The Soldiers - A Band REALLY Worth Listening To

“It’s a song to celebrate our boys coming home,” says Chilton, who provides the track’s enchanting lead vocal. “But it also mentions the ones who haven’t made it back. It’s a poignant remembrance of the fallen. Musically and lyrically, it’s a stunning song.”

From original compositions such as Coming Home and the dreamy, acoustic guitar and piano-backed A Soldier’s Christmas Letter to covers of the classic He Ain’t Heavy, Eric Clapton’s Tears In Heaven, Bill Withers’ Lean On Me and George Michael’s Freedom, the album celebrates not just the army and the armed forces, but comradeship.

“We’re looking for a wider following than people with friends or family in the armed forces,” explains Maddocks. “We want people in civvie street to get it as well. Obviously, Coming Home is about soldiers, but there are wider themes in even that song that everyone can relate to. The album celebrates solidarity and family, as well as what the armed forces do every day for our country.”

A fraught last few weeks have seen album sessions finally completed and rehearsals begin for The Soldiers’ first public gig – at the Royal Albert Hall, where they will perform as part of The Big Sing for Songs Of Praise.

“We are a little nervous,” admits Chilton, “but Richie and I are used to playing big gigs. We play the army’s Rhythm Force concerts all over the world. For the last two years, I’ve played in a band supporting Jools Holland at Rhythm Force in Twickenham.”

Recalling on his stage fright on X Factor, Idzi hopes singing in public as part of a trio should be less scary.

“Do I still suffer from nerves? Oh yes. I’m telling myself it will be much easier with the other guys, but I could be kidding myself. The truth is I’m absolutely bricking it about being on stage at the Royal Albert Hall. But at the same time, I can’t wait to get up there.”

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