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
trying to get the madness drinks collection says my local morrisons sell it but they don’t where can I get it come on the madness
Dear Chris
Er…they must’ve sold out..Supply has been sporadic and getting deals quite hard. Sorry about that.
CB
My question isn’t in your 7 listed so hopefully I won’t get struck down! I just wanted to know hwo I’d go about asking for an interview with one of the guys please for a recorded radio phone in? I’m from the @RetroCharts (on Social Media) and we broadcast interviews on NLive Radio in Northampton. No problem if not. Thank you for your time. Andy
Hey Andy
Can you ask via our management team on this site and I’ll do it with you.
Stay in touch, CB
Hey Chris! I see you guys are coming back to Vegas for the Punk Rock Bowling 2020! (You probably dont remember but we chatted at the pool! haha). Any plans for any other US dates at that time? *cough* Chicago? *cough* Not that I cant get on a plane, but just curious. I’ll buy you a beer and a hot dog!
Hi Jeff
Gee – that was the worst hangover ever dude. Mandalay Bay, am I correct? No trips to the windy City this time, sorry.
best, CB
Hola Chris! How similar was the setlist at the Electric Ballroom to the one at the same venue 40 years ago? What a great show!
Dear Scott
It was very similar. I suggested we only played songs from 1979, quite a short set. We wouldn’t have played “Decieves the Eye” and “Young and The Old” I think. Well, maybe the latter song.
Thanks, CB
I know i should had bought it back then but BTW is the Gogglebox dvd ever got back for sale? Ive seen it for resale on very high price though.
Cheets
Sorry Domingo none left
CB
Nice one about the Beastie boys and your friend Noel story.
Since you recently reminded us about the AYR 1979 gig recording download i was checking around and found out you guys left the two 2 tour that very same gig by waving your goodbyes at the middle of the Specials live set and crossing the stage with your luggage on hand. I know you are/were good friends back then but Do you think they got mad about it?
Did you get their reaction? how was it?
I think it was a Madness moment and funny one haha
but tell us more please.
Dear Domingo
It was very funny. I suggested it. We waited till “Blank Expression” [one of our faves, because it was quite “Nutty”] then we “Nutty trained” it, suitcases in hand, behind Roddy, Neville, Lynval and Horace. They all laughed when they realised we were behind them because the audience were shouting at us haha. I can still remember it so well. Really great times, really fun times. We literally went home that night. Long way though but I’m sure we did..maybe a real train? of course I just looked it up..Glasgow to London 5 hours so maybe we went to Glasgow and came home the next day.
CB
Hey.
Not a question. Come all the way up to Sweden for fucks sake. Be a little mad for once and forget about the pounds
or Euros (it’s all over for you anyway, ” soon”). Umeå, next stop for Madness? /Bo
I’d love to. One day we will come back..
CB
I caught last night’s episode of Saturday Night Live. Harry Styles debut some new songs on there. He used to be in One Direction. He really has a beef with Zayn Malik from the looks of it. I love Harry’s new songs! :]
I have a feeling you’re not in Kansas anymore, Harold. Click your heels three times and say “Westlife”
CB
Does the band often get a lot of fan art? What do you do with it, do you keep it or sign it or…. ?
Dear Lillian
Straight in the bin or shredder. Unless it’s from you, that is X
CB
What would it cost for you people to write a song allow it to be produced for distribution.
I have no idea my budget no idea of music but it is for a v good reason. Alternatively how much would it cost to hire the band for one performance.
Thank you for your time
Mark Jervis
Dear Mark
£100,000 plus VAT more or less would do it. That’s my fee sorted.
CB
1. Do you guys still have the tapes from the Mad Not Mad follow-up, the Lost in the Museum session tapes?
2. Will these ever see the light of day if they are around?
Dear CJ
I lost them on a 29 bus in 1987…..Ok there were no tapes.. that became the “Mad Not Mad” album
Best CB
a few years ago i made you the gold snakeskin marshall amps and cabs i see now your on the silver jubilee head and cabs what happened to the gold ones do you still use them
Dear Steve
I’ve still got them they were great and I will never get rid of them. Many thanks for the great job you did on them, great crafstmanship
CB
Hi Chris,
Will you be playing the same set as 40 years ago at the Electric ballroom on the 17th November and will there be a cd/DVD?
Any chance of a ticket?
Dear Ian
it was filmed for Sky Arts. We played practically every song we wrote in and before 1979..
CB
We, the international Madness fans, being in the great majority in the physical, material and financial incapacity to go there, ask that the concerts of November 17, 2019 as well as the three of December at the Roundhouse, London be recorded live so that we can have a testimony of this beautiful birthday of the band we have been accompanying for 40 years.
Ronnie from Holland( was at Cheltenham)
Hey Ronnie
Sky Arts filmed the electric Ballroom show for future transmission and they are also filming the Roundhouse..
CB
Hi Chris , congratulation on the bands 40th anniversary , you just seem to go from strength to strength. This is actually a request for you to pass on to Woody on his birthday today – Please can you and the chaps get him to start performing a SOLO at your live gigs ( doesn’t have to be John Bonham in length ) . He is a quality drummer and deserves his moment in the spotlight . Thanks a lot .
Dear Steve
Oh sorry did I miss it, haha..he does a solo at the beginning of Madness etc..
CB
greetings from buenos aires ARGENTINA
LA VERDOLAGA reggae-ska
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxfCCls_AGhnsBE3QGS7tBQ
saludos
Hey Tony
Saludos back at ya!
CB
Hi CB silly question, I know.. But what is the curry house in the yesterday man video…
Dear Ian
It’s sad really. Camden became really crap and all the resturants in that block went along with the Hoover repair shop, the fish shop, the butchers the bakers – but the bloke that made candles is still there lolz. I can’t remember the name of that curry house. They were nice guys. I asked them to read that stupid joke in Hindu [I think] and they did!
best, CB
Hey Chris, been awhile,
I receive your book this coming Wednesday (the 16th). I’ve never pre-ordered anything online before so when I did in January I misinterpreted express delivery and purchase to mean I’d get it within a week then, hah…it should still be worth the money.
Anyways, I was just wondering, it occurred to me you must have done a few takes on that line you sing in the chorus of ‘Our House’ – the ‘something tells you…’ line. The extended version ends on that line on its own. You sound almost professional in your vocal delivery – did that take a bit of practice or was it natural? You give off the impression of jollyness mixed with seriousness as your voice follows the notes of each word, descending to ‘it.’
Examining this sort of thing has become more of my thing as I’ve been developing a critical approach to music (I sometimes review local musicians in the independent scene here in Ottawa, I’ve even put up a website). The whole craft is fascinating.
I look forward to the text, and thanks for your reply, as you have typically done so with me for the past fifteen years, way back since the old Madness site.
JC
Hey JC
Long time no chatty. I didn’t sing it, so it’s hard for me to say but the guys did a great job. Hope you’re well
CB
A great night at Rough Trade last night, your new stamp is awesome! A spotter question I’ve been meeting to ask for donkey’s years…where is the bar / restaurant where there photograph for the Sweetest Girl sleeve was taken?
Dear CCP
Do you know I haven’t got a clue but at a guess.. The Criterion Bar
Hi Chris,
Great to meet you all at Cheltenham last night (well, minus Lee). A very entertaining and somewhat different outing. Hope your ink stamp didn’t run out while ‘signing’ all those books afterwards.
Thanks.
Matt
Hi Matt,
That stamp is guaranteed to sign 5000 books, or I get my money back..
CB
Hi, are there any more signed copies of ‘Before We Was We’? I didn’t know you were selling them and really want to give my mum an extra special brithday gift.
Dear Tochi
I am sorry, there are no more copies at present but if you ever meet me I’ll sign your copy.
CB
Hey CB,
Heard this?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07kpy3v
He’s a lad ain’t he – Gawd Bless my Dad
thanks, CB
Hello Teacher, Cris, I would like to know if you are planning to shine a presentation in Mexico, it would be an honor, again to listen to them. I’m just waiting for him to play in my country Mexico.
best regards
George
This may well happen my amigo, keep watching the gigs page. you never know!
CB
Hi Chris
Just received my signed copy of Before We Was We but sadly missing your signature stamp.
Will you be at Rough Trade Records on 10th October and if so would you mind adding your moniker please.
Cheers Ed
I’m sure I personally signed every one of those 500 books. Also added a “not for resale” stamp…it may be a very rare copy
CB
Why couldn’t you be bothered to sign the new Before we was Madness book, and just use a stamp instead.
Well we were never told we had to sign 500 books and I suffer from writers cramp, so I needed some high tech wizardry..
CB
Hi chris,
saw you at newmarket this year, fantastic night. what was the video you used on the screen where they are smoking and dancing strangely, looks like a video from the 1960’s era. cant remember the song but loved the backing video, keep up the good work. atb carl
Hi Carl
It’s taken from a film called “Sweet Charity’ directed by genius Bob Fosse
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcrZIK3gqbU
I nicked the idea from someone else on youtube who’d set it to “Nutbush City Limits”
CB
Hey Chrissy boy got a question for you, in the film Take it or leave it what is the name of the park you are in when you are pretending to mow the grass and Mike is spraying the back of his van?
It was St. Pancras Old Church Park.
https://goo.gl/maps/7hf2NKVeTSkHApNG8
I never actually worked with Mike, by the way.
best, CB
I have an original world tour jacket from the 80s that only the band and crew had. I have harry wandsworth one and it’s my most prized possession. I only wear it once a year at HOF
My question is… do any of the band still have theirs?
Yep still got mine. do you mean the one with the name sewn in though?
Hi Chris, just a quick mail to say Im really sorry I missed you backstage last night, but it took us ages getting through the crowd and by the time we got there you had left.
I left a little something with Jim O for you, I hope you like.
Until next time Chris, take care. CB.
many thanks Colin
CB
Heya Chris! Was wondering if there was going to be a new album for the 40th anniversary? Thanks x
well..it’s not looking likely.
CB
Hi Chris,
I am a big fan of the 2 Tone movement and I travel around the country watching gigs and trying to meet the people who were involved in the fantastic movement of 2 Tone. I am well aware of your involvement with the label playing with Madness.
Over the past couple of years I have managed to meet up with Buster Bloodvessel, Neville Staple, Horace Panter, Dave Wakeling, Rankin’ Roger, Roddy Byers, Rhoda Dakar, Everett Morton, Pauline Black, Gaps Hendrickson and Jerry Dammers. I also met up with Paul Heskett and John Shipley from The Swinging Cats in Coventry a couple of months ago and spent a few hours in their company.
I have been trying to get record sleeves and other bits and bats signed by the musicians that were involved with 2Tone. I’m wondering if we’d be able to organise for you to sign my Dance Craze LP and a few Madness singles that I have? I have managed to get 14 signatures on Dance Craze at the moment and I’m trying to add yourself to it as well!
Please let me know if this is something that can be arranged?
Thanks
Lee
Hi Lee
sorry but I can’t arrange this. Best thing is to bring it to a show then ask for me..
CB
A good night at Scarborough, wish you had told the lead singer of the warm up band that they would be young Children in the audience. Is language was out of order.
he’s just a kid himself really
Soz CB
i saw that you are releasing a new book, which its about time!!! i have listened, danced and laughed through the years with your music. i love to share the joy your music brings to others. keep up the good work
but my question is, what are my chanced to have you fine fellas sign the book when i purchase it?
not a lot really unless you stalk us
CB
What’s Ur favourite holiday in the UK..thanks.
Center Parcs
CB
The LP version of The Prince is longer than the single edit (obvs!) and always thought it’s a shame it didn’t come out unedited as a 12”. But how long did it take to do and are there any extended tapes of it (I’ve always imagined the instrumental break went on for ages!)
Cheers
Grant (a Brightonian)
Not really we just played it as best we could
CB
Hello Chris……long time no sound….
Where do you and the other guys stand on BREXIT.
What a stupid idea that is….on the other hand..your about reaching your retirement age. The profile of a BREXITEER
cheeky. Personally I voted against leaving the EU..
CB
How do I respond to “it was amazing to see you? “
by blushing. X
CB
Hi Chrissy Boy!! Strange question, But I was looking at your Merch page on here and I see you sell the Dekker Hat, Please can you tell some details as regards the material etc. Many thanks Ytee
the what? Blimey looks a bit pony,I’d give it a miss..shhh
CB
Hi Chris, fabulous Sound of Madness tour! Also really enjoyed seeing the new year in on telly singing along with you guys what a fantastic gig! My question is where can I find In My Street? I can’t track it down from any past recordings. Is it new? Xxxx lots of love
We have recorded it and it just needs a bit more on it. Like I haven’t done any guitar..
CB
Hi CB. A very belated thank you for the autographs you and the gang gave me.. Yours had your face in a candle! Remember them? Early to mid 80s,those were the days.. All the best!
great days indeed
CB
Madness at New Year. Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. Why did we have to wait until the last programme of 2018 to see the nutty boys on TV.
Why haven’t ITV given the group ‘An Audience with…..’
they can’t afford us
CB
Is “Almost by the Sea” gonna be released either on an album or single download?
not a clue here, sorry
CB
Hi Chris,
Thanks for taking time to speak to myself and my mate at Taunton Station today,hope you got home safety.
All the best
Stew Rennie
I’ve only just got over the stress of that
CB
Hi Chris – any chance of a Perfect Place (Demi) or 4BF (extra on The Madnesscd) getting reworked onto a new album? They’re both cracking tracks – something still quite fresh about them.
Dan
Not likely but haha I wrote the music ofr both of them ooo thanks
CB
I read in their new book that Madness met the Beastie Boys. Are their any photos or did anything interesting come out of you all meeting. I only ask as I’m a massive fan of you both. Thanks for listening.
My mate Noel Watson knew them. Noel and I went to see them at their hotel in Belsize Park and they played us the entire “Licensed to Ill” album on cassette. We hung out with them for a bit and I took them to Westside Studios where we were recording “Mad Not Mad”..
CB
CTUN I really like the guitar playing on this and I love you are my everything how you played the guitar….. I just think used guys are getting better with age. Fine wine and all that
thanks Tucker
CB
Chris why don’t Madness release a stand alone singe or ep as I think it would do will. Thomas. Do a nice cover like record store day
Thanks
Thomas
we may well do that
CB
Hello Chris
I was at Car Fest this past weekend and thoroughly enjoyed your set.
As I was stood enjoying all the great nutty sounds I found myself picking out your guitar sound in the mix.
Can you give me a quick run down on the equipment that you use for your guitar sound please? It looked like you were using a Marshall Silver jubilee half stack. Is that an original or Re-issue? Do you use any effects or processing?
Thanks!
re issue Marshall and a Roland chorus pedal plus a Roland Space Echo, not a lot really
best, CB
How do you stop yourself getting bored during a tour?
it’s impossible
CB
Where was the rehersal tape from 1979 recorded?
In a basement in Finchley Road London..featured on the cover of our book, out soon.
CB