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
Where was Chad at Manchester concert tonight
Dear Ian
Gone but not forgotten.
CB
just back fae Glasgow bud you were ace as usual loved hearing believe me and los palmas and dont quote me again made my night to hear some old tunes again cant wait for the grandslam now (whatever it is lol) thanks again you guys always smash it made my xmas and my son loved it too hope you have a nice xmas break you deserve it merry christmas Terry B
Dear Terry
Once again..I thank you..and son!
CB
Hi Chris,
Just wanted to say how much my son and I enjoyed the show in Belfast on Monday. It was his first big gig (age 12) and my first one seated (seasoned madness veteran). He was totally star struck seeing you all. The set list was great and the new format worked well. The support was also superb, and I’ll have to try and see them again. Happy Christmas
Dear John
I’m glad you and your son enjoyed it and hopefully you’ll come again.
CB
Hi Chris, great show at the Glasgow Hydro last night! Even that bloke who sang Big Spender wasnt too bad. He might have a future in showbiz. Pity the piper, we couldnt hear him until you came back on and held the microphone for him! He was playing outside at the end, good lad.
I thought Leon, It Mek and OSB were brilliant. Is your version of It Mek available anywhere? And the rest of the show wasnt too shabby either! Great intro a the very begining of the show for Night Boat! Thought the atmosphere was brilliant with everyone injected with a huge doze of happiness. I’ve already set aside the money for your next visit to Glasgow.
Like Bond, I know you cant talk, but will you be recording an album in 2015? The Last Rag and Bone Man download sounds very good.
All the best
Dear Micheal
Thanks very much. I finally realised that the noisy bit of the pipes is the bottom bit, not the “drones”. The Caledonian Cowboy http://www.caledoniancowboy.com/
aka Johnny “Rashers” Gauld often gets up with us, he is top class, New songs hopefully this year and maybe an album.
CB
Hi Chris,
Finally got to see you all at the LG arena on the 13th December,after years of following the band I finally have been to a gig and you were all fantastic! I am very much hoping for the chance to see you again next year as often as i can 🙂 Drinks are on me,much to the merchandisers amusement i spent over £100… I was obviously the big spender that night haha.Wishing you and the band a Happy xmas and a rocking new year.
Dan
Dear Dan
Thanks for [finally] joining us, I hope you come again..
CB
Hi Chris, I Had been looking forward all year to seeing you again this month. It was my birthday on the 13th and my Daughter got me a ticket for my birthday for the Leeds gig. (Manchester is a closer venue for me as I live in Wigan, but I told her to get me one for Leeds) But the week before the gig I got rushed into hospital for my appendix out, so had to miss it and let someone else have my ticket,Absolutely gutted !!, , Hope you have more gigs planned for the New Year Chris, always love watching you and being at your gigs. All the best to you all and keep up the brilliant work..Madness for ever !
Malc.
Dear Malc
What bad luck! Please remind me and I’ll guest list you next time we are playing the UK for a gig of your choice, plus one. OK?
CB
Hi Chris,
Great gig Saturday in Birmingham. Just wanted to say thanks to the band for the entertainment you have given over the last 35 years and hope that you continue to tour and record for many years to come. From that first single (purchased at age 14) to the recent Rag and Bone man download( as I approach my 50th) it has been a pleasure to be a fan, Sirs I salute you.
from Andy
Thanks Andy for supporting us all these years.
CB
Looking forward to Madhead o2 London. Gonna be extra special as my eldest daughter who is 10 is boarding the nutty train with me and the wife, for her first ever Madness concert, in fact her first ever anyone concert.Traveling on the Friday for London xmas shoping, lights and all. On the main event of the day we will be taking in the delights of Camden Town, when ever im in Camden the Dublin Castle is a must, just wondering if any of the band will be having any refreshments there before the gig. have a great tour CB and save the best till last!
Dear Mad Mags
Thanks for coming, I hope we lived up to your expectations and that your daughter liked it..
CB
Chrissy Boy, hope you are well.
HoF was as good as ever and 2 x fantastic sets was enjoyed by all who attended. Shame didn’t catch up for a beer. I write this just a couple days before two of us board a plane and fly up to see you in Glasgow in what will be the 3rd country we’ve seen you play this year.!! If the opportunity arises then will def have a Xmas beer with you, Merry Xmas and a happy new year to you all.
Dear Pete
Are you going to the HOF this year? Maybe we can catch up then..
CB
NEC GIG 13/12/14
20 times I’ve seen Madness and 20 times I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. You are undoubtedly in my view the best live act around. There was a great atmosphere and great energy from the band, and as usual something new. There were loads of youngster’s who’d come with their parents, including my mate’s son aged 9. Can we take it that Rag and Bone Man is off the new album entitled ‘Grand Slam’?
Any word on the return of Mr Smash?
Merry Christmas, from Coventry’s Cheekiest Charmer.
Dear CCC
Glad you enjoyed it. We are making plnas foe this year already, perhaps some new songs too.
all the best, CB
CJ, cracking news – I’ve got my MIS stuff back and it’s all intact. Superb gig last Friday mate. The Last Rag and Bone Man is vintage Madness. Sounds like Suggs’ lyrics but is this your music ? All the very best to you and the family for Christmas and roll on 2015 for Operation Grandslam. On behalf of the Madness fan base may I thank you for continuing to do the “fan” stuff. I know that you don’t have to do it but it means a lot to us. Respect sir, always. Sean Kilminster
Dear Sean
I’m glad you got it all back. I suppose the removal company guys found out it wasn’t worth much! Mr. B wrote the tune for “Rag and Bone Man”, not me. I take my time answering but I enjoy doing this and it’s much easier now with the new “interface”
all the best, CB
Great show in Belfast but where was Chas did he miss the last boat to Cairo????
Dear Tickles
We didn’t go to Cairo – but I get you point. Next time – maybe?
CB
had an aftershow pass for tonight,but despite there being only a few ppl and I appreciate you guys are tired you popped out,and didnt return.sadly maybe i shud have forced myself forward but was givin other ppl a chance and thought u would return.Would have liked to have got just a few things signed…:(
Dear mark
Dear Mark
I’m sorry to hear you were disappointed but it all depends where you got it from [the pass]. Was it from a band member? If I have put anyone on the guest list, I make an effort to come back and say hello to them. I cannot be held responsible for other band members guests. I saw my guests and “popped out” as it was time to get the bus to the hotel, probably. The band do need some “quiet time” after the show, too. It’s very difficult for Suggs to come backstage after he gets mobbed.
yours,CB
What an amazing Belfast gig. I can honestly say it was one of the bands finest moments from the many Madness concerts I’ve attended down the years. It was one of those nights you wish could last forever. Well done one and all.
Dear Robert and Emma
thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it..
CB
Just back from the Belfast gig – superb. Loved the new opening, and also really enjoyed the slow intro to My Girl. Also got to hear You Said live for the first time. Lee was also really funny. My question is have you ever considered doing a live show (even a one off) playing all the singles in order (I know it would go on for about 2 hours, but it would make a great live 2cd/dvd triple pack).
Dear Jim
That is a good idea. It’s quite funny really – just before we split, I suggested that! I wonder how long it would take?
CB
As an eighteen year old I was at college in Sheffield in 1979 and 1980 and one night went along to athe Limit club to see a new band with a great new single – The Prince.
What a night, A conga, a fez and a few beers and lots of dancing. Fast forward 35 years to last night, and I’m at the NEC, and once again a few beers and a few fezs seem to be involved. Thanks guys, what a gig, i haven’t had so much fun for years. I think next year we’ll have three generations going along to see you. Steve
Dear Steve
Nice story, great memories. I remember those early gigs in Sheffield Leeds ect quite scary for me to go outside of London. Mind you, West London and Aklam Hall was far enough from our area, but there was nothing to be scared of really. If that makes sense. Thanks for your continued support, it means a lot to me – to have you all along on the ride.
CB
Hi Chris
Just want to let you know that once again, Madness did it. You can add”The last rag and bone man”to the list of “The Madness best songs”. Seriously, it’s simply brillant (once again). Can’t wait for the album (which will be available in a deluxe edition, right? Err maybe a “too soon” question…!!)
Oh man, I love your band so much !!!
Have a nice day!
Steve (from France)
merci Steve
CB
hi we came to see the gig at nottingham on the 4th,me and my partner were at the front not far from you.i had my madness sca rfe draped over the barrier,i shouted hello and you gave me a big smile and said hello,that made my night,cheers chris, keep on rockin,danny.
Dear DJ Danny
It made my night when you waved!
thanks,I will rock till i drop..CB
Hi CB,
I attended my first H of F weekender with a couple of mates, 9 hour drive from Bonnie Scotland anyhoo I couldn’t believe the fantastic atmosphere the whole weekend had and how friendly everyone was towards each other, the band were ace, can’t wait till next year I’ll be the one in the kilt look out for me.
Vambo Rules! Norrie
Vambo eh? I was thinking of doing a verse or two of the “Next” version of “Vambo” as it happens..
CB
Hello hello what brand of sunglasses is Suggs wearing at his concerts. Just seen the group in Bournemouth
deleted by Timewaster®. See above column.
Hi Chris not sure if my last message sent but just wondering if u could ever record sunshine voice? it’s a great song and such a shame it was never released. Weekender was the best year ever this year too!
Glad you like that song but we have no plans to record it.
CB
cheers Chris I would have loved to be at the HOF for the Invaders /Dangermen gig and hoped it would be released but a nice Madness fan put it on youtube so I saw most of it anyway I didnt mean to be rude by saying the albums are continually being re-released I only meant it would be great to get the dads stuff as it has a lot of the rarer live stuff on it which was such a great idea to play at the HOF so there is def a big market for it anyway I will stop grovelling now I wondered if you wanted a volunteer to take Chas”s place at Glasgow (I have always dreamed about being on stage with you , I even wrote to J Saville”s show many moons ago and also Chris Evans when he hosted TFI to try to blag my way onto stage with you) I work really cheap so you can get a temporary replacement for a few bottles of Night Boat lol thought I would ask as shy bairns get nowt nowadays looking forward to Glasgow and hopefully a few invader tunes too cant wait cheers Terry B
Dear Terry
You wrote to Jimmy Savile? In retrospect, you had a close escape..The albums do get re re released but we try to add something extra though, for the fans..
CB
Thanks for my first Madness/Invaders gig at HoFW, and for the advice about taking care while in London!!
Hope to see you very soon and specially hope to making it again to the next HoFW.
I’m glad you had a good time, Carolate. See you next year?
CB
Am i a madhead, Way back in 1984 i had the pleasure of seeing my first madness concert at the demontfort hall in leicester and 26years later you came back and i got to meet you backstage and interview you this year on the 4th dec i saw you for the 19th time and i brought a mate with me who had never seen you before and loved it as did i. As madness have been like a family 2 me and when chas smash wasnt there it was dissapointing but having read recently what hes been through i wish him well. Ive seen you twice on my birthday in 1999 at the nec arena in birmingham and 2008 at the 02 arena london my bday is the 19th dec. Here is my madness timeline. 1984 Demont Hall leicester,1992 Madstock 1,1993 nec birmingham,1994Madsock2, 1996 Madstock3,1999,2002,2003 Nec birmingham,2004 Old trafford Manchester,2005 Rock city nottingham,2006 Nec birmingham 2007 Nia birmingham,2008,2009, 02 london and Madstock 5 2010 Demont Hall leicester 2012/2014 Capital Fm arena nottingham. Also seen our house musical twice in london with and without suggs and 2013 suggs life story in leicester. Hope to come to my first house of fun weekender next year Am i a madhead? . Ps merry christmas and a happy new year to you and all of the band loving the MADNESS!!!
Dear Clifford,
Thank you for you fantastic support over the years, if not for you and many others, what would we do?
CB
but it was a good night regardless!! Especially you singing big spender
thanks Curtis
Shirley B
thanks for the brilliant night in plymouth. I think you noticed me and suggs did too. I was in a fez and a checked shirt at the front near to you. It was a close call with that lamp falling near the end. shame chas wasn’t there though.
Good to see the old fez out and about..
CB
hi Chris looking forward to seeing u and the chaps on the 15th in Belfast the glasgow on the 18th happy days
Dear Billy
I hope so, it should be fun.
CB
Hi Chris,
Thanks for the brilliant show at the Brighton Centre last night. I’ve seen Madness live 35+ times now and each time gets better and better. It was great to hear some different songs in the set and I really enjoyed Scouting for Girls.
Happy Christmas to you and the rest of the band.
Ivan
Thanks again, Ivan
CB
After the madness concert dec 4 2014 at nottingham the lights came on everyone left what’s the name of the record playing as people leave the venue
Dear Keith
It’s “Always Look on The Bright Side of Life”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlBiLNN1NhQ
CB
Evening CJ: recently moved house and the removal jokers managed to lose my precious MIS stuff. So, assuming that you still retain the rights to the fan club merchandise is there any way you could bring any pressure to bear so that the MIS comics could be re-issued under some sort of hardback cover? RIP Ian McClagan. See you in Newcastle nest week on what will be my 47th birthday Chris. Respect, as ever Sean Kilminster
Dear Sean
What a shame. I don’t have anything much here and there are not any plans to a hard cover version but you could try:
http://retro-madness.co.uk/
Send the bill to the removal company. See you in Newcastle.
CB
Hi Chris, after loving the band since I was 14 in 1979 I have just experienced my first madness gig in nottingham last night aged 49!! I was like a hysterical teenager. Love you all so much xxxxxxxxx. My question is why the mad symbol M is now topped by a crown? What happened to the trilby? I used to doodle the madness M in all my schoolbooks! Respect to you all and a kiss for barso he’s soooo cute!
Dear Anne The Fan
The trilby was a bit old hat.
CB
Hi Chris,
Looking forward to seeing you on the 18th in Glasgow!
Myself and couple of mates are making the yearly 4 hour pilgrimage……..canna wait!
Stuart.
Dear Stuart
We’ll make it worth your while, I’m sure. Thanks for driving all that way.
CB
dear chris I met u in ’83 outside malvern winter gardens you signed the back of my mates red harrington do you remember? lol saw you last weekend you seem to be like a fine wine or cheese getting better with age how do you do it? love you xxxx
I have a double.
CB
What’s your favourite saying?
hold on a minute..
CB
Hi Chris
Just wondering if you know how Suggs feels about other members of the band “taking a break”? Bearing in mind, if he took a break, there would be no band?
Is this the beginning of the end?
With you since the beginning!
Gary
Mike Barson had a break from 1983 -1992. I had one for a couple of years, Bedders too. Yeah maybe Suggs is due one? [He did have one actually from 1989 -1992]. I was doing the Nutty Boys with Kix.Great days indeed.
CB
Hello Chris.. Just wanted to let you know that this guy has written OSB for Barssbands.. http://www.ericswiggers.nl/scoreexamples/One%20Step%20Beyond%20Example.pdf http://www.ericswiggers.nl Regards
Rob
whatever next? Brilliant.
CB
Hello Chris
Just to say Butlins was a blast, late on Friday early Saturday whilst chatting to Mr Barson and Thommo the one and only John Hasler showed and had a long chat with him, then everywhere we went over the weekend bumped into him again and again, nice chap.
did you get him a drink?
CB
Hi Chris, just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU! to you all for such a fantastic HoF. Managed to get some fabulous photos 🙂 See you all next year x
Thanks Cressida
See you next year.
CB
Hi Chris,
I’d just like to let you know that I aced the first unit of my studies with a distinction 😀 You’ll never guess what? My Ska/pop section was the best! I should let you know a large majority of it was about the developing sounds of Madness; meaning my C.d collection is a bit worn out!(it took a lot of research!) We’re on to composing now; but I thought that I’d let you know how I did.
Thank you for your support,
once again, take care
Jess ;P
Well done Jess, congratulations.
CB
Evening CJ; caught The Specials recently and Steve Cradock had replaced Roddy in their line up which begs the question – if you could moonlight in another band who would you like to play with ?
Respect, sir
Sean Kilminster
Dear Sean
AC/DC – no question. In the Malcolm role.
CB
Hi Chris
Of all the concerts I have been to in Dublin and Belfast. …..i have always noticed that madness start of with one step beyond and finish with night boat to Cairo. …..Is this done at all concerts and if so…..Why? (Just curious).
P.S (don’t change it either).
Thx Chris
See you and the boys in Dublin at Christmas.
Sorry Chris…Madness ever think about doing a Christmas song (cover version or so).
Dear Gaffo
We’ve changed it now. Just to keep you on your toes..
CB
Hi Chris, like many others I became a fan of Madness due to my mum playing your music a lot. She was so much of a fan that she had at least 2 copies of the first 3 madness albums (that i know of), all the singles and MIS issues. she has since lost a majority of her “collection”. I wanted to know if you recollect a cover of “little boxes” that my mum told me she had on flexi-disc from an MIS issue? oh, and see you December 8th I’m really looking forward to it. I’ll be one of the few young skinheads in the crowd.
Dear Curtis
That’s nice to hear, that’s a very good Mum you’ve got there. She could’ve been a Howard Jones fan and um..er..he doesnt tour anymore – does he? Yes we did a cover of that on an old fan club cassette, I think.
still waiting you to answer my other two x
Dear Amanda
I’ve done them, see below.
CB
Where did the name madness actually from, can I get a t-shirt with you on it x
Dear Amanda
It’s a song by Prince Buster.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZC6Ot1MLP0
sorry for the delay, I’ve been away..CB
PS T shirts will be on sale at the gigs and there is a merch link on this site.
Go to:
http://madness.sandbaghq.com/
Hi Chris just a quick one will there be a follow up album to the dangermen sessions vol 1 many thanks carl
Dear Carl
I don’t think so.
All the best CB
Hello Chris,
Any Idea how to get that Madness Beer to Holland?
There are only retale adresses in het News item
Cheers
John
No sorry, John. Not at the moment
CB
dear chris i was wondering is there any the madness merch like an i pronounce you t shirt or a what’s that poster also did you ever write songs for a second the madness album but forget about them
Dear Billiam
All the songs we wrote ended up as B sides, as far as I know there are none left.
CB
Dear Mr. Sidney mod king (erm I think that title might have worn out..just ever so slightly) , Anyway,
I wanted to know is,
Do you think we will ever see the use of either a telecaster or strat by yourself again ..I know you like your epiphone’s and the S.G is your pride and joy , but have you ever thought it would be interesting just to see how things would fair up .
Cheers Dude,
Your faithful , loyal *Cough* No.1 Servant (hahaha)
Shann
xx
Dear Shann
Well what do you know – I just bought a Telecaster! I don’t have any Epiphones though, only Gibsons..
CB
You have to play it in dub. i seen the photos from hof the tele looks sweet..pleassseeeeee dublin *Puppy dog face*…….and as for no epis….well excuse me mr.pish-posh….lol
Dear Shann
No problem, it practically plays itself. I wasn’t being snobby about Epiphones, just technically I haven’t got any. I might get an Epiphone white SG, with three pickups.
http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/shop_image/product/9570-epiphone-g-400-custom-with-3-pickups-antique-ivory–large.jpg
CB
Sir Chris,
having listened avidly to the fan toons session,I have reinforced my view that sunshine voice lying officially unrecorded is a scandalous oversight on your part.now in light of the soundclash at butlins and the news that you’re in konk studios at present leads me to a hope that the above grievance may be rectified?along with shop around?whilst we’re at it are any of the invaders songs going to make it on the main tour? Keep the skanking up
Rudy coudy
Dear Rudy
I think we will put a few in the set. After all the time we took learning them, it would be a shame not to.
CB
Hi Chris,
Just wondered what your thoughts are on the USM/Salvo remasters. To my ears, everything seems to have too much Dynamic Range Compression. When listening through very high quality headphones the music sounds a little mushy and distorted. I understand the arguments going on around the so called ‘loudness war’ with cd mastering in general, but I really want to hear the music as it originally sounded. Which cd versions/compilations do you think best represent the original recordings? Incidentally I think the OSB 35 is the best version I have ever heard. Thanks, Stephen
Dear Stephen
I am not that technical but listening to some of the more recent re issues, I have noticed that they have a lot more boll*x, that’s for sure..
thanks, CB