16 year old singing sensation Nick Celino is taking centre stage to sing with double-platinum selling trio The Soldiers when they appear at Newcastle City Hall
When Nick heard that the trio were coming to Newcastle, he sent a demo tape of one of his performances to them. He impressed the band with his lyrics and was invited to perform with them on their Message To You UK tour.
Cochrane Park resident Nick, who is a student at Newcastle College, said: “I didn’t expect to hear anything back when I contacted them. I just thought I would send some of my work to see what they thought. I never expected to be invited on stage with them. I was just so shocked. I’m so excited and I can’t wait to perform now.”
Nick has previously performed with Joe McElderry and is making sure he gets in a lot of practice before the gig.
Nick’s mum Norma said: “I’m just so proud of everything he has achieved. I just hope he can achieve his dream. Everything he has achieved so far, he’s done on his own. It’s amazing to see a kid love music so much.”
The Soldiers are made up of Sergeant Major Gary Chilton, Colour Sergeant Richie Maddocks and Lance Corporal Ryan Idzi. In 2009 they released their debut double-platinum album Coming Home.
They have experienced similar success with 2010’s Letters Home and their new album, Message To You includes the 2011 Poppy Appeal single I’ve Gotta Get A Message To You, which they recorded with Robin Gibb.
Sergeant Major Gary Chilton said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be on the road with The Soldiers on what will be our third UK Tour. It means so much to all three of us for all the support that our fans give us.
“More importantly, it’s imperative the charities we represent are kept in the public eye so they can continue to give our brave boys and girls the crucial rehabilitation that they so richly deserve.”
The Soldiers have made over £500,000 for armed forces charities including Help For Heroes, The Royal British Legion and the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity through their three albums and tours.