Singer performs in memory of Corporal Rigby

6 July 2012. Photo by Paul Kelly. Hastings Beer and Music Festival, Alexandra Park, Hastings. ENGSUS00120131017082814

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The lead singer of Battle band Keane will be paying tribute to a Rye-based soldier who lost his life Iraq nearly nine years ago.

Tom Chaplin will perform on Horse Guards Parade on June 1 and 2 in memory of Corporal John Rigby.

Corporal John Rigby, of the 4th Battalion The Rifles, was fatally injured in a roadside bomb attack near Basra Palace in 2007.

His twin brother Will, who was serving with him in Iraq, spent 10 hours at his bedside in hospital.

Corporal Rigby died in the Field Hospital on his 24th birthday, with his brother by his side.

He died protecting his Riflemen, who were saved from injury by their vehicle as he selflessly provided top cover from the vehicle hatch.

Corporal Rigby was the childhood friend of Tom Chaplin’s wife Natalie.