Chris's Cupboard

Hello, it’s Chrissy Boy here. Send me a question and I'll do my best to answer it.

Unless it contains any of the following:

When/where is the next gig? - Please see the gig section above.
Can I get your autographs?- This service is not available via the website, all applications must be made in person.
Can I get backstage passes? - No.
Will there ever be another 2Tone tour? - This is not very likely, is it?
Where does Suggs get his sunglasses? – Persol.
Where do you get your suits/hats/shoes? Gresham Blake, The Saturday Club, Hackett, Christies, Loake, Lock and Co, The British Boot Company.
When is the “The Madness” album being re released? – I have still not got a clue.

[The questions above will be rinsed, filtered, processed and finally deleted by our new “Timewaster (tm)” interface, leaving me more time to answer the really important ones].

Thanks CB x

To see posts from the old version of Chris's Cupboard visit the archive Here

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Enjoying the best of set but wondering why no liner notes. Not even the names of the band members!
I still don’t know who plays what instrument or what inspired songs such as Michael Caine.

we have to keep up the mystique..
?

Chris, madness performed live on the tube in 1983 & 84. I also seem to remember you performing on the said show in November 1985. However I can’t find any information to confirm if this is correct or just a figment of my imagination. Could you confirm with me either way if I’m correct or not?.

I don’t think so
https://madnessontv.com/1985-2/
CB

Hi,

I’m a teacher in the North East of Scotland and I’m a long-time fan. The school I work in is called “The Gordon Schools” and it’s in a small town called Huntly. Despite how the name sounds, we are a regular comprehensive school.

I’ve seen you guys performing a number of times, the first time back in ’81 in Aberdeen (I was NOT one of the ones booing through the Belle Stars set – something I still find cringingly embarassing, that my home crowd would treat a band like that, don’t know if you remember, wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t) and most recently a few years back at the Aberdeen AECC. Always great, always nutty.

Anyway, the reason I’m contacting you is because, as well as teaching biology and spending most of my time in the pub, passing round the ready-rub and trying not to think of when the lunchtime bell will ring again, I also direct our school show with one of my colleagues. This year we are putting on (you guessed it) “Our House” (Yay!).

We are at the very early stages of drumming up enthusiasm for the show, then we’ll start casting and eventually we will be performing in early December. What would be really cool, and what would make this extra special, is if we could get some words of encouragement from yourself and/or some of the other Nutty Boys. I’d love to be able to read something from you out at assembly.

Any chance?

All I wanted was a word…

Either way, thanks for reading this and giving me years of fun listening to your music.

Nigel

Dear Nigel
That sounds great I will compose an essay nearer to the great day. I wish everybody the very best in this great adventure.
CB

Hello Chris,
I read that you guys created a Madness trivia board game. If there are any left, do you know where I could buy one or two? Thank you.
Cheers, Mhairi

Dear Mhairi
I really can’t recall this, does anyone have a copy?
CB

Hello Chris

First as it is still time Happy new year.
Then, I have not seen any god planned in France in your tour. What’s going on???
Thanks

François

Dear Francios
Sorry, there is nothing planned at the moment.
CB

Dear Chris,
Anorak question, but I noticed the version of It Must Be Love on the expanded reissue of 7 is a different mix with a definite ending. Do you know where this originates?
Thanks!
Neil

Dear Neil
I think we must’ve done two endings and that’s about as much as I know.
CB

Hey! I enjoy the way you set up this blog. I desire to start my
very own blog site with reviews such as Sharron and wonder if you could offer me some good pieces of
advice concerning organization of web site.

Dear Andra
Yeah get someone else to do it
best of luck CB

Pretty good HOF again and CTUN tour, well done keep up the good work !

Many belated thanks D Boy
C Boy

I would like to ask a couple of questions;
1. If at 18 you could have seen the future which song would surprise you most and why?
2. Looking back at your career which song a) gives you most pleasure b) surprises you it actually got completed and finally c) you thought didn’t have the Madness factor but were proved wrong?

Dear Nick
I think this could all apply to the same song. “Can’t Catch You Crying”. I would never have written a song like that at 18 [by the way I didn’t start writing songs till I was about 21]. It has given me great pleasure now it’s been recorded and it was intended for CRUNCH! [my part time band with Thommo] not Madness..
thanks, CB

Christ Boy. Just seen you in Manchester. I gave up my own 50th birthday party to see this gig and I’m waiting to get my tickets for Prenton Park in May. From my first Crombie at aged 13 , I loved the band. My question is, will Chas Smash come back. He taught me to dance!

Dear Julia
Not very likely.
CB

Hi Chris….watched you and the boys perform at the Barclay card arena Birmingham….AWESOME…how do you guys still sound so fresh?….you are a credit to us older guys…mind you Chris…need more practice with the hoops mate…..wishing all you guys and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy new year.

Thanks Rob
Sorry I’ve taken so long to reply..
CB

Hi Chris, Saw you boys twice on the tour at Brighton and the 02 and as usual you were quality.

Any chance of an AAA badge from the tour, I’m based in Hove so not far from you.

Cheers,

Tony

Dear Tony
Hove actually? I’m sorry no badges
all the best CB

Hey Chrissy boy,
The new album is awsum, absolutely love it congratulations to you and the rest of the lads.
You are coming to Aus for the byron bay blues n roots festival, any chance of coming to Perth? Loads of 10 pound poms waiting for your return. Perhaps a side show wound be in order too? Been a fan for 36yrs, you are legends and have had a big impact on my life, thanks.

Dear Jason
We are in Perth 10th and 11th April, I sorted that just for you.
CB

went to 02 on saturday the new stuff sounds great live top night chris happy christmas

Will Chas be rejoining the band at any stage ??

Nope, I don’t think so but who really knows.
CB

Hi Chris could you please tell me if you know how many of the limited edition CTUN were released as I find it extremely annoying that the only place you can now find them is on a certain online market place that people are now selling for extortionate prices I would imagine I am not the only person who feels this way my own personal opinion on this is true fans of madness are losing out big style to those who are just out to make money from these items many thanks carl

Dear Carl
I really don’t know and I’m sorry, it’s beyond my powers
CB

Hi Chrissy boy.
Just left your gig at Brighton centre and just wanted to say thanks to you and the boys for a fantastic night.
My wife bought tickets for my birthday as we promised ourselves that we would get to see madness one day,that day has arrived and it was brilliant.
Thank you so much,to you and all the band,for the music.
All the best.
Kev @Marie

Dear Kev
What a lovely wife you have. Sorry I’ve been so long replying and thanks for coming.
CB

Hi Chris
Would like to congratulate you and the boys for a fantastic HOF 2016 at Minehead. You certainly gave the fans what they wanted and a good time was had by all. Can’t wait for next year.
Have a wonderful Christmas
Ps. Well done on the new album

Dear Ann
Thanks very much, sorry for the late reply
CB

Less of a question and more of a thank you.
Look after yourself on your, try and do some stretches and light exercises to help prevent the neck and shoulders irritating over he next month.

And the concert was really good, without offending it was great to see the music I grew up with still sounding so fresh and fun.

Cally (Lilliput Health)

Thanks Cally I am now taking classes to regain my inner core ouch
sorry for the late reply CB

Hi CB I borrowed a book from the library recently called A Dog Called Dez and Madness are mentioned all the way through it! Have you read it?!

Dear Scallie
It’s on my bucket list, sorry for the late reply
CB

Hope HOF was a success this year. Dont worry about my last question /request. the brilliant team from the enquiries email helped me out. they are legends!
Steve

Dear Steve
er yeah I told them to, [I think] sorry for the late reply
CB

G’day from Brisbane, Chris –
Cannot wait to hear/see the band at Byron Bay. Fingers remain crossed that there may be other Ocker gigs; ‘Tis a long way to swim for 1 show. Obese congrats on Can’t Touch Us Now = absolutely fabu record throughout (grand also to see your name amidst the song writing). Much happiness to you & the band for the imminent tour. Tall smiles,
Geof.

Dear Geof
yeah we added more, it is a long way to go and only do one show. Sorry for the late reply..
CB

Hi Chris, Tracy from Canada here. How are you? I had such a great time at New Market and Hove last year that I’m flying out this afternoon and will be coming to the House of Fun. If I see you out and about this weekend, I hope you’ll let me buy you a pint or two, to say thanks for arranging the after gig party tickets at New Market last year. Without getting too fan girly, it really was amazing and meant the world to me. Anyhow, take care, and roll on Friday!!!!!

Tracy.

Dear Tracy
It was nice to see you, sorry for the late reply
CB

Hi Chris,
Loving the new album, what a gr8 mix of tunes.
You guys are playing at the Byron Bay blues n roots, wandering if you are going to come to Perth Aus. You have a big fan base and wed love to see you again. Good luck with the CTUN tour. Cheers Jason

yep 10th and 11th April Freemantle Jason, sorry for the late reply
CB

Come to Perth , Western Australia.
Oh go on, The Specials are, and the Selecter did…& you are gonna be just over the way in Byron Bay…

Yeah 10th/11th Freemantle see you there. Sorry for the late reply
CB

Hi Chris
No question. Just heard about your Friday night set for the House of Fun. Fantastic choice can’t wait! By the way, love the new album.

Dear BB
thanks that was tough haha.. Sorry for the late reply
CB

Hi Chris, just wanted to say how much I’m loving the new album, its fantastic and I’ve got the kids singing it off by heart 🙂 Please could you pass my best wishes onto the rest of the band. Thank you, Cressida x

Thanks Cressida, sorry for the late reply
CB X

Hey Chris,
Just wanted to share my crazy dream last night with you ;

Madness became the first band to play on the moon , and it was beamed via sat to earth . Richard Branson had something to do with organising it .

I see this becoming true before 2025.

Or you could all go up on a virgin space shuttle and be the first band to play in space .

Suggs could pay for it all with a show about old London trams.

Seems like something Madness would actually do. See ya in space

Dear Paul
Yeah but there’s not much atmosphere…[groan]
CB

Congratualtions on a spectacular new album! It’s great to hear so much of your guitar front and center–great work on “You are my Everything,” and “Soul Denying!” But the whole album has been on constant repeat here. Such strong, triumphant music. I’ve been a fan since ’82, thank you for all of your wonderful work!

Thanks Chuck
Sorry for the late reply.
CB

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfcRCMjfrGA

The going to make an official single with this recorcing -> $$$$

Dear John
Very nice! Sorry for the late reply.
CB

Hi Chris,

First off. Congrats on Can’t Touch us Now.
Lovely to hear your guitar work higher in the mix – havent’t heard distortion like that since The Isleys or that final burst at the end of that Carpenters song…you know the one.

Did you enjoy the sessions and which prized axe gave the album its sound?

Tel

Dear Tel
Thanks I got the guitar a bit louder this time. That Carpenters solo is fantastic, I’m not worthy. I can’t recall which guitar I used it might’ve been an SG. Sorry for the late reply.
CB

Hi Chris first of all a big thank you the new Album is amazing but you already know that . My question is how many songs did you have before you decided which ones to use on the new album , and what happens to the songs you don’t use. Who chooses which songs and is there any bitterness or disappointment on when certain songs are not selected.

Dear Paul
We just kept coming up with them and I wanted all 16 on the album. I think it works. A few got left by the wayside but we will return and pick them up. Sorry for the late reply.
thanks, CB

Hello Chris. I see the deluxe edition of the new album is sold out,will you be getting any more in ?

No I think that was the idea – but who knows?

Hello Chris. Was reading the sleeve notes for Can’t touch us now, fine album which grows every time it’s played, I saw the final note saying ‘ In loving memory of Gary Dovey’.
I remember seeing Gary in Take it or Leave it ,so know he was an important part of Madness infancy.
Just wanted to say Rest In Peace Gary.
Kelvin

Thanks, that’s kind. Sorry for the late reply.
CB

i lived in kiln place but before that i lived in montigue tibbles which be came phenhurst along with steve lynch billy casey my bro peter saunders you came down the marquee cafe and gave me 4 back stage tickets for madstock cheers

Geezer! Sorry for the late reply.
CB

Chris…trust you are well? Further to last weeks issue with the CD~less special edition and despite contacting the store and the management (twice) I feel like I’m no further forward..it’s now Tuesday and all I’ve had is an acknowledgment from the store to say they’ll look into it…all I want is this resolved…is this too much to ask? And sorry for going on about it…

ooops did this ever get sorted? Sorry for the late reply.
CB

Hi Chris,

Sorry to bother you.
I painted a picture for you of your white Gibson Les Paul leaning against a chair with your bowler hat some years ago which was commissioned by Elaine Anderson. (Cramlington).
I wondered if you still have it? I painted it whilst recovering from a hand accident and never got a copy of it. I wondered if it was at all possible to get a photograph of it or a pic of you holding it please?
Didn’t really know how to contact you until I saw this.

No problem if this is not possible. Would just love to see it again.

Big madness fan also 😉

Hope you’re well.

Kind regards

John

Yeah I’ve still got it of course, it’s great! Sorry for the late reply. I’ll send a pic asap
CB

Where was you on the one show?

Dear Nick
I was on holiday..
CB

Will you ever tour Australia in the near future?

Dear Jim
yes
Sorry for late reply
CB

Hi Chris
My comment is not so much to do with your music although I will say it is awesome and can’t wait to see you in Bournemouth in December. However, I did used to work as a postie in Golders Green with Matt. Matt was a good friend to my brother Colin, also a postie, who tragically was killed in a car crash in East Finchley 17 years ago to the day. Matt was one of the pallbearers at his funeral and just seeing you on Sky Arts and also thinking if my bruv I was hoping you could pass my best onto Matt and I hope he is doing well. I have not seen him for 15 years now as I moved to Bournemouth at this time and lost touch. Be great to hear how he us getting on if he is still with the Royal Mail etc… If he has a Facebook account he can always look me up as I would love to hear from him after all these years.
Thanks for your time in reading this more unusual post.
Keep up the good work and as I said looking forward to Bournemouth in December and the gig.
Best wishes
Kevin

Dear Kevin
Yeah he’s still a postie and he is on Facebook too look up matty foreman
Sorry for the late reply.
best, CB

to chris, in your last comment that i was in you didn’t answer my question which was can i meet you guys (madness) or just you. i don’t mind. but i love you guys. please

Sorry but I can’t promise that Louis.
Chris

Hi Chris
Just booked VIP tickets for the House of Common date. Taking my 10 year old son for his very first gig!!
What do we get as part of the ticket? Also any chance we can have our photo taken with the band? Would really appreciate it as you’ve been my top band throughout my life so far.
Cheers
Lee

Dear Lee
I think you should check before buying them!….OK I looked it up and it says;
“VIP Ticket
Your VIP ticket will gain you site entry via a bespoke entrance lane via the box office event entrance – the quickest route into HOC! You get a VIP wristband + a HOC programme. The wristband gets you access into the VIP Lounge where you’ll find a large VIP tent bedecked with comfortable furniture, private cash bar, smart clean loo trailers & outdoor wooden garden furniture.”
It does not say you will meet us but we may be wandering around that area.
CB

Hi Chris, in the Guardian its quoted that London has found us a place where for one day every year we can have our very own festival. Is Clapham going to be an annual event then? I hope so!!

Hold on Mick we have’nt done it yet!
CB

Is there any song you’ve recorded that you wish was released as a single, particularly one that you have written or co-written? Suspect there are occasions when it’s difficult for all of the band to agree!

Dear Steve
“Benny Bullfrog”
CB

Hi Chris , just had my free download of Blackbird thank you all very much, loving it.

Dear Paul
Thanks for “liking”, much appreciated.
CB

hi chris. this is definitely the last one. i was in camden today and i went to holts, dublin castle and jazz cafe in hope of meeting lee… with no luck. so please can i meet you guys.you’ve sent me stuff you chatted with me on here. but can i please meet you. i was on the tube crying because of not seeing kix. i beg you

Dear Louis
He lives in Barnet. Was he doing a gig in Camden?
CB

Hi Chris. I met with you all backstage at the 02 in 2014 and photos were taken by your own photographer. Would it be possible to get a couple of them as a reminder and to Grace my office wall?

Dear Stephen
Blimey I don’t have a clue who took them – it was two years ago! Any more details would be helpful.
CB

Hi Chris,

I was surprised to read that the piano solo on the US 12″ mix of “Our House” was added by a session player. Is it true that it wasn’t Mr. Barson?

Dear Chuck
I don’t think this is true – where did you hear that?
CB

Dear Chrissy Boy, someday we will meet again here in Argentina?

Dear Ulises
Possibly but I did’nt come the first time.
CB

Hi Chris!

The University Of Chichester Graduate Company is a group of 13 Musical Theatre students whom have been studying MT at The University of Chichester for the past three years, where we have developed skills in not only performance, but technical and production values too.

We are a group of already indebted students to who wish to start paying their loans off as soon as possible. To do this we need jobs. To get jobs, we need exposure. Our plan is to take a production of Our House: The Musical to The Edinburgh Fringe Festival this August. Our main outcome from this project would be to network and showcase our abilities in a much coveted setting. We are on a mission to raise nearly £10,000 overall and with lots of other fundraising events we aim to achieve our goal!

This is a completely independent project and is unconnected to our university so are looking for funding and fundraising opportunities at every corner!

We do have a Crowd Funding page for any other fans who are interested in helping kickstart 13 young professionals’ careers.

We appreciate any support you can offer us. Thank you.

Dear Connor
There are usually fees involved in putting on a production of “Our House”. I can’t really avoid you paying that as the fees are for the writers etc. But send me a link to your crowdfunding page I can put it on my page and Tweet it etc.
all the best, CB