Soldiers form band to raise funds for The Royal British Legion
10 September 2009
Three serving soldiers have formed a pop group that will raise funds for Service and ex-Service charities including The Royal British Legion.
The group, which is aptly named The Soldiers, is to release its debut album Coming Home on the 26 October 2009.
Trooper Ryan Idzi, Sergeant Major Gary Chilton and Sergeant Richie Maddocks plan to fit in their music around their commitments to the Army. All three have served on the front line and could get called for duty at any time.
Sgt Maj Chilton who is with the Army's Heavy Cavalry And Cambrai Band, said: "We are serving soldiers. We have to fit this career around our Army commitments."
24 year-old Trooper Idzi appeared on X Factor and made it through to the Boot Camp stage of the show after singing "Lean on me". From Caerphilly, South Wales, Idzi has already served in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the 20th Armoured Brigade.
Speaking about his experiences he said: "I'm glad I didn't go any further than I did. I would never have had the chance to sing with these lads if not. It was all too much for me the first time round. I didn't like the attention at all."
Their debut album has sought to remake classics such as The Beatles' "With a Little Help from my Friends", Ben E King's "Stand by me" and The Hollies' "He ain't Heavy".
Sgt Maddocks, who served in the Gulf War and is now based with the Minden Band of The Queens Division, said: "The entire album is about comradeship. We want the public to buy this, but first and foremost it is songs for soldiers and songs that soldiers will relate to."
Taking time out of their day jobs to record this special album, Ryan said: "It's absolutely incredible to be given an opportunity to record an album of songs which are close to our hearts. We hope to raise as much money as possible from this album to support our colleagues past and present."
