Singing soldier is a festival force

SINGING sensation . . . Ritchie Maddocks

FAILSWORTH soldier Ritchie Maddocks performed in front of 7,000 music fans at a festival in Twickenham.

The former South Chadderton School pupil played Rhythm Force at Kneller Hall with his group The Soldiers who have enjoyed massive chart success.

Taking to the stage for the concert alongside The Soldiers, were rock legends Status Quo and former “X Factor” star Ray Quinn.

Kneller Hall is the home of the Corps of Army Music, an academy set up to develop musical ensembles who travel around the world performing to serving soldiers.

Rhythm Force is held every year to showcase the work of the academy and raise money for charity.

The Soldiers raised in excess of £300,000 for forces charities with their debut album “Coming Home” and a UK tour.

Ritchie (38) said: “It’s quite nerve-wracking but then you see the crowd enjoying themselves and if the first few notes go well it’s just great fun. Seeing Status Quo was a highlight too.

“On tour we actually covered one of their songs, pretending to play guitars. It was fun.”

Rhythm Force 2010 drew a crowd of 7,000. Status Quo performed the new version of their classic track “In The Army Now” which they have now released as a charity single.

All profits from the single will be split between the British Forces Foundation and Help For Heroes.