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, have you heard of the specialized project raising funds for teenage cancer trust…..this year its Madness turn to have they’re songs covered and Dave Wakeling has got a specialized collective including members of the specials, the beat, selecter , etc to do a version of our house, would any of the Madness boys be interested and making it the full complement of two tone artists, a la starvation project?
Dear Wayne
I haven’t heard anything about this myself. I wish them all the best with it, a great cause.
CB
Hi Chris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOYcuKJH2Ws
What do you remember about this night? Great show!
KM
Not a lot. I’m quite surprised that we played all the album, more or less. Thanks for putting it online.
CB
Hey kerry, absolutely well done for posting this. I remember the “7” tour as a 13 year old back in 1981 and it’s brought back a lot of happy memories. The picture and sound quality is superb and it’s great to hear songs like “mrs hutchinson” and “tomorrow’s dream” played live again. Now if only CJ could convince the boys to revisit these songs again ……
Just goes to prove that Madness were so much more than a classic singles band – well done again
Sean Kilminster
Hi Chris:
Hope all is well with you and the lads. I am not going to ask if you are coming back to the States, but if you and the boys are interested in that? Would love to write a follow-up piece about the band returning to the US West Coast.
This question was deleted by Timewaster®2014 Software.
Now that Bedders is back, do you reckon someone should give him a kick up the bum to get his writing head on. He don’t write much but what he has is always class.
Dear Nuttytoffee
Give the lad a chance.The same could be said of me, I think.
CB
True mate, you wrote some class stuff yourself, especially That Close and Crying Shame.
I made a video for Madness (animation). Take a look please http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87WLvMPvZ90&feature=youtu.be
I’ve uploaded it there without any tags, but I wish I could make it useful for you (uploading it in better resolution)- so I need your approval 🙂 If you don’t like it – I can remove it in one second. Happy New Year!!! xxx
Dear Kasia
I don’t think you need the large Madness logo and the song title being displayed throughout but otherwise it’s really good. Post it up and I’ll link it to the Madness site favourites
thanks, CB
Looks like you’ll be getting your £100 soon! What will you spend it on?
Shaz
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DIVINE-MADNESS-SIGNED-CD-MADNESS/281238130797?_trksid=p2045573.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D27%26meid%3D3903940950334020510%26pid%3D100033%26prg%3D1011%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D161170917087%26
Dear Beatlesmadness
Quite sad really. I took the time to send that CD and ha ha – they sold it! Well it is years later I suppose and maybe they are on hard times. Still – it goes to show why sometimes we don’t sign stuff. I wouldn’t do that again, anyway.
CB
Hello Chris,
Could you pretty please link your Twitter account to Facebook? Thank you (in advance) and hope to bump into you at this years weekender 🙂 x
Dear Cressida
Facebook? I have a Facebook account but only my real friends are friends, if you know what I mean.
CB
saw chas and dave in brighton last night 🙂 where we you for the promised rabbit rabbit dance? x
Dear Purple Lynn
I never said I’d come!
CB
lol you did i remember it well you said “you and me down the front doing rabbit rabbit and demonstrated a dance 🙂 i knew you didnt mean it anyway 🙂
Forgot to ask the last Time….Who does replace Lee now and again when he is busy with LTSO
I mean, the man realy dresses up like him but I can see he is much younger (hahaha)…
John er flip I’ve forgotten his surname..quite a ringer really.
CB
Its John O’Neill He plays with us occasionally, great sax player and very funny man!
John O’Neil From One Step Behind and sometimes Bad Manners live line ups.
Wishing you a MERRY XMAS
Greets: Rob, Emiek and Iris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC3W57evCF0
Thanks Rob and thanks for the card too.
CB
Hi Chris! How are you?
I’m Kevin. I’m from Barcelona and I wrote to you 2 or 3 years ago. I love Madness, but now I don’t wanna talk about this.
I found in Facebook a page of a “apparel company” with a similar name and image like Madness. I think this is a copy of the “Madness” letters and design of your tshirts.
What do you think? It’s a shame. This is the link of the Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Madness-BCN/162808043929920
PD: I love “Oui, oui…” but I miss your guitar at the end of “Misery” and in the song “Circus Freaks”.
Dear Kevin
Thanks for the merch tip, the team are on to it. Guitar at the end? Is it not loud enough? It never is really..
CB
Dear Chris,
there’s no question here…. but on returning from LA on an 11 hour flight in economy (my employers are so tight!) and faced with no working in flight films (get it sorted, BA!) I successfully managed to get through the ordeal thanks to listening to Madness for 11 hours, and even then I had not exhausted the full canon of work! Listening to some songs I haven’t heard for a while, plus noting how good the NF and Oui Oui songs stand in comparison to the older ones, bloody marvellous! So thanks for getting me home!
Any plans for starting work on another album? so there is a question after all…
Best wishes for Christmas and 2014!
Dear Micheal
Wow! you must have had good batteries. We are always starting a new album.
thanks, CB
Hi Chris,
I just wondered if you and the guys were aware that NBC here in america uses “Our House” from time to time as a segway to commercials on their Sunday Night Football broadcasts? Good to hear the band getting airtime in the US….
Dear Kerry
Yes it is, we appreciate the support from NBC.
thanks,CB
Hi Chrissy what plans have the band for 2014
Dear Paul
That’s all top secret, I don’t even know myself..
CB
Compliments of the season to you and yours CJ; a question sir, have you kept all of the guitars you’ve used throughout your career or are you not sentimental about your instruments in that respect ? Respect, as ever, Sean Kilminster
Dear Sean
Ha! The ones I am sentimental about seem to be gone. The first one I ever had, I lent to an old school friend in the 80’s. He doesn’t know what happened to it. The second really good guitar I had seems to be missing somewhere. It may be in my loft..
CB
Dear mr. Foreman,
Something to keep you warm and get you through the winter: Dutch firma Gamma (sort of hardware store chain in the Netherlands) uses “Our House” for their TV ads. Did you know this?
BTW: Does Mike still live in the Netherlands?
Dear Twanno
Yes I knew thanks, they had to ask me but I appreciate that. Mike has a house here and I think a flat in Holland.
CB
Any plans on coming to Spain? Valencia is a pretty place 😉
deleted by Timewaster®
Dear Chris,
I would appreciate your opinion on this as it will help with the dissertation I’m writing on Madness.
If you can imagine for a moment, that madness never formed as a band in the 80s, and only today decided to form a band called Madness, and go on X-Factor with their brand new song called ‘House of Fun’. how do you think they would be received?
Madness are very popular today, but if you were a new band on the block today, do you think you could be just as successful as you was in the 80s?
Dave Allen
Dear David
That was a big hit and quite catchy so we would probably do quite well, losing out to a dancing dog in the finals. However, if it was “The Prince” we might not have done so well. We don’t sell records anymore in the quantities we used to but neither do most people.
CB
Dear Chrissy Boy
Ive now completed my dissertation on Madness, {For the purpose of university anyway} however I intend to continue witting it in my own time, I was talking with radio presenter Robert Elms about it yesterday, and he made some very interesting points. I really appreciate all the feedback you have given me too.
I wonder if you and the boys would be interested in reading my dissertation, I spoke with Suggs when I met him at a book signing last year, and he said he would be interested in seeing it when it’s done, but I’ve not been able to get hold of him on twitter as of yet. Is there a way I can send it on here? Is a pretty big file.
Dave Allen
Hi Chris,
What is NW5 about ?
I was listening to it and thought it was about a father who is denied access to his child and will never see them grow up. Am I right ?
Dear Malc
It’s whatever you want it to be. That’s the good thing about Thommos lyrics, which I am not worthy to comment on really.
CB
Happy seasons greetings Mr. Foreman , once the festive period is out of the way do you see a new album appearing in 2014 to keep the nutty millions worldwide happy ? All the best – Steve.
Dear Steve
Looking in my crystal ball, er I dunno
CB
Hi Chris I know obviously you guys as a seven piece had your musical influences as a group. But what were your own musical influences when growing up and what got you interested in playing the guitar?
Dear John
Toots and The Maytals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bV4VJKJZYc
Prince Buster
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE7mXhDzO90
Wilko
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVAVuHLH3vg
Chuck Berry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcblXxc4oqo
Duane Eddy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8uZutr1avs
Phil Manzenera
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEalg62F8Zg
Angus [and Malcolm]Young
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQzA6_xX9Y0
Zal Cleminson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JUN3jFa23w
I am bound to have missed loads out, I could go on all day really.
CB
As the new trend for bands is doing a classic album front to back out live on the road, would it be feasible and would you like to take Norton Colgate on the road I think it’s the best thing yous have ever done it would be the dogs in small places ie newcastle academy hint hint ktf
Dear Paul
That’s a good idea but people always want the hits.
CB
Fair point ,, just bung a few on at the end, the who did at the end of the quadrophenia gig Take care paul hope to see yous this year
If you had to be marooned on a desert island with only one other Madness member for company, which of your band mates would you choose and why?
That is too hard to answer!
CB
Hello Chris,
Finally heard the song ‘Memories’ properly (full song) and wanted to pass on that the guitar introduction is beautiful. It’s the best part of the song along with the piano. Almost makes me want to learn guitar after all these years of self-teaching myself bass and piano.
JC
Dear JC
Thanks, that’s very kind. It is a bit like the Kinks “Tired of Waiting”,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz64hWng2vM
which I assure you, was not intentional. The guitar should be quite easy if you can play piano and bass already. Give it a go.
CB
Dear Chris,
Hello. Hope you are well.
Just a suggestion for the site. It would be really handy if the news blog RSS feed also contained updates posted in your cupboard (always the most interesting bit of the site!) Or even better, a dedicated RSS feed for each band members updates. I’d love to be able to see you responding to questions about Suggs’ sunglasses in real time 🙂
Cheers.
Wez.
Dear Wez
“always the most interesting bit of the site!” I’ve always liked you. Yes that’s a good idea, except I am very slow on replying these days but I suppose it would make me raise my game.
all the best, CB
Thanks for our 3rd Butlins, just booked the 4th…..
do you enjoys the Madness Weekend and the atmosphere around Butlins?
Dear Sonia
I sure did.Always great fun.
CB
Hello – You posted where all your old videos where shot a long time ago. Is it still available somewhere? A visit to Camden Town is coming up and would love to take a tour 🙂
Dear Carrie
I can’t remember anymore. I should do it again sometime..
CB
http://www.euronet.nl/users/sjaak/Madness/Madlocations.html 1996 one of the very first Madness websites. Great piece by Chris. And still online here.
Hello Chrissy,
In a lot of mid 80’s photos circa ‘Mad not Mad’ you seemed to be going through a long haired stage. What was that all about?
Cheers,
Chris Bartley
Dear Bartley
I had a bet with Thommo on who could grow their hair longest. I won. He cut it off for the “Yesterdays Men” video.
CB
look what is for sale e bay 1971 MORRIS MINOR 6 CWT VAN YELLOW EX-GPO
Dagnabbit I missed it. Not very economical on petrol though
CB
Yo dude , I know I messaged you about actorJamie Foreman (thats old news hahaha)
This is more important
Who’s your favourite band and whats your favourite song by them
I know your big on A.C.D.C and The Beatles and a couple of others but I wasn’t sure 🙂
as always writing to you has been a plesure
Shann
Xxxx
Dear Shann
My New Years resolution was to answer all the questions in my cupboard and you are the first! Happy New Year. It was nice to see you in Dublin, we had a great time. My current favourite band is Dr.Feelgood. Favourite song is “Cheque Book”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ47JfqoSRM
In mono.
love, CB
i should of guessed that you would have picked doctor feelgood …love their song roxette and as for their song milk and alcohol (Took a while to grow on me) its pretty class..that ones all right..it’s good (First time i heard it) …you probably have but have you heard their version of “See you later alligator” …and as for dublin..It was amazing to see you too (even if it is your job hahahaha)
can’t wait for next one hahhaa
xxx
Hellooooooooooooo, is there anyone at home or are you at Butlins ?
Dear DB
Butlins isn’t until 22nd November.
CB
Dear Chris,
I went to the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry on Friday Nov 1st to see Our House. What a fantastic story, surely there’s a film there? The music could at times be subtly played on radios or pub juke boxes in various scenes. “A Simple Equation” would be a great name for it. Any thoughts? Regards, Coventry’s Cheekiest Charmer.
Dear Richard
It has been suggested but it needs to really be a big hit as a musical first.
thanks, CB
Hey CB, just checking back in but might you have the set-list from the ’83 Riverboat President/New Orleans show? That would be very cool to see-thanks!
Dear Tuna
No I lost it. It fell in the river. Ok does anyone out there have it?
CB
How`s tricks Chrissy Boy?
You staying over in Butlins again? If so I`ll pop round with a carry out….. on me! 😉 Hope the f#ckin rain stays away this year!!
Dear John
Rain? Did it rain last year?
all the best,CB
Hi Chris , I have seen madness on numerous occasions but I am a HOF WEEKENDER virgin as this is my first year I am really looking forward to it , can you give me a small insight to what to expect ie what nights do you play all the best Buster Boy
Dear Buster
1st night something old and different. Second night the usual set, with some added “new” oldies. Have fun.
CB
New oldies, eh? I’m gonna put in a vote for ‘Ghost Train’, if I may! OtN
Hi Chris
I really cant understand why La Luna was not a single ? With air play I’m convinced this would be a hit. How can I tell you and Misery are not in the same league as this song. La Luna is the best song on the album, I know this because i’m still not bored of listening to it !!!!
Regards
Nick
Dear Nick
Well it just isn’t commercial enough, I suppose.
thanks,CB
Good idea Chris to write passwords down on a bit of paper in case you forget it and hence you cannot log on ! Mind you remembering where the piece of paper is hard enough……….
Dear Dannyboy
Then you need another bit of paper.
CB
Thx a lot for playing in Duesseldorf with Die Toten Hosen. I guess the audience was a bit tooooo young for excellent music 🙂 Anyway, I enjoyed it.
Cheers from duesseldorf
Jørg
Dear Jorg
Danke it was great fun.
CB
Hello Chris
Since you didn’t write the song, I hope I kan ask you this Question: Is Drip Fed Fred about Freddy Foreman (the well known English version of Al Capone) and is there any (family) relation???
Dear John
No, it’s not about Freddy Foreman [no relation I think!]
CB
Ok young Chris , straight and to the point ! Is this the end again as the end of the Ally Pally Our House has a lot of people worried !
Have the Allen family missed out again !
Yours faithfully
Barry , Anita , Karl & Alyssa
No it’s not the end Barry!
CB
The gig att Alexandra Palace was fantastic! Definitely worth a trip to London! Madness was great as usual and it was fun that you got your minutes in the spotlight. I’m sure Mr Sinatra would have loved your performance! And the crowd was also fantastic – it was not just a Madness consert – it was a Madness party with a lot of wonderful people. Do you know how many we were at the concert? I’d love to see you home in Sweden some time! Best regards, Johan S
Dear Johan
It was about 5649.
Thanks for coming, CB
Hi Chris,
Great gig as usual at Northants last night, loved the little dance routine you, Lee and Chas did at the start of Madness…. was that a taster of what to expect for the Friday night entertainment at Butlins? ….. very good ‘Jazz hands’ by the way!
Here is a picture of you at your suave and sophisticated best, which I thought you might like for your next profile pic… https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151960143866474&l=9cfe7f816e
Dear BM
Right – I will stop dancing like that then! Dance routine?
thanks CB
You were probably a little ‘refreshed’ to remember…. I did get it on video though, not that I was filming you…. 😉
On the House of Fun music video which one of you is seated on the left (our left) on the looping coaster? I’m referring to the bit right after the terrifying part with the frogs. I have been trying to figure it out for days with no success. Whoever it is looks petrified, yet having the time of their life.
Dear Lauran
Probably Bedders. Hard to tell without a picture.
CB
It’s Mike Barson on the left & Woody on the right. Hope this is helpful.
Ahoy Commander!
How are you young man? Been a while, but hope you’ve had a cracking summer!
Haven’t really got a proper question, but I had been thinking something and wondered your opinion. Your old pal Morrissey has been complaining of late (nothing new there) that his new album is all finished, mixed and ready but he doesn’t have a record label. Would it be completely insane to sign him to Lucky 7? Just like the good old Zarjazz days. I know it’s not quite that sort of label, but think what great publicity it’d be for all concerned, and would probably make you guys a decent bit of dosh as well. Plus, having heard some of his new stuff, it’s about time he got back out there.
What do you reckon? I am, as ever, only half joking…
All the best good Sir,
Owen
Dear Owen
Morrisey? Isn’t he an author now? Lucky Seven is really a subsidiary of Cooking Vinyl. We don’t have vast amounts of money, or a great big office in the West End. I’m sure Mozz will get by.See you at Butlins?
CB
Dear Chris
Your response to my last post were I informed you of the Dissertation I’m writing about Madness was most helpful, so thanks for that, if I ever have the honour of meeting you one day, I shall buy you a pint! ☺
I know from reading John Reeds book ‘HOUSE OF FUN: THE STORY OF MADNESS’ that you among other members of the band from an early stage were conscious of being tied to the 2-Tone/ska revival flagpole, you are quoted for saying: “ we want people to talk about the madness sound in years to come. We don’t like to be thought of as part of any revival because after that fashion is dead, the groups that they rely on the fashion aren’t heard of any more”.
That said do you think madness as a band has achieved this, or would you admit that the 2-Tone movement has contributed to the success of Madness? Also do you think the ska reunion with the specials in 2009 has contributed to your recent success in any way?
Just to be clear I’m personally not suggesting you guys owe anything to two-Tone in that respect, I believe you are one of the most unique and distinguished bands to have ever come out of the pop industry! But I’m putting this argument forward in my dissertation and primary resources such as comments from you really help to back up the point I’m trying to make. That being that madness should not be referred to as a ska band in the same way as the specials are. You may or may not be surprise to hear that many people that I have met often refer to madness as a ska band and therefore feel somewhat disappointed with you’re more recent work. This narrow mindedness annoys me quite a bit, and that is one of the reasons why I’m putting this argument forward in my dissertation.
Would really appreciate hearing your comments on this point, the pints will be lining up at the bar for you mate lol
Dave Allen
Dear Dave
Sorry for the late reply. The 2Tone thing was great to be a part of but we transcended that really rather quickly.I don’t the Specials were just a SKA band, either. It was just a label.
CB
ere Chris…’7′ is blowin me ‘ead off again. Would love to hear stuff like “When Dawn Arrives” played live again. Also, are any of ya fans of Amanda Palmer?
Dear Dvaros
Amanda Palmer? I just Wikepediaed her, I like the cut of her jib.
CB
So, I mentioned to you last year about Madness at our local baseball games – the Baltimore Orioles. Well… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rfv5Hta9x88&feature=youtu.be
Enjoy!
Dear Brian
That’s so cool! Tip: Next time hold your camera in the landscape position, you’ll get a better shot.
thanks buddy, CB
I was actually getting a pint when the song came on. Luckily my wife was ready for it! Almost spilled the pint running back to my seat to enjoy.
After Chelsea’s win over Man City this past weekend, my daughter was dancing around the house as they showed the fans celebrating to One Step Beyond. Loved it!
Hi Chris
thank you for the interview in Montauban for the french MIS.
I forgot to ask you the story of the song “la luna” please. Why the name in spanish, why this mariachi rythm? anything to do with your trip to Mexico a few years ago ?
Cedric from Guadeloupe island Caribean sea
It was an idea of Chas’s. We were going to Mexico, so he suggested getting a Mariachi band on some of the songs. In the end the band we used was from LA but it turned out great. The name of the song is really Italian, as Suggs wrote it in Italy. He spends a lot of time there.
thanks, CB
Hello CB,
Next saturday ( 14 sep) you guys are in the Netherlands . Unfortunately I won`t be there.. (Recovering from surgery)
I hope you will have a great gig in Tiel and hope you will visit The Netherlands again someday..
(ps . did you recieve the birthday card from us: Rob, Emiek and Iris)
Dear Rob
I’m sorry to hear that you can’t be there. We’ll come again, for sure. Where did you send the card?
all the best, Chris
Usually I like to think it more that the title was changed into spanish since you were joking to suggs during an interview while in Mexico and you told him he should change the entire song into spanish hehe. I guess the chorus idea at least was changed into spanish becasue of that. Estrellas y La Luna . Though the lyrics on the CD booklet has still the lirycs in italian.
All the best Chrissy
Hey Chrissy Boy, first saw Madness here in New Orleans aboard the now extinct but then Mighty Riverboat President in 1983 & been Mad ever since-Anyhoo, can you elaborate on the upcoming release of ‘Take It Or Leave It’ as I was most proud to see the music of one of our greatest New Orleanians, one Fats Domino, included on the album-A Very Nice non-Madness Inclusion indeed!!!
Dear Tuna
Oh wow! The “President steamboat”. I found this picture
http://50plusdc.com/assets/images/autogen/a_198205D0122xL.jpg
That gig was so much fun as we set off down river. Or was it up?. We loved New Orleans. I’m sad to hear what happened to the old girl but who knows, they may put her back together again. I really hope so. We’ve always liked Fats Domino and we used to play “I’m Walking” when we started up rehearsing way back in 1978. I don’t think we ever played it live.
thanks for the memory jog, CB
Backat’cha CB,
Cool Pic, Indeed! Yep, until further notice the Giant Ole’ Boat sits in shambles somewhere in Illinois waiting to be rescued…hopefully! As far as “I’m Walking”, that just seems like such a natural tune for you guys to have gravitated to…btw did you know that Ole’ Fats stubbornly stayed in his house during Hurricane Katrina & had to be rescued from the floodwater & that a restoration group has painstakingly restored his beloved old piano since then…? I did wanna ask you if you knew, had access to or could find the set-list for me to that show that night? I know ya’ll opened with “Embarrassment” but have never been able to piece it all together all these years… it was confusing back then too, because of the Madness USA (pool table-theme cover) Release we were getting a lot of stuff in reverse time-wise—I did notice Suggs had the same suit & red gloves from “The Sun & The Rain” video so I’ve always wondered if ya’ll played that tune that glorious night. But then I know that song & video probably came after Madness’ return to the UK from that US tour, right? OK, appreciate ‘ya, Chrissy Boy-THX!