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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If HOF 10 can’t be played this year will you play next year at Butlins instead? We’ve been to 9 so far!
We came to see you in Dubai sadly you didn’t make it. Will you still be laying Dubai in Nov because if HOF doesn’t go ahead Dubai May be an option?
It’s been way to long since the roundhouse gig.
Take care and stay safe and well.

Dear Gillian
If HOF is cancelled then of course we will do it next year. Dubai looks promising so far.
thanks, CB

Hey Chris. Please consider Danforth Music Hall in Toronto for gigs in 2021. Saw The Specials there twice in last two years. Sold out,,,

Dear Damien
I’d love to come back to Canada but hmm we’ll see. If it was up to me no problem but the agents etc..
CB

Hi Chris,
Hope you’re all well.
I know you’re a busy bloke so I hope my email is answerable.
You guys did a Christmas tour called The Man in the Mad Suit Tour. I saw you at the old Wembley arena. At the end you performed a song I’d never heard before or since. It was during an encore. You all came out and pushed huge weather-type balloons into the crowd. I think it was something like Moondance or Moonstruck? What happened with that and was there ever a demo or a recording I could access?

Secondly, just wanted to say I hope Cathal is ok. His absence from public life is of course his right, but it is worrying to a multitude of fans after releasing such a powerful but deeply personal album.
Please add my best wishes to all the others when you next have contact with him.
Stay safe, CB.
Regards,
Daniel Field

Dear Daniel
The song was called “Moondance” one of those ones that never saw the light of day. Cathal is fine, as far as I know.
CB

I have watched the excellent Two Madmen and the string quartet . At chance of this being released as a CD or a download? Also a mate has a radio show on Marlow FM and would like to play Night Boat if possible? Any chance that we could have a YouTube or download version of just that please? Thanks Gary

Gary Cuddon
Perhaps but not really my department
CB

Will there be a meet and greet soon after covid clears away

Dear Luca
I think this may be possible but not in your area. You have been cheeky to me on social media lolz
CB

Dirty Yank here.

I’m going back and getting all the 30th anniversary deluxe releases. I, so far, have One Step Beyond, (M/1), Absolutely (A/2), 7 (D/3), The Rise & Fall (N/4), Keep Moving (E/5), and Wonderful (!/8). What albums are (S/6) and (S/7)? And why is Mad Not Mad so bloody expensive for the bells & whistles edition? I’ve ordered One Step Beyond supa version and haven’t gotten it from the post yet, so I’m not 100% it’s the (M/1) version. Is The Madness (S/6) or (S/7)? When I put it on my shelf, the spines will spell out Madnes? My anal/OCD mind won’t be able to cope! Thanks for everything!

Dear Dean
We didn’t have the rights to er..was it Mad Not Mad and The Madness at the time. Thanks for all your support, I love you.
CB

Hi Chris, hope you keeping well? When are the Roundhouse, Electric Ballroom, HOC and Kenwood gigs from 2019 going to see the light of day please? Are these going to be shown on TV or get a DVD release at all?

Dear Greg
The Roundhouse and Electric Ballroom shows will feature in a SKY Arts documentary soon. Kenwood film is er ..”oven ready”
CB

hi cb first hope you and your family and band are all well ,as the lock down goes on ive been entertain the madness fans on fb for the last 9 weeks now on a saturday night by doing 3 madness songs had 10000 of views and comments i was told you must put this on youtube so i have under madness man suggs solo tributes can i maybe sent you a few to see what you think of course its not as good as you and the band but its put a smile on as madness fans as like me from 79 to date ,, and lets hope hof goes ahead at minehead ,,, from me and the madness fans so looking forward to madness live

Dear Lee
you legend!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StozB_i38GQ
keep it up my son..
CB

Got tickets for koln gig in August, really looking forward to it & reliving my youth. Will it still be going ahead? (Please, please, please). Been living in Germany for the last 25 yrs (after misspent youth, joining the army, meeting & marrying a German girl). Looking forward to forgetting my woes. Stay safe

Dear Simon
Sorry to say it won’t be but we will be back next year hopefully.
CB

Hi Chris,
Bit of a long shot with this but just thought I’d enquire. I’m a Year 6 teacher at a primary school in Rotherham and have written a Leavers’ Play based around Madness songs (changed a few lyrics too e.g our house to our school) . Due to circumstances with Covid, the play as it would normally have been performed was cancelled but we’ve decided to do this virtually. It would be great if you or any of the lads could send a message to the kids that I could potentially surprise them with when it’s all put together. I’d be happy to share anything we do with you too if you’d be interested. As I say, I know it’s a long shot as you must all be very busy – no worries if not, will still be a big fan of your music whatever the outcome of this request.
Anyway, thanks for your time and all the best to you all.
Cheers
Stephen Oliver
Year 6 teacher
Wickersley Northfield Primary School
Rotherham

Dear Stepehn
did the show go on? I’ve been a bit out of the loop lately. I hope it went well and send my best wishes and regards. If you’ve got a youtube link or anything, I’d love to se it
best, CB

Hello,
My name is Dylan Goudy. Two of my buddies and I have a podcast called “House of Fame.” We were looking around trying to get a theme song. We thought if we used part of “Our House” it would be really sweet. So I am wondering if there is anyone I could get in touch with to try and get the copyright.
Thanks for your help,
Dylan

Dear Dylan
Me – and I say yeah do it, until you get a million subscribers and you can send me some money
best of Luck,CB

My Dad was the biggest Madness fan. He died from a stroke in November last year and the night before he had his stroke he filmed himself lip-syncing the intro to One Step Beyond. He didn’t tell us about it and we didn’t find it until after he’d died! I’d love for you guys to see it. Please feel free to drop me an email if you’re interested. Stay safe x

Dear Sophie
I think I’ll pass on that, God bless your Dad, he does sound like he was a right character though, deepest sympathies.
CB X

Hello. It’s my mate’s 50th on Wednesday. He’s called Chrissy Boy (real name Chris) and he’s a massive Madness fan. Any chance of a Birthday message? It would cheer up his Lockdown, low key celebration. Cheers.

Dear Andrew
Not this Wednesday I assume but wish Chris all the best.
CB

Hey CB, hope alls ok with you. Which support was most fun on tour ? The Go Gos, Joboxers or A N other – And why ?
See you up norf soon,

Dear Notts Tone
I think the best on tour experience was of course, the 2Tone tour. All of us on one bus mayhem and the shows were fantastic.
CB

just finished reading Before We Was We, absolute cracker of a book that brought back my own memories of my youth as a mod, skin and perry boy, running about Camden, Kentish and Queens Crescent in the early ‘90’s – cheers to the nutty boys

Dear Keef
Glad you liked it and have been following in our footsteps.
Best, CB

ANy chance that there will be a volume 2 of Before we was we? (possibly in another 40 years 😀 ) or a digital copy of ‘Madness – M.I.S. Live – Songs From Around The Plonet’ cassette from fan club in 1986? Ta for your time

Dear Mike
We have been asked but I wasn’t keen. We shall see.
best, CB

Hello Chris hope you are doing well during this crazy times. Ha ha just read you said Suggs has no wifi where he lives. So no zoom meetings at all then ah?
but seriusly Have you guys been in touch during lockdown? any song ideas had come during this period? do you miss them all? What you been doing?

Cheers

Cheers

Dear Domingo
I’ve had few song ideas and spoken to some of the band here and there, mostly Bedders. We had a Zoom meet with our accountant haha last week. Only Bedders, Mike and me though. Suggs has no wifi Woody has moved and not got sorted yet Thommo – who knows?
best, CB

Have tickets for your gig in Murcia Spain in June. Do you think this will go ahead as we live in Spain and only crowds up to 400 may go a head in June Thanks Ian

Dear Ian
I’m pretty sure it has been moved to next year sadly..
Hopefully see you then, CB

Hi Chris,

Decided to try to teach myself to play the guitar on my days off and would love to learn ‘I Pronounce You’ (great song) but cant find the chords anywhere online. Was wondering if you would be able to help us out?

Many thanks and take care.

Will.

Dear Will
The chords were written by Chas and they were hmm I’m not sure.
sorry, CB
you could say where’s a Will there isn’t a way lolz[not funny]

Hello, during lockdown us and 4 friends have a weekly quiz over FaceTime. Next weeks quiz theme is music. One of our friends is a very big fan of your music so I’m
trying to think up a Madness trivia question that he won’t be able to answer. If there any trivia question that you would be happy to share with me.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Dear Steve
What is the connection between Madness and Peter Ustinov? I can’t put the answer on here obvs. Let me know how it goes and I’ll tell you the answer.
best CB

Excellent question, you’ve got all 6 of us stumped. The guesses were that Peter Ustinov was either related to one of you or a god parent to one of you.
Go on then, put us out of our misery, what’s the answer?

Dear Steve this is my reply;

When we were making the “Baggy Trousers” video we needed some massive trousers for Thommo. We went to a theatrical costumiers called Berman and Nathans, an incredible place like an Alladins cave of clothes. They had stuff like the jacket Micheal Caine wore in “Zulu” and other brilliant props and clothes. We loved it in there and we were always trying to nick stuff..So we got some massive baggy trousers and they told me they were Peter Ustinovs. This has been mentioned in interviews so it wasn’t a “Madness only” question. [None of then would remember anyway!] Next weeks question is;
What was the waist? They would fit Thommo now, haha. That’s if you’re having a quiz..

1. 59″
2 64″
3. 70″
Best, CB
PS I’ve been trying to post this for ages – the site is playing up!

Good morning. I’m sure you get lots of requests but, due to the current situation with the world I thought I’d reach out to you and your group in case you are able to help. My sister and her husband are 50 on 4 June and, as you can imagine, all their plans to celebrate their special joint birthday are being chipped away week by week. My sister, Ursula, has followed the band all her adult life and see you every year at least once. Her husband has joined her passion for your music and entertainment and has joined her for the past 20 years. I just wonder if it is possible for you to help mark the occasion in one way or another, even if it is just a message or card, to make their day and take away the disappointment of not being able to do the things they want to do. I appreciate you taking the time to read my message and I look forward to hearing from you. Keep safe and take care.
Best wishes from Claire xx

Dear Claire
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear Ursula [great name!] and John
Happy birthday to you…
Hold on! it’s not till June the 4th!
Thats my sons Felixs birthday too!
ok remind me nearer the date
CB

hiya Chris hope u keeping safe mate just wondering if now would be a nice time to release the version of it must be love you recorded last year with the kingdom choir after all we were promised it cheers.

Dear Gavin
I was wondering who exactly promised you it? I don’t know what’s happening to it it was OK. I suggested putting it on youtube or whathever but nowt happened.
best, CB

Hi Chris
I’ve a little question : why not an EP with Bullingdon Boys, The last rag and bone man (& some little stuff I’m sure you’ve got somewhere in your pocket!). Theses songs deserve a physical release.
Please stay safe, we fans need you and your magnificent band, my friend!
All the best from France
Steve

Dear Steve
According to the team, CDs etc are old hat and it’s all about streaming.
CB

Hey Chrissy hope you are all well ,yes my question is will Carl ever be rejoining the band ? Stay safe cannot wait to see you all again soon …legends !

Dear Ady
I doubt it.
best,CB

Sad to hear that ,thanks for the reply though ,take care all of you and thanks for your music keeping me sane at this crazy scary time .

Dear Ady
No problem – glad we are of help!
CB

Hi Chissyboy. May I ask a favour? We’ve created a charity video to raise funds for the NHS. We’ve called it “There must be love” and the Madness Twitter has retweeted it already. May I as you do the same( if you like it!). If you dont apologies, please dont take us to court! Here it is.
https://youtu.be/q5F66HJpqd8

Cheers Chrissy, hopefully catch you at HoF( fingers crossed!

Dear Wayner
That’s great!
CB

Hi, just wondering if you think the HOF weekender will still be taking place in November, we always come and are looking forward to it but with the Corona virus we wondered if it would be cancelled and if it was would you be doing it next year instead as i know it was to be the last one. I hope it goes ahead as after being a ‘Key Worker’ it would be a great way to wind down after it over xx

Dear Jill
Fingers crossed! Thanks for all your work too X
CB

Is it free to subscribe to ure website

Dear John
No. Send me one million pounds. Jokin! it’s FREE!
CB

How about a nutty version
for One World: Together At Home?

nice example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7pZgQepXfA

Dear Hovav
Ha – Suggs is in a place with no wifi!
best, CB

Hi, I’d really like to know the story or meaning behind primrose hill, the best track off the best album, perhaps??!!
Love London and still want to visit primrose hill. Is it about a guy that’s housebound?? Stay safe you guys. Regards Geoff

Dear Geoff
Suggs wrote the lyrics..I think it’s about a rather strange person in his house reminiscing about his life.
Best, CB

HAS BEFORE WE WAS ME BEEN RELEASED IN AUDIOBOOK FORMAT (CD’S) ?

thanks

DB

Dear Derek
I don’t think theres’s a CD but there is an audio book
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Before-We-Was-Making-Madness/dp/B07N968GVH/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=before+we+was+we+audio+book&qid=1588587937&sr=8-1
Best, CB

Hi Chris! Went to the fab Kenwood House gig last summer – any idea if or when the film of it will ever see the light of day?

Dear James
It’s been edited and so on, I did that last October. Currently “in development”.
best, CB

Dear Chris,
Will you be rescheduling your Berlin gig to 2021 or 2022? Got tickets for it last year and would love to see you again on the continent. Good health to you and your loved ones and thank you for your music!

Dear Marina
2021! No later than that, I hope
Danke, CB

Hello, Hope you and the rest of the crew are keeping safe and finding ways of occupying yourselves. I was wondering if you would be so kind as to send a personal message to a friend of ours, who like so many others is in a dark place right now and to whom we would like to send a glimmer of joy and light. His name is Graham Ford and he is a huge Madness fan – having seen you a number of times including at Bristol on the Downs last year. Unfortunately Grahams dad is in hospital at the moment in an induced coma and on a ventilator and has been for a while now. With the current restrictions, Graham and his mum have been unable to visit and are naturally struggling. If you are able to help in any way please let us know and we will pass on his details to you.
Many thanks for taking the time to read this and keep safe and well.
Kind wishes
Kath

Dear Kath
I’m sorry it’s taken so long for me to reply. I hope Grahams Dad is ok. Please stay in touch and tell Graham when we get back to business I’ll put him on the guest list.
best, CB

Hi Chris, hope you are well mate. I Just missed you and Lee on your last visit to Belfast, and you missed me proposing to Julie with Suggs as witness!!
I left something for you with Jim, did you get it ok?
Take care mate. CB.

yes I believe I did..Congratulations!
best, CB

Hello
I am trying to obtain your fan mail address for both my sister
inlaw and me she is a huge fan as am I. We both work for the fabulous NHS in Mental health I’m a support worker and she is a qualified mental health nurse but she works in Sheffield alongside the Police . Her name is Carol without the E .
Would you be so kind to send the correct address please.

Regards
Carole xxxxx

Dear Carole
We don’t have a fan club address, because we don’t have a fan club.
sorry, CB

Sadly the Henley Festival is cancelled but I have a cunning plan!
The question is and if things have improved? Are you Mad enough? Google, ‘Elvis Smelvis The Riverboyz’ and play the Videos.
Also Google Henley on Thames Big Duck or Google my name and you will now have got the picture. Weather permitting as it must be dry Saturday 11th July 2020 or there abouts. Thoughts?

Dear Timothy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8DQqYFlGC0
That is brilliant! I don’t know if we could all fit on that boat or whatever it, is though.
best, CB

Hi,
Hope you’re staying safe in these strange times! I volunteer at a charity Epsom riding for the disabled association, and we wanted to use your song ‘it must be love’ to sing and marathon sign too ! And post our Facebook page, I wanted to check it was okay before we do this?
Thanks,
Ella

Dear Ella
yeah do it if you haven’t already
best, CB

Hi Chris, my older brother Stuart has been obsessed with Madness since he was 12 and I was brainwashed with your music (which I love by the way). Believe it or not, he actually looked like Suggs back in the day. It is his 50th on 16 April. Because of this bloody COVID-19, everything has been cancelled. Don’t want to sound like I’m giving you a sob story but he has had a really shitty time. His wife died from brain cancer a couple of years ago, he’s met a great woman from Dublin and they were supposed to be going on a cruise around Italy. I am trying to think of something unique for a birthday gift and I’m wondering if Suggs or one of you could record a personal birthday message for him? Or do something else that would cheer him up for his 50th while being stuck in the house without any of us being able to visit him? Appreciate the time you’ve taken to read this. Hope you and your loved ones are in good health and not affected by this horrible virus. Kind regards, Lisa

Dear Lisa
Please send Stuart my best wishes, I can’t really organise all that at the moment but stay in touch via this site and maybe I can put him and his wife on the guest list – if we ever get back to playing live.
best, CB

Hey you nutty boys
Working on the front line for the nhs as a community worker looking after the elderly
When this is all over any chance of a gig for all us key workers dancing and having a great time to your music is just what we need As you guys raise the roof and know how to entertain
Been a fan since the day I was born as you were the only band played in our house literally in the middle of our street
Please don’t make me look like an embarrassment (my favourite ) do it for the nhs
Lacey welby

Dear Lacey
I hope we can do something at some point in the not so distant future. Thanks for all your work.
best, CB

My brother Mark is a huge fan and has been following madness around the UK for years. He has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. I have set up a donations website for a funeral and expenses fund to help ease the stress on his family. I would be so grateful if you could share the link on any social media pages. Thank you in advance.
gf.me/u/xvp26x

Dear Sarah
I’m so sorry to hear that.
Chris X

Such great news that you are coming back to America, even if it is delayed a year. I just found out, and it sure gives me something to look forward to with all this virus mess. Anyway, thats all. See you in Boston in 2021!

Dear Kerry
Yay Boston! i love Boston X
best, CB

Hey Chris,

I saw you got pushed back a year. And I just had my mint-condition passport mailed two weeks ago. What a great time in our history to finally get one!
That’s unfortunate, but I can still see you in May 2021. I won’t forget that deal you prompted about the ticket. It’ll be good fun.
In the meantime, I was hoping for some constructive/positive feedback on this little demo thing I put up recently. It has lyrics and I do intend on singing it, but for now it’s a 1-minute instrumental. I play everything on it from drums to piano. The guitar is acoustic fed through a Boss ME25 board. I hope you find it alright particularly since Mike, Woody, Mark and you all basically taught me piano, drums, bass and guitar, respectively (as a result it sounds very ska and kind of Madness-y). It would be great to hear what Mike thinks of the piano…it’s inspired by how he may have a base of chords mixed with a melody on top. I also inverted a chord in the verse the same way he does in ‘On the Beat Pete.’ It’s inspired by a girl, like usual.
Either way thanks for even listening to it, it’s just missing my vocals and a brass section. And of course, stay healthy and cool.
https://soundcloud.com/justin-s-campbell/look-down-to-me-demo-experiment-first-verse-chorus-instrumental

Hi Justin
Drums sound pretty good! It goes a bit out of time but I like it. Sorry I took so long replying.
keep it up, Chris

Hi Chris. I was chuffed to bits that the band were honoured with the Camden walk of fame.
Where were you.
I know you have said Carl is not back performing with the band, but has he contributed any songs or tunes to the new album?
Is there any chance he. Could be involved in the future.
Thank you and wishing you all the best
Jim

Dear Jim Not at the moment. Camden walk of Fame? I live in Brighton now!
CB

Now that the U.S. tour has been postponed, what’s to become of the greatest hits collection that was to be released just prior to the tour?

Good question! I actually don’t know..
best, CB

Whatever happened to the M section on the website? It seems to have disappeared.

Dear Jack
That was the old website many years ago. Long gone. To tell the truth, I didn’t like the idea of a “paywall”..
best CB

Hey CB,

I apologize for not reading this thread. I look forward to seeing you in 2021 and PLEASE book shows in Chicago, we love you here!

Peace, be well,

John

Thanks JOhn
Chicago ah what a great place I wish we could come back..
best, CB

Hi Chris,
I want to thank you and the band for rescheduling the US shows instead of just canceling. I’ve been waiting forever to see you live, another year won’t hurt! Stay healthy and positive, see you in 2021!

Chuck

Hey Chuck
See you next year!
thanks, CB

Hope you boys are staying safe during the coronavirus . I was just notified by Ticketmaster that May 2020 NYC show is postponed until 2021. Couldn’t find an update on website. Please confirm. Hope to see you as soon as safety permits in the USA!

Dear Jerry
Apologies for the late reply. I don’t think this will happen now, next year most shows will be re scheduled for approx the same date.
best, CB

Chris, with the US shows postponed for a year, if we purchased tickets, will the same tickets apply? Stay safe!

Dear Rob
sorry for the late reply. I don’t think this will happen now, hopefully next year most shows will be re scheduled for more or less the same date and your tickets will still be valid
yours CB

Hello mate I’ve booked two tickets for June 20th in thetford forest is this still going ahead with all this chaos going on?
Cheers Adam.

Dear Adam
sorry for the late reply. I don’t think this will happen now, hopefully next year most shows will be re scheduled
yours CB