockers Suspire, Dundee-based speed metal band Pariah, Elaine Stewart's own band and singing from the Soldiers' Wives & Girlfriends Choir (SWAGS).

They have also been in touch with Edinburgh's regiments the Royal Scots Borderers and The Rifles to showcase the work they do away from the battlefield.

Mr Clifford said: "We want every regiment in Scotland to send some of their soldiers along to demonstrate some of the other elements of army life not connected to war.

"People tend to forget that, for those who don't get injured or decide the forces are not for them, it's a way of life rather than just a job."

The bid was endorsed by an MoD spokeswoman, who said it was refreshing to see forces personnel recognised in a way that was unheard of even five years ago.

She said: "This seems like a really good project. Anything which ultimately benefits service personnel in need, either after illness or injury, can only be a good thing.

"We wish the organisers well and encourage full support from the military and civilian communities in Edinburgh."

Bands hoping to take part in the Help For Heroes fundraiser at Ingliston can send a demo of their music to [email protected].

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