The Soldiers

For the New York band see Soldiers. -------------- The Soldiers, Sergeant Major Gary Chilton, Sergeant Richie Maddocks and Lance Corporal Ryan Idzi are serving British soldiers who have released their debut album ?Coming Home' in October 2009. Along with the single, part of the albums proceeds will go directly to military charities including Help For Heroes, the British Legion and the Army Benevolent Fund. See www.the-soldiers.co.uk

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 take the album chart by storm this Autumn.

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 Afganistan 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.

Gulf War veteran Sergeant Major Gary Chilton joined the Royal Armoured Corps in 1984 straight from school and has performed around the world including a special show with Jools Holland at Twickenham. Gary fought in the Gulf War and presented with The Gulf Medal by HRH The Prince of Wales upon return.

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. Maddocks also fought in The Gulf War and awarded The Gulf Medal.

The album is being produced by Nick Patrick who has worked with Russell Watson, Katherine Jenkins, and helped sell over 40 million albums and collectively win 7 Classical Brit awards. Patrick comments ?Having worked with some of the UK's biggest classical recording artists, Gary, Ritchie 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.?

The lead track 'Coming Home' is an original song that was released on the 5th October as a digital download with proceeds going to the Army Benevolent Fund.