News

The Soldiers Release Album 'Coming Home'

• 3rd Nov 2009

Rhino Records is pleased to announce their latest signing, ‘The Soldiers’ – Sergeant Major Gary Chilton, Sergeant Richie Maddocks and Lance Corporal Ryan Idzi. The real life soldiers are recording their debut album ‘Coming Home’, due for release on 26th October 2009.

The Soldiers and Rhino Records are proud to support the charities Army Benevolent Fund, Help For Heroes, and The Royal British Legion through this album. MD of Rhino Records UK & International, Dan Chalmers said, “Gary, Richie and Ryan are three very talented vocalists who have a real gift for connecting with people through their music. Their love of singing shines through in every performance and their enthusiasm for each of these songs is inspirational. I have no doubt ‘Coming Home’ will resonate with people across the country.”

Although serving as soldiers is their day job, music has always been an integral part of the male vocal group’s lives and these real life heroes are set to win over the public’s affections with their uplifting interpretations of powerful anthems.

Youngest and most recognisable member, 24 year old Lance Corporal Ryan 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. Described by Danni Minogue as ‘gorgeous’, Ryan’s good looks are sure to melt the hearts of millions. Ryan is now stationed in Senneger, Germany.

Born in Hampshire, Gulf War veteran Sergeant Major Gary Chilton joined the Royal Armoured Corps in 1984 straight from school. He has performed around the world including a special show with Jools Holland at Twickenham. Gary has fought in the Gulf War and was presented with The Gulf Medal by HRH The Prince of Wales upon return. Gary is currently based at The Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band in Catterick, North Yorkshire since 2006 and is married with 2 children, Aaron (10) and Megan (7).

One of seven brothers and sisters, Sergeant Richie Maddocks from Oldham, Greater Manchester enlisted into the British Army at the age of 16 and has travelled throughout Europe, Canada, Cyprus, Finland and The Falkland Islands. In 1991, Maddocks was deployed as a medical assistant and awarded The Gulf Medal. He is now currently serving with The Minden Band of The Queens Division in Cambridge and is married to Nicci. The couple own 2 Jack Russell Terriers, Dilly and Duggy.

Producer Nick Patrick (who has worked with Russell Watson, Katherine Jenkins, and who has helped sell over 40 million albums and collectively win 7 Classical Brit awards) said, “Having worked with some of the UK’s biggest classical recording artists, Gary, Richie and Ryan’s voices are some of the most genuine and heartfelt voices I’ve heard in a long time. We’re having a great time in the studio recording their material.”

Taking time out of their day jobs to record this special album, Ryan says, “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.”

Each member of The Soldiers has their own unique story to tell and this album is a heartfelt tribute and dedication to their comrades, family and friends, and to those who have fallen in battle.

‘Coming Home’ track listing*

1. Coming Home
2. He Ain’t Heavy (He’s My Brother)
3. Tears in Heaven
4. I'll Stand By You
5. Sailing
6. Lean on Me
7. Against all Odds (Ft. Caroline Redman Lusher)
8. Sacrifice
9. You've got a Friend
10. Bridge over troubled Water
11. Stand by Me
12. Bring Him Home
13. With a little help from my Friends
14. A Soldier's Christmas Letter.
15. The Last Post

‘Coming Home’ is due out 26th October 2009