The Regimental Band of the Coldstream Guards has signed a £1 million record deal with a music label that counts Eminem and Amy Winehouse among its other artistes.

The military band, whose day job is to guard the Queen at her royal palaces, has sealed an agreement with Universal Music to release an album this autumn called Heroes, which will include music from Where Eagles Dare and The Dam Busters.

The deal was finalised at Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall, just before the daily ritual of the Changing of the Guard, one of the band's main ceremonial duties.

Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Bagshaw said the band would be recording a mixed bag of military music that should make the hair stand up on the back of your arms.

“There’s something about that sound that makes you puff out your chest and makes you feel like a hero," said Lieut Col Bagshaw.

“It’s emotive and powerful music... This is a time when maybe we could all do with a few more heroes.”

Members of the Guards, whose motto is “second to none”, said that they did not think the fame would change their lives, or consider themselves to be part of the rock n’ roll set - and indeed that sergeant majors would put a halt to any rock star behaviour.

“I don’t think we would consider ourselves as rock stars," said Colour Sergeant Dave Desmond.

“We are professional musicians in the army.”

Lance Sergeant Darren Hardy added that he did not think there would be any air guitar played at Horse Guards Parade.

Asked if the record would be on the Queen’s wish list, he volunteered: “I hope so.”

Dickon Stainer, managing director of Decca, which is part of Universal, said: “If they’re good enough for the Queen, they’re good enough for Decca.”

The Coldstream Guards are one of the four Foot Guards regiments of the Household Division - the others are the Irish, the Grenadier, and the Scots Guards. All wear distinctive red uniforms and bearskin hats.

The Coldstream Guards are no strangers to the musical big time, having recording one of British television's best loved pieces of music - the theme tune to Dad’s Army.

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