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

Cancel reply

Will Madness be coming to any Texas locations during the 2022 tour? How much does it take to get you to come to Houston? I have been a Madness fan since the first time I heard One Step Beyond back in 1981.

DEar James
I’m sorry we miss out on Texas I’d love to come.
CB

Dear James
Sorry, there are no plans at present.
yours, CB
apologies for late reply, I have no excuse..

Just a quick question, just tried to buy tickets for your gig in Brighton or Bournemouth, went onto the website just before 9.30 with my code and was unable to get the 2 tickets I required as they seemed to all be gone at 9.31 yet I could buy them on Viagogo for double the price, I don’t expect a response just wanted to vent my anger , thank You, Dave H

Dear David
This is something beyond my control that I personally find abhorrent. We have some left for the O2, try that.
Sorry, CB

Dear David
I’m sorry, They are vile, did you try the venues?
best, CB
apologies for late reply, I have no excuse..

Any chance of Belfast being added for 2021, 2022?? Peas

Dear Eamon
Next time!
CB

Dear Eamon
Sorry not this time.
best, CB
apologies for late reply, I have no excuse..

love Madness!
any idea why Before we was we is not allowed / blocked on you tube germany. anywhere else i can watch?
be carefull, stay healthy and hope to see hear you over here sometime soon

Dear Dave
Geo locked or something you have to change your VPN. My son says it’s quite easy but he is 19 and quite tech savvy.
CB

Hi There! I was back in the day and still am a huge fan, so you can imagine how excited I was to hear “Our House’ blasting over the local TV channels here in Iowa USA. But then I wondered, are you guys even aware that they are using your music to advertise a local midwestern grocery store called Hy-Vee? I do hope your getting paid royalties and if not you absolutely should be as it’s the most successful marketing campaign they’ve had in years!

Dear Joolz
I am aware and indeed they run it past myself and Chas before doing any ads anywhere..
thanks CB

Hi there – very sadly I wasn’t able to hear the latest Madness livestream Get Up on May 14th. Can I rent it on catch up anywhere at all? More than happy of course to pay the going rate.

Dear Martin
Sorry it was a one off
CB

When are you sexy blokes coming to the United States, specifically the southeastern US (ie, Charleston, SC, Charlotte, NC, Asheville, NC, Atlanta, GA, Columbia, SC, Greenville, SC (these all have numerous venues), Myrtle Beach, SC (<– House Of Blues has had some great UK bands)? The USA needs you guys; especially the US LGBTQ Madness fans, who are grateful for your music and support of all minorities!! 1Love 4All 4ever
Très Nutty Boys 4ever!! VivaMadness!

Thank you for all the great music and here's looking forward to another 40years of très Nutty Madness!!

xo,
Queertone USA

Dear Queertone
Next year please come and see us X
CB

Hi we have tickets for the ewerk stadium which was originally last year and i know it was cancelled and transferred to this year to 3rd September could you tell me if this is still going ahead thank you

Dear Alison
No, this has been moved to 09/09/22 Cologne, Germany – E-Werk and 10/09/22 Cologne, Germany – E-Werk
Sorry CB

Hi Chris, looking forward to the tour, is chas gonna be in the line up?
Thanks John

Dear John
Nope. He’s not on the poster is he?
CB

Hi Chris,
I went to see Suggs in his King Cnut show back in 2019 in Brighton and who should I see by merch stall but your good self. I wish I’d said hello but I bottled it…Anyway that moment has gone and I’ll have to continue kicking myself for eternity.
My question is what barber do you use…. Ha ha (probably the same one I do as my hair has disappeared too)
No seriously what make of Sunglasses does Monsieur Barson wear? I’m taking about the clear framed ones. If you wouldn’t mind asking him for me I’d be most grateful. Looking forward to the new tour and the forthcoming new album (hopefully not too long away now)
Regards Wayne

Dear Wayne
I don’t bite you know. Barber haha I see Big Gaz in Sydney Street, Brighton. He is great, can do any style
https://www.facebook.com/thedemonbarbersydneystreet/
Mikes glasses, hmm I’ll ask him.
CB

Loved the show last night. You guys were great. You didn’t miss a beat. Cheers from Memphis, Tennessee USA.

Thanks for tuning in Charles
CB

Chris
Unreleased album 1987 did these songs get released o another album or never came out?

Dear Darrin
Er what were the songs? probably got used yes
CB

Really enjoyed the concert from the London Palladium earlier this eve!! Great songs and memories! Stuart

Thanks Stuart
CB

Why did the top of the Madness logo change from a hat to a crown?

Dear Richard
Because the hat was a bit naff and we are the KINGS OF SKA.
CB

Hopefully this year’s HOF will go ahead I was wondering if you have any plans for honouring the names of the fans that have attended every HOF on a wall of honour or something?

Dear Anthony
I have to say that has never occured to me.
CB

I am constantly fascinated by the origins of this band. Was there a moment, early on, when you thought, this is something that could work out as a career? If so, what was that moment? And did you ever think you would still be playing in Madness 45 years later?

Dear Kerry
I finally realised this about 42 years ago. Ok never thought we’d still be doing this all those years later.
CB

Can’t make Friday but if I bought I ticket can I watch at a later date? 🙂 Thanks.

nope. I hope you didn’t buy one
CB

I want to know the date of a concert of Madness in Lyon France in 1981 or 1982 at the Palais d hiver

Dear Christine
Me too. If you find out let me know. I can’t find it ..
CB

ahh hold on..cherche le wiki

https://concerts.fandom.com/wiki/Madness

May 28, 1980 Palais D’ Hiver, Lyon, FRA (supported by Clive Langer & The Boxes)

Hi Chris how did it feel to be back on stage in 1992 and seeing how the audience respond to your return.

Dear Mary
It was quite funny really. Nice surprise..
CB

hi there, we have tickets for Murcia Spain 25th june but cannot see this listed on your tour dates, can you confirm whether or not this is still scheduled, as the ticket seller is adamant that this is confirmed.
kind regards sarah

Dear Sara
The ticket seller is telling porkies..
24th June 2022 – ask if that rings any bells
CB

Hi
This is probably the longest of longshots but…..
I am a very part-time, almost hobby promoter and I have a venue booked at a lovely, intimate 500 seater (600 standing) theatre in Yorkshire on 27th August 2021. However, I have no artist yet!
How about Madness doing a one-off show?
Told you it was a longshot!
Thank you.
Paul

Dear Paul
Our agency is on this site.
https://www.wmeagency.com/
Ask them if you are serious..
CB

Hi
So Mike Barson was born in Edinburgh ,I live in Edinburgh.I would love to know where exactly so I can stick up a plaque! or spraypaint Mr B lived here !! (Okay I’ll not spraypaint)
thanks in advance
Ricky

Dear Ricky
I don’t know what hospital,sorry. Just do it outside every hospital in Edinburgh saying “Mr B was [probably] born here”. Mind you how many hospitals are there?
CB

hi chris is murcia 25th june still on regards nige

Dear Nige
New date;
24/06/22 Murcia, Spain – Plaza de Toros
best, CB

Hi from Spain man, here again, 15 years later, to ask you for a happy birthday congrat to my daughter Andrea. I just wanted you to check next video (only first minute if you wish) and you can see how she enjoyed Madness since she was 9 months old. She is about to turn 16. Many thanks in advanced cracks! And thanks for making this world better.
https://youtu.be/XVEL7ljC4zA

Dear Lisardo
That’s lovely – happy birthday Andrea! – sorry I’m so late X
CB

Hi Chris,
Can you tell me why the band changed the logo from the hat to a crown? I cannot find the answer anywhere?
Thanks

Dear Mike
Because the hat was always badly drawn and we are the KINGS of SKA, ROCK and POP! and any other genre..
CB

Heya!!:)
This is probably a long shot and most likely will not happen but my mum has been a huge fan of Madness (probably youre biggest fan) since she was younger, she even has stories of having drinks with suggs in holloway on multiple occasions and she still plays your songs pretty much everyday and has even made me a huge fan.
I was just wondering if it was possible for her to get a birthday message from suggs Shes turning 52 on April 24th and her name is Johanna! If not down worry thank you x

Dear Hannah
Ah sorry too late..Drinks with Suggs ha and she survived! Happy belated birthday Johanna X
CB

Hello Chris
Just one (but important question) :Can we hope a new album this year?
Personally, I hope so (and I don’t think I’m the only one)!
May I add a good idea : a limited boxset including lot of stuff like Bullingdon Boys, The last rag and Bone man, and Before We Was We on a 2nd CD).
Stay safe, my friend
Big hug from France

Dear Steve
We can but hope. The songs are there just got to record them.
CB

So…if I can’t get to your LA gigs (spring 2021) you are coming back right? and it won’t be another eight year wait, right?

Dear Lincoln
Oh no not another 8 years I’ll be like 47 by then..We will be there..NEXT YEAR!
CB

Dear Chris,

Hope you are well. As a lifelong Madness fan who has been fortunate enough to attend over 40 gigs to date, I’m increasingly concerned that my Nutty gig-going days are over due to the impending ‘Vaccine Passport’ scheme.

Do you think the non-vaccinated among us will still be able to attend future gigs?

Best,

Chris

Dear Chris
Put it this way. That whole “vaccine passports” thing is a crock. A scaremongeing crock. Like you can’t go on holiday without one. Which is untrue, unless you go to Israel. They require TWO vaccine shots AND a negative Covid test and going there isn’t a likely thing at the moment. If it’s ever suggested to us that concert goers have to be vaccinated, then it’s a no show from me and enough other members of the band to ensure no show. This of course won’t happen, it’ll be a negative covid test. As in if you want to get flight. Because great as [they say] “vaccines” are, they don’t stop you catching or spreading covid 19.
CB

Is the May 30th concert at the Greek still happening this year?

Dear Dan
Now moved to next year. I’m still quite stoked.
CB

Hi CB,
Apologies, it’s a gig question but I’m confused. The gig at Plaza de Toros de Murcia in Spain, got cancelled last year because of Covid. It was moved to 25th June this year. It shows on their website but not yours. Has it now been shelved?
Cheers – Iain

Dear Iain
yes, I’m very sorry about this
CB

Dear Chris,
An advert for volume two of your b sides compilation came up on my Facebook page. It looks like a recent photograph of the band and it looks like Carl in a driver’s helmet.
Is he back in the band?
Also, I’m not sure if you can answer this. I have seen you 25 times since 1992, some gifs are more family friendly than others. I was thinking of taking my children to one of the Forest gigs next year. They will be 11 and 9 by then. Do you think it will be a gig suitable for children?
Regards, Coventry’s Cheekiest Charmer.

Dear Richard
It’s quite funny. he is currently not in the band but was an important part of it and I think he should be in all compilation artwork where the songs feature him. When I saw that artwork Paul the artwork guy didn’t have a recent picture of him and used the divers helmet, which I thought not very fair. Then Mike was put in it and haha, he wasn’t too happy. I said I would go in it but hey that’s show business.
CB

Hi,

I was informed that i could find the live album:
12 Songs of Madness… in 13 Parts! on here but unfortunatly i think it is no longer available. I would love to hear it don’t mind paying for it. Could you maybe send it over by email? Would mean the world.

Kind Regards,

Niels

Dear Niels
Never heard of it..[consults Google]

https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/madness/12-songs-of-madness-in-13-parts/

See if that works

CB

Dear Chris,

just wanted to let you know that we love the songs of Madness. Me and my nine year old son are humming and singing along with your cheerful songs, especially the ones from the eighties. Your music gets us through the covid crisis.

When the covid misery is over, will you come and perform in the Netherlands? We would love it!

Kind regards,
Sara

Dear Sara
I would be a pleasure, invite accepted. Say hello to your son from me X
CB

Is your gig at NYC Hammerstein Ballroom still on for May 26. The tickets are still on sale, but not sure if NYC is allowing shows yet. Thanks

Dear Marc
They shouldn’t be sellin’ ticket ah geddoutttahere..dangnabbit. Next year
CB

Mister Foreman, can you tell me who wrote ‘Bullingdon Boys’ and ‘My obsession’? Can’t find any information about this. And as a lifelong fan, any music coming out in the nearby future? Enjoying your music since 1979, but always hoping for more… Thanks!

Dear Burt
“Bullingdon Boys” Mike Barson “My Obsession” words Thommo music Me
CB

Who was your football team ?

None really. when I was a kid my family were Tottenham but I’m not bothered. I sort of like Brighton as I live there but I’d be hard pressed to name any of the team..Woody and Suggs are Chelsea amd Mark Arsenal not sure about Mike and Lee or Chas
CB

Hey Chris,

Always been a strong fan of Madness since you guys started.
I use to live in Colchester, Essex & remember when I saw you guys play at Ipswich back in the early 80’s. WOW seems like yesterday.

Now living in the USA these last 30+ years.
My question is when will you be getting more polo shirts in and is it possible to have a black Harrington for sale. Dang I remember when I had my crombie back in the day.

Look forward to hearing from you soon.
Louis

Dear Louis
I’m not in vcarge of the merch but I iamgine supplies are limited due to no gigs at the momenet.
CB

Hi, I know that you were asked this back in January, but are there any updates to the US tour?
Thanks!

Dear Kevin
Should be on the main page – next year!
CB

Nothing but……I love how y’all are still mates. Such an amazing story of a bunch of street ragamuffins who loved music so much that you grew up with the desire to learn how to play a friggin instrument on your ow.!!! And cared enough to steal instruments!!! Love it!!
The kids these days cant even figure out how to get off Minecraft and Roblox. Lord help us all!!!!

I still cant figure out the piano. Took lessons for 7 years and cant read a lick of music, but you guys did it!!! How the fuck!!!?!?!?!??!?! You are so blessed whether you recognize it or not.

thanks Ericka
I’m still learning guitar haha
CB

Hi. We were due to see you in Murcia, Spain last year and have reshceduled tickets for June 2021. But I only see Barcelona in the gig guide. Does this mean Murcia is off? 🙁

Dear Louisa
Yes sorry about that
CB

Hi Chris!
My mate and I are big fans of yours and Madness, and we’ve been wondering what the song “Land Of Hope And Glory” from One Step Beyond is about. I thought it could’ve been about serving in the British military, but I read somewhere that it was about Borstal. So, what is it about?
Much thanks for elucidating and taking time out of your day for answering
Lots of love from Australia
Jack

Dear Jack
Borstal. Approved school which Thommo attended. The only school he didnt bunk off from haha
CB

Hey Chris.. we are getting married in July this year (hopefully) just wondering if you wanted to come? We know that’s not gonna happen , but could we possibly have the next best thing…a little signed card maybe?? Cheeky I know but it would make my day and if you don’t ask you don’t get
Thanks for reading though, much love x

Dear Amanda
Lots of luck – send me your address and I’ll see wht I can do. Ive got a Des O’ Connor autographed card in the loft..
CB X

Will the May 26, 2021 show in New York Happen? I still have my tickets.

Dear Eliot
Sorry we will get there at some point, though.
CB

Chrissy Boy:
Junebug here! Checking to see the likelihood that that US tour will happen. I have last year’s ticket but have not made arrangements yet for my 6 hour drive to the show or where to stay or how much work to miss……so just wondering if I should get cracking!

Dear Junebug
Cancel that trip..sory..
CB

Dear Chris, Back in 1999 Madness appeared on an Abba tribute programme on Tv amongst others artists. Please could you tell me what your favourite Abba song is and as there is rock n roll influence in Madness i wondered what did you think of the rockabilly revival in the 80s with singers like Shakin Stevens,Stray cats,Matchbox ,The jets etc? Thankyou Chris.

Dear Paul
Abba blimey really hard. I really like “Does your Mother Know” when the girls harmonies kick in during the breakdown at about 1.06, they are so lovely amd angelic sounding, it actually makes me quite tearful. The first that made me realise they were quite genius like was S.O.S. Great band
CB

Just watched an old mtv show which told the story of madness, lots of live clips from the rise and fall tour. At the end it said it was filmed at Brighton so somewhere there must be a full concert filmed….. Anyone any ideas where the complete gig may be stored?

Dear Wayne
Not a scooby
soz,CB

Hi I would like to buy the new Jigsaw but can’t find it on the madstore is it sold out?

Dear Andrea
I think there was a limited number
CB

Hello Chris. I’m a long time US fan. I saw you guys on Sept 2, 1983 at Summers on the Beach, in Ft Lauderdale, FL. It was a small place with a low ceiling, and it was a sweatbox. Jesus! 37 years ago! I was 25 years old. I’m holding tickets for your show on June 2, 2021 in Oakland, CA. Do you think this will happen, or will it be moved to a future date? I have to make travel arrangements from Florida to California, if it’s on, and if it’s even possible. Anyway, thank you for 40+ years of great music. Hope you are all well, and hope to see you soon!!

Dear Bill
Hold on till next year
CB

RE: Previous ‘comment’

Wrong link. I meant Ringo Starr’s 2005 song ‘Don’t Hang Up.’ Sounds Madness-y guitar- and keyboard-wise.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugstMHBVsHw&ab_channel=RingoStarr-Topic

Dear Red
A bit like us I suppose or is it the Beatles?
CB