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:

  1. When/where is the next gig? - Please see the gig section above.
  2. Can I get your autographs?- This service is not available via the website, all applications must be made in person.
  3. Can I get backstage passes? - No.
  4. Will there ever be another 2Tone tour? - This is not very likely, is it?
  5. Where does Suggs get his sunglasses? – Persol.
  6. Where do you get your suits/hats/shoes? Gresham Blake, The Saturday Club, Hackett, Christies, Loake, Lock and Co, The British Boot Company.
  7. 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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Hey Chris, as an old school Madness fan and a collector of 7″ singles I have been a bit sad not to be able to add new Madness material to my collection for the last 10 years. Would have loved to get vinyl singles of stuff like ‘My Girl 2’ and ‘Bullingdon Boys’ to my collection. Is it likely Madness will back back into 7″ game? Is it still financially viable for you guys?

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In Feb 1980 after coming back from Netherlands you played 6 UK gigs starting Manchester Apollo 09.02.80, ending Hammersmith 16.02.80. What date was Birmingham Odeon???

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Lee explained it a while ago;
“My debut appearance into the land of LSD & stupidly going Walk-a-bout’s! Read my autobiog.’Growing Out Of It’ Omnibus, for the extended can of worms! ed: Diabolical Liberty. Great rhythm to it,& lifting hypnotic piano stabs. Not sure why I named it Samantha.page 3 Model ‘Sam Fox’ was prominent at the time & I had recently been introduced to her at a function, for the snappers that were darting around”.

Hi , my favourite B side is Stepping Into Line , the song that really put me into the world of everything Nutty.
What are your top 3 Madness B sides of all time ?

Many thanks
Steve

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Madness fan over many a year & seen you on loads of occasions. Still think the Madness music is as relevant today as it was when I was a teenager! Shame that Chas left the band but, do you guys still keep in touch with him?

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Hi Chris,
What happened with the film of Kenwood. Any chance it will be released on dvd in the near future? Or maybe as part of a dvd box of the XL year?

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Hey Chris, do you and the boys fancy reworking this to the house of fun tune? i found i’ve had too much time on my hands what with lockdown 🙂

Good Morning Nurse
Can I Help You Son?
I’m Sick Today
And It’s Not Much Fun
I’m A Sick Boy Now
Or So They Say
So If You Test
I’ll Get On My Way

Box Of Gloves
With The Latex Touch
Pack Of Alco Wipes
That Clean All Things Right
A Throat Swab, A Nose Swab
Plastic Thing
Nurses In All Corners As You Walk In

Welcome To The Nhs
Now You’ve Come I’ll Test
Welcome To The Nhs
You Won’t Need To Come Again
Results Are On Their Way
Welcome To The N-H-

N-N-N-No No Miss
It’s Not Understood
Sick Big Boys
Get No Pints In The Neighbourhood
I’ve Got My Date
And The Date’s Today
So Vaccinate
I’ll Be On My Way

Welcome To The Nhs
Now You’ve Come I’ll Test
Welcome To The Nhs
You Won’t Need To Come Again
Results Are On Their Way
Welcome To The Nhs

I’m Sorry Son
It Is A Shock
Covid-19
All Over The Shop
We’re The Nhs
The Quickest And The Best
This Is The Public
Covid Test Site

Covid Tests
Comprehende, Savvy, Understand
Do You Hear?
This Pack’s A Covid Test
With The Pure White Stick
Too Late?
What You’ve Heard’s Gossip
Well Hello Jo, Hello Nurse Gray
No Need To Return From Today

Welcome To The Nhs
Now You’ve Come I’ll Test
Welcome To The Nhs
You Won’t Need To Come Again
Results Are On Their Way
Welcome To The Nhs

Thank You To The Nhs
Now I’ve Had My Test
Thank You To The Nhs.

All in the name of fun

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Dear Steve
haha very funny those test ain’t worth a **** though. That’s what they told me at the airport. Ok not the airport the testing centre down the road told me they are not suitabel for travel as so unreliable.
CB

Chris,

I am producing a podcast that will launch soon to promote music, provide commentary, interviews, history and chart data about popular music in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States plus other countries throughout the world.

The podcast will feature artists and songwriters that are mentioned in my book #1 Singles in the 1980s. This book features all the top songs in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States plus other countries depending on the song or artist. This is the essential reference guide to the hit songs and artists that help define the decade of the 1980s. It is packed with album references, songwriters, original and cover versions, trivia and a compendium of chart data of more than 500 singles. I am currently writing #1 Singles in the 1970s.

My website is http://www.theworldmusiccharts.com. The website has links to purchase the book, listen to the podcast and read the blog (The Beat) in addition to over 30 current music charts around the world.

I would like to visit with you about the song “Our House” you wrote, your background, influences and any other things or songs you want to visit about. My only rule is that we keep it positive. I am located in Lincoln, Nebraska which is in the central time zone. Friday afternoons and weekends work best for me to have the conversation. Would you be interested in having a conversation with me?

Carl Mesecher
The World Music Charts

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Hi my name’s Rachael and my dad Billy is the biggest Madness fan, my earliest memory is of hearing Night Boat to Cairo playing in his car. He’s been to see them so many times and I actually got to see Suggs’ one man show with him when I was 38weeks pregnant.
My dad is currently in intensive care with Covid and I’m not able to see him, I can only send things in for him. I was just wondering if there was any way I could go about paying for a signed photograph personally addressed to him from Suggs/Madness. It would mean the world to me and hopefully serve as a reminder that my dad has so much to look forward when he gets out of hospital.

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Dear Rachael
I’m so sorry it’s taken me so long to reply. I hope your Dad is Ok now. Send me you address and I’ll see what I can do.
CB

Hi Chris, hope you, your family & the rest of the band are well. What do you enjoy to get up to during lockdown & is there any further development on the Kenwood House film/concert please? I asked Sky Arts about it & they’ve told me they haven’t got it.

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Dear Greg
We are all good thanks hope you are too.Film is in “limbo” Edited and readt more or less to go Ho hum..
CB

Still keeping fingers crossed for NYC in May…but not feeling great about it. The offer still stands for you and your mates to bunk in my basement in Manchester, Maryland for a show in this area. My family all got vaccinated, so this house is a pretty safe spot. Oh, and the beer fridge is in the basement, too… just sayin’.

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Dear Brian
We are now in May and yes sorry buddy we ain’t coming. I was so looking forward to it too. Next year!
CB

Hi Chris. You’re a good man! You’ve always been there for your fans. They say to never meet your heroes. Not much chance of that these days anyway and the fact I’m in nz it’s very unlikely! Have any of the bands ever been in holiday to nz? Once the shits died down you really should come. It’s been 40 years since we’ve last seen you. That’s quite a number! Who would of thought! Take care mate and all the best. Cheers for the music and the memories.

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Dear Alex
I would like to come to New Zealand. We were briefly there way back and I met someone special who gave me a lasting remider which I was able to get rid of once seeing a reliable Doctor.Lovely place though.
CB

Hi, I was wondering how do I send in an application for an autograph? Also, if I send a photo is it possible to have that signed?
It is for my friend, Suggs wore her hat for a song at Scarborough Open Air Theatre in 2019, and I know it would mean a lot to her if she had a signed photo of him wearing the hat.

Please could you send me more information on how we can make this happen.

Many thanks

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Dear Lorraine
Do you have a photo of him wearing the hat? That would be a start.Let me know.
CB

Hi Madness I’m a 17 year old boy from Elgin Scotland and a fan of yours. After this year many young people may have thought that there dreams can’t be a job due to challenges but this year for my last year at school I’m doing a foundation apprenticeship with DYW moray once a week. They are a a company that promotes local jobs and training experiences (some they host there self ) to help young people gain experience for work and help promote local jobs for secondary/ university young people to apply for.

I was wondering if you would be up for help me with my foundation apprenticeship by engaging with an exciting new project that is a small Q &A to encourage people to get into music again as a job or leisure from age 8-26.
P.s virtual Q&A
Yours sincerely
Aidan Henderson BCYA

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Dear Lesley
I hate to say it doesn’t look too likely. I still get send the sales figures but hmm..
best, CB

Hello Marvellous Man Of Madness!👍😎My question is~ ‘Who drew the artwork for ‘Return Of The Los Palmas 7″ single sleeve ..?’❓ THaNX lotz,Luv & Cheers 👍🌟✊💚😎🍻®️🧷🌟

Alright Chris ?
Not been on here for a while so thought I’d check in, hope life in lockdown is going well for you and your family, hopefully we’ll be back in Minehead in November………..you never know might even get to see you in June at Westonbirt but I think that could be a tad optimistic ! Take care

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Can’t Touch Us Now

I read you weren’t satisfied that the final mix had been resolved prior to release of something along those lines…personally as a fan I was fascinated, in a bad way, that this was the case.

What was the case, and why was the album rushed in the final moments…seems to be against the ethos of all that went before it?!

BTW…this album was relatively stonkin’…tip top!!! Loved it. The holy grail of subject matter was well covered…only an instrumental was lacking, and such was the quality this is not a complaint.

Also….from a fans POV don’t worry about how many tracks are on the album….I know you’re generous that way but the tracks can come out in all ways these days…the album is the thing. Anyway…maximum respect!

Also an original proper video….BOOM!

Alan

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Dear Alan
We wrote and recorded the album relatively fast. I wanted to use everything we recorded it was a bit of a battle but our early albums had 14 tracks on, so why not push the boat out? Some of the songs had been around a very long time for example, “Cant’ Touch us Now”, “You Are my Everything”, “[Don’t Let Them] Catch You Crying”, “Given the Opportunity”, “Soul Denying”. Some of them dated back to maybe the 90s and further.. The record company wanted to release the album in all formats, on the same day, a tactic that they hoped would ensure a high chart positions, as some fans would buy all formats. I think it went in at 5 or something and they were ecstatic.So I literally mixed “Given the Opportunity and “Catch you Crying” in one day. “Given the Opportunity” could’ve been better, for sure..
best, CB
PS “Grandslam” was supposed to be an instrumental..

Dear Kath
Ah – we all liked that album but it’s slightly fast, if memory serves me well. more like 34rpm haha. Photo taken in Liverpool, audio from a great show in Boston Paradise Club, a brilliant venue, Feb 4th 1980..oh live music eh? Anyway, I’ve looked on ebay etc and you can’t even find it. So I can’t say. Maybe £50?
best, CB

Morning Chrissy Boy
I found my wristband from Minehead 2014 yesterday and managed to cobble something together and I now have it back on my wrist, my wife asked me “what f###ing age are you” anyway all I want to say is thanks to Madness for helping me and I’m sure others to get through this current madness we find ourselves in.
I’ve read When We Was We and various other articles, watched the documentaries and most importantly listened to the music, after all its all about the music, I can’t wait until this is all over and we can get to see and hear the next chapter of The Nutty Boys, so stay safe and always remember Vambo Roolz!
Norrie

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Dear Norrie[cool name]
Ah bless, X That’s nice. Your wife is a terrible woman haha. Thanks for the comments and as I always say, we woudln’t be anything without you and everybody else supporting us. We [and many others] will return, hopefully soon.
best CB

Hi I was wondering if Suggs could do a birthday message for my auntie she is 50 this year and a massive madness fan all her party’s has been madness themed it would make her day if you could help

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Songwriting questions

I know it’s not possible currently but will the band (as a whole preferably) ever try their hand at songwriting again together in a room/studio like in the past…certainly was successful and perhaps even fun?

Who are the dudes involved in penning the wonderful ‘In The City?’ (Will this make a liver return?)

Can we anticipate a killer instrumental on the new album?

‘Please Don’t Go’ is a banger Chris, not an old banger…a top banger! Will you bang out some lyrics again to one of your creations?

With Carl out of the band, would the band still be open to the idea of using his songs, or would a member still be open to the idea of a song collaboration with him? Mutually beneficial I would say.

Thanks for any response. As a band three of you guys rock and three of you roll!

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Dear Alan
We actually got together last year in a lovely warehouse type place we are renting and blimey, 2 songs came out of it. So yes, given the chance we will be doing that again. It was suggested that we do that 3 times a week, [like the old days] so hopefully we will put that into practice asap. “In the City” is quite an interesting subject. We were offered the Honda “City” car advert and they had a song especially written by Japans top jingle writers that was frankly, not much good. Stuff like “she is a lady in the night” ahem..So we got a song Mike had written [which I think was coincidentally written for another advert and never got used] then came up with some new lyrics, mainly written [I think] by Chas and Suggs. Part of the lyrics were based on people we had seen in Tokyo, quite a busy city to say the least and all the workers that fly around, from business men to road sweepers. We still had to put the original jingle writers on the songwriting credits but then we credited the entire band as well haha so we all got a percentage of the publishing – and also everyone in the band worked pretty hard on the song. Instrumental hmm.. working on it. Funny enough I have written quite a few songs recently and thought “what the heck” and I’ve written some lyrics, which have had the approval of Thommo and Suggs – who I rate most highly as lyricists. Carl yes a difficult one, really we have enough writers as it is.
best, CB

Hello Mr Chrissy Boy.
You are probably going to see or talk to Mr. Suggs, Mr Barzo before I never will can you ask or do you know if Two Mad Men And A String Quartet will ever be released on CD.
Thank you for your time.

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Dear Pete
I’m Sorry, I don’t know if that will happen at the moment and I doubt they would know either..
best, CB

I was wondering if you lend your lyrics or any part of your music to companies so that they can copy, or use aspects of your song to promote their brand? I love Madness been a fan since the 1980’s ,Our House is def my favorite. Down here in NZ there is a company called the Chemical Warehouse, and they are promoting their brand using your song-Our House. They even have an ExAll Black, Dan Carter singing, humming your song. I was wondering how that all came about? Yours Sincerely, M.Steeman

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Dear Martin
We get asked for permission to use our songs all the time and if we approve the usage, the song gets used. We get paid for this, of course..
best, CB

Hi Rob
Well spotted haha, originally that was the cause though. Our back catalogue is owned by Union Square but the “Mad Not Mad” album wasn’t part of the deal, as it wasn’t a Stiff album, nor was “The Madness”. So when the albums were first re released with the M.A.D.N.E.S…spines, there was one missing. I’m pretty sure that in 2010, Union square licenced it [and The Madness?] from er..EMI in order to make the set complete. So we’re both right.I think…Does anyone remember the original set of albums, was “Wonderful” the S?
best, Chris

Hi Chris
I’ve just been watching the disgraceful scenes of Trump supporters at Capitol Hill , and it occured to me that we should campaign to get Embarrassment to no.1 in the charts as the message about the fear and ignorance of prejudice of the original song’s message resonates in this instance. This man is an embarrassment, and it needs to be shouted from the rooftops. On another matter, I hope you boys have stayed safe and brewed up a magnificent follow up to CTUN. Much love to you and all the nutty boys and girls out there.
Rude forever. Rudy coudy

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Dear Rudy
Nice idea but I wouldn’t say that’s what the song or indeed, the people at Capitol Hill are all about, really, I pity the fools. Working on songs as always..
best, CB

Hi Chris happy new year and hope you enjoyed the festive season despite everything that’s going on! 2019 was a great year for gigs and especially love the addition that you played “One Better Day” at a lot of the gigs. I’m really missing all the gigs right now and all the fun so I thought I at least put my time to some use and wanted to try and learn how to play One Better Day myself but having some trouble figuring out the best chords. Have you got any advice? Thank you again!
All the best,
Natalie

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Hi Chris, Happy New Year, hope you had a gid yin!
I’ve asked previously, but don’t seem to have had a reply, so I thought I’d ask again, (hope this is ok).
After talking to a few fellow Madheads who have attended Minehead, we were just wondering if you think a DVD boxset, of your performances (a best of), or anything else will be released once “The Final Curtain” happens? We really wish it will be!
Hopefully meet you again at this years HOF!
All the best for 2021!
Andy

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Chris,
Youtube aren’t very gid quality wise (crap) and you’d make a few quid from it no doubt! I’d personally like one for my collection.
I’m sure they’d sell out if you did a nice box set and 10 years of fantastic performances would be brilliant all in one place!
Fingers crossed you can make this happen! lol

Dear Andy
The practicalities of manufacturing and distributing a DVD are quite costly, plus it’s nice to let people have something for nothing every now and then..
best, CB

who were the band members during their “Lokerse feesten-show” (August 7th 2017).
Graham “Suggs” McPherson : vocals, percussion
Lee Thompson : lead vocals on 15, saxophone, percussion, backing vocals
Chris Foreman : electric guitar, backing vocals
Mike Barson : keyboards, backing vocals
Mark Bedford : bass
? : percussion, xylophone, conga drums
Dan “Woody” Woodgate : drums
? : trombone
? : trumpet
? : baritone saxophone

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Dear Filip
I can’t find a video reference but the percussion guy is Mez Clough..hah found a video..brass left to right Steve Hamilton bari sax, Joe Auckland trumpet, Trevor Mires trombone
best, CB

Dear Mike
I always thought that hat was naff and badly drawn. The crown shows we are the kings of Ska or whatever really..
best, CB

Dear mark
If you find any let me know, I don’t have a clue..gigs cancelled then rescheduled all the time..
best, CB

Dear Paul
Todays music oh my lord..I get subjected to Radio 1 every now and then and I now love Post Malone. His videos are awesome. Really thought the “charts” are a bit meaningless these days.TV I’ve been watching “The Queens Gambit” and “The Crown”. Two thngs I never thought would interest me..Chess and our somewhat dysfunctional Royal Family. so mostly stuff like that really Netflix and so on.
best, CB

Chrissy Biiiiiiy!
Been a Madness fan since I was just a sprout, too many hours spent poring over the detailed centre sleeve of the Complete Madness LP as a child (was it George that farted then?), but for one reason and another never had the opportunity to catch you live until a couple of years back on the links at Montrose, amazing gig! Sorry about all the good-natured booing at the start, but you can’t be bigging up England on the tropical shores of North-East Scotland, lad! Next time, bring an appropriate intro movie, ok? 😉

However, your karaoke version of Living On A Prayer was interesting….

Anyway, my question is thus; I’ve always been quite fascinated with the Honda City ads since hearing In The City on CM, and there seem to be a lot more of them available for viewing on Youtube than I ever realised existed. What can you tell us about them, where the various ads were filmed (the one with the hot dog seller looks like either Canada or LA) etc? And did you ever get one of the little Motocompo scooters as a freebie?
All the best, bud. Stay safe.

Eddie Grady

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Dear Eddie
Yes that film was my creation and how insensitive of me. Our bagpipe laddie nearly refused to go on. The next gig was in Wales and I quickly edited it, so as to not incite another near riot. The Honda ads were funny. The first ones were fimed in a studio in Japan. The second ones were filmed in LA because they thought those streets looked English..I just looked up the DogHouse LA https://images.app.goo.gl/qY2UeaP97RDeJ7kD6 . The third set we said oK we want to use one of our songs and film it in the Uk. So we did.
best, CB

Dear Stephen
There’s always a new album in the pipeline. Best musician? hah I’ll kee quiet on that one.
best, CB

Hi Chris,

Are there any plans to reissue the fantastic “Wonderful ” album on vinyl?

Also any plans for a sequel to “Before We Was We” ? The audio book is brilliant.

Thanks

Tony

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Dear Tony
“Wonderful” will be out at some point, as we are working our way through the albums. Sequel? Nah. We have been asked but I think that part of our career is pretty well known.
best, CB