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 how are you?
I’m a 17 years old italian fan, i live in Florence,Tuscany, and i just want know why Madness doesn’t play same gigs here, just why…
I hope that soon Italy will be able to listen Madness again, I will be there.
Meanwhile, greetings from Florence 🙂

Ciao we will will return..
CB

Hi chris where can I buy the paper print suitas worn on the ghost train cover …thanks…

Dear Paul
You can’t. We had them made. I have a couple in my loft but they are not for sale.
thanks, CB

Oh yeah!

Hi CB,

One of my best friends since childhood Nicholas Palmer collapsed at the finish line and sadly passed away after running the Southend Half Marathon last Sunday. It was such a shock to us all as he was such a kind and wonderful person and especially as he leaves behind a wonderful 6 year old boy – George.
We still don’t know the exact cause as yet but his family have asked to play a Madness track at the end of his funeral once it goes ahead as he was a massive fan of you guys and we saw you everytime you played London since you got back together in 1992….at the moment its a toss up between One Step Beyond or Night Boat To Cairo (his favorite track) as they want something upbeat.
The reason I am messaging you is for 2 reasons/favours if possible?
1. If you could publish the following link http://www.justgiving.com/NickPalmerMemorialFund on your message board. His favorite charity was Great Ormond Street Hospital as his son was looked after there when he was very young. Already over £5,000 has been raised in just a few days with some touching tributes…if any fellow Madness fans out there would be kind enough to contribute it would be great as we push towards the target of £10,000.

2. Also I know it would be a long shot but I don’t suppose there is anyway you could dedicate your famous ‘Showtime’ performance at the London O2 this year to Nick? I know that both him and especially his family would be so touched. At the moment his family are getting through this tragedy by all the wonderful messages of support they are recieving and this would be such a nice show of support from his favorite band.

I know its a long shot and we certainly understand if you can’t but theres no harm in asking at this difficult time.

Thanks CB and we’ll be raising a glass or 10 to Nick when myself and Nicks other good friends see you in December.

Thanks Again

Ashley Moore

Dear Ashley
As you can see, I have roused myself from my lazy ways, answered a lot of questions and it was all because I read this. It makes me feel incredibly sad that Nick was doing something so worthwhile and it cost him his life. If I do a “Showtime” at the O2 I will dedicate it to Nick, it would be my pleasure. I really hope you raise a lot of money for Great Ormond Street.
One last thing is perhaps you should play “It Must Be Love” at his funeral, the opening lines seem so fitting. Anyone reading this please donate some money, lets get to that £10,000 target – and beyond!
yours, CB

Thank you CB, you’re a legend.

I’ve been a fan of Madness since i was 10 years old. I’m 25 now, from Macedonia and i once made a promise to myself that if i work hard i’ll be able to meet you, to interview you since im a journalist/radio host in a small radio station. You made me the happiest person yesterday when they announced that you are coming to this year’s Sziget Festival in Budapest, it would be the first time that i’ll be able to see you perform live.
It would be a great honour if you explain to me how does your interview policy work and who decides who gets a chance to do interview with someone from the band? Sorry if i’m bothering you, but i do hope you have time to answer me this. 🙂

Dear Nikolaj
Please contact our management via this site. I am sadly not playing at that festival due to family commitments. We played a few years ago, it was great.
CB

Hello Chris

Going to be there at The Hague (Night at the Park), but can you tell me….what time are you on? We’re travelling from Spain so we’d like to know the actual Show TIME

Dear John
At 21.30
CB

Thanks for last night mister Foreman, great as ever. Onze questionnaires, is Bedders finale back. To stay?

what is your favorite song by The madness

Dear Billiam
“Be Good Boy”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIuygeVq6wo
Written by Thommo and myself.
CB

CB….

I was watching Madstock 92 and over the credits at the end is Bedders saying how he had fun and now he can retire.
What was the feeling amongst the band after Finsbury Park in 1992? Did you think that was the end? If so, what changed?

Kerry Morrison

Dear Kerry
Well me being ever the cynic, I didn’t even want to do Finsbury Park. Next thing was after the “farewell come back” Finsbury Park shows the band announced a UK tour, which I didn;t want to do. So they said “Ok – we’ll just say you broke your arm”. Because of course the show had to go on, they had to announce the tour. So of course I did the tour and enjoyed it and then off we jolly well went. I realise I am a very lucky person to be part of a band that still enjoys this level of popularity.
thanks, CB

I’ve been watching some of you axecam video’s. You should get yourself a GoPro. So many clamps and mounts you could use, and also in HD quality.

Dear Steve
I got one, a Go Pro Hero 2. I filmed this with it, in Mexico:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWX5Ez4GcZ8
It couldn’t cope with the audio levels, also it was not too good in low light. I keep meaning to get a small microphone, to see if that would improve the sound quality.
CB

Firstly it’s great to have Mark back in the fold. Secondly CJ, you’ve written more than a few stonking songs over the years mate, but which Madness song gave you the most pleasure in composing? Respect, as ever sir,
Sean Kilminster

Dear Sean
Hard to say. “Madness Is All in The Mind” was fun as I wrote the lyrics as well and it came out more or less exactly as I wanted it to.
thanks,CB

Ive heard about the last album’s tittle and how the name was finally chosen but i wonder who or how the other albums titles were chosen?

Dear Domingo
“One Step Beyond” was quite easy a song title, “Absolutely” was a saying one of our tour managers had, “7” was Chas’s concept based on the lucky number 7, “Rise and Fall”, a song title er..”Keep Moving” ditto, “Mad not Mad” song title, er..”Wonderful” a song title [of a song that wasn’t on the album] “Norton Folgate” a song title and “Oui Oui” a quote from a song..
yours CB
CB

CB,
Can you elaborate on or do you know anything about that glorious lil’ bit of dub-techno pop that accompanies the ‘All For The MADHEAD” minute long video as ya’ll enter the stage….?
I mean, it’s AWESOME… and whose crotchety ole’ man ramble is that? I’ve heard the same voice in many a Madness song-thx!

Dear Tuna
It is Mr. Smash Esq.
CB

am a big fan am there in leeds in dec 14,am a serving airman would love to talk to you ,been fan from the start
simon constable

Dear Simon
OK – can I go in your jet?
CB

Hi Chris,
I attended the last Madness concert in Glasgow and during a short intermission there on the big screens was the late great Alex Harvey, just wondering who in the band is a fan and what a touching moment. I can’t wait to see you all in Glasgow in December.
See you further on up the road
Norrie

Dear Norrie
Basically Lee, Mike and I used to go and see him a lot. I have just put up an “Impossible Dream” giant poster that I nicked of a wall in 1974 or something. It was till wet and had just been pasted up and one of my old mates had it in his house. Suggs said he saw him support someone and was also a fan. Chas also liked Alex Harvey, as well.
Vambo Rules! CB

Foreman 😀 , well hello there sir,

Can’t believe I aint asked you this yet but , What brand strings you use , Personally for me on acoustic it’d have to be martin lights or extra lights (mediums hurt the side of my baby finger when muting strings) and on electrics (dont change mine that often) but ernie ball mediums

oh yeah , how often you change your strings now i think of it ? (they say your meant to do it every 2-3 weeks for best results) Mine how and ever only get changed 23 times a year (and yes i can write my name in my fingers with the strings afterwords hahahahahahaha)

yours,
Shann Xxxxxxx

Dear Shann
I don’t use an acoustic but maybe try nylon strings? I use er dammit Ernie Ball I think – or is it Rotosound? I only change them when they get rusty ha ha. I tell my guy not to change them too often..
CB

nylons are a pain to tune……they go out of tune when your tuning them until you stretch em far enough as doing so – takes up to 20-30 tunes , annndddd you have to tune em just a little bit flat ( i used to wrk in a musical instrument/small household electrics shop)

Well what a treat u boys are serving up this summer…. Seen you loads at home but never abroad so am lookin into a little mini tour, especially fancy the holland trip as it coincides with my birthday, I might even get that drink of you that’s still outstanding.!! Keep up the good work
Pompey Pete

Dear Pompey Pete
Hold on where were you last Butlins? I’m sure I got my round in!
CB

Hello Chris just re-watching Take It Or Leave It on dvd again, and there’s something that’s always puzzled me. Why would that bouncer (bloke in porno from American Werewolf In London!) not let the band leave the club until the Specials were on stage? Did this happen in reality and was the band actually double booked that night? All the best.
Matt

Dear Matt
That was so funny, I really took the pi** out of him when we were filming the scene, which was risky, as he was a right hard nut. Well spotted. I think in the film we said it was fire regulations or something. It didn’t actually happen but it was hard to get out of the Nashville, as it was packed. We were double booked as we had already confirmed the Dublin Castle gig but we didn’t want to miss the chance of playing with the Specials.
CB

Is suggs as cool as he comes across as?

Dear Tom
Well, he is the most cool geezer I know, he’s got a good view of life really.
CB

Hi Chris. You still in Brighton? You down the seafront this Sunday for the marathon?

Dear Stuart
I am still here but no I wasn’t there for that.
CB

Why is the xmas tour list not on the site yet CB?

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Hey Chris, hope you’re well…I’ve not been back to the Cupboard much since fatherhood beckoned but now Tilly Rose is the ripe old age of 10 months I’ve got time on my hands again. I’ve been listening to all the albums in order over the last week and what happy, happy memories. ‘Mad Not Mad’ surprised me with how nostalgic it made me feel…I was getting into horror films (old and new) at the time, and one got shown on BBC2 – ‘Wicked Wicked’ – a really obscure 70s one from America, set in a faded old beach hotel. There was some fat woman playing a bog old organ in it and some of it reminded me of bits of the song ‘Time’. Whenever I hear it now, I get a tingle down the neck from associating with that film! That was the first year I saw you live too – Manchester Apollo, at the ripe old age of 15. Can’t describe the excitement, too much…and I felt very proud. I loved the maturing sound of the band and stood up loyally when some (too many) fell by the wayside cos they were stuck ina rut. ‘Yesterday’s Men’, I first heard in HMV in Manc…soulful and cool but sad cos a few were telling me that you WERE yesterday’s men. And now here we are…so many more glorious albums come and gone! It’s been a proper journey and, since first hearing you when I was nine, I’ve never wanted to get off the train. Your music and the band itself are indelibly linked with my life, and it’s richer for it. Tilly’s already dancing to you ( well nodding head and moving shoulders). Guess someone else is gonna have a lifetime’s musical memories to cherish.

No question to ask, Chris. Just wanted to say thanks.

Cheers, dude….Big E

Nice stories Big E.
all the best, CB

Been missing you for the last month, Chrissy. Hope all is well. Cheers.

Dear Brian
It’s been more than that! What a lazy man I am…I have er produced a band painted that bit in the shower that was flaking er..got a jetwash and washed the outside walls. I don’t really go on here much when the band is not working, I apologise to all for my slackness..CB

Chris it’s always great when then the band bring out new material and tour . But has there ever been a discussion about doing a seminal album gig eg. One step beyond , probably not something the band would be keen on but I think the hardcore fan base would lap it up

Dear Caigsey
If you look at our usual set list, most of “One Step Beyond” is in it. One Step, The Prince, Madness, Night Boat to Cairo, My Girl..etc We have performed “Norton Folgate”, which is a far more interesting option.
thanks CB

Glasgow? This Christmas or next? Don’t say you don’t know, coz you must. Even Chas & Dave can play Glasgow 2 years in a row and they’re 70!!

Haste Ye Back Boys….Haste Ye Back

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Hi cheers from Mexico almost 2 years since you came ! hey Chrissy do you like as well Queens of The Stone Age band?
I know you like rock and some bunch as the beastie boys so i was just wondering.

Dear Domingo
Yeah they rock!
CB

Yo yo yo Foreman , Hows you been lately ??

Couple of questions (Well 3..I have had a lot of time on me hands lately!)

1. can damaging a nerve in a finger affect guitar playing ? ( I stabbed myself in left hand and it shot through and done me nerve in 3rd finger…thought it was an artery so i suppose i should be grateful)

2. I rad you are let handed and but learned to play guitar right handed , any tips for learning with the other hand …was your dad a leftie guitarist?

3. can you play like Wilco Johnston and if so how do you not cut your fingers ?

Thanks Dude ,
Love Shann
Xxxxxxx

Hi Shann
1. As long as you can move your finger, you should be OK.
2. I am left handed but I do most things right handed, so it never felt awkward holding a guitar like that.
3. Ah me dear old Wilko I have tried that no pick thing and it’s very hard, didn’t cut my fingers though.

Hi Chris,

It’s to early to expect new material this year and you are in the middle of a writing process.
Are there any other releases planned for this year to celebrate 35 years of Madness?
There are still some very interesting unreleased tracks like My Mums Roses And Perfect Place.
Looking forward to see you in Tivoli, Utrecht

Dinant

Dear Dinant
There is nothing left really. It’s all out there.
CB

Hi Chris forgot a couple of things meant to ask about the rumours of a new Madness beer coming out called Lovestruck do you know anything about it (Gladness is ace) and can you tell me how to get permission to cover Madness as a charity single for children in need (my band is hoping to use the tune but change the lyrics) cheers Terry B

Dear Terry
The beer thing went a bit off the rails, the company went bust sadly but we are looking at a new brewery to organise a pi*s up in. We will be back! Charity you need to contact EMI publishing, should be OK.
CB

Hello Chris

See you the 29 of june..
http://www.tivoli.nl/agenda/4055/Madness

I am looking forward to it, Rob.
CB

Hi Chris.

Could you tell us a bit about your current project working with Gorgeous George. How it started and which tunes particularly of theirs do you like the most? Thanks.

I was put in touch with the band via an old mate [Noel Watson]. I met them last summer, then eventually we went into a rehearsal studio and I re arranged a few of the songs then we recorded them earlier this year and I think the new single “Girls Night Out” is Now available. This is a previous single which I really like. I like a lot of their songs, really.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgtJbZ0Zq2Y
CB

Hi Chris

As you have been quite a generous soul in the past I thought I’d let you know that the lovely Lynn is doing the Worthing Race For Life in June. Here’s her sponsor page if you’d like to donate …… I may even join her!
https://www.justgiving.com/purplelynn/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=shares-from-eua&utm_content=purplelynn&utm_campaign=eua-share-facebook

Shaz

yeah I’ll do it Shaz. Good old Lynn.

Thank you…. I’m doing it with her now!… will you sponsor me too? 🙂

Evening CJ; I’ve been playing “Wonderful” constantly at the moment. Any chance you could persuade the fellas to revisit some of the gems on this almost “forgotten” album sir?

Dear Sean
I try, I really do. “Lovestruck” seems to get on the setlist, then vanishes. Great song and our last proper big hit.
CB

What inspired you to write “a town with no name” awesome instrumental btw:)

There is a section in the middle of “Shut Up” a solo bit, which is a bit twangy. Clive Langer [ our producer] said “why don’t you write a whole song like that?” So I did. I wrote some of it on the piano. [The intro bit]
thanks CB

hello chris, ive been meaning to write to you for ages, well since minehead, but i cant wait any longer, i gave 7 copies of my book, a dog called dez to a man whos name escapes me sorry, who is part of your managment team to give one to each member of the band, well im dying to know if you have read it? one of the reasons i agreed to do it was because it was a rare chance to tell the world how much you all helped me through bad times and of course how great you are! it was great to meet you again at butlins 2013 , if a little unexpected, the woman i was with has more front than buck house and the next thing i knew i was saying hello to you and lee, butlins 2012 was just the best being backstage was very special moment for me so i ended the book with it, i do a lot of speaking for guide dogs and promoting the book and it nearly always decends into madness! i demand that everybody there goes out and buys your entire back cataloge, with love and respect chris, from john tovey & dez, [unoffical ambassador to madness]

Dear John
I got the book but I have not read it yet sorry. Very slack at reading books. Thanks for giving it to me and I promise I will put it on my bucket list!
CB

Hello CB, you coming to the Attic in Bristol with G George in March…..?

Dear Danny Boy
Sorry but I didn’t make it. I made it to London and Brighton.
CB

CB,

What were your favorite bands growing up? And what artists would you say influenced the band as a whole other than Prince Buster?

Thanks for taking the time to answer questions!

Kerry Morrison

Dear Kerry
Well Motown stuff then Glam, Reggae, Disco Heavy Metal, about everything really. I suppose Beatles, Kinks , Stones Chuck Berry Duanne Eddy oh I could go on all day. Roxy Music, Alex Harvey, Ian Dury Kilburns and Blockheads I feel very lucky to have grown up in the 60’s /70’s as the music that I heard was so good really. Of course plenty of mush as well..
CB

Hi Chris just a few thoughts as its been a while since I emailed you cos I didnt really have anything important to ask you lately but after going to see Suggs show I wondered if you had thought about getting older as I have since the show and I finally started my bucket list here it is 1 – finish my failed bungee jump 2 – get a full collection of coloured Harrington jackets (almost done) 3 – have a threesome (wife will feckin kill me lol) 4- go to every date on one of madness”s future tours 5 – revisit Gumbet in turkey where we had our honeymoon 6 – renew my wedding vows that is as far as I have got have you ever thought of your list and whats on it and I was also having a trip down memory lane looking at my old Madness stuff and the things I missed out on ( cant believe the grey day pacamacs were only £3,00) did you keep any valuable things for your old age also can you tell me if there are any plans to make the house of fun weekender open to under 16s as I did ask two years ago and you replied that if it was a success it may be allowed in future but it never changed (pleeaasse dont delete this through timewasters as its not about a tour honest) also as I hate the thought of you getting ripped of can you check ebay as there is a seller selling lots of DVDs of you most are old tours which are probably ok but he does list some newer stuff thats not he is selling copies of the new Take it or leave it dvd his ebay name is anyalbumyouwant18paul finaly after seeing the Dublin gig on youtube I thought a great showtime song would be My Way (a la Sid Vicious) if you havent done it before it would sound great cos hopefully the whole band could join in sorry to go on but had a lot so ask hope you are in good health and cant wait till see you all on stage again cheers Terry B

Dear Terry
Sorry about the delay in replying. Bucket list? I have something like that and I am working my way through it but I need to keep it quiet till I’ve done it all. I have achieved most of my dreams really. The ebay stuff yeah what a rip off and hopefully people will not but any of it. I have “sung” “My Way” but in the proper style not like dear old Sid’s version.
thanks CB

Success! I was able to upload it. Thank you for your patience. So that’s the video I made: https://vimeo.com/86928885

Hi Chris just wondering what you would have done as a career choice had you not been in madness cheers carl

Dear Carl
Something cushy in the leisure business.
CB

Good day to you CB.
Will Madness be doing anything extra special this year at HOF weekender being that it is your 35th year? Thanks to you all for 35 years of indulgent entertainment and many more to come.
See you in Minehead.

By-the-way… I waited outside of Burger King with your pint but I didn’t have the pink hat on you told me to wear. Maybe that’s how you missed me 🙂

Dear George
Sorry I missed you. I was bit early this year about 2am. This year I don’t have a clue but it will be fun either way.
thanks, CB

Any tips apart from practice and more practice on mastering and playing my old guitar mate?

Dear David
Have a rest every other day.
god luck, CB

Yo ChipChip , I was on ultimate guitar website and was looking up Never Knew your name, it gave me a 4 chord loop with Amin, Gmaj,Dmaj and Eminor, for a cappo on 3rd fret,, which you don’t use ..do you just play it with out a cappo and use them chords (due to the higher tone off electric guitars) or have you actually fully transposed it (in other words: haven’t a notion of what I’m talking about ?

Shann xxxxxxxx

Dear Shann
It sounds far too complicated for me. I usually play Gm and Dm I think. It’s been a while…
CB

Hello C.B.,
Here are some suggestions for your showtime performances on future gigs : Jailhouse rock , Blueberry hill , Wonderful world , I’m too sexy for my shirt , Waterloo , …

Dear Tiaan
That is more than enough..
thanks, CB

I’m sorry that I’m boring and constantly write about this video, but unfortunately I had to remove the video from You Tube- 4 companies accused me that I wanted to take advantage of Madness and your song to make money on it. I am very sad because I spent few months of drawing to do something nice for Madness not to rob my lovely band. I wish I could have possibility to send this animation by e-mail, but I can understand but if no one will be interested in. I promise that I will not bore you with this. xxx Kasia

Dear Kasia
Maybe it was linked to adverts. Try again..
CB

hi chris just wondered if you are play at newmarket this year

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Hi Chris

I wonder of you could talk about how the song writing process works. When someone writes a song…does everyone develop their own part of it?

KM

Dear Kerry
More or less, yes. Some songs arrive fully formed, others take a lot of work.Everybody puts stuff and ideas in
CB

Dear Chrissy Boy, thank you for your suggestions. I removed this logo from the video I made… so here’s the new version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7Xk68swgbo If you like it (link it), I’ll be very happy.

Dear Kasia
Sorry about this. There seems to be loads of other Madness songs on Youtube, I don’t know why they are blocking your video.
CB

Oi up young Chip, couple of questions
firstly, (this is something that I cannot take credit for as it was something that came up as a joke on the Chrissy-Boy fan page that yours truly set up on facebook but personally I fully agree) what about doing showtime album…just you??? (even though you don’t like the band doing covers you could a fairly decent job just you on acoustic as a’pose to electric)
following that you can finally change your showtime tracks (seriously the dust on them has to be effecting them!)
Secondly have you ever thought of like youtube teaching ..where like you video how to play madness songs and other songs you like (personally i think it wouldn’t do the band any harm….and it would keep you out of trouble which is a godsend 57 years to late hahaha!

Its abit long so I shall leave it there
Shann xxxxxxxxx

Dear Shann
What a great idea. I was going to do it at Butlins but I don’t want to hog the limelight from the band. yres the ol Showtime is creaking at the seams but some people come to loads of gigs so see the same songs. I don’t think I’ve done “New York, New York” in Dublin before?
CB

no you hadn’t done it before NYE but in honeslty it was about the only place you hadn’t done it until nye hahahahahaaha

Hello again Chris,

I am thinking about the idea of a guitar, I have an acoustic but never got into it because it was awkward to play and I get a sense that an electric might be easier on my short fingers.

I think it’s neat when someone manages to put together a band, get a record deal, get exposure, even record a few hits and work together and go down somewhat in history at least for something or other, but I think it’s one step further when, at least in Madness’ case, I see the band mentioned in novels or books. It’s probably a lot rarer in North America, but I have seen the band’s name mentioned in a few novels I’ve read. There’s a mention in Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity (1995) early on in the book, as well as the Inspector Banks novel The Summer That Never Was.
Both books take place in the U.K. which makes sense for the mentions but either way I think it’s a pretty neat honour to have the band a part of works of fiction and I’m always happy to see it name-checked. Thankfully none of you are fictional. You’re not just part of the airwaves at any given moment, you’re also a part of literature. And I think that’s wonderful.
JC

Dear JC
We get a mention in Andy McNabbs “Bravo Two Zero”, too. All the best with the guitar try and get a chord book with pictures of the fingers, as opposed to one with just the dots. It helped me.
yours, CB

Hey CJ; just for a bit of fun – if you were casting the band into roles in “The Godfather” who would play who ? Include yourself as Michael Corleone obviously !!
Kind regards,
Sean Kilminster

I better not answer this one..
CB