Biography
In the wake of the Soldiers' breakthrough, the seven-piece vocal ensemble known as Chelsea Pensioners became the next act composed of military veterans to breach the charts. The members, who had seen service across the Second World War, Palestine, and Northern Ireland, averaged 79 years old at the moment they secured a contract with Rhino Records in 2010. Producer Nick Patrick assembled the lineup of David Poultney, Michael Allen, Malcolm Smart, Dennis Shiels, Thomas Fox, John Shuter, and Paddy Fox, whose scarlet coats and tricorne hats remain instantly recognizable. Their first album, Men in Scarlet, presented covers of "White Cliffs of Dover," "Goodnight Sweetheart," and "A Nightingale Sang" alongside appearances by Katherine Jenkins, Dame Vera Lynn, and Britain's Got Talent finalist Janey Cutler. Issued during the week of Remembrance Sunday in 2010, the record entered the chart at number 14, with all proceeds earmarked for the restoration appeal at The Royal Hospital in Chelsea, the residence shared by the seven singers.
Albums