STATUS Quo rocked into Bovington Tank Museum to film a video for the planned re-release of their hit In the Army Now.

The veteran rockers have recently recorded a new version of the 1986 smash with members of the armed forces to boost the funds of military charities Help For Heroes and the British Forces Foundation.

Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt climbed aboard Chieftain and Sherman tanks at the Purbeck military museum to film scenes for a promotional film to accompany the song.

Rick told the Daily Echo the occasion had provided his first opportunity to ride in a tank. “I’ve done war ships and fighter planes, but this is my first time in a tank. It’s a great thrill. The armed forces’ hardware is amazing,” he said.

The band had filmed at the Bulford Camp base of 4 Rifles in Wiltshire on Thursday where they had met soldiers injured on active service in Afghanistan.

“We were talking to the troops and it just makes you realise the bravery of those guys. We were talking to a man who lost his legs. He’s only 27 but he was chipper, laughing and joking. Their courage is amazing,” said Rick. “We feel they’re doing a fantastic job and showing incredibly bravery going and this is the least we can do to give something back,” he added.

With the 25th anniversary of the song approaching, the band re-releases In the Army Now on September 26. Rick called on the government to help charities by waiving VAT on charity singles.

Capt Guy Booth, a former director of music at Blandford Garrison, and due in post at Bovington next March, brought the band and the soldiers together for the recording.

“It was fantastic. Quo have agreed to headline Rhythm Force 2010 at Kneller Hall on September 25, and the single will be released the following day,” he said.

The band arrived with gifts for the museum – two signed guitars to be auctioned in support of the new Battlegroup Afghanistan exhibition opening next Spring.

Museum spokes-man Nik Wyness said: “The soldiers Rick has been talking about are telling the stories we will be bringing to life in Battlegroup Afghanistan.

“This is literally history in the making.”