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
Hi Chris,
Love the recent vinyl re-issues of OSB, Absolutely, 7 and Rise & Fall; what other albums will be re-issued on vinyl?
Many thanks!
Dear Clyde
Yes- “Keep Moving” and “Mad not Mad” next, then “The Madness”..etc
best, CB
apologies for lateness in replying.
Any news on a line up for Minehead?
thanks
Dear Graeme
Not yet but we should be on twice..did you ask before?
CB
apologies for lateness in replying.
Hi Chris!
Bit of an odd one but is there any chance suggs could do a video message for my dad’s 50th birthday! Happy to pay Obviously
Dear Megan
I’m sorry but I can’t deal with this sort of request.
best, CB
apologies for lateness in replying.
I want to ask the band or management something that I dont want posted publicly. What’s the best way to contact you?
Many thanks
Dear Craig
via this website. The management address is on here;
General Enquiries
info@madness.co.uk
or
Management
Anglo Management /
Hannah Management
management@madness.co.uk
Let me know if you hit a dead end.
best, CB
apologies for lateness in replying.
Good afternoon young man,
Do you have any plans to do a tour of Canada. As you can see from your ticket sales in the US it would be a huge success. I am just outside Toronto and could honestly say you would have no problem selling out any of the major venues in the city. There is an incredible expat community here.
Thanks
John
Dear John
Sorry but curently we have no plans to tour Canada.
best, CB
sorry for lateness in replying
Hi Guys,
I picked up an early copy of “My Girl” on Stiff, its a 7″ single. Paper sleeve – BUY62. All very normal so far but it looks to have never had a label on the B side ? – Is an oddity or a collectible ? – Sounds great whichever way it goes, but it puzzled me to why it only ever had one label. Photo available if needed – Thanks and Kind Regards – Justin
Dear Justin
Sounds rare but not really my field of expertise..
best, CB
sorry for lateness in replying
Hi I’m DJ AMMA, I would love to DJ for your event House of Common coming up this month. Are you still booking DJ’s, I play Ska and Reggae on original 45’s and I live down the road from Clapham Common. I have over 20 years international experience and I have previously DJ’ed for Toots and the Maytals and lot of other great bands. Let me know if you are interested in booking me. Plus, I think you could do with an excellent female DJ. x Look forward to hearing from you.
Hi Amma
Sorry but either this is an old message, or you didn’t realise we are not doing House of Common anymore.
best, CB
sorry for lateness in replying
For fuckssakes, can you please, for all that is holy, stop Hyvee from using Our House?
It haunts me. This has to end. This is my hell.
Dear Casey
They paid me loads of money, sorry. I took money from the man what can I say, I’m a corporate w*ore..It should end soon but they may want to renew argg..
CB
US Tour Let me know if you need any help on the us side.. Well connected socially and through insurance matters.. Grew up listening to the guys and hung out at TRocadero in Phila back in 80’s .. All the best .. Very Cordially, Sean
Dear Sean
“Insurance matters”? My man..
best wishes,CB
sorry for lateness in replying
Hi Chris, I hope u are all well? Why didn’t madness release On the town as a single? It’s a brilliant song,so well written and performed! Class!
Dear Vince
One of those things, it’s too late now..
best, CB
sorry for lateness of reply
Hey..hope u are well..
Any line up for house of fun as of yet
Ta
Dear Carolyn
not yet – working on it..
CB
excuse me Chrissy Boy,
could you tell me which compilation (not tours) published in the first eighties included Night boat to Cairo?.. I had that LP and I’d like to find that compilation again.
Thank you from Italiy
Dear Alberto
It was
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complete_Madness
best, CB
sorry for my late reply
Hiya – why is House Of Fun not on your web site song list?
Dear Graeme
I am not sure about that..
best, CB
sorry for the late reply
What album is the song “Waiting for the Ghost Train”? I’ve discovered the song on you tube was going to purchase the song on I tunes, can’t find it. If you come to the states hope you make a deep tour and not just the coasts.
Dear Tom
Dear Tom
It wasn’t on a studio album. It was on the compilation album “Utter Madness”,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utter_Madness#Track_listing
then on other subsequent releases.
best, CB
sorry for the late reply
Hi Chris. I’ve been to see the band about three times in Birmingham at the NEC arena and it’s always been a fun show.
Who have been the bands who have supported you at the NEC arena? It was in the gigs you’ve played in the last 10 years if it helps.
Thanks and look forward to seeing Madness on the new tour
Dear James
Blimey I can’t remember but I love the Lightning Seeds..
best CB
sorry for the delay in replying
Hi Chris, do you think selling t-shirts before tours happen will help in keeping the snides away from outside the gig, or is it just a chance to get the shirts to fans who can’t make the gigs?
I remember getting the Mad not Mad tour shirt with I was there, where were you on, pissed a few of my mates off who couldn’t make it 😁. All the best, and hope you remember me asking for your hat at the Market Rasen gig… Failed miserably 😂😂
Dear Wayne
ha my hat is special to me. Many years ago we got our merch guys to make bootleg Madness shirts haha and they stood further down the road from the “real” bootleggers. It worked but the funny thing was our “bootlegs” were better than our offical merch ffs..so it kind of worked..
best, CB
sorry for the delay in replying
Long time Madness fan here. I do not see any tour dates in Texas when you come to the US next year. Any chance more dates might be added?
Dear James
Sadly not.
best, CB
sorry for the delay in replying
Hi Chris, I see you’re all possibly coming to Boston, MA in June 2022. My band, Double Star, would love to open for you. We’re not exactly a ska band… but we’re often mistaken for one. We’re poppy, we have horns, we play fast. We’re all big fans of Madness and all the 2-Tone Artists. Thanks! This is us: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FP2V2ViTc_s
Dear David
The support acts are um..usually decided by the promoter to be diplomatic about it or rather – wuss out lol. Nice band though.
best, CB
sorry for the delay in replying
Helleo Chrissy Boy,
Greetings & salutations from the USA! I wanted to thank you guys for the The Get Up Livestream show; me and my “old man”/”nutty daddy” watched and enjoyed the show very much. We’ve been together for 13 years and other this was the first time, other than by DVD, so it was much enjoyed. I’m looking fwd to trying catch you guys next year when on your US tour. I’m 50 & he’s 70, so he’s pry gonna sit that one out unless you guys make it to the southeast.
On another note, I recently heard a very entertaining podcast/radio show from around 2014 where you and Vic Godard were the guests and I really enjoyed it. I cannot recall the name of the band that hosted the show/nor the name of the show, but they pointed out that you had produced a record for them. I believe it was something like Gorgeous George (ala the Edwyn Collins record) but I was hoping you could help me remember so I could track down their record. I think they mentioned also doing a HOF Weekender with you guys awhile back if that helps. You were brilliant of course, as Vic Godard, with whom I was only previously familiar by name (Vic Godard & Subway Sect.). I am now a fan of his and the song that did it was the one you all played by him (from around 2015) called “Born To Be A Rebel” which is a great slice of Northen Soul that I defy anyone to listen to and not groove and dance to. After I heard the song a few times, it just clicked to me that it sounded like something Taylor made for Madness and the Nutty Boys would do a brilliant cover of it and take it to even greater heights. I just wondered if Madness had ever covered it or if perhaps it’s a tune you all might consider covering in the future? I know I’d love to hear you guys take on that excellent tune. Here’s a link to it on Vic’s youtube page: https://youtu.be/4fHSzFTJ2Yo
Hope this finds you all & your families safe, healthy, and great spirits!
peace & love from the USA,
~ Queertone
Dear Queertone USA
Well I’ll be blowed – those Podcasts get far and wide, don’t they? I think Gorgeous George got er taken off the airwaves after that but it was fun..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evYlyupoo0s
Great song and they were fun to work with
best, CB
sorry for the delay in replying
Any sign of Carl coming back at some point?
Cheers.
Ps, don’t stop writing playing performing guys, it’s a long time over and you are still much wanted!! X
Dear Alex
Not currently no.
best, CB
sorry for delay in replying
Hello! My brother & sister in law to be are finally getting married in September. Madness are their absolute favourite band- first dance, and they’ve seen you so many times live (and we’re all coming up to Manchester in December to see you again!). Wondering if there was a possibility for you to record them a congratulations video? It would mean so much!
Dear Emily
please send my congratulations but I can’t do videos on here.
best, CB
sorry for delay in replying
Hi Chris my fiancee dad is a huge fan from day 1 we are surprising him with gig tickets for fathers day, can you wish Eric a happy fathers day cant wait to see you in Sheffield in December:)
Dear Jamie
Sorry I missed this please send Eric my best wishes, I hope you got him something nice.
best, CB
sorry for delay in replying
RE: “The Lady Killers Tour”,
1. How many ladies will be killed during this tour?
2. Is any specific venue more dangerous to attend at than others?
3. Whereas, I’m no lady meself, but my girlfriend is, should she wear some sort of protective gear to the show? ( Perhaps a shirt reading, “No Death Please,We’re British” ? )
4. I thought Alec Guinness was dead. Will he be appearing as some sort of high definition, purple ray, hologram, thingy?
Just asking for a friend.
RE: “The Lady Killers Tour”,
1. How many ladies will be killed during this tour?
None!
2. Is any specific venue more dangerous to attend at than others?
Brighton has a dodgy paving slab outside but it may be fixed by the time you get there.
3. Whereas, I’m no lady meself, but my girlfriend is, should she wear some sort of protective gear to the show? ( Perhaps a shirt reading, “No Death Please,We’re British” ? )
A sensible pair of steel toecapped high heels.
4. I thought Alec Guinness was dead. Will he be appearing as some sort of high definition, purple ray, hologram, thingy?
We can’t afford holograms
Just asking for a friend.
Answered by a robot
best, CB
sorry for delay in replying
Hi Chris, is the ‘Nutty Boys’ album you recorded as ‘Crunch!’likely to appear on Spotify soon? Many thanks, Andy 👍
Dear andy
It’s on iTunes but good point!
best, CB
Sorry for the late reply
Hi CB, I have a pair of tickets spare for Angela Cross at Brighton.I would just ask,her to make a donation for the normal price they would cost, to a charity of her choice?
Ask in Thommos treehouse lolz
CB
Sorry for the late reply
Hello Chris.
Had tickets for Cologne last year and you rescheduled for this year. Is it still happening?
Regards Chris H
Dear Chris
er…next year?
best, Cb
Sorry for the late reply
Hey Chris ,my favourite madness song of all time is one better day ,but it doesn’t seem to get played as much ,I am coming to see you in Manchester in December ,any chance you could add to the list 😎
Dear Ady
We have been playing it lately but not sure what will be on the setlist yet.
best, Cb
Sorry for the late reply
Hi I have just bought tickets for my first Madness gig. I am over the moon!
I am a trombonist and would love to join you on stage for a number when you come to Manchester. What do you think (I’ve had my jabs!)
Dear Martin
Don’t talk to me about jabs, that woudn’t be a requirement. It would be too dificult though. Keep playing!
best, CB
Hi, your manager, I can only remember his name as Garry, could you tell me his surname please?
Dear Stephen
Blackburn
best, CB
Sorry for the late reply
Hello Chris, Thankyou for answering my Abba question. I also wondered what you thought of the 1980s rockabilly revival that happened at the time when Madness were having their hits singles eg: The Stray cats,Matchbox and Shakin Stevens etc. Did you like any of theses artists at all?
Dear Paul
The Stray Cats were incredible I saw them in Dingwalls and I got to know them pretty well. Matchbox we had great fun with when we were doing TV shows in Europe. Shaky not so much more of a hiya on TOTP etc. I actually have a great EP of his when he was in a band called Shaking Stevens and the Sunsets..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCSIjBk_y8w
Yeeehaaaa!
best, CB
sorry for the late reply..
Hi I sent a question in last week but haven’t heard anything back. I watched the mini documentary Past Present and Future on youtube. And wanted to see if I could the list of songs that is used in it please.
Dear Benjamin
I’m not sure the titles of every song, sorry
sorry for the late reply, CB
Hi,
I know this is prob a long shot but any chance I could get the individual stems (eg just the piano recording on its own) for some of your songs? I’m particularly interested in Madness Is All in the Mind. If not, do you know who I could contact about this? Thanks
Dear jake
ha Lord knows where they are..
CB
sorry for the late reply
Hey CB, any plans to come back to Sydney, Downunder? like a muppet I missed you last time and have been kicking myself ever since!
Dear Rousey
I don’t thnk anyone is entering or leaving Aussie for the forseeable future but I’d love to come back.
best, CB
sorry for the late reply
hi chrissy
the first gig i ever went to was madness when i was 17. it was at nottingham theatre royal in 1979. would this of been your first ever counrty wide tour ? it was epic by the way ,you guys came off stage and were dancing in the aisle with the fans. perry
Dear Perry
That’s fantastic but I’m not sure it was our first UK tour, can you remember what month it was?
best, CB
sorry for the late reply
Ahh can’t wait to come back and see you crazy lot, we had tickets for that Thetford Forrest😎☹️, but now have tickets for Brighton and Wembley. Last saw you in Amsterdam last year,, fab concert. It’s my mates birthday on 7th December could you maybe give her a big shout out by any chance. Her name is Jane (ochwat)as in your song but we love her just the same. 😂😂😂
Dear Sheila
I need a reminder but I’ll still forget..
CB
sorry for the late reply
Hi Chris, I love the Madness song Cardiac arrest and always wondered why it didn’t make the top 10, when all the other great singles did, any thoughts why?
Dear Pete
It didn’t get as much airplay and one Radio One DJ was upset becuse his Dad had a heart attack. Not a good song title I think!
CB
sorry for the late reply
There’s a local grocery store in our area using your song “Our house” for a commercial I am curious if they had permission to use it?
Thank you for all you do
Dear Sean
Yep the cheque is in the bank. They have to ask and we usually agree.
thanks, CB
sorry for the late reply
Is there any chance of adding a date in Philadelphia when you come to the States next year?
Dear Steve
I’m sorry but not this time. I had a great time in Philadelphia many years ago, we palyed in an old haunt of W C Fields. I went out on the town that night ha
best, CB
sorry for the late reply
Hey Chris, wanted to ask about Live Aid in 1985. Were the band ever contacted by Bob to appear at Live Aid? Was it on the radar of Madness? And, did you watch it?
Dear Foxy
At that time we were all in a countryside retreat studio, working on songs for a new album. Lee and I came home in time to attend the photo session but we didn’t make it to the photo studio. The band were not asked to take part in the recording of the song. We were never asked to perform at Live Aid, perhaps because of this. Of course I watched it and made a donation too.
best, CB
OMG Seen you every time you have come to Brighton and I cannot believe it, now we are allowed out your sold out. I really wanted 4 standing tickets 7th Dec and only find tickets on reselling sites which i thought was now not permitted. Please please help me. The best fan ever 🙂
Dear Angela
I’m sorry it’s disgusting and I assure you we don’t get anything extra from those inflated prices.
CB
Hi,
are you playing this year in Berlin? We have tickets for the Tempeldrom. I`m looking forward the concert. Thanks
Dear Sandra
I’m very sorry, this has been moved to next year. Please check with the venue.
CB
Dear Sandra
Next year?
danke, CB
sorry for the late reply, no excuses – I am lazy..
Big Fan With Some Questions That Have Just Come To Mind.
Will you ever play Waiting For The Ghost Train Live ?
Have You Ever Been To My Home Town Stoke on Trent ?
Thoughts on Jim Steinman / Meat Loaf?
Favourite All Time Madness Song
Always thought Madness would sound great covering Amy Winehouse version of Our Day Will Come
Thanks for taking the time to chat and having a photo at HOF weekend. Please
Big Fan With Some Questions That Have Just Come To Mind.
Will you ever play Waiting For The Ghost Train Live ?
You never know. We did it at Butlins in 2019.
Have You Ever Been To My Home Town Stoke on Trent ?
I’m sure we have at some point but not recently.
Thoughts on Jim Steinman / Meat Loaf?
Great songs and videos one of my faves
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSTIsZULYmY
Favourite All Time Madness Song
“The Prince”. That one started it all off.
Always thought Madness would sound great covering Amy Winehouse version of Our Day Will Come
That was great – very hard to top that.
Thanks for taking the time to chat and having a photo at HOF weekend.
all part of the job and glad to meet people
all the best Cal, CB
Here you go Cal..
Will you ever play Waiting For The Ghost Train Live ?
I think we did, way back in 2019..
Have You Ever Been To My Home Town Stoke on Trent ?
Er probably..
Thoughts on Jim Steinman / Meat Loaf?
Great team and they made some over the top records and videos.
Favourite All Time Madness Song
“The Prince”
Always thought Madness would sound great covering Amy Winehouse version of Our Day Will Come
Well she did a great job, that’s a hard act to follow.
Thanks for taking the time to chat and having a photo at HOF weekend.
my pleasure
best, CB
sorry for the late reply, no excuses – I am lazy..
Long time fan (40 years!) but haven’t seen Madness in person.
Please add more dates to the Ladykiller’s Tour in the United States!
How about a stop in Cleveland OHIO, or Detriot Michigan, or Chicago Illinois. Thank you for your consideration and stay safe!
Dear James
Oh Cleveland..We owned it once so we were told. I wish we had the time
CB
Dear James
I remeber those places from way back but sadly we can’t fit everywhere in this time..
best, Cb
apologies for the late reply, I have no excuse..
Hey Chris just want to say thank you for everything, my first gig was when I was 5 years old and although I was young I can still remember certain memories of it. I then later saw you when you were rehearsing at a London studio back in 2011-2012, not sure if you remember that but two kids a boy and girl came into the studio with Lee and watched you perform Kitchen floor, you then signed both our albums, I was too shy to thank you that day. I then more recently saw you live with my family at your latest House Of Commons concert which was fantastic and we all really enjoyed it. I do however have two questions for you: will there ever be a Dangermen sessions Volume 2? And will the unreleased album form the 80’s ever get released. Thank you
Sean (aged 23)
Dear Sean
Personally not keen on the Dangermen thing. The unreleased album..well I think we used all the songs we had for it by now!
best, CB
I have a great song for madness listen to
https://soundcloud.com/john-eaton-205933369/im-having-fun-plus-sax-master?fbclid=IwAR1uQL4A5jP7pESnC-furZ57WmxukSJosqfv5GDH4R9-VVxLJXXsT-LsRZov
Dear John
Keep it up! Nice bit of twangy guitar there
CB
apologies for the late reply, I have no excuse..
Can you provide me with a complete chronological list of your releases(album and single) please 🙏👍
Dear Tat
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madness_(band)
best, CB
Dear Tat
Try this link
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madness_(band)
best, CB
Hello Chris,
Thanks to the band for doing that Palladium broadcast last week, something different and a great boost in these tough times, really enjoyed it. New songs sounding great and new album would be great, but appreciate that getting in the studio must be difficult with recent covid restrictions. Tickets booked for Birmingham on the 17th – cant wait.
Any chance of doing a free download of one of the new songs on here, as a taster for the tour/ new album , Theatre of the Absurd or In my Street maybe?
Best wishes , Andy
Dear Andy
That’s a good idea..I got the new Los Palmas 7 from Mike with that in mind…
best, CB
Dear Andy
Glad you watched it and enjoyed it. We started work on new stuff in June but I went away in July and it fizzled out a bit..We have some great songs in the pipeline, though. Download idea is good..
best, CB
apologies for late reply, I have no excuse..
Hi Chris,
I sent a message to you back in April, but I don’t see it in your latest bunch of responses, and I want to make absolutely sure you get this:
Thank you and the band so much for rescheduling the US shows (again!) instead of just canceling them, like so many other bands have done. This is another example of Madness’ constant regard for their fans.
I have been waiting over 35 years to see you, and I know your New York show next year will be more than worth the wait!
Thanks again,
Chuck
Hi Chuck
Sorry for the delay.. I can’t wait to get back the good ol US!
We will return
CB
Dear Chuck
I am sorry no excuse, I’ve been slack..hope your’e not flooded..
we shall return!
CB
Just want to say Madness are LEGENDS, grew up listening to Madness I am now 50 years old still love you guys.
Tell all the other members that I am asking for all them.
I will do that Iain thanks for your support
CB
Dear Iain
Thanks for that very kind comment.
CB
apologies for late reply, I have no excuse..
Why no Belfast date?
It’s ‘Madness’, can’t you ‘Squeeze’ us in?
Dear JohnBoy
I’m sorry, we seem to take it in turns with Belfast and Dublin. I love them bot obvs
CB
Dear JohnBoy
I’m sorry not this time..
CB
apologies for late reply, I have no excuse..