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
Sure you’ve been asked this many times, but could you recommend a resource for Madness backing tracks? Particularly the later stuff…Dangermen, Folgate, Qui Qui etc. There’s lots of great stuff on those albums id like to do with our Ska band.
All the best, and thanks in advance.
Goldie
dear Goldie
Just listen to the records write the chords down and crack on
best, CB
Hi Chris🙂
My mum is the BIGGEST madness fan going! Passing down that love for them to her children and us to our own children. We have only ever missed 1 madness in Belfast due to my mum catching the flipping shingles 2 days before. Its our favorite night out together when madness are in Belfast! Our dog is even called suggs 🙂. Its her 50th in December and I’m throwing her a surprise ska party and i was wondering am I able to get some sort of shout out for her on socials or like a signed card… I seen it says don’t ask about auto graphs as its to be done in person.. but how do u do that.. we live in Belfast.
It would literally make her whole existence if I could pull that off somehow… thank you much love
dear Jenna
We were in Belfast recently haha you missed your chance!
I’ll see what I can do
best, CB
Hi Chris
Just like to say a big thank you to you and the boys .
Great gig at wolves last night .
Super performance, don’t think you get enough credit for how good you are musically and live .
Good to see you and Mike back , hope his finger is OK
Shaun
dear Shaun
Thanks and he recovered haha
CB
Why did yuo postpone Copenhagen. I’ve been looking forward since last year ?
dear Johnny
I’m very sorry about this. Other stuff got moved due to you know what and it wasn’t practical to do the show.
CB
Hello,
We are on our way to Wolverhampton to watch you later this evening.
I know this is very short notice but was wondering if you could do a shout out for my husband Steve who is celebrating his 50th Birthday.
I would be so grateful if you could & I’m sure he would be too. Madness has been his favourite band for many years.
Looking forward to seeing you later. It will be my first time!
Kind regards
Vicky
sorry Vicky
next time!
CB
Hi Chris,
Over the many years I have seen you live, you’ve had some brilliant intros before the band come on. There must have been a lot of work gone into them, and I hope they haven’t been lost in the ether! Would it be possible to put them up on the YouTube channel?
Also, the gig in Belfast was as brilliant as ever! I thhing Suggs gave the ones in the apartment block balconies more stick than any other band I’ve seen there yet! They deserve it!
Cheers!
thanks
I did most of them and that’s a good idea…
CB
Hi CB
Is the cancellation of your CPH show related to Covid?
Best Henrik
dear Henrik
In a roundabout way it is. Its been moved a few times and I’m really sorry but logistics meant we had to move it yet again. Last time! Next year – April
CB
dear Henrik
CPH? ah Copenhagen. No sorry it wasn’t that old chestnut just crap scheduling but in a way it was due to Cvvid as it was cancelled ages ago wasn’t it?
CB
Dear Chrissy Boy. We’re very much looking forward to your gig this weekend at Wolverhampton Racecourse. My husband and I are attending with several family members who’ve all enjoyed seeing you live several times before. It’s our Wedding Anniversary on that date (3rd Sept) and for our first dance at our wedding we chose It Must Be Love… so, I wondered if there is any chance you’d be able to wish me and my husband Paul a Happy Anniversary on the day please. Yours hopefully, Louise Clayton x
dear Louise
Sorry I missed this one. Happy belated anniversary.
CB
Dear Madness,
we celebrate your music very much and are happy that you are playing in Cologne!
Fridays for Future Cologne is currently planning the next Global Climate Strike for the 23.09.2022.
We can see right now how the climate crisis has arrived for real this summer. The river Rhine is drying up and millions of people here and elsewhere are facing droughts and /or floods as well as a harsh winter due to the high energy costs caused by fossil dependencies.
We are not going to accept that and that’s why we’re taking to the streets.
We would be very happy if we could get on stage before your performance to promote the Global Climate Strike.
We would also send you the text that we would speak into the microphone in advance,
and would be very glad to have your support.
Kind regards
Amadeo Kaus from Fridays for Future Cologne
dear Amadeo
I’m sorry I didn’t reply to this but I doubt we couldv’e done this anyway, despite us being supporters of your cause. It would er perhaps spoil the moment if you know what I mean. I wish you all the best.
CB
Hi Chrissy, I am coming to see the band in Copenhagen on the 12th of September, I am a Brit living in Sweden, I have been a fan since day one. I am bringing my son to the concert, it will be his first gig and Madness is the only band he has ever wanted to see, so this is is a birthday treat for him, it would be brilliant if you could wish him a happy birthday, his name is Max Ford, we are Bothe really excited and looking forward to the concert. Thank you so much if you can fix it and thank you so much for coming to Scandinavia and playing. Wayne
dear Wayne
I’m terribly sorry but we are not doing this show. Please stay in touch and I will personally make sure when we do come, I’ll put you on my guest list.
CB
That is a real shame, will it be rescheduled?
dear Wayne
Yes – next year April 2nd. If you get a refund, I’ll put you on my guest list.
CB
Hi Chis. Just saw Madness on Saturday 27th August down here in Cornwall & spotted straight away it wasn’t you on Guitar but somebody else. Just wondering why you weren’t there & hope you are OK? Was my 3rd time seeing you guys (1985 & 98) & my daughters first time. Been a fan since the very beginning (I was 12 in 1979) Madness were a massive humongous part of my Teenage years down here in Cornwall. Wanted to see you in 1982 at St Austell Collisuem but me mum wouldn’t let me!😭 Heartbroken at the time! 😂 Anyway Chris; Hope you are OK & sorry we never saw you Saturday. Hope to see you all again at some point in the future.
dear Mark
I had to attend an Uncles 70th which had been on my calendar for ages, sorry. I said to the band when we were offered the show I couldn’t do it. Thanks for your concern. Next time!
CB
Dear Chris, I’ve been a fan since 1982 when you played at Cornwall Colosseum. Suggs stopped the gig three times cuz mods and skinheads kept fighting! Best thing I’d seen In my 12 years of life!
I was at Tunes this weekend and you walked out with a bag of ice at the end and Suggs asked if we would let you retire! Hope you’re ok? And no not yet! You guys have been with me keeping me happy during my hardest and best times . Very loudly in my car! Love and blessings to you all .
Well that wasn’t me *haha. I wasn’t there, I was in Kidlington Oxford clelbrating Uncle Pauls 70th birthday.
CB
*I think it was Thommo
Hello.
I’d like to know who owns the film/Tv rights for Madness music.
dear Micheal
Union Square/BMG
CB
Hello
Will Madness be at Punk Rock Bowling in the states in May 2023? Hope you’re considering it, would love for Madness to be there!
Dear Tamar
It’s not likely. Currently you have to be vaxxed and I’m not – so no way for me. Our tour manager has to start preparing the visas [haha that’s another problem] in October and I doubt the rules will change then. At least until Sleepy Joe has had Covid three times.
one of these days…CB
Dear Madness,
I saw you yesterday evening in Switzerland (venoge festival) and still can’t figure out the reasons behind your performance. I played drunk many times and this can be fun but why was there a “karaoke” of ACDC in the middle of the live?
Best regards amd thanks for what you’ve made of ska durimg all those years.
Lionel
dear Thomas
I must say I wasn’t drunk and most people seemed to get in the spirit of things and sung along to that classic AC/DC tribute.
https://twitter.com/CBoyForeman/status/1560425012930256896?t=crT_KLfXhXYZtpF9E_duIA&s=19
Thanks for staying in that rain. We are not just a “Ska” band though. We never said we were. Check out “Rocking in Ab”, “Razorblade Alley”,first album
CB
Hi,
we have tickets for the concert in Berlin. The tickets say 24.08.2020 and here at your web page we can see the concert is scheduled for September 16…
Are our tickets valid for the concert on September 16, 2022?
dear Thomas
Please check with the venue. It’s not on the 24th of August. On the 16th September we are in Berlin – Tempodrum . Let me know what happens.
best, CB
Hi, my name is Michael McConnell, I have purchased a schott MA1 from your company, the problem is you took my money, then you sent me an email saying that the order was not available, but you assume that i don’t want a refund and that i will spend more money on your goods, wrong, i do want a refund. The order number is #10184 please return the money, the money belongs to Klarna, and it is my duty to inform Klarna that the order is cancelled due to your mistake. Yours very peeved Michael McConnell
Dear Michael
Are you sure it was from our site? We don’t sell Schott MA1 jackets and the only payment option seems to be PayPal.
CB
hey chris! had a bit of a question and i’m sorry if it might be a bit more serious than the rest, but what would one how to do to be able to get one of you guys’ songs licensed for use in a video for youtube? had a great idea but i wanted to try to make sure i wasn’t doing anything wrong, unless it’s fine to use it? (i don’t think it is, that’s why i’m asking), to be more specific, song would be driving in my car, thank you and much love from Chile! 💛
dear Aris
You have to ask our publisher (Sony) and record company (Union Square).
CB
hi its my moms 60th on 5th September 2022 as a family we will be @ dunstal race course on 3rd September 2022 my mum came to see you on 30th august 2019 with cancer had the op week after now we are coming to see you again we will be at the front will you be able to say hi to her and wish her happy birthday or even sing tit to her as mum has been a fan for over 40yrs it would be very much appreciated thank you
dear Kyrie
Her name would be handy. We’ll be in touch.
CB
What’s happening Chris!! Belfast was amazing. First Madness gig as a younger fan. Do you like cats? x
Stay safe x
Thanks Ariana
Cats 🤔 well I’ve got one,so I must do. He’s called Rocky
CB
Any chance of Kenwood House and Before We Was We getting a release please, Chris? Me and loads of other fans I’m sure would purchase.
Kenwood is a subject dear to my heart that got caught up in everything. One day perhaps. The BWWW documentary we don’t own,so I don’t know
I would love to make an interview with you for my tv show in Hamburg, Germany, when you are playing here in September. Would it possible? Thank you.
dear Denisse
What channel is it on?
CB
Phenomenal gig in Belfast. Arguably the best Belfast gig in many a year. Thank you Madness 👑
dear Robert and Emma,
Thanks glad you both enjoyed it!
CB
Hello I’m for Belfast custom house square this evening to see you guys for my 50th I messaged a general madness site to see if I could meet and greet the band but got no reply 👏
dear Gary
I’m sorry. This service is not possible we don’t even turn up at the same time.
Best, CB
Hey man, no worries. Can’t blame a fella for asking, for a shout out eh? Thanks for the reply, total respect. Say hello to the boys for me, if you wouldn’t mind? Can’t wait for the gig tomorrow night, I feel like a 54 year old excited teenager. It feels kind of satisfying knowing you know there’s a geezer called Chris in the crowd, and maybe that thought will flit across your mind during the gig? Gonna polish up the old Dr Martens, iron my Levi’s and my Madness Presents That Nutty Sound ’79 (official merch) tour tee shirt. And tomorrow me and a mate will be on an afternoon train from Cork . A few beers and some herb based cookies to get us right in the mood for One Step Beyond in Swan Lake, because everyone knows “Madness is all in the mind”. Cheers 🍻
I tried 😪
CB
hello Chris,
Did you get a chance to read my email sent to the management regarding this Sunday’s show in Belfast
Thanks, Pete.
dear Pete
I can’t say I have. What was it about?
CB
Hi Chris!
It’s lovely to see you and the rest of the band getting back to touring! Sadly the gig in the Netherlands was postponed ( can you promise me that you definitely will come and visit us next year?? I have to see you guys live (for the first time)!) but nonetheless it’s lovely to see all of the fans going to gigs and absolutely enjoying themselves.
Now with a number of your albums getting repressed, do you know whether the album Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da will get a repress as well? It’s by far my favourite album and it’s one I would really want to add to my collection. Sadly the original ones from 2012 now cost more than €100, and for a poor student like I am, that costs me an arm and a leg!
Hope to catch you next year in the Netherlands, and maybe even this year in the UK!
dear Isis
Oui Oui has been done. Holland hmm..currently no entry unless you’re 💉
Mike Woody and myself aren’t 💉, so until then…
Best,CB
Who are supporting you at your belfast gig on Sunday 7th August 2022?
dear Sam
We don’t have a support act. We’ll play really well though and dance around as best as we can.
Sorry.
Best,CB
HI Chris, I am a 59 old French guy living in Seattle.
Are you coming to Seattle?
I was watching watching a video of the Madness concert in Shrewsbury and noticed that you were not playing that day as well as Barson. Is there a reason?????
Laurent
I was on a family holiday that had been cancelled about three times and Barso was on a Buddhist retreat. In France actually. Seattle not likely I’m afraid.
Best, CB
Hello, can you tell me where the video for “Shut Up” was filmed please? It’s one of my favourites, I did Google to find out but no luck, many thanks
dear Sarah
It was near Shepards Bush, sort of opposite Westfield. The park with the piano was filmed there and the streets with the old tyres.
Best,CB
Hi. My husband is a lifelong fan and has attended many of your gigs over the years. We will be at Wolverhampton Races on September 3rd celebrating his 50th birthday. If you could arrange a shout out Happy Birthday to Adrian Appleton during the gig it would be amazing and absolutely make his day. 😎
dear Lisa
What’s all this shout out requests? 🤔
Is it a new thing?
best, CB
Hi Chrissy Boy, I’m a lifelong fan, first saw you in Pompey Guildhall Nov 6th 1979, With The Specials & The Selecter. I was 2 months shy of 12 years old, I managed to sneak in with the gang of older lads who were looking after me & a mate and snuck up to the circle. Here we are 43 years later, I’ve seen Madness twice since them. Can you give me a shout out when I finally get to see one of , if not, the best bands I grew up with (and that help mould me in to the lovable rogue I am today) in Dublin on the 6th of next month. I’m a Pompey boy who’s been in Ireland for 30 years, it would really make my year to get a shout from my heroes, cheers, I’m also a Chris by the way.
dear Chris
.. Only twice! I can’t do shout outs or they’ll all want one.
Best, CB
Hi Chris, hope you are well. Thanks for all the brilliant music over the years. We took our kids to the haydock park gig and they loved it! ( We did too ) gutted you weren’t there. my 9 year old caught lees water bottle at the start of my girl when he threw it into the crowd ( my Mrs chucked it in with the recycling and she is gutted. I have found a seller on eBay (fromtheband) selling signed posters. Do you know if these are legit? Look forward to seeing you guys live again soon
dear Neil
Sorry I was on a family holiday that had been cancelled about three times. Don’t buy posters or “signed” stuff from eBay.
Best, CB
Hi Chris. I’m a 57-old Belgian Madness-fan. Believe it or not: never seen Madness live in my life 😢. Visit Flanders, look at the map, it’s nearby. That’s an order. 🇧🇪
Dear Guy
I looked up Flanders it’s 52km from Lille where we played the Sjock Festival on the 8th of July..pretty close a 37 min drive
next time! CB 😎
Hi Chris.
This has baffled me for 40 years…
The song “Stepping Into Line” seems to have a different credit on different versions.
Hasler/McPherson/Foreman
Or
McPherson/Bedford?
I am sure I have seen a credit for Lee through The years for this song as well.
Please keep well.
Dear Clive
Well….Johnny Hasler I’m pretty sure wrote the lyrics and I think Bedders wrote the music.
CB
Amazing set at Tramlines last night. I was one of the photographers and a gig reviewer there. Was a pleasure to to watch you guys. All the best, Scott
Thanks Scott
Quite an amazing crowd it was like Rio or something, with those smoke flares. Most enjoyable.
CB
Hello Chris, I hope you are keeping well.
Would you know if the concert footage from the 2020 Sky Arts Special, Before & After will be getting a release at some point?
Btw, came to see you for the 8th time last week in Shrewsbury. Great gig as usual, bit sad not to see you there though. I hope you will be present at Wolverhampton in September.
I don’t think the film will be on DVD or anything. I was on a family trip that had been cancelled too many times, sorry. I’ll be in Wolverhampton for sure..
CB
Ps,why doesn’t lee answer when I ask him stuff lol
Ha Vince
He’s too busy I suppose..
CB
Hello cb,I recently found a video clip on YouTube of you doing a gig in France with the nutty boys,I think around about 2000, it’s shows you and lee having a fight on stage after you hit him with your guitar! Was it staged or did you both really fall out?
dear Vince
Yep it happened. He was drunk, so was I.
Not a great moment. We were doing a show and was banging a microphone on the stage, so the monitor man came out to replace it with a cheaper one and Thommo leapt on his back and was pretending to ride him like a horse. The guy was just doing his job and I found it disrespectful and I saw red. We then both went offstage and had a screaming match and then business as usual..
CB
Hey lovely I’ve just seen a post for Butlins 2023! Is it feel or fake? Excited if it’s true, not missed a year yet😎
dear Julia
Where was this posted, Sadchat perchance?
We are not doing Butlins in 2023.
CB X
Hi Chrissy are you back from holiday and you playing York this afternoon 👍
dear Alexander
Indeed I am. See you later.
CB
Maybe you’ve been asked that before but I’d really wanna know, while recording “rise and fall” or even at the song writing stage, did you know or realize that “our house” is gonna be such a Mega-Hit ?
Dear Oren
We knew it was pretty good but we had no idea how successful it would be.
best,CB
Hi Chris, It’s great to be able to listen to live music again after everything being on hold for last couple of years. Really enjoying the new songs. Is there a new album in the pipeline?
dear Walks
There always is but the pipeline is a bit blocked currently.
CB
Hi Chris
Hope you are well .
Just wondering why you and Mike weren’t at the haydock gig .
Hope your both ok
dear Shaun
Thanks for your concern. I had a family holiday commitment that had been cancelled twice, sorry. Mike Barson is on a Buddhist retreat for the whole of July.
Same sort of thing applies to him. I’m in Italy flying back today flight of course delayed…
CB
Hello Chris,
My wife and I attended the Shrewsbury show this weekend and couldn’t help but notice you missed it. We hope it’s nothing too serious, but can’t help to wonder how you are considering. As well, who was the fella who played for you…….it’s driving me mad.
dear Lee
I had a family holiday commitment that had been cancelled twice, sorry. Mike Barson is on a Buddhist retreat for the whole of July.
Same sort of thing applies to him. I’m in Italy flying back today flight of course delayed…my capable stand in was Kevin Burdett who took over from me many years ago when I left the band.
CB
Are you playing in South Africa soon? Heard a rumour…
dear Graeme
Sorry it’s not true.
CB
Hi Chris, are you ok, Went to the gig at Shrewsbury last night, it was great but something was missing, you Sir, hope everything is ok?👍
dear Alan
Thanks for your concern. I had a family holiday commitment that had been cancelled twice, sorry. Mike Barson is on a Buddhist retreat for the whole of July.
Same sort of thing applies to him. I’m in Italy flying back today flight of course delayed…
CB
Coming to see you at the Quarry in Shrewsbury in a few weeks – TONIGHT NOW :)). can’t wait.. It’s our 22nd Wedding Anniversary on July 15th and our gift to us. 22 years!!! Any chance of a shout out to ‘Kerry & Martin Summers’. (He’ll be so taken aback by this it’d be hilarious and amazing in equal measure).
Probably not, but worth an ask all the same 😉
Thanks for being awesome btw , have grown up with you all <3
dear.Kerry
I’m sorry I wasn’t there but may I wish you all the very best.
CB X
Hi CB. Do you guys plan to tour the UK this December 2022? If so when will details be released?
Dear Paul
Not this year. We are planning a 2023 UK tour usual places.
Best, CB
Hi, got tickets for your event at Haydock on the 16th.
Website says 12 until 5. My ticket says 3pm. Which is correct? Don’t want to miss anything!
Sorry I was away from my desk..I hope you found out..
Best, CB