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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Hi Chris, would it be possible to dedicate “it must be love” to Debbie Hughes next week at Haydock park?

She unfortunately passed recently, not totally unexpected, but was supposed to have more time than she eventually did. The haydock park gig was going to be her last time seeing madness. She was a huge fan and saw the band multiple times, including at the minehead madness weekend!
“It Must Be Love” was her and her husband Gavs first dance song at their wedding.
Myself and a few friends will be taking Gav to the gig in rememberance of Debbie .

If you could make this happen, it would mean the absolute world to Gav and would be an amazing tribute to Debbie!
Hope you see this.
Thank you so much.

Dear Daniel
So sorry for your loss and the fact I wasn’t there 😔 please forward to Gav.
CB

Ello Chris…when will there be word of the reschedule of your USA tour…cannot remember if there is a date in the Cleveland ohio area..maybe Kent stage..anyway,looking forward to your next show in or around said city..thanks

Dear Denny
It’s been very difficult rescheduling this. We lost some festivals that would subsidise the tour so it’s very difficult to give a definite date. Also three of us (Mike, Woody and me) are unvxxed. Mike and I had civvid last December.
Best,CB

sorry to sound a bit pissy- but why did you kill the Amsterdam gig and keep everything around it? If someone was sick or damaged. everyone understands, but looks like you gave us the shiv, but kept the rest- and a bump to APRIL of next year is like saying…never,… Love you all-just terribly dissapointed

dear Dave
You’ve got every right to feel like that. I’m annoyed this has been left so late. It was a decision made by the promoter and our agent, plus management. Ticket sales were not too good and there is another factor. Mike, Woody and myself are not vaccinated. Therefore not allowed into the Netherlands. Mike and I had Covid back in the end of 2021. I had a recovery pass but it’s run out. So anyone vaxxed can get into Holland without a test but we can’t!

I’m really sorry and I hope we see you next year.

Best, CB

Dave
I am as annoyed as you, there should’ve been more warning. Three of the band Mike, Woody and myself are not vxxed. So we wouldn’t be allowed into Holland. Mike and I have both had Civvid by the way, back in December. This was known by our team and the show should’ve been cancelled at least a month sooner. I will put you and family or whatever on my guest list for any future shows. Contact me via this page. I’ve got your email so no one else can fake it!
Sorry, CB

Hey!

Was wondering how could I get a license to use one of your song for commercial purposes. thanks!!

Contact either our publisher (Sony) or our label BMG. Depending on your proposed usage. If it’s a cover version just Sony
Best, CB

Hi , Why has the concert in the Netherlands been cancelled?

Various factors. Sales plus Mike, Woody and myself aren’t vaccinated, so not allowed into Holland. Mike and I have had Covid too.
I’m so sorry
CB

Hi there CB, today we received the devastating news that the gig in Afas Live next Saturday is postponed until April 2023. With the nut much saying excuse by the event organiser “Due to circumstances beyond our control,”.

While I hope it’s nothing serious, my girl and I are very curious why it’s cancelled. Could you enlighten us?

(especially since, sadly, we won’t be able to make it April 1st 2023 ’cause that’s the birthday of my youngest).

Best, Mick

dear Mick
I’m so sorry about this and the short notice. Mike Woody and myself aren’t vaccinated is one of the reasons. Bring your youngest, we’ll arrange a creche!
Best, CB

Hi im christopher i attended the murcia gig uesterday i was lucky enough to exchange a quick line woth suggs, and Lee very kindly threw me his fezz, was i the youngest person there? At the MUrcia gig? In 15

Dear Chris
Yes! Apart from me..
Glad you got the fez, Thommo will send a bill.
Best, CB

We went murcia bullring last nite great gig my 15 year old son was on front rail guys a fuss of him suggs spoke to him lee gave him his fez they young fans are great to see cheers guys

Ah…I just sent him a reply. The fez will be charged against Thommos wages.
Best, CB

Hi Chris

When you’re next playing the UK arenas, I’d like you to include Grey Day in the set list. Can’t dance to it but it’s a great slower number. I dance to all the other songs. X

dear Amanda
Noted.
CB

is there going to be a December gig? My sister in law is coming over from New Jersey Dec 2-10 and we’d love to bring her along, cheers, Sara

dear Sara
Can she wait till next year?
CB

Hiya, any form of idea on when Baby Burglar is going to be released/streamable by any chance? Fell in love with it when it was played on Ladykillers. Hope you’re having a great week!
Cheers
Cian

dear Cian
It’s on the “to do” list
CB

Hello I have ordered t-shirts onJune 1st and don’t get any chance to have an update on where my march is. No chance to reach anybody and the e-mail is no-reply.
Have I been screwed by the organisation of my favourite band? How could I get info?
Thank you
François

dear Francois
Did they turn up yet?
CB

Great show at Thetford Forest last night.

Was the 40th anniversary show at Hampthread Heath filmed, do you know….would be great if it was released

dear John
Yes it was and it’s on my “to do” list.
CB

Hi there I’m doing a charity night onthe 1st July for ayrshire hospice any donation would be grateful
Hospice number sco11339 in memory of my daughter who passed away last year

dear Robert
I’m so sorry I missed this. I can get something over to you for future events. Sorry for your loss
CB

Hi
Not sure if this is correct way to connect with you.
I’ve loved madness since age 11 I was first girl in school to get skim head my life back then wax totally madness I’d love to connect

Gidday from down under. Is there any chance of an Australian tour In the future. Cheers John

Dear John
Not at present cobber
Soz, CB

Hi, me and my family are going to see Madness this Sunday 12th June in Edinburgh, what time is Madness going to be on and what time will you guys be finished? Thank you!

Dear Jack
I’ve got an itinery which doesn’t give the stage times but I’m pretty sure we will be on at 9.00. Support act is The Sherlocks.
best, CB

Hi Chris, My name is Michael McCafferty from Derry in Northern Ireland. I am looking for information on how we could possibly book Madness to play at an open air venue in our city?

Dear Micheal
Contact our agent (WMA). Ask for David Levy.
best, CB

Dear Chris My Friends and I attended the Jubilation festival yesterday at Brockwell park and we waited for a hour and a half for the merchandise stalls to start opening our problem was we went there with cash to be told that all the stall holders were accepting Card Payments only which left me disappointed as nothing was mentioned when we ordered our tickets and we were hoping to purchase a souvenir programme and that wasn’t on sale either I am in a wheelchair and I really enjoyed myself along with my carer thank you all

Dear Adrian
I’m sorry about this. There wasn’t a souvenir program though. I’ll see what I can do for you. I’m glad you enjoyed the show!
best, CB

Hi can I have timings for Edinburgh on 12th for travel arrangements, please

Cheers

dear Annette
I think we are on at 9.00. I haven’t had the full details yet.
best, CB

Hi do you know the running order for Cardiff castle on Wednesday 1st June we needed to know finish times as need to get train home ? Many thanks

Dear Sandy
Support band 7.45 – 8.30 Madness 9.00 and it’s all over by about 10.15
Best, CB

do you have any gigs scheduled for USA?

Dear Ivan
Next year we hope. Currently three of the band (Woody, Mike and myself) are not allowed to travel to the USA due to not being 💉. Two of us un vaxxed have had C*vvid but that doesn’t count. Crazy times.
best, CB

Can you tell me please what time madness are playing at Cardiff castle on Wednesday 1st June thanks

dear Dave
Whenever you turn up. Ok about 9.00..
best, CB

Just seen, shame
To all Madheads with tickets to our USA tour 2022.
We are sad to announce that due to the continuing covid travel situation we have taken the hard decision to cancel our USA tour.
Our plan is to return to the USA in 2023.

Yes sorry Tim
CB

I’m not sure if you can help me.
It’s my Dads 70th in July, how do I go about trying to get a video saying Happy Birthday to him for his special day? I know other artists used Cameo etc to charge for them but I can’t see Madness on there

Thank you

Dear Kat
We currently do not offer this service but say happy birthday from me on his birthday 🎉
CB

Hi my daughter is performing at Oldham Coliseum theatre 8th June along with Saddleworth drama students, the play is called To sir with love and has many of the tracks from madness being performed maybe someone could make a surprise appearance. Saddleworth drama is run by the fabulous Judith Barker who has starred in many manchester tv series like coronation Street and the latest Emmerdale. Also Amanda Holden trained to be an actress at the school among many other actors.

dear Michelle
I’m sorry we can’t make it but please wish her the very best from me and the guys.
CB

Hi CB, my dad was a big madhead and got me into you guys and for that i wanted to say thank you for all the amazing music you have done that made me and my dad have great nights dancing.

dear Charlie
Thanks for following in the family tradition and thank your Dad too.
best, CB

Hiya

19 year old Madness fan here, and I just want to thank you boys for the impact you’ve had on my life. Been listening to Madness since I was little, and your songs have given me so much joy and helped me through the times. Can’t wait to see you boys live again.

Cian

Dear Cian
Thanks for that, it really is nice to hear that we can be of help.
best, CB X

Any chance you’re coming back to Australia soon??

When you let the great unvaxxed in yeah maybe cobber. Speaking on behalf of Mike, Woody and me here. Mike and me have had the Rona as well.
G’day CB

Please comd to Germany ..Bremen..

dear Christine
We are in Germany later this year but not in Bremen sorry.
CB

Hi, I’ve just booked tickets to come and see Madness at Cardiff Castle on the 1st June. I’ve got a few questions:
Could you tell me which members of the original band will be performing and which won’t be?
Could you tell me the times for the doors opening / start time of actual performance of Madness and start time of anyone else performing if there is anyone / finish time?
Parking facilities / payment?
If there’s any seats or if it’s all standing?
If it’s inside or outside?
Many thanks, Helen

Dear Helen
6 members of band (- Cathal), parking facilities I’m sorry I don’t know, support band 7.45 – 8.30 Madness on at 9.00. Everything finishes by 10.30.
Sorry for the delay CB

Hiya Chris,
I worked at the Holiday Inn when you were playing the Empire in Liverpool about ’82 ish and you and Mark gave me a ticket to the gig when I was in the lift with you which was ace, Was 17 then, now 57 and still my fave band of all time,
Chris,
Sheffield.

dear Chris
It worked then! Get ’em young. Thanks for all your support.
best, CB

I saw you at the O2 December 2021. Thank you to all you guys for the best night since I saw you December 2018! It was a week after my 50th birthday and was the highlight of that birthday. It was so nice to be among crowds once again, I’m eagerly awaiting the next arena tour.

dear Amanda
Thanks for coming to see us during a difficult time. Arena tour maybe next year.
best, CB

Howdy!
We want to see you at York racecourse, but the ticketing seems a little unclear, we don’t want anything fancy, we just want to be as close to the stage as possible. Can you advise me as to which is the best ticket to buy with this in mind? I look forward to hearing from you
Justine

dear Justine
I really don’t know how it works. Sometimes there are seats but there’s always a standing section but be careful it can get quite rough.
best, CB

Just wanted to let you know that my 12 year old son is a HUUUUUUGE fan. I try to expose my kids to all types of good (read: not modern) music. A while back I started playing some of the great videos from back in the day. He was immediately smitten.

If you ever make it anywhere close to us in the States, look for a guy that has an almost identical (but younger) clone next to him in the front. That will be us.

dear Shane
Great work, hope we see you next year.
best, CB

Hi Chris,
sind auch Auftritte in Süddeutschland geplant?
Stuttgart?
Danke und LG Carmen

dear Carmen
Nein in Stuttgart check the live section on this site
CB

Would you play our wedding in Cornwall please? 💃🍺😀

dear Brendan
Speak to our agent ..
Good luck 🤞
CB

Hi Chris ,
Whci band would you have loved to have played in from the 60s , 70s , 80s and 90s ?

60s The Rolling Stones
70s The Rolling Stones
80s…etc.
(Maybe not in the 90s)
That would be Madness 😉

Who are the support act for Cardiff Castle plz ?

dear Wayne
I’m ashamed to say I don’t know.
CB

Hi do you think you would be able to play at my mums 60th birthday party please?

When is it?
Speak to my agent Ari Gold
CB

The Ladykillers Tour in Newcastle was absolutely class! I was just wondering if yous are planning another UK tour this year and please make sure you come back to Newcastle!

dear Dale
We do an arena tour approx every two years so I think next year ..
best, CB

Hiya CB,
so I’ve just managed to book tickets for your show in Dublin this August it’s our 14 Yr old sons first concert ever (he has impeccable music taste for a teenager!) he’s beyond excited & as an ex QK & Kilburn girl now living in Ireland I’m delighted to see you boys this side of the water…Would be amazing if you could give us a shout out at the concert, you will actually be driving past our house on your trip from Dublin to Belfast as well so feel free to pop in for a cuppa!
Can’t wait to see you all, gonna be one hell of a night!
Thanks so much
Tina

dear Tina
I’m bound to forget but I hope he has great time.
CB

do you remember when you worked in the Post Office and we voted on the Hit line for “the Prince” even though they played the B side?

YES! great days indeed. Free phone calls. I think it’s because a lot of people rang in and said “can you play Madness”. We got to number one in the Capital Hitline. Hope you’re well and you know what? They sent me a demand for £35 wages that I shouldn’t have had when I left – but my dear mate Johnny Lovelace sorted that out for me. Are you still in touch with anyone? That job was the best one I had – until my current one. Wages and getting time off was really helpful. Took afternoon off did a gig then had the next morning off. Sorted! 🧐
best, CB
P.S. Sorry for the late reply

You cancelled the US tour because of all the stuff; I get it. I don’t want a refund – I want the gig. When you going to reschedule?

dear Dom
Current status = next year. Thanks for your patience.
best, CB

Hi Chrissy Boy,

My name is Karen Beishuizen and I am a writer for the American online News Site Ringside Report.

I am based in Ireland.

Here is my page with Interviews I have done so far :

https://ringsidereport.com/?cat=28132

I would like to request an email interview with you and Suggs.

It is a full interview about your careers where I ask 10-15 questions via email for you to answer which will then be published on my page with a picture approved by you and Suggs.

Questions can be approved in advance or if there is something you would like to talk about, feel free. I can publish a website and social media channels too.

I love Madness. Grew up with your music back in the 80s.

It would be great if one of you could participate.

I look forward hearing from you.

Kind Regards

Karen Beishuizen

dear Karen
I’ll do it send me the questions on here and I’ll send you a reply.
CB

Hi Chris,

Thanks for all the brilliant music over the years. Quick question – why is Mad Not Mad so hard to find on CD? It costs hundreds on eBay, Amazon etc. Any chance of a re-remaster please?!

Cheers,

Dan

dear Dan
It’s the one album we don’t have control of as it was released on Virgin records.
best, CB

Hi is there a new album in the near future ?

dear Noble (cool 😎 name)
There’s always a new album in the near future. Songs written just need to find a way to get them recorded.
best, CB

Alright Chris
Try n answer this puzzler from 1981 for us if ya can mate –
Madness 7 – Mrs Hutchinson
Why is the vinyl version different to the cd⁉️
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=g_HLgcjlbnw

It’s got much more keyboards or xylophone on the vinyl cut
(As ya can hear in link above)

A just found a load of your old albums & 12”singles up in me loft
Some of which still had the Woolworths stickers A used to swap for cheaper prices . . . Ahh
Those were the days my friend

So a cracked open a cold Guinness, put 7 on & there’s Mr B. putting in some overtime on track 4‼️
Never noticed it before but it’s a belter

So when you get the time please reply & if ya can’t remember then just tell us a bit of juicy gossip of summat ya got up to while ya’s were recording the album in Nassau
You must have some printable tale you can tell❓

Keep on writing the soundtracks to my life Chrissy Boy,
Thank you,
Chachi from Chester-le.
P.S.
Hoy ‘Tomorrow’s Dream’ back into your live set ❤️

dear Chachi
The Mrs Hutchinson thing is ahard to keep track of and depends on which version Mr Barson prefers at the time. We canna hoy that “Tommoorrers Dreamers” back in the set man, it’s too radical
best, CB
P.S. Sorry for the late reply
P.P.S. hey listen to “Intuition” by Linx

Hello there, I was wondering at all if I would be able to ask a favour I’m not sure even if you do this to be fair. My dad is 60 next, he is a huge huge fan of yours and he is my absolute rock. I wondered if it would be possible to get a little video message from suggs at all? His name is Derek and like I said he will be 60. Thank you so so much.

dear Nicola
When’s his birthday? I have’nt seen Suggs for a while though.
CB
P.S. Sorry for the late reply

Bought tickets for Murcia JUNE 2020…. Is it still going ahead for June 2022….please advise

Dear Carol
As far as I know it is all systems go
best, CB
P.S. Sorry for the late reply