Soldiers on song for Poppy Appeal

SINGING soldiers: (from right) Sgt Richie Maddocks, Sgt Major Gary Chiltern and L/Cpl Ryan Idzi burst into song in front of the Prime Minister David Cameron.

A SINGING soldier from Oldham helped launch the official Poppy Appeal song — with an impromptu performance for the Prime Minister.

Sgt Richie Maddocks (38) is one third of military music maestros The Soldiers who have recorded the 2011 Poppy Appeal song.

The talented trio took their campaign to Downing Street with an a capella version of “I’ve Gotta Get a Message To You”. They burst into song after posing with David Cameron on the steps of 10 Downing Street.

The song, which also features Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, who had a hit with the original version, has been launched ahead of the main appeal tomorrow.

It is the first time in the appeal’s history that serving members of the Armed Forces have recorded a track.

The Soldiers — made up of Failsworth-born Sgt Maddocks, L/Cpl Ryan Idzi and Sgt Major Gary Chiltern — have served a combined 58 years.

Sgt Major Chiltern said: “It’s the first time that serving soldiers have sung the Poppy Appeal record itself. I think we’ve all got family members who’ve served in generations gone by in the Armed Forces and the message from us is simply, ‘buy a single, support the great, great foundation that is the Poppy Appeal and let’s raise as much money as we can for a great cause’.”

Gulf War veteran Sgt Maddocks, a former South Chadderton School pupil, found fame when promoters teamed him with L/Cpl Idzi and Sgt Major Chiltern in 2007. He is now an instructor at the Royal Military College of Music and lives in Cambridgeshire with his wife, Nicci.

The Soldiers have raised more than £270,000 for forces charities.

Robin Gibb wrote the song with his brothers Barry and Maurice and it was originally recorded by the Bee Gees in 1968, becoming their second number one single on the UK singles chart.

“I’ve Gotta Get a Message To You” is now available from Amazon, HMV, www.poppyshop.org.uk and other outlets.