RSO: Richie Sambora + Orianthi are pleased to announce they have partnered with Legacy Australia for their upcoming national tour, providing the opportunity for Veterans’ family members to join their team as “RSO Roadies For A Day”.
World-class guitarists Richie Sambora and Orianthi have worked passionately with a range of programs and charities over the years, demonstrating their unwavering support for the armed forces. They are ecstatic to support such a respected organisation in Orianthi’s home country.
“I’ve supported the military for so many years, in many different ways. We are both delighted to be working with Legacy on our Australian tour, to show our support for Australia’s military and their families.” said Sambora.
In Australia, Legacy’s main priority is the welfare of the families of servicemen and women who gave their lives or health while serving their country. It is fitting then that veterans’ families around the country will be given the unique opportunity to become an “RSO Roadie For A Day”.
When made aware of the incredible work Legacy does in Australia for war widows and their families, Richie and Orianthi were determined to offer something special to acknowledge their strength and courage.
At each of the band’s four Australian concerts starting in Adelaide on Monday 26 September, Legacy Australia has selected some of their beneficiaries for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Legacy people will work with the RSO team in the VIP Packages area. They will play an important part in pulling the show together for the fans from helping prep the area at each venue, to managing the VIP photo opportunities. And of course, after all that hard work, sit back and enjoy the show!
The Legacy Roadies are of various ages and have lost parents, husbands or partners in different conflicts, including Shay-Leah Martin who lost her husband Jamie, a veteran of Afghanistan and East Timor, to a very rare form of bone cancer in 2016 while still serving in the Australian Army. She was left with two young children, Kayla (14) and Liam (11). Legacy is assisting Shay to re-settle into civilian accommodation and to ensure that the children are supported through their schooling and further study to become the best people they can be, in spite of the tragic loss of their father.
Shay-Leah will be accompanied by her Legatee Brian Hollins, a former serving army officer who served for 23 years. Like so many other Defence personnel, Brian did not think that his service ended when he left the military. He has served in Legacy for 10 years now ‘Keeping the Promise’ made on the battlefields of France during WWI to ‘look after the missus and kids’ of those who did not make it home or died subsequently from their war service.
Shay-Leah will be the RSO Froadie (female roadie) working at the Eatons Hill Hotel show in Brisbane next Friday September 30.
The first RSO Roadies, who will attend the Adelaide concert, are brothers Mackinley and Perrin Krause, whose parents both served in the Royal Australian Navy and are suffering from physical and psychological injuries. Their dad is a Gulf War veteran. Perrin is a budding musician and ‘apprentice rock star’ looking to pick up a few tips from RSO on the night! Legacy helps these young people to develop their talent.
Legacy Australia Chairman, Mr Tony Ralph, said the organisation was grateful for the support of a legendary performer such as Richie Sambora in providing a fantastic opportunity to help raise awareness for the work of Legacy, whilst giving some very special Legacy family members a “money can’t buy experience”.
RSO: RICHIE SAMBORA + ORIANTHI AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
Monday 26 September – Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre
Tuesday 27 September – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
Thursday 29 September – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Friday 30 September – Eaton Hills, Brisbane
More News
