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Interview for blog?
Hello Mr. Foreman, ESQ
The Madness
My name is Stephen SPAZ Schnee and I write for a blog that is run by a U.S. audio/video distributor. Any chance of you or any of the other members partaking in an e-mail interview? check out the blog for yourselves at: www.discussionsmagazine.blogspot.com/ Dear Stephen The fact that you sent this 3 times does not fill me with hope, but come on my man, bring it on, send them in. CB Chris,
Short Folgate
If you feel bad about "The Madness", why don't you just re-record the bass and drums tracks with your mates, like "free as a bird" but with living people. Just kidding. But it's a pity, there are really good tracks on this one. Jean Dear Jean As it happens, I would rather re do Mad Not Mad as that had more machines on or at least the same amount. We just used a drum machine, we used real bass players an so on.. CB Chris,
Nutty Boys comics
I must say, the more I listen to Norton Folgate, the more I love it. But I don't understand why you did not make the 22-track version the only version. The extra songs are just as excellent as the other. The 2-CD version is not too long, believe me. Best, Jean Dear Jean Well we had to have something to put in the box didn't we? I agree though and one day I would like to do a double CD. CB Hello Mr CB,
emotional breakdown
I got 6 more Nutty Boy's comics ive got 8 now, only anouther 10 to get ! I was wondering, is thier any chance of you bringing out some more? It would be great. And my friend and me were wondering has Chas moved to Ibiza? Thanks L xx Yes he has, the lucky chap.. CB Hi Chrissy boy 'Just had 'that close' playing on my mp-eyepod3 player on the toob,made me cry! you have hit the emotional nail on the head,reminds me of my grandad-roll on madstock
Mrs Hutchinson
doddy Dear Doddy Thanks. CB Dear young Chris ,
T-Shirts
was there a Mrs Hutchinson ? Many thanks The Flash .] No. CB Hi CB,
Smoke on the water????
I posted the t-shirts today (Fri 29/5) to the management address - so you should receive them tomorrow, if not Monday. All the best, Jason. Dear jason Thanks. CB Greetings Chrissy Boy
M
Was listening to radio today and heard deep purples smoke on the water and it came to me that there was some mention on the liner notes of "utter madness" that you would have liked to cover it So i pulled out a dusty cassette box and sure enough you mentioned it when talking about "sweetest girl" Im just wondering if you might get a chance one day? Im not a deep purple fan but i reckon you guys could do it justice? anyway just thought id ask. P.S. the new album is fantastic and well worth the wait Thanks :-) Jez Dear Jez It was just a joke. Still, when we played in Montreux and indeed met one of the characters from the song [Funky Claude] I managed to slip in a quick riffage homage during one song and I also did a power slide as well [copyright Pete Townshend]. Not bad at my age. CB Hiya again Chris,
Next Single
Its only 7 week today till Madstock(I can't wait)and today i recieved my box set and 30 years t-shirt.My question is i don't want to wear my M badge in case i lose it,so is there a punishment for not wearing the badge to the stock. Big kiss Jane. Dear Jane Bring a letter from your Doctor and it should be alright. CB Dear Chris.
Where are they going with that?!
for your recent appearance on GMTV I hit the sky info button and "....Madness will be performing their new single Forever Young".... I wonder who told them that! So what's the betting on the next single? FY, S+S, OTT? So many to chose from! Whatever is chosen lets hope the feckin radio stations play it! Do you have bun fights deciding? Or does the record company have an input? Finally, when will the DVD of LoNF be released? I just cant help spending money in record shops anytime you release a cd/dvd ;-) PS. Make sure Drip Fed Fred gets on to the greatest hits cd this year! Finally, finally, come to Glasgow at xmas to round off what will be a fantastic year for Madness. Dear Yes how funny, they must have a crystal ball. More likely a mistake I think. Still a good idea. The next single? Well I would like to pick a song from the box set. Left field eh? Hunchback or Mission to Hell... CB Hello Chris
Mark Bedford - Bass Talk
I've just purchased a Golden Circle Madstock ticket for my wife and the cheeky Flippers (excuse my language but I am most irate!!) have charged a 6.00 admin fee on top of the ticket price AND postage!!! Now I'm no tight wad but I ask you "Where are they going with that?!!!" I know you and the other Madness chaps can't do anything about it but..But...mmm what is my point?....erm....okay I'll come back to you, have a good day. Goodness Bye Christopher Helen Jones Dear Christopher [Helen?] Thanks for buying them. It is a rip off I'm sad to say and not a lot I can do about it. We could give everyone 10 quid when they turn up but that would be too expensive. CB Hi Chris,
back catalogue
Glad to have you back! Madness just aren't the same with someone missing. Anyway, does Mark play the Double Bass at all? and which bass players have influenced him? The album is, of course fantastic even by Madness standards, see you at Victoria Park ! all the best Lee. Dear Lee Thanks for noticing. Bedders does play the double bass, I seen him do it innit?. As for influences, I will ask him. James Jamerson [Motown bassist] will be in there, for sure.. CB Hi Chrissy, Suggs said that your entire back catalogue has been sold so it will soon be re-released when will this be happening and will they be released at the same time or one after another
I'm broke!
Cheers Dean Dear Dean They will be released gradually, in the best possible taste. First up is One Step Beyond this September. CB Since the new album is not available in US nor in Japan, I ended up ordering the box with a polo. I'm totally broke! Play gigs in NY! (or in Japan again after 2012 when I'm back!)
Vids!
Jun Dear Jun Thanks for you devotion which has sadly led you into poverty. The boxset is available from yeproc in the US http://www.yeproc.com/artist_info.php?artistId=13291 It should be about 64 bucks. But you get an awful lot of bang for them. What's a polo? CB Howdy Chris how are you? I was thinking recently that there should have been a video made for In The City, woulda been good! And on that note I was wondering are there any songs you wish had been made into vids which weren't? If so which songs?
Howdy!
Thanks!Holly Dear Holly The Prince. CB My wife and I are flying in from America just for Madstock! and we just got our tickets in the mail. I have to ask you, are you guys playing 'Our House'? It's the only song we know. Bwaaah! Seriously though, The new album is sick! I cant stop listening to it and Wonderful is criminally underrated over here as well. Anyway look for me in the crowd. I'll be the one with a very short haircut.
Carl's tribute by myself
Peace!.....JfnJ Dear JfnJ Thans. OK, just for you guys we will do that song. How does it go? CB Hi Chrissy!
Isle of Wight
I made a video about Carl two months ago, tell him ;P! Ha ha! Here is the link! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gj4g3WO0LFU Bye! Alba Dear Alba This is really, really, good. I have sent the link to Chas thanks CB When you playing the Island again?
lisbon
Great at the Bestival 2007!!!!!!!! Vince Dear Vince Thanks - I don't know. CB hi chris
Return of the definitive article?
do you know which hotel you guys are staying in lisbon.im staying in hotel mundial,i would love to get my double disc album signed please,couldnt make hmv through work and living in dublin.carl ,lee and jim o gara know me .im a real fan honest ,i have met you too.but you wouldnt remember .maybe we will meet again.thanks chris all the best michael farmer Dear Micheal I do not have a clue. Sorry, but bring it anyway, in case we bump into you. CB So,Chris,
norwich
Will 'The Madness' get a re-release? It really should do, you know. Big E Dear Big E Maybe. It's not high on the priority list. CB hello mate me and the mrs have decided to make the journey from enfield to the norwich for the gigg on the 13th.What time are you coming stage?ps we done a gigg at the weekend and dust devil went down well cheers regards spence
madness
Dear Spence Probably about 8.30-9 I think. CB madness nice to see you all back hope you are all back forever
only
nigel Dear Nigel Thanks , but were we ever truly away? CB Chris,
Documentary DVD etc
It's only 2000 pounds each.... Tanya (PS Bernie says hi) Dear Tanya Yes I'm sure it is, but what are you on about? CB Dear Chris, please could you let us know whether you are planning a new DVD live or documentary with interviews covering the past 30 year, as we never get tired of hearing what you guys have to say. Also at just a few days short of being 2 could our daughter Daisy be the youngest fan to see you live. Please could you say a 'Hello' to her when we visit Gatcombe Park, It Must be Love would be a lovely song to dedicate to her, sorry for the cheek, but you have to try xxx.
backing tracks
Much Love and Peace to you all and your resepctive families, be safe wherever you go, and thanks for everyhing, you have never ceased to put a smile on our faces xxx. Rebecca & David Dear Rebecca & David Ah... you have touched my cynical heart. There are no plans for any sort of retrospective documentary at the moment and I will try to remember the dedication, will probably forget. thanks CB Chrissy boy did I read correctly that someone on here was after a backing track to "it must be love" for their wedding?. If I did you might remember better than me who it was, but I just found this site that allows you to buy high quality backing tracks.
pinkpop performance
Just passing this info on to a fellow Maddie........ http://www.parismusic.co.uk/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=madness&x=0&y=0 Paul Dear Paul Very interesting, but someone is doing a Suggs impression all over it. CB It's a tradition to see you performing each year, when you have a performance near my land, so this year we made two nice Madness flags which you will see sundag at Pinkpop in the front of the crowd. Would you like to take one with you as a souvenir and sign the other one for us, please?
my 20 note
see you sunday Koen This could well be within the realms of possibility. Try to contact us backstage somehow. CB dear fella's,
Further to previous re: Melbourne Film Festival "Mini-Mag"
I play keys in a twotone tribute band called gangsters, a barso-dammers hybred you might say... anyway, I saw you in '99 at the national centre for popular music in sheffield, you were promoting lovestruck... billy brag was comparing for a radio 2 live show type thing on a saturday teatime. Anyway, there was a stop for the news, so when you were all sat around I got you all to sign your singatures on a 20 note... barso crossed out the 20 and wrote now worth 19, and ta you all signed it... however, its been up in my studio that long that the ink has faded and practically just the 20 note remains... can you send me andother 20 note with a new set of signatures attached... ? ha ha... ta, Boothy (in sheffield) Dear Boothy What sort of ink was it? Not very good was it? Send me a 50 pound note and I'll er.. CB P.S. Regarding the Melbourne Film Festival "Mini-Mag" program - I forgot to mention that details on LONF are on page 15 of the mag.
Rhoda
Sarah Chris - the new album is quality!! I am loving On The Town - Rhoda's voice is amazing. Will you work with her again??
Madrid
Steve Dear Steve Thanks I would love to, if the situation demands it. CB Yeeeeeeeeehaaa
Serious question
At last you come to Madrid after 29 years and 14 since I last saw you at Madstock.This is a drem come true. Just one question: Will All the 7 of you be playing? See you very soon, Eduardo. Dear Eduardo Yes as far as I know we have all agreed. I am looking forward to it very muchos. CB Dear Mr. Foreman,
LONF to screen at Melbourne Film Festival!!
A couple of days ago I saw a documentary on London in the late 60's - early 70's. One subject was a certain mr. Freddy Foreman. Any relation? Willem Holleeder Dear Willem No. Honest. His son Jaimie is a brilliant actor. CB Exciting news!
m pin
I've just found out that The Liberty of Norton Folgate is going to be screening at the Melbourne Film Festival this year! The Festival is from July 24th to August 9th 2009. The full program is not out yet but it is mentioned in their "Mini-Mag" which can be downloaded here: http://www.melbournefilmfestival.com.au/filmsevents Check it out everyone! And spread the word! Sarah xo Dear Sarah Now theres a bit of culture for ya! CB Dear Chissy
Barclaycard Mercury Prize
Got the boxs set of new album when first came out (had on order since last year)but i have lost my M pin any chance of buying another one ? When are the tickets for madstock being sent out please ? see you first in norfolk can not wait . thanks colin Dear Colin I haven't got any here,sorry. Madstock Tickets mid June. CB Hello Chris
norwich
Still love the album, playing it loads and discovering loads of bits I missed. Well done on the top 10 position and on having 2 albums in the top 40. Anyway, has Lucky 7 entered Folgate into the Mercury Prize? If not it really should do as the album is deserving of any additional publicity it can get. The closing date is Tuesday 2 June. Go on, what have you got to lose? You can get an entry form here entries@mercuryprize.co.uk if you've not already got one. The prize will go nicely on the shelf above your head with the Brit... All the very best. Paul Dear Paul We are entering for this. I got some good tips from Guy, the singer from Elbow. CB Hello
autographs
I'm just writing a bit for the EDP in Norfolk about your gig here at the Showground, you had an awesome event here at Thetford Forest a few years back and kept the crowd most happy at Blickling more recently. So welcome back - and give me a quote about Norfolk please to include! Thanks Jo Dear Jo I can't remember a flippin thing, as I was not in the band at the time. I would like to add the guitar was spot on for once. CB Hi Chrissy boy, when your album Madstock came out I queued up at midnight to see you all in Leicester Square to get it signed but only a few of you were there, will you get the rest of the band to sign it for me?
Newbury Setlist
Alan Hames Well, who wasn't there? Disgracful. CB Hi Chrissy
photos
great album - looking forward to Newbury on Saturday - Got tickets!!!! Any chance to come backstage and say hello to you all??? Also is Idiot Child on the setlist - my fav track on the new album See you saturday Si Dear Si Thanks. No and no. Idiot Child is really good, I would like to do it myself. I have learnt all the chords. So sorry on both counts. CB have ticket for glastonbury and would like to take photos. could ya help.
ex fan
taken photos of you before in aberdeen, 07 when ya gave away a free scooter. dod Dear Dod I have passed this on. CB My mum was a madness fan till she passed away last september aged 87.
The Peel Sesions
jacky Dear Jacky I am glad and sad to hear that. She must have been our oldest fan. CB Hi C.B,
Giz a job!
I've managed to get hold of a copy of the peel sesions on cd - i was wondering who sings on bed & breakfast man ??? I know this was made way back in '79 - so i'm hoping the old memory box is still tickin' at 100% !!! All the best, Jason Dear Jason Of course I can remember. It was me singing. CB just found out I'm being made redundant Chris. Can you give me a job?
Madstock finishing time?
jeetee Dear Jeetee Sadly not. I hope you find a new one. CB Hello,
eminem our house
me and a few friends are trying to convince our parents to let us go to Madstock and it isn't going very well. I was wondering if you knew what time it is going to finish, roughly. Thanks.X Jake P Dear Jake Way past your bedtime. I don't know really, about 11pm? CB dear Chris, just had a listen to eminem our house on you tube and what a pile of kak you should sue him i have never heard such rubbish could do better myself
Mad shop Question
mick crosfield Dear Mick Go on then I dare you..It's harder than it looks. CB Just a question about the clothes in the mad shop.
App wallpaper
There are a couple of T shirts that I might like to purchase. However....I might be in a position similar to a lot of fans(and some of the band?!). Having followed you since I was 12 and am now touching 40 I don't think XL will make the grade!! Is there any way that at least a XXL could be available for your more lardy fan base?! Still lovin the album, really excited its in the top 10,have got my golden circle Madstock tickets, travelling down from Scotland, thrown a sickie from work, see you in July!! PS - Just got the golden circle tickets last month - thought they would have sold out really quickly - I take it the ticket sales are going well?? Drakey Dear Drakey XXXL eh? Hmm I'm nearly there myself. I don't know. They make them due to demand I can ask them but it's immaterial. tickets selling OK I think.. CB Hiya Chrissy,
Very happy little Queenslander
On the iphone app there is a great background wallpaper thingy. Can someone do it as a picture download? Gaz T Dear Gaz I think there is some in the M section... CB My boxed set arrived this morning. You've made at least one Queenslander a very happy person today. Consider that your good deed for the day.
THIS MORNING
Now..about that next Oz tour??? I've checked with the neighbours, and they're all tickedy-boo for you to throw in a street gig for my 50th in 2011. Just some food for thought for you : ). Many cheers from Oz. Barb Reid Dear Barb Thanks-I shall retain that information for further . all the best CB Great to see you guy's on This Morning wasn't expecting it. Can't wait to see you in Nottingham in July, any chance of a backstage pass? You could dedicate NW5 to me cos I sure miss it. Love the new CD!!!
Next Album
Sue Dear Sue Yes thanks. Yes. No passes. Maybe. Thanks. CB Loving the new album and now cant wait for the next new project.
sorry chris
It just got me wondering how long it takes to put an album together. I remember hearing NW5 at the Brixton academy a couple of christmases ago and it has only just made it onto an album. Vince Mills Dear Vince Yes it took a long time didn't it? Basically we started this album 3 years ago. Worked on and off when we all had time. We financed it ourselves out of our [ha ha] TAX money that we had put aside. I think the end justified the means or whatever it is. It was worth waiting for I hope you agree. CB Hey mate
Greatest Hits
Just feeling a bit low .My best friend is in hosptial he was in a car crash .can you cheer me and my friend up.Sorry for asking .his name is Henry Mac millan Mark. Dear Mark I am sorry to hear this. Please send him all my regards and I hope he gets well soon. CB Congrats on the new album!On the subject of the new \'Best of\' any chance it may be (at least)a double album?
TLONF
Ta! P.J Dear PJ Thanks.Yes it probably will be. CB Congrats on the new album being no.5 in the charts. No. 1 next week!!! Mission from hell, Seven dials & Hunchback of torriano are also class songs which should have made the album. Look forward to seeing you at newbury, norfolk showground & madstock. Madstock will be my 50th madness gig, anychance of a couple of backstage passes!!!
Oasis
Keep up the good work. Phil Dear Phil No passes, but thanks for the approval of the box set. Told you it was worth it! CB Was watching Suggs & Woody on SoocerAM the other day and apparently Oasis don't want you to play the same stage as them at a festival? Why is that??
Madstock And my 40th Birthday Question:
Brian Dear Brian I don't know -we will pull all the birds? CB Hi Chrissy Boy Just to Say Norton Folgate is Awsome Got the box set and Dust devil bundle.the Dust devil 10inch is out of this world.... .Madtsock july 17th is actually my big 40 and ive booked golden circle ticket via that company that went bust.could you put my mad mind at rest and tell me my three tickets will arrive soon.And could you wish me a happy birtday at the great event.since i was ten you guys have always been the greatest band.never stopped loving it (even the Dangermen.).Cant wait.Matt.
Norway
Dear Matt Thanks very much. Tickets should be there mid June. CB Hello again!
Madness Argueements Question:
Thank`s for a great day at HMV. I was just wondering if you know witch airline you will be using to travel to Norway in august for Oeyafestvalen. I work at SAS at the airport and I would be so happy if I could meet you and maybe sign 2 - 3 reccords. I was dissapointed that I only could bring 2 items for signing at HMV. I was 3rd last in the que at HMV. I signed both my boxsets. Will you be travelling to Norway the same day as the gig or the day before? Looking forward to Madstock in july Dear Bjorn I don't have that information until nearer to when we fly. Who knows it might be SAS? CB Hiya Chrissy Boy Yep IIts Shannan (Once Again) Ha Ha I Know Your Proberbly Pissed Off With Me At This Stage
On the Town
1.I Was Just Wundering What Was The Biggest Madness Argueement ,Who Was Involved , Was There A Punch Up Ha Ha And What Was It Over Oh Yes And I've Started Playing electric Guitar I Have A Fender Squier Srtat Special edition Or Something Like That Basicly Its The Exact Same One As You Fender Same Colour And All I Was Just Wundering What Other Guitars Are Good For Some One Who Can Play Accustic Brilliantly But Only Starting Electric Guiatr All my Love Miss Madness ! xxxxxxxxx Shannan Mcbride,Ireland Dear Shannan Well the Birds Eye ads caused a right old kerfuffle, I can tell you, but it all sort of ended up alright. You guitar sounds OK has it got a tremelo arm for whammy action? CB Just noticed 2 versions of on the town. The Vocals are different. What was the thinking behind that?
this morning?
brill tune. should be a single. Dear I agree it should be a sing.le The thinking? Who knows? We had a lovely girl called Amber who did some of the vocals on the album and it was suggested that she did a vocal on On The Town. Then we got Rhoda or Rhoda did it first.. CB Hi chris.
UK TOUR IDEA & ORIGAMI
saw you on 'this morning' (the programme) and watched you perform dust devil. I noticed something very suspicious. There wasn't a piano playing in the song and yet there's barso plonking away on his keyboard. and I couldn't hear a guitar playing and yet there you are STRUMMING away on your guitar!!! What's the meaning of this???? WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THANX, MR.WHEEZE Dear Mr Wheeze It was an organ.I was on air sax.. CB Hi Chris, How's about Madness doing a 5 or 6 date British tour around Oct/Nov of this year at venues like Birmingham Symphony Hall, Manchester Bridgwater Hall, Newcastle Sage etc? You could bill the tour as Madness present The Liberty of Norton Folgate. Each night, for the set proper, you could perform the album in it's entirety while slipping in the odd new song only otherwise available on the box-set of said album. For encore(s) you could roll out some older, more familiar songs? Isn't it obvious?!
Our House
Bless you & yours Johnboy PS: Thank you for a magical experience at HMV Oxford St last Tuesday. I'd kind of given up hope of ever meeting Madness as you tend to play such big venues these days. It was a real Jim'll Fix it' experience for me. By way of gratitude, I presented each of you with a small origami symbol in a protective plastic case. I hope you like them. Thank you again, chaps. Dear Johnboy Thanks for the gift, I wondered what it was er..I think I've still got it..The gigs yes I'd love to, but some of the band want to keep doing the old hits and it's hard to get new songs in the set. CB Can you tell me who wrote 'our house'? many thanks barbara
The Addressed Matter
Dear Barbara Sure - it was myself on the tune and Chas on the lyrics. CB Thanks very much, this is not a usual thing for me!
Broadlands, Romsey
Is there a fee? I doubt it but I hope this helps. And I passed on a few songs to my buddy Duncan and to my extreme surprise he favourited them on YouTube (MKII and Forever Young). He's in a jazz band called 'Old at Heart,' he playes tenor sax. Thanks very much, I found this out on a grey day when a girl who said 'yes' the previous day to my taking her out decided it wasn't a good idea due to her moving to Calgary, so this is a pleasant surprise at the right time. Regards and thanks, Justin S. Campbell (CampbellTrain) PS I wrote a couple of songs during class the other day, one called "Fredward" and another called "The Moving Problem." I may post the lyrics when I've figured the drums out, hope they are clear enough. J.C. Dear Justin There is no fee, you won something by pure luck I didn't put your adress here for obvious reasons. You really were the 1000th message.How about that! Girls ha! Heartbreakers eh? CB Hey Up Chrissy Boy,
hi ya chrissy
Were coming to see you at Romsey for my Stag night, is there any chance of me and my mate Scotty joining you on stage for a bit of feet shuffling to " Baggy Trousers or any other of the feet shufflers"? I'm 50 and I can still move a bit, the new album is fantastic, especially The Liberty of Norton Folgate, thanks mate. Moggy. Dear Moggy Thanks. No chance but have a good time anyway. CB do you if mark gave our contact details to his dad because they are having a football reunion soon and the need to contact him
madness emblem
Spence Dear Spence I have passed it on. CB i need to find a picture of the madness "M" with a little hat above it 4 a tattoo im getting done,any ideas where i can find one?
2nd single
Hazel Dear Hazel Jeeshus H Chri...Google is the answer 9 times out of ten. Search for Madness logo you will get loads. Look CB Hi Chris,
French Private Gig
Wonderful news on the album. Do you yourself have a preference for the 2nd single in August? Dear Timothy Thanks.Hunchback Of Torriano of course... CB Dear Chris,
Lord Suggs
We heard about the private French gig you'll play on 17th june.... Not evident to win the tickets on the radio... Do you think it could be another way to get some tickets for that gig? Cheers mate. Mister B (French MIS Dear Mssr B Je pense so. CB Hello, Inge from Amsterdam knocking on your cupboard's door, what can you tell me about
This morning
Lord Suggs 's nickname? Best regards, Inge Dear Inge He picked it form a book of Jazz musicians names at random. CB Hiya Chris,saw you on This Morning,but where was Chas and Bedders?Oh and a while ago someone asked you about good pubs to go to,one was the Dublin castle,what was the other one you said?And finally a lady asked you the other day if she could have you if your wife gets fed up with you,so can you find out if i can have Chas if his other half gets fed up of him?lol
Great to have you back!
Big kiss Jane.x Dear Jane Chas is in Ibiza and Bedders is away the are both on leave. So we did the best we could in the circumstances. I think we got away with it - don't you? Pub was the Speadeagle, Parkway. CB The new album is really great! I´ve followed you since the beggining of the 80´s but never had the possibility to see you live but this summer I´m gonna see you both at Hultsfred here in Sweden and at Madstock! Great! (And after 15 years of recordplaying my Wife finaly surrendered when she heard the Dangermen sessions part one. She says hello and asks if you gonna do a Dangermen part 2?
busking on hms belfast
Johan Dear Johan I don't think so. A new album, 23 brand new songs [including the box set] why do covers? CB Hi Chris,
wedding
I have just read that madness are going to be doing a busking gig later this month or june on hms belfast, is this true? if so is it a private show or will fans be able to go. cheers Alan Dear Alan I really don't know. You know more than me, which is not the first time in this internet age... CB hello CHRISSY firstly the new album is great iv never got it off when in the car its magic....
Yo Ho and a Bottle of ****
and im getting married in june 27th at newcastle f/c and as a perfect present you couldnt send us a signed photo of the greatsest band in the world plus it would make up for us getting relegated to the championship , many thanks Michael Guy Dear Michael Are they hiring out St James' fer weddings now? Already! How the mighty toon has fallen..sob sob.No photos please. Good luck have a canny wedding CB Hey Chrissy,
specials?
Just watched you on This Morning! Going to see you at Electric Picnic. Wondering if you could wish my boyfriend Tos a Happy Birthday? Thanks, Sarah x Dear Sarah It's not till July is it? And I already did... CB saw the specials at leeds. they were ok ,but not a patch on madness live.loving the new album ,my daughter wants you to release her favourite,sugar and spice,any chance.ta.
thank you
jim Dear Jim It is a possibilty. CB I sent you and email about accessibilty but to be honest didnt for a second expect for you to answer it, Life is so full of battles that you forget there are decent human beings out there. God Bless
Birlington Bertie
mutley Dear Mutley Where? Who me? Just doing a job for everyone. You ask I answer, unless it's where/when's the next gig? Hope you enjoy the show. CB HOW!
dj
Do you know Birlington Bertie....he says "carpet cleaners rule"? WORD. Mark Dear Mark What time does he get up? About 10.30? CB hello chris
lisbon
who was the dj on thursday? he was superb........ db the mighty ruler Hi Darren You are the ruler. CB hi chris
madstock victoria park
going to see madness in lisbon cant wait.ill keep a look out for you .great news about album in 5th position michael farmer Dear Michael Thanks. I will look out for you too. I will be on stage. A little fatty baldy guy on the right with a guitar, next to an even fatter little guy on sax and general wind. Where will you be? I can wave to you dude.. CB hi chris. been doing the gigs since '92 at finsbury & enjoying an ale at the dublin castle also. we are coming up from bristol for victoria park madstock. would there be any chance of meeting u guys before the show please? would be very kind if u could reply please. cheers chris
relegation
si Dear Si Depends if we go out front I suppose. CB are you as pleased as me that the geordie scum were relegated. love ian ( a mackem)- Sunderland supporter!!
YepRoc.com
and i can't wait for July 17th!! You dorty roturn Makem! If you ever gann doon ta Cramlingturn we'll ave ya! You are barred for the gig! That's life pal, full of upps and doons... CB CB
the madness song writing machine
Came upon redeyeusa.com claiming that they are the exclusive source for TLONF and offering the box set at a sprightly $ 64.99 Are they legit ? Why aren't the box sets autographed This is the heavy heavy monster sound of....Detroit Dear Hedley You agin! Yes they are. CB Dear Chris,
New Album
fantastic about the success of the brilliant album and loved seeing you on the Camden Crawl. Didn't realise you, like I, live in Brighton. Shame, you could have given me a lift home! Maybe after Madstock! Can not wait for that show and for Glastonbury too. By the way if you heard a dodgy sounding band dressed as the undead parading in the streets of Brighton behind a coffin, I was playing the trombone. Oh well, but at least it means it gets me into Glastonbury too, to do much of the same. Will have to do a bunk to catch your set. Ah where was I? Oh yes, I was intrigued by your recent reply to someone else's question and you said you are working on a follow up to TLONF. Is this really true already! fantastic, all the best Rich Dear Rich Well it's Hove at the moment, actually. I saw your band! You looked good, nice jackets and make up loved it.The follow up will be ready in 5 years. CB I'm a 37 yr old fan from the early days growing up with the iconic one step beyond which still sends a shiver down my spine. Just purchased the new album and think it's brilliant. Some top top tunes. How long was it in the making and what was the inspiration behind it? Well done chaps!!
Oh My?!
Mervyn Harris Dear Mervyn Thanks .Three years hard work, lots of songs from our past, present and future all finally released. CB Is this attaully you and Thommo?
A big thank you
if it is when was it!? Dan. Dear Dan Er...I cannot recall this incident. It's Oasis isn't it? CB Can I just say a big well done on the success on the new album.You deserve it and if i ever meet you guys the drinks are on me and if im a bit flush I will get you a whiskey chaser to go with it.Oh yeah my brother ashley said your suit looked wicked on the Paul O'Grady show.all the best Bazza.
Madness songbooks
Dear Bazza Thanks. Marks and Sparks you know, the suit. Shoes by British Boot Company. CB Are there Madness songbooks (piano/vocal) available anywhere? I\'m especially interested in the Liberty of Norton Foltage one.
Two questions....
Best regards, Marina Dear Marina Come on girl. Google Madness+songbooks what will you get? OK I'll do it [takes 000003secs] http://www.musicroom.com/se/ID_No/030264/details.html Norton Folgate we don't even know all the chords yet but they should give you something to be going on with. CB Hi Chris
Beatles remasters and flexi-discs
What would be your one Madness Desert Island Disc? (You can only have an A side or B side, not both) Also, can you sing Clerkenwell Polka all the way through? I still can't, I get all me words wrong! Anonymous x (not putting my name or you'll start banning me from here for asking too many questions!) Dear Louise -ha Anonymous! Africa is my desert island disc. I can play the chordsClerkenwell Polka - but the words? To many for me to remember..in fact.. CB Hi Chris
RAGS - Shrine Updates
I was going to pop in two quick questions for this week, but just thought of a third. 1) How do you feel about the upcoming Beatles remasters? - I\'m particularly excited about the mono mixes. Answer - Guitar bands are on the way out, but I'd like to hear them. 2) Any chance of the flexi discs turning up on the Madness remastering project? Answer Oh yes there is. 3) Any thoughts about Africa as a single (with real strings)? Played this for the first time all the way through last week or before and really enjoyed it. The "farewell Southend on Sea" line moves me quite a bit, possibly because my inlaws came from there (he picked her up outside a cockle shed on the way to a party and have been married for over 37 years!) Mike Fisher Dear Mike Final answer - We have done the album don't go giving Barso ideas... Hi CB ..
gigs
Just mowed the lawn into 7 stripes .. Got the HoF Pic Disc Clock to be Voice Activated for the official Mad Time. Top Shows last week Sir .., ok to come down to Newbury plse. Just send pics to mail address so h'fully you can check them out. Thanks for e'thing. RAGS Dear Rags You are class. I will get the pictures up - send some of the shrine. CB to chris can I look up gigs on the gig page
album sales
don Dear Don Be my guest... CB Chris
No. 5!
No. 5, selling about 16,000 copies I understand- brilliant and about blimin' time your work got some deeper recognition and sales. You should have a word with the Beeb though, their news people report "Madness entered at number five with their latest collection The Liberty of Nolton Polgate. The veteran band scored their first hit album almost 20 years ago." 2 questions: Have Madness ever had 2 albums simultaneously in the the Top 40 before (as this week) ? Do you know roughly how many copies of Wonderful and Dangermen have been sold - UK or worldwide ? Thanks Andy Dear Andy That is one thing I am not sure of. I have never tried to do a total. I think we have now shipped 50,000 LOTF on sales of 19,000. CB Dear CB,
Mad Drumming
congratulations! I was really chuffed to hear of the success of TLONF in the album charts this week. First critical acclaim, now some well-deserved commercial success. Good on you mate, keep em coming! Craggers Downunder. Dear Craggers Good on yer -thanks. CB Double Jeopardy!
Its not Hedy Its Hedley
Category: Madness Drum Covers Answer: This Canadian teenager from Ottawa spends his spare time often playing drums to this U.K. music group, then uploading the videos to YouTube under the name "CampbellTrain." Question: What is Justin Campbell uploading Madness drum cover songs? (Seriously, I do upload them. They've been well recieved, although I can't use the songs in the background unless it's one of the vinyl records I'm playing, as diagetic (background) music should be accepted on YouTube without infringing copyright laws, etc. And my actual question is if you like them (if you see them), can you please refer them to Mr. Woodgate? Thank you very much.) Awesome job on MKII and Rainbows, very uplifting and inspiring! One more thing I might want to explain: Yes, I'm happy you managed to find 'synesthesia' on the web, most people can't. In my case sounds, or anything I mentally think of comes across as colors, images, shapes, and forms. When it really made In the City sound so great to me it was because the music produced very plesurable images and thoughts and stuff in my head. Your guitar key-in looked like a nice green blobby line, and Mike's keyboard (not piano) had a rambunctious, random, crazy personality I attributed to it that matched a girl's that I like (she would appear as an image when the keyboard became sygnificant with your guitar). If the tone is slowed down to lower tones the colors become darker, brighter the other way round. Anyway I hope that explains it! Thank you, CampbellTrain Dear Justin I have sent this on to Woody very interesting. You are my 1000th reply, so I will send you something as I had planned to do that. Rather, I will get someone to send you somethin but I need you address! all the best Chris TLONF has taken extensive plays all weekend. Clearly an outstanding piece of work BUT isn't everything from Madness ?
questions...
Its been a long road from buying the 12" single of "My Girl" at Our Price Records in Kingston (circa December 1979) to 30 years later sitting in Detroit marveling at "On the Town" and, of course, "We are London" So CB, the extra tracks ? How do we get the extra tracks ? Hedley (Although they are long gone, perhaps Headley Heath represented one of those moments?) Dear Hedley So you got the Blazing Saddles reference. Just a guess. Headley Heath - do you mean like Brooklyn Beckham? Our Price Records eh? Takes me back thanks CB have you heard eminem doing Our House? i sent it to chas few years ago on the smash forum. if so what did you think?
Congrats!
also, cards on the table... Celtic or Glasgow "it was Chelsea fans that done it." Rangers?? No I didn't hear that. I have heard a version of Los Palmas 7 with him and D12. Can you send it to madnessphotoalbum@fastmail.fm Chelsea fans? er..don't know. CB Hi Chris
lord mayor
I just wanted to add my congratulations to you and the band - top 5! Brilliant! We love the album to bits, and it's great to see it getting the success it deserves. Please don't leave it 10 years before the next!!! All the best - enjoy the week! Ian Dear Ian Thanks - we won't. CB well done no,5 get in there.proud to be a MaDnEss,fan.im the lord mayor of madNESS.you said i was chris.p.s all you guys signed me fezz @ belfast airport pricless no e.bay for me kiddo.
Birthday
Gerry from the isle of man Dear Gerry Thanks - but how much do you think you would get? We could go halves... CB Hey guys,
Next Single
my boyfriends birthday is coming up in July thought I'd get in early and ask if you could wish him a happy birthday(his name is Tos) cheers guys! sarah Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you Happy birthday dear...Tos[?] Happy birthday to you from CB Any idea on what it's gonna be?
holland
Or should I ask, what would you like it to be? Adam. Dear Adam Baggy Trousers - the re mix. CB besides pinkpop, are you planning to play more often in Holland?
Me (again!)
And great that your back! I have followed you in Holland since the early 80 and play your music still. Take care, Mike from Holland Dear Mike I don't do a gig guide. Here is another Mike telling a joke in Dutch just for you and all our Dutch viewers. CB Dear CB
No.5
If your current wife ever gets fed up or bored with you, please could I have you??? Thanks LB x Dear LB Easy there tiger... CB Hi Chris,
Just wanted to say well done to the band and everyone else concerned for retaining the No5 position in the album chart this week. You do of course deserve the No1 position but then I'm slightly biased and will settle for the No5 if I have to :) Great party at Folgate last week, good to talk to you again and I'll be in touch about the ****-**. Looby xxx Dear Looby Thanks and OK. CB Ciao boys, i would like to see you in concert one day ...
Charts!!!!
Question: WELL, YOU MUST KNOW THAT I AM A MADNESS FAN FROM THE BEGINNING (1980 circa)... Now I'm 44 and still i'm a Mad-Fan, more than in 1980 !!! A BIG SALUTE to you all Mads, maybe i will go to the ROCK en SEINE in PARIS in agosto 2009, if i can .... CIAO da MarionLine from Treviso (near Venezia) KEEP GROOVIN' HIGH !!! Maurizio Mario Marchioni Dear Maurizio Ciao CB Congratulations, boys, on a more than deserved Top 5 placing for the album. Bestselling singles band is all very well when you're kids - but albums and gigs is what it's all really about. You deserve this success for everything you've ever done. Just don't make it a farewell album - let's have many more!
Madstock and Glastonbury
PS Complete in at 38 too! Brilliant. Big E Dear Big E Thanks - we are working on the follow up. CB I'm loving the new album its good that it has charted at number 5, I cant wait to see you at Glastonbury and Madstock, at least I have something to look forward to after seeing my team Newcastle get relegated to the Championship. Hopefully you will be playing Newcastle sometime soon as I have about 150 poeple wanting to see you. Last time you came there were around 150 and I had to organise 3 busses to get us there and everyone agreed it was sheer class. I never made the HMV signing as I live to far away and work would not let me have time off but hopefully oneday I will get to meet you all (hint hint).
No5
Good luck for the future and thanks for years of excellent music. Daz Dear Daz Thanks and Yeah, what a sickener. I dare'nt ring me in laws... CB Evening young Chris .
Already know the answer!
Just heard TLONF is No5 in the Hit40 uk album chart !!!!!! Madness Still Rules !!!!!! Many thanks The Flash Dear Barry Ye hah! CB Hello Chris,
Dust Devil Taco
Just seen on ebay a guy who sell a signed CD of "The liberty..". This guy was of course on HMV. I don't want to buy it and encourage this kind of act (and I have the boxset already!) This guy was lucky to meet the madnificient 7 and he sells this memory! But hey, I live in France (so I won't be lucky enough to meet you one day!) and you're not send autographed picture. So what can I do? An autographed picture would be a dream to me! OK..I know the answer will be No, but I have to try... Have a good day! Thanks again for all, you can't imagine the pleasure you bring to the fans! All of you are f***in' genius! Steve PS:I'm proud to join you to the Liberty of Norton Folgate! Dear Steve Don't buy it. We will come to France for the En Seine festval in August. You may meet us mon ami. CB CB - Madness has always been at the forefront of innovative packaging but with the Dust Devil 10" you've really set the bar. I've seen colored ones, round ones, square ones, you name it. But I've never seen one in the shape of a taco. Brilliant! Well done....... wait, what? That wasn't you guys? Must have been my mentally challenged US Postal carrier who saw fit to FOLD the package in order to get it into my mail box. Whatta maroon.
liverpool nutty sounds
-- No it was a Taco...Bell. I will try to get you a new one send me your address. CB CB alright chris .. how ya diddlen . i wonder do you recall a nutty boys gig back in the 90,s early part .. to promote crunch ? planet x liverpool ... great night lee on a zimmer ... he robbed me mates glove ... got it over his head and ran round the stage like a chicken ...i managed to rob lees scarf ... tee hee hee !! anyways all the best to the magnificent 7 and john hassler...
Thanks Question:
paul s liverpool Dear Paul Yes I do. There was some sort of all day crusty do on before us and they cleaned the place up with some sort of spray. Pungent... CB I just whanted to say thanks fore so many great songs keep up the good work...
Madness book Question:
Hans from Gothenburg Sweden Dear Hans Tack själv CB Having been an avid fan over many years I find myself more excited now to be a Madness fan than ever before. However the one thing that has been lacking is a proper Madness book. With all the reissues coming up I'm sure it would be very well received by the fans.
Madness books
Kind Regards, Paul. Dear Paul What a coincidence. Someone else just asked me the same question. You wait all day for a book related question, then two turn up at once. This what I told him: "Dear Cameron This only one I can recall is Total Madness by George Marshall on STP books. It's out of print though. CB" After you all left HMV I looked for a Madness book to read on my way to the Isle Of Wight, and I couldn't find one so I bought the biography of Alex James from Blur which is very good.
SHUT UP VIDEO
Is there a Madness book? If so i'll get one in Luton for my journey to Aberdeen. Cheers, Cameron (Madness ambassador to Thailand) Dear Cameron Ths only one I can recall is Total Madness by George Marshall on STP books. It's out of print though. CB Somebody told me the SHUT UP vid was partly filmed in Durham City.I realise it is a test for the old memory but i really need to know because one day when ive lost my marbles it might be the 1 thing i remember.x Micky
TV appearances
Dear Micky Forget it - you've lost them. It was filmed around Shepards Bush. CB Hi Chris.
My Head
Just wandered if the band are due to appear on the Jonathan Ross show at all? Is there any way your promotors could let the fans know what tv/radio shows the chaps are booked to appear on...the chatter on the forum is that fans have missed appearances due to lack of knowledge... All the very best---bet you are chuffed to bits with the well deserved album reviews? Jim Dear Jim Yes it is nice. All we need is for the radio stations to get behind it now. We try to get upcoming TV shows mentioned on the Madness website as far as I know. We will be on This Morning on Tuesday [I think]. Jonathan Ross maybe on the cards next single time.. CB Hello Chrissy Boy,
Guitar Guy? Or Not!
Question: Will I every get the new songs from the legend of Norton Folgate out my head? The album is truely a masterpiece. Well done! Henry Dear Henry Well I'll be blowed. Thnaks CB Hi Chris
we miss you
Watching one of your concerts on DVD the other day, you know '98 finsbury park? Well, I was wondering do you play any other instruments apart from the guitar? Best Wishes Jamie Dear Jamie Not really. I can bang out a tune on the piano but not very well. CB please come to italy!!!
Stefano woody
The Liberty of Norton Folgate
Question: hi woody, not sure if you remember me, good to see you guys back again. seems along time ago that i wrote those 50,000 please to you, thanks for letting me meet you and go to the gigs debbie Er wha? WOODY! Where are you my man? CB Just recieved my CD today and I have one word for it...SMASHING!
madness
I live in the United States and was surprised to see that it had arrived in FIVE days. (Amazon had given me an ETA of anywhere from 5-28 to 6-02. So Headly Williams should be getting his copy soon. Keep up the good work and I\'m looking forward to your next album. The AzMaddie Dear AzMaddie Well you beat Hedley by one day. My how we've come on. From where's my BoxSet? To wow! 5 days delivery to the USA! Good old Amazon. CB looking to book up for Madstock on ticketmaster. What is gold circle and is it worth paying extra (MD Newcastle)
madness
MD OK Mrs Dunn. You have asked me the same question twice. What's the apple? CB what is gold ticket mean
only love video
mrs dunn Dear Mrs Dunn It's some sort of magical exclusive ticket which gets you near the front, in a penned off area at Madstock. CB i love this video,but apart from suggs i dont know the rest of your names...who is the gorgeous one with the heart drawn on his face ???? angie
Shoes
Dear Angie Er I dunno......me? OK it is Chas Smash. The rest of us are Barso, Thommo, Bedders, Woody and Chrissy Boy [me] CB I know where you got your shoes from now, but any idea where Barzo got his black and white check shoes and where Chas got those fabulous red and white Brogues. I want to buy a pair for my Partner. A fabulous party at The Light Bar by the way. Thanks to all the band for a truely fantastic night. I was standing about 2 foot from the stage, very interesting picture of you sticking your tongue out! Wishing the album every success!
Madtube Jokes
Belinda Ah Belinda We meet again.Say hello to Steve.Barzo got his shoes in Argentina. I keep asking Chas where he got them he tells me and I always forget the name of them. CB Hey Chris,
nothing in perticular
I'm loving the jokes from Suggs & Woody on the Madtube page, both hilarious. Is there more to come? Here's an idea, I dunno if you remember but when you were on the Kumars show a few years back, Barso told a joke about brains (a belgian one, german one etc) It was so terrible but genius nonetheless. Do you think you can persuade him to tell it again for Madtube? Cheers, Patrick. Dear Patrick It's funny you should say that. I have stockpiled a few more jokes, including one from the master, Mr Barso. CB just to say hello to the group ive admired since the very early 80's. i was in your fan club at a very youthful age. to me you are my childhood and all thats good about growing up. every song brings back a memory. hope thats a good thing. i remember when it was suggs 21 birthday and me and my mate sent him a card. i remember writing you a poem, i actually got a reply which really made my day! all the groups today dont compare to you, keep on going, make my teenage years never end. thanks.x
Me again!
nicola melody Dear Nicola Many thanks to you for all the support. What was the poem about and what did I say? CB Hello Chris
How are you.
Me again, the one that met you at HMV and the launch party and both times I said "I've loved you for thirty years" (how embarrassing!!) Well, I don't actually LOVE you, I don't really know you, but you know what I mean...Anyway, I wanted to say thanks for taking the time to chat at the party, and for the photos and I'm sorry if I rambled on and didn't stop talking when you were answering my questions...I was just a bit nervous and over excited...I was listening really!! Anyway, that El Dordo rum must be a bit dodgy cos I had such a bad hangover yesterday I had to leave work at 10.30am, having only been in an hour!! Anyway, er, what was my question? Oh yes, I want to send a photo to you (nothing dodgy!), which email address do I use cos I can't attach one to this form...? Cheers CB. Love as always Louise Dear Louise Thanks my dear. Please send them to madnessphotoalbum@fastmail.fm and I will get them. CB I remember meeting you boys back a few years ago.
Amazon Keeps Moving
How are you now ? Jo Dear Jo Not too bad. Yourself? Nice job Amazon UK, just 6 days to get "Liberty" into the mail box in Detroit.
back catalogue
Getting ready for a first play, yours, in Baggy Trousers, Hedley CB - Thanks for the kind note on the name - no idea how my folks came up with that ! Dear Hedley Thanks now I know how long it takes. Try to find out why they gave you that name. Was it anything to do with Blazing Saddles? CB hey chris.been into you and the boys since the 80's,loved your music then and still loving it.bought the new album and loved it,what can i say?its just madness doing what they do best.do you know when the back catalogue is being re-released as i lost one of my madness cd's and want to buy it again.keep knocking out those albums.
Too bad
Adriana Jacques Dear Adriana The back catalogue will getting a make over in the next few months. CB Hey Chris,
thommos stingy brim trilby
Thanks for getting back to me. It really is too bad that you guys aren\'t touring Canada. Its nice over here! I just watched some footage of the World Tour of Camden on You Tube. It was brill, and it just makes me more determined than ever to come over and see you. Take care Tracy Dear Tracy Thanks. CB hi chris
From tortoise to teaching...
could you tell me where lee got his stingy brim trilby from? the one he was wearing on stage at the 02 at xmas. i have looked everywhere for one and have been looking for years. cheers marc Dear Marc It was from me and I was given it by one of my ex wives and she got from a charity shop. Try looking on the internet. CB Mate, I know you're just putting on a brave face about not having my tortoise named after you! No, in actual fact, I fair pissed my sides at your answer to that one. It's part of why you've always been my favourite band member, going back to the age of 9. Always liked your dryness of wit and seemingly self-deprecating manner (not that I understood what that meant at 9!)
Signing and party!
On a more serious note - as the Head of Year in a secondary School, and bearing in mind the likes of Baggy Trousers, I always wonder what you all really think of the likes of my occupation. I reckon a lot of artistic types consider us to be killers of natural talent at times, but I try my best to encourage every type of kid as much as possible. Have your school days tainted your thoughts on the teaching profession? Dear Well I suppose it all depends on how good the teacher is doesn't it? I was at school such a long time ago I can't really remember. yours CB Have had the best week ever, was at both the signing and the party, great atmosphere and great people!!
Staggering..
Just want to thank you for arranging it all, you have made me the happiest woman ever!!! Was supposed to be revising for uni exams this week but sod it! I've been a fan 17 years now, met you at the 02 for the first time and was lucky enough to meet you all again twice more. I am very grateful for it all. Chas you are lovely and you also made me happy with a a couple of kisses heheheh!!! and sneaking up on me at the party hahah!, what a gorgeous man you are xxx Made me laugh taking the mick out of my northern accent too hahah! See you all at Newbury and Madstock. I'll send you the pics I took at the party. bye for now xx Jenny Dear Jenny Thanks.Send them to madnessphotoalbum@fastmail.fm CB Considering the amount of Madness stuff happening this year and that we are nearly halfway through the year I'm staggered I've missed it all! Looking at forth coming events looks like I'll be missing more.. ha ha! Oh well least the weathers looking nice..time for an ice cream in the park ..care to join me :P
liz Dear Liz Not today I'm going into Brighton for the Festival CB hi cb would it b cool a ska week at twickinham stadium all the best sounds in 1 ground be lucky perry
hmv.message for woody
Dear Perry If you say so. CB hello.and thank u lucky 7 for signing my daughters t shirt shes over the moon lol. ah sorry woody for saying all the wrong words speachless good to see u afer 30 years plus getting a bit grey . be lucky perry and family bye ps was good to c u.we was at o2 good pic show and sounds. it must b luv is a fav. return of los palmas7 was the 1.u know just 1 more thing. nw5 excerlent so true.
Hello
perry Dear Perry Thanks. I will tell him this. CB Hi Chris
Last nights launch in Shoreditch
I think the band should come to New Zealand:)and play in a little town called HanmerSprings. By the way I love the website design. Cheers Helena Dear Helean Thanks. I shall retain that piece of information. CB What a night! The best gig I've ever been to. New material more than stands up against the classics. Scarlett got us in as I work with her at EE. Where did you get you're shoes? At the Soap awards Suggs said they cost a oner...I want a pair.
PayPal
John Greening Dear John I got them at the British Boot company Kentish Town Road. http://www.britboot.co.uk/ I got a discount they are 150. but tell Nick who owns the shop that you know me and he'll charge you 200. Better tell him you know Scarlett and you are on Eastenders.. CB So how can I pay for something from the shop with PayPal? It says it's accepted, but when I go through checkout there's no PayPal option. I have emailed the helpdesk but all they said was as long as the order's over a fiver (it is) then it should be OK
How does it take...
Thanks Richard Dear Richard I don't know abut this, maybe it's your browser or something. I have passed this on. CB For the Liberty of Norton Folgate to ship to the USA ? Good old Amazon UK shipped it Monday and this very old Nutty fellow is waiting for its arrival
dangermen sessions
How am I going to get all the other super cool tracks without dipping further into the dollars and buying the deluxe vinyl double CD box set ?? One step beyond (Detroit) Hedley Williams Dear Hedley Cool name. I hope it will get there soon. Amazon are pretty good, should be there in about ten years ha ha. I don't know how long it takes. In fact when you get it tell me how long it took and I will know for future reference. Thanks CB HI ,is there a vol 2 of the dangermen sessions...thanks stephen dublin
madness at HMV
stephen mulhall Dear Stephen No there isn't. We do have a really good new album out though. CB Hi Chrissy Boy
Some serious promotion!!
HMV gig was outstanding, my 2 eldest daughters (8 & 5) got to see Daddy's hero's live and have joined the madness fan club. Love the new album and looking forward to Victoria Park. Lee (not Thompson) Marvin Dear Lee Thanks - top man! CB Hello CB,
Welcome back ol' man!
After having a gander at the UK charts, I tut-tutted to myself as to the position of Dust Devil (and almost cried when I saw the top 10...how sad!) and thought to myself that as usual, good music is never promoted properly. So I sent a spiffin e-mail to the HQ of Hard Rock Cafe in Orlando begging, pleading and offering unsavourley favours if they were to update their videos and add this little gem to their repertoire, seeing as "Our House" seems to be the only thing they have from Madness. This company serves zillions of people a year (therefore excellent royalties!) so I strongly recommend all you likeminded peeps to do the same thing, believe me when I say that they listen to what the public have to say!!! So start harrassing them NOW! Get onto your local HRC marketing dept or go direct to Orlando (address on their website), just don't bug me in Rome 'cos I already done it!!!!...So my question: Do you want owt brought over from Rome when me and the family come to Madstock? Doog Dear Doog OK that's the Hard Rock cafe's sorted next...Mcdonalds! Rome is that near Orlando? Or is it Rome USA? Like er...Paris,Texas? CB CB Damn good album, your Nuttyness, well this Mad-head thinks so, if no-one else does!
New Album?
PS Love the TV ad for TLONF, was Suggs giving out lessons on acting??? Or was he charging for them... ;) Robo Dear Robo Thanks. Suggs was trained at RADAR you know, in the navy. CB Great new album! tis rather good indeed! Just a quick question, when will your next new album be out?? Keep up the good work
Launch Party - 21st May
Craig Taylor Dear Craig Probably next April 1st. We are working on it now. CB You guys rocked last night it was great to see in such a tiny venue, seen you guys many many times have to say best atmosphere I’ve been too.
Complete Madness
The bands hospitality was great, from all us true fans I like to say thank-you. I did do that sad thing and get photos with you, Suggs & Chas but made a 40 year old very happy. Chatted to Suggs about Cup final for a while “Come on you Blues” Big shout to Jon “I’m Sorry” Rathe and our little crowd that were right at the front singing every word. Shame I can’t make Newbury , but roll on Madstock. Cheers Tony Dear Tony Gld you enjoyed it. CB Hi Chris , silly 2 part question. My mate Dave and i still have our Complete Madness vinyl albums (no doubt like many others!). Just wondering were you aware that some had the 'Goodnight' ending on Los Palmas 7 and some didnt? Any particular reason or nothing sinister? Mine didnt have it so hoping mine was the rarer one!!! Also why is the intro to 'Guns' missed off the singles box set? (Its on The Business though) Perhaps i got dodgy copies?
Release everything - i'll buy it!
steve Dear Steve I am not really all that good on this sort of thing. Los Pamas is something Mike goes on about from time to time. Guns I haven't a clue either.Sorry. CB Hello Chris,
box set
I see Suggs is featured on radio 2s Tracks of my Years again next week (11.40 a.m),don't any other members of Madness ever get asked? What will be,(if any),the "B side" of Forever Young, when it's released in France? ,and also have the band ever recorded any songs that have been released abroad but have not been released as a single/album track/b-side here in the U.K? or do we get everything you ever put out? Thanks for the wonderful music, from Andy. Dear Andy Probably a song left over from the Dangermen sessions. So yes it could be un released in the UK but only for a short time as we will porbably release a new single here too soon. CB hello mate sorry to ask again but my box set i preordered has not turned up . Do you think its got lost in the post . Cos i can not wait to get it . One me your greats fans from 78 till now
Huge thanks and respect
steve Dear Steve When did you order it? I will pass on your details. CB Hiya Chris,
Madstock tickets
Just wanted to drop you (and through you the rest of the band hopefully) a quick note of thanks and respect for last nights "bash" at The Light Bar....there's not many bands that would treat their fans not only to a free gig but free beers too!! Respect to you all and thanks again for a fantastic evening. Cheers Graham Dear Graham Free beer? Hold it..wha%"£%? CB Hey there Chrissy Boy...
Mad Fan
I know you are not really the person i should be asking, but i can't find a contact number for AEG. but I have not had any e-mails or anything about my Golden Circle tickets... i am worried i might not get them. Do you know who i can call to see if i will get them? Thanks m8 and sorry... i know youmust be getting tired of getting mails about this. Thanks, Rich. Dear Richie If you have not heard anything by the second week of June, then contact us. CB Hi Chris!
Capital Radio
I've listened to Madness' music since I was 13 and have loved it ever since. Why is Suggs called Suggs and what gives you all the inspiration for your songs? Look forward to you coming to Birmingham - please come here - and continue to wallow in Madness, Pete. Dear Pete Suggs picked his nickname at random from a book about Jazz musicians.Inspiration comes from life I suppose, to put it basically. CB Dear young Chris .
Good reviews
Please find enclosed an email from Capital FM . Roberto Capitalfm 21 May at 21:38 Good to hear back from you Barry, You dont have to convince me Madness are good, I love'em, proper London band! Wings of a Dove has to be one of my favs. Loved the musical 'Our House' tooo. Ive heard a few pieces of the new stuff, and do kinda like it. As you've pointed out though, it is no1 on the indie chart and Capital doesnt really cater for indie/ska music, that would be more our sister station XFM. I'm gonna have a chat with the music guys tomorrow and ask them why we dont play it, they may have a better answer. Please dont think I've forgotten about you though if you dont hear back from me till next week, got another stupid busy day tomorrow. As for Madstock, isnt it like the first one in over 10 years, should be brilliant! Roberto Ps - did see your status update, surely we're not THAT bad ;-) How sad ! The Flash . Dear Barry What can I say? We are indie ska? He hasn't really got it has he? Thanks for all the hard work. all the best Chris CB Hi Chris,
Madstock - start and finish
Again I just wanted to bring you up to date on some information from Holland. The Liberty of Norton Folgate got some great reviews on the volkskrant.nl (big dutch news paper website). He is basically saying 'great album, only thing I'm listening to on my iPod, go out and buy it', which I can only agree. Here is the link: http://www.vk.tv/muziek/article1202226.ece/Madness_klinkt_als_vanouds I will not see you guys in Holland, but I will see you in Berlijn and London...oh yeah Madstock. I can just feel the tickets coming to me through the letterbox.. ;) Peace, André Dear Andre Thanks for the support. The tickets will come I promise you. CB CB - I'm planning to come down for the Madstock gig on 17/07 from Liverpool, but haven't finalised my travel plans as yet, do you know at this early stage if there is a set finishing time for the gig, I know previous gigs I've been to have had set end times due to late noise etc. I don't know whether to get the last train home and get my head down on the train, or try and get a cheap hotel and go home fisrt thing Sat morning. any indication would be appreciated. on another note, I've asked this before, but is there any chance of seeing the lads playing at the Liverpool Echo Arena in the near future, Cheers Besty.
Dear Besty I think it will be finished by 11. I have been asked this before so I should know sorry to not have the exact times. As for future gigs, see the top of my page. CB Hi Chris
Berlin
I just got the biggest surprise seeing a clip on Madness on the Channel One News, here in NZ. They mentioned that you're famous for the hits Our House and It Must Be Love ...I wish to take this moment to apologise for this sad fact that these are the only two songs (and brilliant they are too!) that kiwis know you for... and that you are still going strong, having just released the long-play, LONF. They went on to say that you are touring Europe this summer and will be celebrating your 30th anniversary with your 5th Madstock in London. I just wanted to share this with you, because I never have the pleasure of hearing you mentioned on these far off distant shores and if this news this evening has anything to do with your new management and how they are promoting you at the moment, then I tip my topper in their direction mate. They're doing a flippin' good job in letting the world know that you are still in top form, so please thank them on my behalf... and I thank you 7 guys, on my very own behalf ;-) Renee (my girlfriend) and I are probably the only ones frome NZ that are going to be at Madstock and I can vouch for one Sian Harman and friend who'll be travelling from Oz to be at Madstock. We're catching the Nutty Bus to "Marrakesh" MADSTOCK!!!! It's gonna be a great day!!! Sean Gaskin Dear Sean Surely not there must be a good few Kiwis coming. CB When you in Berlin Chris on 05.06.09 you do TV shows or just play one koncert? 1 day in Berlin not good more days very good, I drink bier in brighton wonce was wery fine.
London HMV
Danke Hanz O' Dear Hanz No one day then we have to go. auf wiedersehn CB hey bud not asking anything just wanted to say thank you to you and the band for the london appearance, it was ace, I have been a fan since the start of your wild ride but it was the first time I got to meet you all ( you might have guessed that when I couldnt get my mouth to work in conjunction with my brain and say anything intelligent when you said you should have used the back entrance of the shop instead of coming in the front and all I could do was mumble about a photo of you and me ) and it was well worth the trip down fae bonnie scotland ( 15 hours all in ) to get to meet you so once again thank you thank you thank you all you made me a very happy fan cheers and love to you all T B
Tickets
Dear Terry Thanks for coming all that way. CB It's just some information for the people who are worried about their tickets for Madstock.
The Cupboard
AEG are honouring all of Trinty's ticket commitments. If you ordered your tickets via Trinty you should have received an email a week or so ago stating that you will recieve your tickets within the next 4 weeks. This should bring us into June, the same time as we were meant to receive them from the defunct company. If you have not received such an email you should go to the AEG website where you can contact them direct, if not try Trinity Street Direct Limited's website there you will find links to the creditors who may be able to help you. Chrissy and the boys have no way of knowing about tickets, I expect they are worried about the situation but they cannot help us. Paul Bridges Dear Paul thank you so much. I wish I'd thought of that.. CB Nooooooooooo! My illusion's are shattered, I thought you lived in the cupboard, I don't know if I will ever get over the shock!
Fast Kix
I'll give it a go though, I recently saw one of your Young One's performances, House of Fun in the pub. I noticed that Woody and Bedders swapped instruments was this done on purpose by the writer's or did they just pull a fast one? If so what was behind the jape? Paul Bridges Dear Paul I dunno. Boredom? That was the theme. CB The wife's just got a tortoise and she's called it Kix. All our pets have been named after our musical persuasion, as long as the name seems to suit. We've previously had cats called Suggs and Chas and a tank of tropical fish called Toots and the Maytals. We've still got a cat called Moon (short for Skinhead Moonstomp - which the wife doesn't like me shouting out of the doorway late on) and Millie (cos she's 'small'). Now we've got Kix the tortoise. he's faster than I thought he would be...in fact, he might be faster than the original these days! Don't know when we'll get something that looks like a Chrissy Boy. Sorry, fella!
Madsatock
Dear I am so gutted. CB Can't wait 4 madstock to get after comin & seeing you a wembley in decmber we just can't wait wwe have 2 morwe comin makin 8 of us keep up the good work the new album is great look forward to saeeing you all at madstock
LONF
roy Dear Roy Thanks CB Just got the new album and its fantastic. When I heard you perform on the town at the O2 in Dec I didn't care for it much but now I have heard it on the album I think it is fantastic. My favourite Madness tracks are Elysium and 4am (I don't go for the obvious!) and that song reminds me a bit of both of those. Anyway.. then I played So Close loads and love that track just as much. Congratulations x
New Album
helen Dear Helen Thanks, do you mean That Close or is there a track the lads didn't tell me about? CB Lads, just got the new album ITS BRILLIANT.
as good as !!!!!!
Got it in the car, on the ipod and on the computer. Got it 2 says ago and still listening to it - you may want to have a go at Itunes as the album artwork is not supported. PS thanks for all the entertainment over the last 30 plus years. PPS Woody use to teach at my daughters school (Hayes) and got then lost his autograph, how can I replace it and p[ossible get some more - Cheers Stuart Dear Stuart Thanks - but how could you lose a thing like that! CB Hi Chrissy...Having seen you lads play at least 50 times since the early 80s and now have just got my tickets for Broadlands...and still waiting for the Madstock ones!!!! I know i will never be dissapointed in your gigs...but i have just seen 2 Special gigs at Brixton and they were out of this world....did any of you go ?????
Old M
Cheers Mark Dear Mark Yes I was the only one who dared to. Really good show, pity about Jerry but life goes on. CB Hi C.B,
HMV
You answered a question a little while back regarding who designed the old M design. I thought the old design was done by Carl's younger brother Brendan..? All the best, Jason. Dear Jason Then you thought wrong. CB Hello Chrissy Boy just wanted to say a big thank you for the great set at HMV and an even bigger thanks for signing my stuff.As a tribute to yourself sir you can see I was rather chuffed : )
DaNcE CrAzE
All the best Matt Dear Matt Er..yes fascinating. Glad you enjoyed yourself. CB Chris,
official date?????????????
any plans for a Dance Craze Tour to celebrate where it all started?? Imagine, Madness, The Specials, Selecter, The Beat, Bad Manners & the bodysnatchers on one stage again..... playing only music from the first 2 albums....awesome thought I just caught the specials and it was a great gig! probally top 5 moments in my life... Max Dear Max No plans.Yes the Specials were good were'nt they? CB once again chrissy boy,good afternoon,
Stuffing ...
chris a couple of lads and i know (madness fans) are just arguing about the date madness officialy formed in '79,is there an actual official date??????????? thanks chris GAFFO IN DUBLIN Dear Gaffo On January 22nd 1979 we played the Music Machine billed as Morris and the Minors. We had decided before the gig to call ourselves Madness.The first gig under that name was at the Hope and Anchor on the 3rd of This was after constant badgering of the owner John Eichler by Chas and Simon Birdsall who lived opposite in Compton Terrace. Eventually John Eichler has to help the band out as he has to pay for the PA hire [£30]. So May 3rd 1979 really. CB Hello Chris
LIVE
Three questions for you. Ere you go: Is it true Dave Robinson bought an entire forest in Scotland on the groups behalf, telling you all it was filled with diamonds and blank royalty cheques - then refusing to buy you shovels or give you pens? A.No not true, nearly though. With the second wives thingy, do you trade wives regularly, and is there a government scheme that helps you get a fair price on the on the old model? The truth should be told.... A.What about me? I need a service myself. Regarding the new disc, its very good. Also shows a nice sense of maturity. I wish you guys every success, and its also good to see you getting some decent media exposure too. And lastly, for mentioning Somers Town in his lyrics, Carl surely deserves an ASBO, don't you agree? A. No, he should have an MBE . Kindest regardz Shovels O'Gravy (Labourer and PT Taxidermist) Is it true your playing Glastonbury?
TLONF tv ad
If not have you any plans to come to Manchester. Thanks silentbob p.s Folgate is the bollocks!! Dear silentbob Yes we are playing at Glastonbury.Gigs see the top of my page or the bit that says gigs. CB Hello again Chris,
Newbury Race course
Did the Dust Devil video haters influence the making of the new album tv ad, ie. "wacky and funny Madness." Just wondering, cos I liked the Dust Devil video a lot and thought it represented the song very well. I just don't want Madness to pander to people who think all your videos should be the band doing silly things! Patrick. Dear Patrick No not at all. CB Just brought tickets to newbury and i am bringing 10 mates seen you twice in birmingham just wanted to make sure its going to be a full concert as i have gone on and on how good you are live
Maybe next time!
Paul Dear Paul No we will only be on for ten minutes. OK only joking it's usuall a full set. CB I feel really bad for the message I left you last night! I am aware tickets were given away to some of ur favourite fans! Oh well mayb ur'll think of me next time!?! Is there any chance u could add Adams Nuttyforum link to this site please? xx
hmv
Dear Jade Sorry but no. CB hi chris, i just wanted to say that the hmv gig and signing was fantastic.as it was filmed, do you know if it will be released !.many thanks, stuart.
Thanks
Dear Stuart Thanks. The film was just for HMV as far as I know. CB Hi Chris, thanks for the suggestions for Camden. Have received my box set and am trying my hardest to wear it out with continual playing. I must say you lot have got reasonably good, have you ever considered going on the X Factor or Britain's Got Talent?
The sun and the rain
Cheers, Spoffy Dear Spoffy No. CB Hi Chris,
Hello!!!! :0)
I'm taking my 5 year old son to his first Madness gig at Newbury racecourse on the 30th, his favorite Madness song is sun and the rain'. What's the likelyhood of it getting an airing at Newbury? I got the new album on monday and i have to say it surpassed all my expectations, it was well worth the wait. Thanks for all the music over the years. Cheers, Graham. Dear Grham Thanks. We usually have that in the set so we should do it. CB Hi Chrissy in the cupboard! Hoping to talk my hubby into seeing you at the Norfolk showground on the 13th June. Havent seen you all live since wembley xmas 92 and madstock 92 before that! Many happy memories-like having to spend the night in Finsbury park because the damn car wouldnt start!!!! Off to buy the new album maybe that will persuade him!! x
Madstock Tickets AGAIN!!
kay francis Dear Kay Get a new husband. I am not actually in the cupboard you know. It's just here and all the messages go into it. CB Hey Chrissy Boy,
Capital Radio
Sorry to bombard with you with ANOTHER ticket enquiry, but i received the following email from Trinity Street Direct - To: Customers and creditors of Trinity Street Direct Limited (in administration) (the Company) You may be aware that the Company went into administration on 26 February 2009 and has ceased trading. Further information can be found at the Company\'s website www.trinityst.com The website includes information concerning events and orders previously dealt with by the Company, together with formal communications required by the Insolvency Act 1986. If you are a creditor of the Company, the administrators will send you by post a copy of any formal communication required by the Insolvency Act 1986 if you so request. Please note: this e-mail was sent from a notification-only address which cannot accept incoming e-mails. Please do not reply to this message. Emails addressed to the administrators should be sent to trinityst.bakerst@tenongroup.com, and should include "Trinity Street" in the header. If you are a customer creditor who is awaiting the receipt of tickets or merchandise, please note that the Administrators are unable, for the time being, to provide you with any more information than is contained on the www.trinityst.com web site. Please continue to check www.trinityst.com for further updates and do not write to or email Tenon Recovery. You will receive further email updates from the Administrators concerning statutory reports and in the event that there are other material matters to report I'm worried about my Golden Circle Ticket now :(...Any Suggestions Luke Oxslade Dear Luke This is good, as it means you are on the data base so you should get a follow up email from AEG. You may have had one already and it's gone in your spam file or something. You should get your tickets in the next 4 weeks.If not let us know. CB CB Me again young Chris .
No 1 ?
Had a moan to Capital Radio about the lack of air play of Dust Devil and got a reply from the afternoon DJ Roberto said he was emailing this from home and will be in contact when he arrive's back in Capital Towers today (thursday )I'll keep you informed . All the best , The Flash . Thanks. This is greatly appreciated, but that's yer lot.next! CB Dear young Chris.
Proper Pork Pie hats
Looked yesterday at Radio 1 chart show website and under indie singles Dust Devil is the new No 1 !!!!!! Check it out Barry Allen Dear Barry Wow! Does that mean they will play it? CB So where did Kix get his cute pork pie from? The world needs to know ...
taking libertys
With sincere thanks in advance ... Mario & Morino (Pigeon ticklers extrodinaire)NW1 Dear M and M As I said before, I gave him that hat. Where did I get it? Er my second wife gave it to me. She got it from a second hand shop. CB dear chrissy boy and all cliff here firstly would like to say on my way home from my night shift this morning purchased your new cd although ive already got the box set am i mad or what? secondly would have loved to have seen you guys at hmv but work once again got in the way. as a presenter of a hospital radio show which ive done now for the past 21years madness have had and will continue to have lots of airplay and i would love to do a interview with you all my show is ten till 12 on a saturday and the stations no is *** *** **** and cant wait to see you all at madstock when my tickets arrive. finally as youve been going for30yrs ive come up with what would be my favourite set list comprising of 30 songs here goes. one step beyond,embarrasment, my girl, sugar and spice, bed and breakfast man, swan lake, lovestruck, house of fun, our house, not home today, you said, shut up, driving in my car,wings of a dove,dust devil,nw5,when dawn arrives,the sun and the rain,michael caine, sat night sunday morning,your wonderful,idiot child,grey day,one better day,it must be love,forever young,baggy trousers,the prince,night boat to cairo,madness
Special Delivery
clifford wheatcroft Dear Clifford Thanks and keep up the good work. CB Dear Chris,
Private gig.
When are my Madstock tickets going to arrive? Are you playing with the Specials at Madstock? Can you have the Specials deliver my Madstock tickets to me? Many regards Steve Dear Steve I'll try. Is this a wind up? CB Hi Chris, not very happy this evening! Was supposed to go down to HMV with an old friend of mine who sed she wasnt goin and then did without me, But to top it off was given a ticket for the private gig 2morrow night without entering the comp!As u can imagin I wasnt happy to find this out! Everyone who entered wanted to be there so badly but tickets where given out that could have been put in the comp for more people to win! These tickets were priceless to comp entering fans! I'm really sorry to sound down and annoying, but the hole situation has really upset me a great deal 2night as it was the launch party of LONF and havin a faire chance of winnin a ticket wud have been nice! Sorry again. Much love. Jade. xx
Live vs recorded
Dear Jade That's life baby.Sorry.Get some new friends. CB -- im sorry but i have to say i was disappointed when i heard the live versions of the liberty of norton folgate, but i am happy 2 say i really liked the recorded version!
mad
thanks.. Jack, life-long-fan although i am only 14 ;) but you rock! Dear jack that's a bit harsh isn't it? We hardly know it yet. We did it yesterday and well, it needs a bit more live airing. CB i like driving in my car its a peugeot 306, sometimes i drive over sticks.whats your favourite tree ?
M
ian kelly Dear Ian The Oak tree I suppose. CB Who did the original Madness M design?..
hmmm..
P.s I agree with Nige.. bring back the pork-pie! zil or liz A guy at Stiff records.NO. CB I have fond memories of the 1999 Doc martens signing and the Suggs 1995 one to get me through the working day...did u ever see the video of the dm signings we sold :)
the question you hate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway yes lets chat :P OK CB Howya chrissy boy,
cd
hate to be blunt chrissy boy but are there any other gig dates planned for DUBLIN this year as the eletric picnic tickets are still been sold as weekend tickets (240)bit (STIFF)GET IT (HA HA),anyway chris hope to see you'se all soon, thanks GAFFO IN DUBLIN SUGGESTION:A MADNESS AND SPECAILS DUET WOULD FILL OUT THE NEW 02 ARENA THE ULTIMATE 2 TONE GIG OF THE CENTURY,JUST A FANTASY CHRIS THAT AND THE PICNIC TICKET PS COULDN'T CARE LESS FOR THE OTHER GROUPS AT THE ELETRIC PINIC Dear Gaffo yes sorry I wasn't thinking was I? We love Ireland and we will be back my son, don't you worry with a much cheaper ticket price. I tried to get one day tickets sorted but it couldn't be done.. CB bought the cd at tescos, already own the boxset, i'm lovin' it, y'know the loyalty has been worth it! Chris, Sugar n Spice, with a Madness video and it won't be no. 64 I can tell you. I have to say the vinyl versions of Dirt Devil are quality. I thought the one step beyond rendition at hmv was class, Mr Thompson is a bit good at that saxamathingy int he. Love you lads {not in a gay way RIGHT}. Si
Innocent Soho Video
Dear Si Love you long time too big boy. CB xx Hey Chris
hmv 19 may
We have been huge madness fans for a long time, i noticed your new video is alotlike ours "Innocent Soho" would love for you guys to take a look/listen Cheers Dudz www.myspace.com/virgintothesun Dear Dudz er yes CB just big big thank you to all of you guys for puting up with singing of the dangermen t shirt
HMV...
just brought masive frame and framed it how can i forget meeting you gus out side before the gig great as ever cant wait till madstock thinking now ime about to buy some tickets for one of the gigs before it keep up the grat work see yu all there which one can you recomend is going to be the best sorry all of the are always wicked cheers adam devere Dear Adam Thanks to you for waiting for us. Yes all the gigs are wicked. CB Hi guys just a quick line to thank you for the show at Hmv, it was great to see you so up close and personal !! Also a bigger thank you for the autograpths....on my leg !!!! i was the bloke with the tattoos and am unable to have a wash until my tattooist comes back of holiday on friday and i can get them inked on permanently
flappingGoose
Thanks again and will see you soon at Norwich and Victoria park, Cheers again......Alan p.s if you want to use my leg for advertising i can bring it with me to any of the forthcoming concerts !!!!! Dear Alan I did such a rubbish signature still not as bad as good few years ago when I as a bit...refreshed and gawd knows what I did. Liked the way you said Chas' pen hurt! good luck CB hi, its me AGAIN!!! me and a friend do a small comedy series on youtube and we are about to start the 2nd series. he never really liked madness or new them until i spent ages showing him your songs and now he loves you and the new album. we were wondering if we could have your permission to use dust devil in the video to help promote it and it will fit in well.
HMV yesterday
we will put some info about the new album in the desriction also- they havnt relied about the ghost train suit yet but waiting un-patiantly...for the ghost train. thanks jack Dear Jack Yeah use it and see what happens. Cb Storming HMV gig fella's. Didnt bother to queue afters, but nice show. Lee's tight lil porkie (hat) looks fab, but where did he get it? And don't tell me he was born with it - thats unnatural
Favourite song
Thanks. I gave him that hat. Where did I get it? Er my second wife gave it to me. She got it from a second hand shop. CB as a band what is the favourite song you have recorded and alos which is the favourite to play live...also if you could be a pint of beer which one would you be!
HMV
Colin Faulds Dear Colin Well I enjoyed The Prince and I also like playing it live a lot as well. Beer er..a Sol. CB just a line to say the whole HMV experience was fantastic!! After 30 years of following you lads, it was great to finally meet you all.
HMV and Madstock
Madstock here we come. PS Nice hat you had on there today! Matt A Dear Matt Thanks, it was a Kangol. CB Hey Chris
allo mate
The HMV gig was excellent, the sound was surprisingly good and you guys were blinding. Definitely the most productive (and longest) lunch break I've ever had. I was the guy who mentioned the album art competition that I think your management ran last year and the fact I was the guy who won it (with the minimalist stick men doing the nutty walk), not sure you knew what I was on about as I mumble at the best of times! Was great to see so many fans and people buying the album, it really is a cracker. Was wondering if Victoria gardens (or should that be park…see what I did there) could potentially get an airing at Madstock? Cheers Sam Dear Sam Yes I remember you from past web sites and such. I judged that competition! Victoria Garden now...there's an idea. CB did you get the massage i sent you last night for mark bedford my dad was arsking me about it today.
norfolk showground gig
spence Dear spence yes I set it to Bedders. CB Hi Chrissy Boy, can you please make my birthday and send me a free pair of concert tickets for the gig at the norfolk showground on 13th June, I know im being cheeky but I was always told if you don,t ask you don\'t get, I saw you in concert two years ago at Blickling hall and you were brilliant...
John Hasler today
my address is *** ***** ***** ***....all the best with the new album and tour...love Kerry x x Dear Kerry No I'm sorry my list is full. CB I have an Aussie friend called Keith who never forgave himself for leaving AC/DC to play bass for a jazz band back in '72.
Huncback of Torriano Riff
How have John Hasler and other early members who didn't make the final line up handled being left behind, are they still in touch with the band and how hard are they kicking themselves? Cameron Dear Cameron Some of them are and it doesn't seem to matter really. It's not as bad as leaving AC/DC to play..in...a..jazz...band...? I would top myself. CB Hi Chris,
album in dublin
Been meaning to ask you, did you write that rockin guitar riff in Hunchback? The writing credit goes to Woody, though when I first heard it I would have bet that it was the product of Chrissy Boy! Loving the new album, and can't wait for Madstock! Patrick. Dear Patrick Well far from me to er blow my own er..Madness is sort of like a football team. Woody scored the goal but I swerved through the opposition and gave him the cross. We all do this on each others songs from time to time. That is a good old riff ain't it? CB hi chris
Madness Logo
hmv in dublin dont have the new album and i was told that if i want it iwill have to order it.whats going on .is it only in uk.whos at fault for this glad you liked my son evan on you tube michael farmer Dear Michael Order it then! For your lovely wee boy! Or get it from Amazon or soemthing. He must be getting bigger now though, he was 2 when you filmed it right? CB Please re-instate the Pork-Pie hat over the world renowned Madness M logo & ditch the crown ! you lot maybe kings'n'all that stuff but the Nutty Boys image must/has to Live on !
NW5 & Madness
Best Rgds Life Long Fan Nige Dear Nige No way. That hat was crappily drawn for a start. CB Hi Chris,
the new album on itunes
I really enjoyed the set at HMV yesterday... I could only stay for 5 songs though as I had to get to Victoria for 2'o'clock - but you played my FAV ever Madness song - NW5. My question is whats behind the song - is there a meaning to it? Its my favourite Madness Song and when i get married i am even considering it as being my wedding song. Also, one last point, I am in the same boat as others regarding Madstock Tickets - i havent recieved an email either and i have a confirmation email from AEG :( Anyway - keep up the good work - LOVE the song 'On The Town' on the new album - brilliant Keep up the good work!!! Luke Dear Luke It's about someone we used to know. I think. You can never tell with Thommo. CB Hi Chris , first of all congratulations on the new album ( is it reall 10 years since wonderful ! )it is probably the best album to date although they do seem to be getting better all the time ( or is that just cos i am getting older:) ) as a fan since the begining i want to thank you all for many years of great music so THANKS MADNESS !!!! :) , do you have any knowledge of anyone else having any issues downloading the album from itunes ? i pre ordered the album and the track " the liberty of norton folgate" is missing from my track list :( no idea why this happened and i appreciate that u are not responsible for itunes but i am gutted i did not get the track :( , regards , paul.
Sorry
Dear Paul I don't know how that happened. I have forwarded this message. CB Dear young Chris
Thanks so much
Would have loved to have a little chat but as you said security was a little on the pushy side , but it was still good to see you , maybe a pint or 3 at Madstock if me and Mrs Flash are allowed . Best wishes and great news on the No1 Mr & Mrs Flash Dear Barry The what? CB Just compelled to say a huge THANK YOU for yesterday at HMV - as a lifelong fan it was just great and especially getting the chance to meet all of you guys and getting the album signed - brilliant ! Haven't been able to see you live since San Francisco in 2005, but can't wait for Romsey now (and taking the kids to their first gig), although shame I can't make Madstock.
No.5 now!!
The album is just brilliant and Dust Devil sounded sooo good live - shame it didn't chart but hopefully you get the next single out quick to keep up the sales momentum for the album. Life begins at 30 !! Andy Dear Andy Does it? I can't remember - it was such a long time ago. CB Just watched BBC1 news with Suggs and now no it is No.5, It was No.17 2 days ago!! As again very pleased for you, I can see this being a No.1 album along wiv Dust Devil being very high in the charts as I have heard it everywhere! COME ON MADNESS!!! xx jade
passport
Dear Jade Calm down. CB yes chris was at the HMV gig you put some strewberry laces in my box set made up for not winning a passport you chaps were great but nearly had a heart attack when Kix knocked over that bottle of beer near my signed box set will try to hunt you guys down on thursday night working at Aldgate east station that night good luck
interview?
Lawrence Dear lawrence OK - whens the last tube? Thommo is sad spilling his beer. He is losing his touch... CB HI SIR!! LOVING THE NEW ALBUM--MAIDEN CITY RADIO HERE IN DERRY CITY..ANY CHANCE OF A WEE ON AIR INTERVIEW WITH ONE OF THE BAND? CALL MAGOO ANY TIME ON 07969 132 052..LOADS OF FANS HERE IN THE NORTH WEST OF IRELAND!!! STAY NUTTY MY FRIEND..FROM ALL AT MAIDEN CITY RADIO IN DERRY
hmv!
magoo Dear Magoo I might just do that.. CB It was so nice to see you and the "lads" today and esp nice I was at the very front and got a few decent pics of you all for a change rather than the usual miles away from the stage, the only bad thing was the staff rushing me through nearly missed you and didnt get to see carl and lee!oh well, it was a good day and look forward to the next time!
new cd
lynn x Dear Dear Lynn First in the queue. Nice to see you again. CB x Hi Chrissy Bhoy, bought ur new cd today its brilliant my favourite is Dust Devil why haven,t you played Glasgow in your last Tours, you played Aberdeen last year, but not Glasgow, are you planning to come back to Glasgow in the near future
mouthy yet speechless
HOPE SO Willie Dear Wille Thanks for buying the CD and they say Scots are tight! What a load of sassanach blather that is my good man! As for gigs I dinnae nae - did you not read my intro bit ya ken? CB I can't remember much about the signing, it was a surreal experience and as down to earth as you all are, there was little I could say being faced with my child/teenhood idols... but what really made my day was between songs when I shouted out "COME TO BANGKOK!" and jumped up to which you turned and pointed at me, seemingly acknowledging me from my 'Madness ambassador to Thailand' tagline.
Scotland
I missed whatever Suggs said onstage to my Bangkok invitation and my memory of our brief exchange of words is foggy other than you asking how long I was here (UK). So yeah, I'm grateful for today, and the longevity of my appreciation for Madness remains solid as ever. I was unable to hear what you were saying to Suggs about me whilst I was at the table, but he was very friendly so it can't have been too bad. I couldn't remember if I gave you my card or even why I would do, but I gave it to one of the security blokes shortly after and you put it in your top pocket.. Of course, I don't expect Madness to come to Bangkok for obvious reasons, not for a gig anyway - but if I can ever be of assistance to you or anyone you know then i'd be more than happy to as you helped fuel my creativity and you seem like a nice bloke. Cheers, Cameron(Madness ambassador to Thailand) Dear Cameron Well I told them [the band] what you said about Japan and they think you are a wierdo. So there. I have got your card, I will treasure it. CB Just to say the new album is GREAT!!!
Norton Folgate
When are you all coming back to Scotland xx Maria Dear Maria Thanks - I dinnae nae. CB Chris
chart, not chart
The band have been together for 30+ years (since I was 9) and you just release the best album of your career - that's pretty special. Thanks and hope to see you in Ireland soon! Dec Dear Dec Thanks. We will be doing the Electric Picnic in Ireland. CB Hello Chris,
Special Guests?
Having said a couple of times that your not too bothered about wether your singles make the charts, my question is Do the singles/albums/box sets that have been purchased from the Madshop count towards the charts? from Andy Dear Andy I don't care do I? I hope so though, we could be number 1 Yeah!BUY MORE! BUY MORE! CB Hi Chris, Firstly congrats on the new album. It's The Dogs Danglies! Especially like We are London and Forever Young. Lyrically up there with the best of em! Sorry if this has been asked before, but when are we likely to hear news of the special guests at Madstock? Lots of rumours flying around at the moment. Also, due to work commitments I couldn't get down to HMV today. Don't suppose you have a spare signed LoNF CD lying about do you? See you in July.
getting shirty
All The Best Barry Dear Barry Sorry I don't. Thanks though for the nice comments.No SPECIALS secret guests I think. CB Hi C.B,
hey bud
I have printed 7 quality ska t-shirts for you and the boys - do i send them to the management address on the contact section ? All the best, Jason Dear Jason Yes please. CB Hey chrissy boy
So Close...HMV
Great album dude i showed my dad what you said he went brillant.Im listening to it just now .Have a great night mate Mark Dear Mark OK I will. G'night.Thanks. CB Howdy...I was a bit disappointed I wasn't allowed to join the end of the queue today at HMV. I'd been in a meeting until about 2.30pm and whizzed up to Oxford Street to be told the queue closed an hour before, yet there were only a few people left in it. Never mind. Still, I love the songs on the new album and if there's anything you can do to make up for this disappointment of not getting the album signed, I'd be very grateful. Many thanks and good luck with the album! Cheerio
names
Nick Dear Nick Aww I'm sorry it was fun. We had sweets and everything.Next time leave earlier. CB what is sugg;s real name ?
What a liberty !!
carmel Dear Canmel Dear It's Graham McPherson.What's yours? CB Hi C.B,
f5
Got a copy of the new album the other day, it hasn't been off the old cd player since !!! What a great studio album - since you lot started i felt the best album has always been Rise & Fall but now you have blown everyone away with TLONF... Out of all the albums you have done whats your favourite one. All the best, Jason Dear Jason Thanks very much.My favourite is One Step Beyond. CB No madness for me.. just work ..ho hum :P
Any more plans for live DVD releases?
liz Dear Liz Hey let's chat! I tried the F5 thing. Amazing...whoops! wiped everything.. CB Hey Chris,
Nottingham
Great to see that what with all this economic doom and gloom, there is still a place in the world for Madness to keep a smile on our faces. :-) I've been a long time fan, and I must say that the new album is your strongest yet! My question for you is: Do you have any plans to release any more of your live concerts on DVD?. The last one I have is Madstock 98'. All the best and hope the album gets the exposure it deserves. Dave G Dear Dave Thanks. We hope to relasee the Hackney Empire show soon....ish. CB Chris,
HMV today
Can't get to Madstock this time cos the school where I teach doesn't close until the 17th and Manchester to London is in time for the show is pushing it. So, we're coming to Nottingham instead and I've got to say that the line-up seems pretty good even. Loved the Pogues for many a year, Fun Lovin Criminals are pretty cool, The Rifles were one of my big new discoveries of last year. Looking beyond the better known names, though, Imelda May sounds exciting and Kid British too (not sure about 'Our House is Homeless' yet. I take it you have no knowledge or say about fellow acts for this gig so what a lucky break! What do you think of that little lot yourself??? Dear Big E Sorry you can't make it. Kid British we were asked permission to use Our House and I thought it was pretty good. Should all be good I hope. CB Hi Chris, Lee, Cathal, Suggs, Mike, Bedders and Woody,
HMV
I just wanted to write a note to say thank you so very much for a wonderful couple of hours at HMV this afternoon and for putting up with such a HUGE queue of people wanting everything including the kitchen sink, I believe, signed, but not having enough bottle to be able to speak to you properly. (Yes, as you can see, I am perfectly eloquent NOW, but when I got to Lee and Cathal ... I felt like a shy 12 year old). You guys were brilliant (as ever, of course ...). I know you know that and don't really need telling from me, but hey. And a BIG thank you, Chris, for the sweet. It was a wonderfully unexpected gesture that meant the world to me. It survived the journey along the 'signing' bench, although I fully expected it to have been eaten by one of your colleagues by the time it got to the end. I just can't bring myself to eat it. Even if I do "get marooned on an island somewhere", it will stay in my LONF box, safe and sound. My hubby, when he picked me up at the train station and I was ear bashing him about the great time I'd had, said, "What did I tell you about accepting sweets from strange men! I don't know, I let you go into central London on your own for five minutes ... etc, etc" ;0)) Once again, thanks guys and all the best with the new album and single. With love and hugs from Denise Dear Denise That sweet was part of the boxset and it to be used as a bookmark. CB Dear young Chris ,
Album Remasters
just a short note to thank you for the little get together at HMV today . Mrs Flash and myself had a good time and got some good pictures too . Many thanks for signing my poster too . See you at Madstock ! The Flash . Oh Barry Why didn't you introduce yourself! Too fast eh? CB With the success and rave (congratulations) reviews for the new album. What are the chances of your back catalogue getting the remastered/deluxe treatment?
Number 1!!!
Gavin Kendall Dear Gavin Fairly good, in fact excellent. CB Congratulations guys on being number 1 in the UK independent Chart!! Which i think is more important than any other considering the Black Eyed Peas song is number 1 in the official charts and is terrible! Can't wait to see you in the Golden Circle at Madstock!! Stevie P
HMV THIEF!
Dear Stevie didyou actually get some tickets then? Who from? CB Hey Chris...
Night Out
First of all i would like to say well done on a great album and intimate gig at HMV in Oxford Street. It was an awesome day. But it was ruined a little bit when i met you guys at the end I was pushed passed you guys before I had the chance to say anything... I got my HUGE Madstock poster signed which i am really happy with and I will get it framed and put on my wall, but i bought the single disc edition of the new album to get signed and after you guys signed it someone had it away from the end of the table you guys were sitting at. I spoke to the staff and security there and he just said "Too bad... someone must have taken it" So I asked him what i can do about it and he said "buy another one and join the end of the line again"... this is really harsh! I bought another one and was then told that i am not allowed to join the line... What a bad ending to the day... All in all it was a great day, with a great set with the best band ever to set foot in a recording studio, i am just disappointed on the missing inlay and autographs. But if this message does make it on the board and the person who took my inlay to the album is reading this... then I want it back. Please can I have my autographed inlay book? Cheers guys. Keep up the good work and I will see you at Madstock. Rich. Dear Rich Sad to hear this I will sort you out one if you don't get it back. It was bit hectic wasn't it? CB Hi Chris,
Me and my (not so) young lady are going to London for a couple of days and were wondering where you would recommend for a good night out with a few beers. Is Camden the place to head for on a Friday evening? (we are staying not too far away). I know you are now exiled to the South Coast but your opinion would be much appreciated! We won't have any such problems with places to go on 17th. July!! Cheers. Spoffy Dear Spoffy The Dublin Castle or the Spreadeagle are always good for a laugh. CB Winding down the questions...
Mine's a pint....
Question: Hi Chris Sorry if all the correspondence has been tiresome - let me asure you it's down to fascination with music and that I don't know where you live, etc, fruitcake, etc. OK, two questions as I wind it down... 1) Have you considered doing a remix competition like a number of performers have done, for example Athlete & Tracey Thorn (limited cut and paste via umyx) or Hard-Fi, Jars of Clay, etc (download the stems)? I reckon Idiot Child would be a beauty for that - especially with its single potential. 2) Any plans to release BBC sessions? The Peel release seems to generate a few quid on ebay. Muchos apologos.Mike Fisher Dear Mike Oh please don't go...Oh go on then, till next time. 1. Not flippin likely. 2. We are talking about the BBC stuff. CB ... just you remember those notes are not legal tender Mr Foreman.
just missed the HMV gig...gutted
What on earth are you all going to do with them!? lol Should you require more I still have the original jpg. Thanks for a brilliant afternoon. See you very soon Em x Dear Mrs B I just tipped a cabby with one... CB should I go to the pub to make up for it?
BOX SET
Bob Dear Bob Yes of course. CB Chris,
fan club address
The Box set is �80 in HMV. Am I right in saying it's only �40 via your website? Regards, Coventry's Cheekiest Charmer Dear CCC I don't think it's that much but yes, you are right we are selling it the cheapest. But shops have to pay more staff and rent etc... CB Hello Chris,
30 years and still going
I'm writing on behalf of a friend, Paul Hindley, who is a keen madness fan. He'd like to know details of any fan clubs and if there are any newsletters available. Any details would be very much appreciated Regards Mark Dear Mark We don't have one but there are plenty of Madness sites with newsletter like MIS Madness Central and MIS France. CB Hi Chris and the rest of the lads from Big Gaz up here in Jockland.
Forever Young
30 years of loving you guys and your music since i first bought the One step beyond album way back in 79. Enjoying the new album and roll on the next 30 years. Nutty Boys forever :) Big Gaz Dear Big Gaz Thanks my man. CB 1 More ?. When is this being released in France as I am trying to get an import copy? Cheers Chris. Paul
Not a ????
Dear Paul I do not know.Soon? CB Just reading below and noticed someones 66 y.o. mum loves The LONF. My mum loves it too and she is nigh on 78.
Singles Box vol 2.
Paul Dear Paul Thanks-Is there anyone else who can beat this? I want a picture of a 90 year old dancing to Madness. CB Aiii aiii Chrissy Boy...is this gonna see a physical release?
D-Day
Paul Dea Paul Hope so. CB Altho' I already have the boxset, I could not resist walking into HMV yesterday and buying a copy of the 15-track LoNF. Well, walking into a record shop and seeing a new Madness album doesnt happen too often you know, so I could'nt help myself! The feeling of picking it up off the shelf and walking up to the counter - oh, what a lovely feeling. Sad? Maybe!
Thanks for ... all the stuff
Anyway after reading the glowing review of the album in the Sunday Times, I can now add "the album is so good I bought it twice"! Michael G Dear Michael What can I say.Thanks. CB Hey,
Very Big Congratulations!!
I've heard your music during most of my lifetime. It always cheered me up. I have had an rather sad and lonely live so far, but your music kind of helped me trough it... thanks. Greetings from Germany Milan Dear Milan Glad we've helped you through some sad times. Remember, someone is always worse off than yourself.. CB I hear LONF is No.17 in the album charts but also Complete Madness is No.53 atm! Well done guys, I am so pleased for you and that its bein promoted! Keep up the good work!!! xxxx jade
Dear jade I think it's actually number 5. CB scotland
Baracuta Jackets
Question: shoorly you must come up here sometime? luvverly to hear you back,you guys were a major part of my good 80's times! in fact the highlight. best of the best for the new one al gray Dear Al Thanks. We will return... CB Hi Chris.
photograph
Really love the Madness Baracuta jackets on your site, but Baracuta is spelt wrong! My question is do i get a free jacket for pointing this out? Looking forward to Madstock in the summer. It might be a bit hot to wear my new jacket. Is there any small size left? Cheers, Al. Dear Al Well done.I was wondering who would be the first to spot that. Something is on the way CB first of all.i cant imagine life without you guys.superb.an earthquake is erupting.sweet.f*****g hansum.i was at a few of your gigs last year but when at newmarket racecourse i had a photo took of me with u ,suggs and i think chaz.it never turned out to well due to the resolution in the photo.it would have been a cracker to put on wall in my house.im from glasgow now live in st.neots cambs.past ten years have been great happy down south now.grew up through school with madness.absolutely superb chaps.i would love another chance to get that photo on my wall .maybe i bump into you guys again sometime fingers crossed.. keep up the great work and dont ever stop..xx thanks for the memories and for future memories..love it.first gig was finsbury park 1990 region when i was 16.20 of us came down by bus.brilliant.cheers craigy.no surrender
ashes to ashes
Dear Craigy Well, next time use a flash. Cb ashes to ashes
Thanks
Question: Don't know if you have the red button, but madness were just on the after program TOTPs bit thats on BBCi after Ashes to Ashes. It was Embarrassment with loads of check jackets and several woodpecker like movements from your good self. Do you remember it? jefed Dear Jefed Of course not. CB Hey Chris and fellas,
Nothing much to say but thank you for everything you have ever done. Nearly every song of Madness holds memories of great times.And this new album truly is the dogs danglers...I love it! Cheers again paul Thanks Paul CB my son
sporry
Question: hi chris if you get time.go to you tube and type in MAD FAN.its my son evan when he was two years old he is now 6 doind nutty walk madness walk hope you like it michael farmer Dear Micheal Ain't he cute? Put him on Britains Got talent NOW! Has he paid the PRS fees? CB how come sorry didn,t make it onto album.
paul barnett Dear paul because it was c...onsidered to be from a differant session. CB Madness Rock!!!
Stock,, box and guitar hero
Question: Alright dudes! Not realy a question but i just wanted to say you guys r f*ckin wicked. Its my old man that got me listening to yous i remeber jumpping about my house 5 years old rocking out to your music. amazing times !! Keep it up boys youz rock ps just watched yous on the paul o grady show wicked!! Kirsty from glasgow See you Kirsty CB Hey Chris,
mad member
Should I be worried if I haven't received an email re Madstock tickets yet? I bought them via the dreaded Trinity. I love the box set, it was well worth the money and wait. When will the next album be ready hehehe? Have the band thought of Guitar hero Madness edition? See you all at Madstock, fingers crossed, I had booked the room, train tickets and bought a new hat so it would be a shame not to get the tickets. Anyway I know you are busy at the moment which is good for us fans. All the best to you and yours and the rest of the band. Dear Steve give it till June. Then panic. We will we will sort you... CB how do i become a M member, DO I HAVE TO LIVE IN A CUPBOARD TOO?
The Specials/ Astoria Dangermen session gig
tootie Dear tootie No you have to buy the boxset and get the Mbership card inside.. CB Hi Chris
A lil cock up?!?
Finally got to see The Specials on the 16th ...You were right they put on a terrific show.. My question concerns the support . They were support to you at the Astoria gig on the Dangermen tour.Can you cast your mind back and tell me who they were as I can't remember (the memory's not what it was !!!!!!!!!!!!!) Mick Allen Dear Mick Pama International. http://www.pamainternational.co.uk/ I wasn't on that tour you know... CB Just seen the Paul O'Grady show, You all looked stunning in ur suits! I heard a slight cock up in Dust Devil which was quite funny and you all seemed amused by it and covered it well! I am treatin my friend to the new album in couple of weeks! And 1 week and 5 days till Newbury! Hope ur keepin well. xx Jade
hi cdust devil
Dear Jade I am counting the days... CB chris
Paul O'Grady and Broken Shoulders...
hope you are well i want to say how disgusted iam that dust devil hasnt even got in the top 40 this week i have only heard it played on radio 2 how come other radio stations wont play it but play the same old crap over and over again the song is a masterpiece has is the album ive got the album the single and the boxset and will continue to buy and support you boys whatever you release sorry for the rant take care mate. many regards mark. dear mark Calm down. How do you think we feel? As long as you like us then we don't care.. CB After a recent tussle with a bottle of Vodka and a flight of stairs, I'm now laid up in bed with a crook shoulder. I'm normally at work when The Paul O'Grady Show is on the Liza but I've just woke up from a Co-Codamol induced coma to see you guys giving it a load....BRILLIANT!!! It's been worth spending 4 hours in A&E just to see you lot on the telly again.
Temptation
When I was 6, back in 1978 I dragged my mum to "Woolies" to buy my first ever cassette...... "One Step Beyond". I still have it somewhere!!!! MADSTOCK HERE WE GO!!!!! Nickyboy Dear Nickyboy Well I would like to point out you were a bit early, as it didn't come out until 1979. What drugs are you on? CB Have you been tempted back to Madness yet Chrissy Boy?
Memories
The actual group, not mental illness. Will I get to see your happy smiling face once more? Love and squiddgy hugs, Claire Bear Dear Claire No, not yet. I have a got a stand in who looks like me, but he is a bit older and fatter. CB Hi Chris
new album
Sitting here in Melbourne, Australia surfing the net and came across the website. As a teenager growing up in Glasgow, and being a Ska boy, it brought back very happy memories. Went to see the band at the old apollo theatre, must have been around 1983.Mum threw out my F*** art, let's danse t-shirt i brought back from the concert. One step beyond was, and remains, one of my fave songs. Thanks for some very happy memories, listening to radio 1 top forty every sunday night to see if your latest single went up our down. Now for the Question I was in Spain on holiday around 1982 and i bought a picture cover 7 inch single of one step beyond in Spanish (Une paso adelante) Just wondering if the band actually recorded this or some Spanish Crooner sang over the music? It's Just Gone Noon........ Donny Turner Melbourne, Australia Dear Donny What happened was a Spanish guy used to always knock out cover versions of the current hits and he was going to do One Step Beyond. So we got Chas down the studio and sort of beat him at his own game.. CB well hello their chrisy boy just went to my local sainsburys in winchmore hill and got the new album what can i say ? fantastic !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ive waited a year since i see you boys at hackney to hear it again its even better see you all at victoria park if my tickets turn up i got them from trinity st !!!! all the best wayne
new album
Dear Wayne Sainsburys wow! They have got everything! The tickets will come - have faith CB chris just got my liberty of norton folgate , wicked tunes , just shows you nutty boys still have it ! love it ..
Danerman Sessions
paul Thanks Paul CB Chris,
passport
I bought the Dangerman sessions around a month back, and i have to say i think its bloody fantastic. Just wondered other than Chase the devil/iron shirt why do you not perform more of these covers! They are awesome!! Do you not enjoy playing them? Lola, shame and scandal, you keep me hanging on and john jones are my favourites! Anyways, see you at HMV! Have you heard our new album? Now what would you rather hear? no passport for me see you on tuesday
Launch Party
lawrence Dear Lawrence OK were you there? CB Dear Commander
visit in israel.
I would dearly love to attend the HMV gig and signing on Tuesday, but I have an AS-level English Literature exam the following day, therefore my mother will not let me attend. It is for this reason that I\'m somewhat grovellingly begging you for a Norton Folgate passport for the Thursday... Pretty pretty please... yours Owen The Beggar Dear Owen I'm sorry but this time I can't help you out. Your exams are far more important than us you know. CB 1.Hi chris and all band, i'm from israel.do you have any idea how many fans you got here? because someone's told me you will never gonna come to israel, maybe it's not true? and beleve me you got a lots of people are mad about the band.And we have a beuteful countrey you must see it.
Video of Hackney Gigs
2.I loved your last album he's great, well done. Dear David Sorry, but playing in Israel is not likely at the moment. Thanks for being a fan though. CB Hi Chris
One Step Beyond...
Was just reminiscing about the fantastic Hackney gigs from last summer (we came to the first one, but as I ended up in A&E after being choked by an unfriedly KFC at the door, the kind ladies on the door swapped our tickets for the next night... an aside, but there you go) Anyway.... the question.... what happened to all that video footage of the gigs, and will we be able to get the gig on DVD at somepoint in the not-too-distant future? I can't get to your signing session next week. Any chance you can do a signing session in HMV Bexleyheath as well? :) Ian Dear Ian KFC? You are not supposed to eat the bucket. The film will be available sometime this year if I have to sell it at car boots myself. I'm sorry but Bexleyheath is not on the agenda. CB Hiya Chris, just a quick question for you, what kind of sax does Lee Thompson play in your song 'One Step Beyond'? the reason im asking is because my dad sadly passed away last friday and one of my favorite memories of him was in his car when he played one of your albums on tape about 10 years ago (im 18), this song now reminds me of him (mainly the sax part) and im looking to buy a sax with the aim of learning this song. as long as thats ok with you all?? your music is great by the way, ever since then iv been a fan. your sites great to, keep it going.
Republic of Norton Folgate - Passport
many thanks joe Dear Joe Really sorry to hear about your Dad. Thommo used a Selmer MK6 as far as I know. You can play whatever you want, of course it's OK with us. CB Gutted I've not recieved my passport confirmation email yet.
hello again
Can I blag a passport from you? A massive madness fan the new album is great been playing it since March. Box set is fab well worth the money. Cheers Tony Dear tony Sorry-I haven't got any. Hopefully it will turn up. CB would i be ok getting in on tuesday?
tealeaves
spence Dear Spence I don't know. I think you just turn up. Ring HMV Oxford street. CB Hi Chris not a question im afraid but i want to make everyone aware.At recent specials gigs in coventry and brixton there is a mob of lowlifes barging audience members around to secretly steal wallets etc.I assume that they will turn up to madstock so everyone be on guard....Also finally received my email confirmation so see you in july all the best.
do you
Dave Dear Dave Thanks for being so public spirited. Keep 'em peeled. CB do you have free pop bands so the pinkalious can hire no cash or credit
TLONF
verneka Dear Verneka Yes. CB Hi Chris,
M Password
Congrats on a GREAT album to you and the boys. 3 generations of our family have listened to the album (ages 10 to 62) and loved every minute of it and are looking forward to seeing you at one of your gigs soon. Best Wishes Matt (10),Claire,Dave,Liz & Ian (62) Rawlings. Dear Ian Thanks to all of you. CB Hi Chris
Enlighten me Delhi Guru!
I have been a bit of an idiot and lost my membership card and can't remember the password. Sorry to bore you with this but is there anything that can be done? BTW the album was well worth the wait - I hope we don't have to wait quite as long for the next one? Thanks Gary Dear Gary I have sent this on to our expert who will hopefully send you a new one. CB Becuase New Delhi is being mentioned alot lately I thought I should jump in by asking you a quesiton about the song.
flying kix!
Every lyrics website I look in, they all seem to be missing the last part of the song where Suggs sings in a strange Indian accent(after 'dying of la grippe'). Even Madness Central seems to be missing that bit. Can you tell me what they are? NiceManGeorge Dear NiceManGeorge I have passed this on to Suggs so who knows? CB Hi it's me again.
NME
Is the Super Kix up for playing above us minions? Trilby Masters Dear Trilby It costs too much. We have to get three blokes to counterweight him these days. CB hi Chris, i've just read the nme review of your album and i wish i hadn't. How Suggs can be accused of "going through the motions" I don't know. Apparently the specials have beaten you to the punch, they don't get it do they.
Missing a trick?
What a set of t*@@*rs they are. The rest of the music press I'm pleased to see are more positive. I've also heard that Africa is a "weaker track", funny that, I happen to think its fantastic....oh well what do I know! simon Dear Simon Ah well.There's always one. CB Morning..(or afternoon - depending on when your're reading this)
uk no ones
Just thinking it might be nice to see a special limited edition 30th anniversary one off MIS comic for sale in your shop? I'm guessing alot of the Madness fanzines are now defunct ...might be a gap in the market and all that? 'A Trainspotters guide Madness' maybe well over due ;) Enough said.. mull it over! liz x Dear Liz A good idea I must say. CB how many uk no one's have madness had
OLd, old, very old fan!!
kev Dear Kev One.House of Fun. CB Hi there.Just wanted to tell you all, as a fan from the early days, how much I'm enjoying all your new stuff. I was, and still am, a huge fan, though I take my medication to control it now!! Thanks to Bedders for the autograph I got back in '82.He made my teenage years!!! Keep it up cause you're still great!!
Madstock
Donna Dear Donna Thanks - so are you by the sound of it. Cb Hi Chris,
HMV
Any reason Victoria Park was chosen over Finsbury Park this time round? Cheers, Chris Dear Chris The stage is already there I think, is the reason. CB Witch HMV are you doing the signing in? Is it the HMV near the Marble Arch or the one near Soho?
'House Music' not 'Mouse Music'
Bjorn Dear Bjorn Soho CB Title of post I just sent supposed to be 'House Music' not 'Mouse Music' - sorry, I've had a few beers tonight, normally my spelling is tip tip.
mouse music
Cameron OK CB I didn't know you were playing as well on tuesday, that's sold it for me - i'll be over after I pick up me visa at Queens Gate.
TLONF Album
There will prolly be some hardcore fans with Suggs portraits tattooed on their chest, those obsessive fans can be a little too hardcore, loyalty is sufficient - personally i'll be happy to stand in line and mingle with anybody who can name a Madness song that doesn't have the word 'house' in the title. Is it gonna be an all folgate set? Cheers Cameron (Madness ambassador to Thailand) Dear Cameron A bit of both old and new. CB Hello chris going to the madstock concert in july cant wait, have the boxset and i have to say it is the most brilliant album i have, i was just wondering wil lthe album be out at normal shops such as asda, sainsburys etc.. all the best
pah!
callum Dear Callum I hope so. It should be in HMV for sure. CB I'll give you tumbleweed! :P
live chat
Get a proper chat appyon here, and i'll give you a chat showdown... *flexes typing fingers* ... *winks* liz Dear Liz Sorry it took me ages to locate the Tumbleweed then load it blah blah Eurovision is not on I am watching Later from earlier.I'm off ta ta.Oh, what's an F5 key for? CB How about live chat nights on here please? liz Dear Liz OK you have my attention. I am the only saddo in the band on here. So what do you want to chat about? [tumbleweed rolls past...] night night CB
My Mum
Not a question
That Close & Africa
But just to let you know I played my Mum the LONF in the car today, she\'s 66 and has had to suffer my Madness addiction since 1979. Her verdict when I played LONF track was "Fabulous"!!! I played most of the album and she send it was bloody fantastic. There you go, if me Mum says it's good you can't do better than that for a review! Cheers Louise Dear Louise Thanks- she sounds like a nice woman. Good taste in music. CB Hi Chris,
Madstock tickets
What inspired you to write "That Close", cos it is most certainly an excellent song. Do you write on piano or guitar these days? Also - please tell Barso that Africa is probably my favourite song on the new album, and one of his best pieces of work ever! Much respect, Patrick. Dear Patrick I have had that tune knocking around for a long time. Thommo did some lyrics, then Chas, then finally Suggs nailed it. I like Africa too glad you you do too. CB Firstly I have to congratulate you guys for the stupendously brilliant new album. The first record I ever bought was My Girl and I have been hooked ever since.
Trinity Madstock tickets
I hear AEG have sent an email out re Madstock tickets. I bought 3 golden circle tickets from Trinity on the day of release but have not received an email - does this mean AEG don't have my details / order? When I placed my order I got a confirmation from Trinity and an MTX order number so hopefully this counts for something. As the big day gets nearer I am getting more anxious about the tickets. Can you give me and countless others some assurance that all will be fine. All the best - hope to see you on the 17th!?! Wayne Dear Wayne Thanks for all the support.Can you give it a bit longer - till June. Then we will sort you out. CB Hi Chris
Hello
Apparently some people have had emails from AEG saying that they are honouring all Trinity Street madstock tickets, and that they will be dispatched in the next 4 weeks. I bought mine from Trinity and havent got an email - should i be worried? Thanks Phil Dear Phil give it a bit longer - till June. then we will sort you out. CB Just saying "hello". So, Hello. Nice site here.
new album in germany
Come stateside soon, we miss you. - Fonda Dear Fonda Hello and thanks.We will CB Hi Chris,
Reviews
why is the new album not avialable in germany ? Daniel Dear Daniel we are still sorting out a licenceing deal. CB Hi Chris,
De Montfort Hall Leics circa 1980?
Congratulations with all the great reviews of 'Norton Folgate'. Must be really satisfying for Madness. Hope they 'eject' the album straight into the Top 10! What's the most satisfying for Madness, charts or critical succes? Cheers, Shlatman Dear Shlatman Neither.The fans are most important really. CB Dear Chris or Carl (Chas) or Suggs
kirsty maccoll
My first ever Madness gig was De Montfort hall Leics.... arrived on the train i my two tone jacket and smoking a fag which was making me dizzy. The hall was full of rude boys,skins I was terrified,threats in the bog...I didnt care lights out Chas steps up....strobe One step Im in wild heaven See you at Madstock Fan for life :)Richard Walker age 47 -- Dear Richard Thanks that was quite brave of you I must say. We never see that side of it to tell the truth. CB hi chris what are your views on fellow ex stiff artiste kirsty were you a fan and if so are you like me pissed of the government wont set up an enuiry on kirstys death mate martin cochrane
hmv
Dear Martin Yes I liked her songs and it did seem a bit corrupt to say the least. CB Dear Chris, I am bringing my daughter along to HMV on Tuesday but have had to tell her you are McFly....any chance of doing one of their songs?
Guitars
Mick Ha ha. No. We could do a Busted one though. CB Hi Chris,
Tell Woody to have a day off-Madstock setlist sorted!
Which is your prefer guitar (studio and on stage)? I repeat....did you visit Rome ? Dear Roberto Gibson SG, Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster. Yes I though you meant will we come to Rome. I think many years ago we did. Ciao CB Well what do you think?
T Shirts
One step beyond Embarrassment Dust devil The prince NW5 My girl Sun and the rain We are london Shut up Sugar & spice Lovestruck One better day Iron shirt Bed and breakfastman Grey day Forever young House of fun Wings of a dove Baggy trousers Our house It must be love Tarzans nuts Madness Night boat to cairo Matt Dear Matt Not bad. CB Hello Mr. CB!
My dad
I was wondering (as usual)... I've ordered a T Shirt fom your shop. The ones with the 30th anniversary... Will they have printed 1978 or 1979? Just checking!! All the best. Mr. Paul B Dear Paul It better be 1979 don't you think? CB Hey chris
Album Launch Party
my dad likes the new album his favorite song is mw5 hope you have a good nigh Mark morrow Dear Mark Thanks he sounds nice your Dad. What a good man a great taste in music, make him some tea tomorrow morning. CB Dear Chris
tuesday
I was working away all week, so didn’t get chance to enter the draw until late Friday, which I think was too late. Any chance you could get me a ticket please?(I did find you that photo of you and your dad!). Thanks Dominic Dear Dominic Ah you have touched me dearly. No. Ok I'll see what I can do. CB what is tuesday at hmv all in aid of any way ?im goona pop up there but is it a wrist band thing?
the specials
Dear Spence You buy 20 copies of our album - we do a few songs live and then we sign some autographs on all the albums you bought. Then I nick loads of stuff fron the shop. CB went to watch the specials last week they were quality.are they likely to be playing at madstock this year as that would be some gig the two best bands on the same bill scott
absolutely
Dear Scott Sorry - not this time. CB hi chris, i just wanted to know if there were any tracks that didnt make it on the absolutely album,as you know some artists have a pick of , lets say 12 tracks out of 20.
At last!
all the best .stuart ellis Dear Stuart There were 14 songs on that album so there were 6 left perhaps. Most of them made it on to b sides and the like.I don't know if we have anything left from those sessions. CB Hi CB
it mek and oh my love
At last .. confirmation email from AEG that they are honouring all tickets bought via Trinity Street. That is all we needed to know to reasure those of us who were worrying. At least all of us annoying stress heads will stop bothering you about it now! Dear Helen Hooray! I'm glad to hear it.We will sort this out you know. One down, er a few more to go... CB hi chris
So happy!
after hearing bittersweet and rodette song,did madness record it mek and oh my love from around the time of dangermen sessions.and if so will they turn up somewhere for us to hear ta michael farmer Dear Micheal Oh my Love is being kept back, until we are really doing well. Then it will be released and become Number One worldwide. It Mek yes we did a pretty good version maybe a future b side. CB Hi Crissy Boy,
Meanings
I am SO looking forward to seeing you at Roskilde this year - finally! Been a fan since forever but apparently we have to travel to the UK to see you guys perform. Anyhoo, will the festival gigs be recorded for LiveHereNow releases? Thanks, Asger Dear Asger Thanks but,LiveHereNow? Who are they? CB Hi Chris,
Suggs plays bass?
Great to be able to congratulate you for all you've done with your colleagues. I sometimes get the impression you folks don't realise the extent of your achievements. I had two things to ask you. First, I regret that some of your best songs never seem to be played on stage. New Delhi, for instance (by the way, I had about the same experience in India), Brand New Beat, Prospects, Are You Coming With Me, Calling Cards, A Portrait Of Jennie and a number of others. That would be great. But maybe it's just me. Secondly, some songs are plain mysterious. What are they about? Is "Waltz into Mischief" about a Reagan speech at the House of Lords or something like that? Mission from Hell is my favourite on Folgate, but what is it about? NW5? Brand New Beat? If you feel like enlightening me, feel free! Anyway, thank you for all, Madness makes life much better! Jean Dear Jean Thanks.It's up to you to interpret the songs. Most of the lyrics you mention are by Thommo, who is very cryptic a lot of the time but very good with lyrics. CB So the UK Ambassador for Fish Fingers plays bass? Following up from the slendid question somebody asked earlier have any of you played your substitute instruments (save for Barso's harmonica) live or on record? Also, are there many tracks with you using acoustic? I think I spotted one on the new album and aside from In The Middle of the Night that's all I can think of.
My boy
ike Fisher Dear Mike Always a pleasure to hear from you. Quite a lot though. There was an acoustic on Shut Up buried in the mix. Chas does a bit usually on some of the songs Johnny The Horse, Clerkwenwell Polka and a few others he has penned on the guitar. CB Hi my little boy is 9 yrs old and besotted with you guys he's coming to two of ur concerts norwich 15th june and the other at victoria park in july, he's making me go out to buy him clothes to make him look like madness. He's constantly listening to his i pod which is loaded up with madness tunes. And always on u tube looking at ur videos he loves them. I wondered if u could possibly e mail back to say hi to him that would make his day. His names Danny but most of the time we have to call him suggs .Hope to hear from u . thanx Tammy
Your Mother in Law !!!!!!
Dear Danny AKA Suggs Hello from Madness. Eat your vegetables and you will grow up big and strong like us. Chrissy Boy and the Madness boys. the subject was just to get your attention
Paul o'grady
dont really kow how to start this but i was told by susan (via your mother in law) this would be the best way to contact you. First cheers for the signed photo and you probably wont remember signing the shirt as i heard you were half asleep, these were really appreciated by my Nutty mate (i owe you a couple of pints if you ever fancy a good night in the toon!, i think he swapped his wedding photo with the madness group photo!! well this is the story i work with a lad Kevin and his life outside work and a lot of time in work revoloves around madness. He is like a walking encyclopedia and spokesperson to the next generation (as we work in a school) for madness. We have a questions session in the form class to try and catch him out, the kids do the research and there is only one or two who have ever caught him out with a madness related questions. Kevin is an excellent lad and is very helpful in many ways, i am doing a charity cycle ride london to paris(like woody doing the marathon found out from Kevin who did sponsor him) and he has helped me raise a lot of my target total also unrelated he went out of his way to get a couple of newcastle utd football shirts signed by my heroes supermac and peter beardsley. My original idea was to ask via your mother in law if there was anything we could raffle from madness but i knew Kevin would have bought all the tickets, so i was now wondering if you could t hink of anything i could get him that was unique to a madness fan to say thanks for his help. He is going to Victoria Park and got tickets for him and his wife in the inner circle and he cant wait for that. p.s if you are ever up this way he would love to meet you for a pint, now that would be his ultimate pint. hope you enjoyed the soap awards and i hope this makes sense cheers tony Dear Tony Next time I am up contact me via Graham and who knows? Cramlington is a bit scary though at my age.Let me know the details of your bike ride and I'll sponsor you. CB Hi Chris is it true your on Paul 0'grady show this coming monday(18th may) & are you all on it
Madstock
mad2 Dear Mad2 Yes I hope so as far as I know. No one has pulled out - yet. CB Hi Chris
hmv
I know the old Madstocks at finsbury park used to hold 80 000 or so...any idea how many will be at Victoria Park? Many Thanks Mark Dear Mark Er well it was 35,000 a night 70,000 in total, minus Thommo's guest list, so that's about 3000 less. Anyway we hope to have a few - but not that many. CB having purchased dust devil through the website (by the way great price for a great song)i went to my local hmv (workington , cumbria ) for a nose around for the single and couldnt find it or any others so i asked one of the staff and she said we cant get hold of any singles ???? this sounded strange ? how can people buy this great song if its not there ? thought i would keep u informed
Mr Dury
good night Wil Dear Wil It's not my bed time yet but maybe you wrote this quite late yesterday or something. Thanks for buying the single virtually and also for trying to buy it really.It's all down to airplay. We get enough they will stock it. CB Hi C.B,
Gigs
After listening to your version of The Roadette song (which is the nuts by the way) - I wondered if you have have ever thought of doing a tribute album of Ians other works of art - lets face it you did a damb fine job with The Dangermen sesions....! All the best, Jason. Dear Jason We were on Brand New Boots and Panties where various artists covered Ian Dury songs. http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/l_reviews_a/19246.html but we have enough of our own songs to get on with really. CB Hi Chris,
Madstock
I am aware of what the gig page states,and as far as i know the world is not ending on 6th of September.I was merely inquiring if Madness have any plans to come to Scotland anytime in the future. Shona Dear Shona I meant the top of my bit where it says: 'Send me a question and I'll answer it. Within reason. Nothing about 'when's the next gig' please. That's in the bit called 'gigs' on the main page at the top'. Did you think it's all kept secret? I answered your message because it was practically live. I had just finished a whole load of replies and you popped up. I usually delete any where/whens the next gig? questions. To explain this for hopefully the last time, this is what happens. We get offered a gig. We decide if we all want to do it and we agree to do it. When it is confirmed, it goes on the gig page. End of. We don't really have any plans, we don't have a map of the world and stick a pin in it. It just depends what our agent offers us. I can't say we have "plans" to come to Scotland really. I'm sure we will do at some point, except I don't know when that will be. I know people have to plan holidays, time off work and so on, but there you go. yours CB Hey chris
Next Single...
just wondering, do you know the minimum age for kids to go to madstock on their own? Thanks, Harley Dear Harley I don't really know that. How old are you? CB Thanks for the signed photo ;-)
keeping the peace
My missus cant stop singing/huming On The Town. So on that basis - in depth market research - that should be the next single! That or Idiot Child or Forever Young or That Close or We Are London or Sugar and Spice or almost any track from the album. Too many to choose from! I sincerely hope this album gets the sales and recognition it thoroughly deserves. I lent mine to a friend who doesnt have a Madness album in his huge cd collection (he only ever liked Michael Caine, the song not the actor!). And he thinks the album is great. So ive told him to go out and buy it! But it does underline how this album COULD reach out beyond us Madness fans. ITV2 cut out your guitar solo from Our House. In fact it was like a cut-n-paste for both songs so they could squeeze in more boring soap stars. I assume doing shows like Jools is much more enjoyable! Michael Gleeson Dear Michael Thanks for the collection and sorry I was so slow in showing my appreciation. ITV2...They what! I will sue them! CB CJ
Bring On The Straightjackets!!!
all this busy bandtime away from home, I hope you've got a nice holiday booked with the missus.. I only go away three or four weekends a year, and each time it takes a fortnight to get back in the good books. But maybe mine is more mental than yours. MrDD Dear DD Nothing planned. Credit Crunch. CB Dear Commander...do you ever wonder why I address you as such?
The Specials
Thank you for your most recent reply. I will buy you a beer at the next gig I attend to seal the reconciliation. However, you will have to tell my father to stay away from the Demon Strings...honestly, talk about Embarassment... :) Your old pal Michael Caine recently said he'd like to be reincarnated as himself. But who would you like to come back as, given the choice? Rear Guards Owen The Nutter Dear Owen Do you live or work in Brighton? Commnander might have some relevance as I have a yacht or two in the Marina. I'd like to come back as me aged about 13. CB Chris
New Delhi
What did you make of The Specials at Brixton then ? Stewart Rennie Dear Stewart It was great.They were really good and it was nice to see them all before and after the show.Shame about Jerry. CB I was very pleased to see this song get some recognition on your post regarding the Rise & Fall cover - hell yes it was worth Mike getting 'blacked up' for; the fact the song is ignored by so many remains a mystery to me. Is there a story behind it? I've never been to India, but I have flown KLM.
Non-Delivery??
Cheers, Cameron (Madness ambassador to Thailand) P.S. I just arrived in Clapham Junction, great to be back in London after four years away. See you next tuesday, (no impolite pun intended) Dear Cameron Yes, the events in that song all happened to Barso.I can hardly contain my excitment at your arrival. CB Dear Chris,
Dust Devil
firstly I cant wait for Madstock, hope I get my tickets, (ordered through Trinity), fingers crossed. 7 of us coming down from near Edinburgh. 1st train to London on 17th!!!! I just wanted to let you know that the merchandise shop aint great you know!! I ordered dust devil last month and two tee-shirts and had an email on Sunday to say they had been dispatched....called them today and they tell me they havn't been dispatched as they have no stock????? I think they are having a laugh at our expense.....Wondered if you could have a word....had to cancel my order and re-order so I can get dust devil pack.....Will order some more tee-shirts if they ever get them in stock? Anyway thought you should know. Keep up the good work...a big shout to you all and loving Norton Folgate....see you in July. Regards Paul T Dear Paul Sorry about all that. You cannot get good service these days. I have forwarded your message to the relevant people. CB What number had Dust Devil reached in the midweek chart? The only listing I've seen had it at number 72 !!!!!!
favourite album
Brian Dear Brian I have not got a clue - but it's not looking good or someone would have told me. CB Alright Chrissy boy
Money money money (Where's Tommo ??)
I just wondered if you had a personal favourite madness album? And maybe 1 that you weren`t that keen on Cheers gary g Dear Gary Favourite has to be One Step Beyond. Least Mad Not Mad CB Hi there CB,
Soap Awards
In the TV appearance of "Money money money" (I guess it's the AbbaMania show http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN0wh5w9ixs) Where's Tommo ??? Can't see him anywhere. And who's that guy behind the keys. Is it Barso equipped with dreadlocks wig or is it someone else ??? Please CB enlighten me... Oren Sanie Dear Oren Thommo was not there due to something or another. Barso was supposed to be Fagin. CB oap Awards
Question: You guys were really good last night, well done. I stayed up just to watch you, i am in ICT now and i am knackered! All the best. L xxxxxx Leah Dear Leah Ok now get some rest.. CB Hammersmith, New Years 1985
Instru-mentals?
Question: Hi Chris, heres one that you may not be able to remember but it's bugged me for years. 31.12.1985 you played at the Hammermsmith Odeon for New Year. I remember above the stage there was a load of large balloons which I believe were to be dropped during the encore. No encore were played that night maybe due to a curfew policy. Any idea what the rest of the set was that night? I know it's a longshot. Thanks Gary Dear Gary I looked this up on the internet and found a set list from around that time. I remember the gig. It was a right pain in the a** We had to chuck everyone out on the street at 11.45pm. The flippin GLC caused that. It was filmed for the Old Grey Whistle test which then went live to glasgow for King who did the midinight bit. What a swizz. The set list was: Keep Moving/Samantha/Take it or Leave it/Shut Up/Mad Not Mad/Tomorrow's Dream/Night Boat to Cairo/4BF/Blue Skinned Beast/I'll Compete/Embarrassment/My Girl/Michael Caine/Grey Day/Uncle Sam/Yesterday's Men/It Must be Love/Burning The Boats/House of Fun/Our House Encore: Auld Lang Syne We would have probably had One Step Beyond as an encore as well. CB Hey Chrissy Boy
gold circle
I know Suggs plays Piano and Bass, Carl plays Piano, Bass, Guitar and Trumpet. What can the rest of you play other than your own instruments and do you all fiddle with each others or just play with your own? The Mad Onion Dear The Mad Onion Er.. Chas can sort of get a tune out of anything really. Mike is a bit like that too he did that great harmonica on Baggy Trousers you know. Me I can plonk the piano well enough and I use it to write with these days. Woody plays keyboards in the same sort of way as myself and he writes on a piano too. Thommo is also a piano player in the same way. Bedders is probably better on the piano and he plays guitar as well. CB Hi Chrissy Boy, I`ve got gold circle tickets for Madstock, how close to the stage are they? When I saw you at the O2 at Xmas I was about three miles away! All the best, Lee.
new album
Dear Lee They are about 2 miles away. OK I don't know, but pretty close. CB not a question, just wanted to say that the new album sounds really great I can't wait to hear it in full. I am 33 now and Madness have been my favorite band since I was 6!!! so it's amazing you guys are still doing what you do so well...
I'm such a blockhead
cheers and good luck with the gigs. Steve Dear Steve Thanks. CB Dear Chris,
The new album
I'm suffering from severe writer's block, yet here I am, writing to you. Can you please explain this paradox? Kindest regards Steve Dear Steve Yes. CB Hi Chris. I'm a long time fan from Ireland. From what I've heard of the new album, it sounds truly exceptional and possibly your finest to date. I know you're very proud of it but my question is "Why do you think the band got it so right with this one?"
Your gig in Norwich
Cheers, Karl Dear Karl Thanks. We got it right because we took a lot of time over it and the songs are very varied and by every combination of writers. Also some of them go a long way back. CB Really looking forward to seeing you guys in Norwich on 13th June it does not seem 30years since this piece of musical hitory began!!! I can remember seeing you when i was in my late teens at Tiffany's in Great Yarmouth..many moons ago!!!! Hope you enjoy coming back to Norfolk. Robbie
TV Soap Awards
Dear Robbie Tiffanys - now that was a gig! CB Do have to say it was a little tease to keep me going for another 2weeks! But I have heard Barzo was playing his hiding trick again!? Was this planned or was he late? Now I dunno if ur tryin to keep up the old stylishly late look or is his heart just not in it ne more? I hope this is not the case!Madness has got me thru the worst teen years ever and I couldnt have done it if it wasnt for you guys! XXX
madstock
Dear Jade Fear not. He had a good reason not to come nothing too bad and we were miming apart from the two singer lads Suggsy and Chas, sorry three Thommo was singing too. CB how come this years madstock is not at its usual stomping ground of finsbury park cheers neil
Good luck
Dear Neil We got banned due to the Earthquake. CB Just wishing you good luck for the new album and tours this year, It's going to be a busy year for you hope you have lots of vitamins stockpiled?!
Stress!!
I run the dexys forum on t'internet, hopefully if Sir Kevin of Rowland finally gets the new dexys album out this year I might be seeing both of you on the tellybox and at gigs in the coming months! One question, Have you ever toured with dexys and if so what was it like? All the best Soulrebel 1 aka Tim Dear Tim Thanks Dexy's tour no we have'nt. So what can I say? CB Bought my 2 golden circle tickets thru Trinity St in January . As you know they went bust and still no correspondence so far about what is going to happen. The money has definately gone out of my account.. panicking as its for my husbands birthday. All our friends are goin and ordered theirs later than us through ticketmaster, so there is no problem for them. What a mess!! Can you imagine everyone of our friends being there to celebrate his birthday, because we invited them and we are panicking that we won't be there! Just holding out hope that they will turn up in June as Chrissy Boy has advised. Its all very stressful! So much for buying tickets early eh! On the upside we met Chas at Camden Crawl the other week... what a gentleman
The Madness
Helen Dear Helen Look I'm really sorry but it's only a few weeks to go then all hell will break loose. hopfully people will start get their tickets then we can concentrate on those who didn't.. CB Hi Chris,
Why not in Italy ?
Liking the new material. Just wondered: what do you make of The Madness now? It never seems to get a mention. Also, why do you never play Cardiac Arrest these days? And why didn't you stick with the long hair for longer back in 85? I could go on but I'll leave it there. Looking forward to seeing you in Norwich next month. Cheers. Hugh Dear Hugh The Madness had some good songs but it wasn't really Madness was it? Cardiac Arrst justsort of fell by the wayside. The hair I had a bet with Thommo on who coud grow it longest and he shaved it off to go to a fancy dress party as a Hari Krishna. He kept this look for the Yesterdays Men video. I looked a right muppet in that hair flowing frizzily all over the place so I got it cut off some time later. CB Hi Chris,
Brighton bands
Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, Polland, Serbia......why not in Italy? (So....nothing about "when's the next gig?). Did you visit Rome ? Roberto Dear Roberto OK I will get that changed to "no questions about when and WHERE is the next gig". Ciao CB Hi Chris,
The Roadette Song
have you been to see any decent local bands in the Brighton/Hove area lately.Now stuck without any gigs to go to between the Specials the other night and Madstock and was wondering if you could recommend anyone decent Cheers Paul Dear Paul I can't say I have really. Sorry. CB Hi Chris
madstock
My Boxset Finally arrived in the mail yesterday the Mrs bought it for me at Christmas it was a long wait but it was well worth it. i'm very pleased with the box & it's contents. I just herd The Roadette Song for the first time today and I have to say it's a great version of the Kilburn & the Highroads classic. have you any plans of playing this song live at some point in the future. Cheers Paul Dear Paul Thnka for the patience and I'm glad you like it. The Roadette Song I don't think we will do that live, as we have so many of our own now.. CB Hi Chrissy Boy
well done
my other half and I are coming in july to victoria park,really looking forward to it. Am tempted to take my 6yr old he loves you guys and came with me to the albert hall last year. Do you get many younger ones at your outdoor gigs? am debating whether its a good idea Jools Dear Jools As long as you are not right up front I think it will be OK. Godd luck CB not bad i must say,its good to see you asnewering all you fans questoins ,you dont usally see that ,fair play. regards spence
whats the year?
Dear Spence My pressure.....sorry pleasure. CB Chris, the goverment's had it, the Specials just played 5 nights at Brixton and Madness have a new album out Monday....is it 1979 or 2009??? c u Tuesday at HMV
Scotland
Mick Dear mick Too true - what goes around comes around or whatever it is. CB Hi Chris,
Hi
Would you be so kind as to tell me if your goodselves will be gigging in Scotland anytime soon,its been many moons since i last saw you. Many Thanks Shona x Dear Shona This is the fastest I've ever answered a question.It just came in! Read the stuff at the top of my page please. CB x Hi chris can i just say hello to suggs
Folgate
Danny Leeds Dear Danny OK then. CB Hi Chris
Albums and eggs
Just dropping a line to say the new album/single are fantastic, looking forward to HMV and Madstock. Keep up the good work!! Matt Dear Matt Thanks.Yes will do. CB Hi Chris,
cheers mate
Two questions. Firstly, I can't get hold of the back catalogue on CD at the moment -any plans for a re-release? Still missing '7', 'Keep Moving' and 'Mad Not Mad'. Secondly, why do eggs float in water when they're off and sink when they're fresh? Or is it the other way round? P.S. 'One Step Beyond' is one of the greatest albums of all time. Magnus Dear Magnus Thanks. The albums have been deleted and will soon be undeleted. The eggs - well what came first? CB thanks for getting back to me , im gonna pop up to hmv on tuesday for the new album and some autographs,regards spence.
b side
Dear Spencer OK then see how long it has taken me to answer all those questions...OK I had a few breaks...CB hey chris loving the new single and box set,just 1 small whinge.why has the b side for the last couple of singles been cover versions.your songs are much better as the album proves.see you at madstock cant wait.
B sides
Dear Jim I thought they were good myself. We have'nt got any Madness ones left and the Roadette Song is really good. Sort of new cover versions you know what I mean. CB I'm sad that the B side is no more, that little cheeky track that kept you going till the next single came out. My favorite was shadow on the house for the haunting piano and sax. If you had to choose a B side as a standout extra number, what would you go for?
So so Sorry to spoil the fun for you...
cheers loving your work! Matt Dear Matt Come on look at the quality of Roadette Song! And the Undertones one on NW5. All new stuff. Behind the 8 Ball was a laugh, we should do that live. CB Dear Commander
fat strings and thin ones
Sincerest apologies for driving you nuts with loads of questions, as you said recently that I do. Yours in penance Owen T. Nutter Dear Owen I was only joking. Ask on my son ,ask on, now it's your Dad who's driving me mad...Lost his fez! CB Hi Chris
Punk, strummer, Lydon etc..
Back in 1980 and bunking off school, shaving my head and heading off to see your fine show at the Gaumont in Southampton. A life changing event yes, was it worth it for the amount of trouble i was in yes,(i was only 10). Anyway I digress, your guitar on the latest creations has been superb and even the solos seem faster, i just wanted to check that your still looking after the thin strings as the fat ones can take care of themselves. dave Dear Dave Fantastic. I wish I'd been like you when I was 10. Solos? faster? No the world is going slower surely.The strings are OK, I have got someone to look after them now. CB Hello Chris
FA Cup
I was just wondering if you or any of the band were into the punk scene back in the day? Ever meet the great joe strummer? Madness are just about the only band i've not heard John lydon slag off..maybe he's a fan being another north london boy? Personally i love the clash, x ray spex and the pistols, though ska and madness will always be my no: 1 :-) Apologies if you got this message a few times, every time i send it it says ' page not found' cheers Chris C. Dear Chris I only got it twice so don't worry. I did meet Joe very briefly in the Camden Palace back in the day. Here's a picture if you don't believe me.  Left to Right Jenny [my girlfriend at the time] Joe Strummer is bustin a move on her the old rascal, you'd think she was with him! Jerry Dammers and me looking for my wallet. Loved the Clash, Pistols, Buzzcocks, X Ray Spex, The Undertones, Sham 69 and of course the band who started it all..The New York Dolls. CB Hi Chris,
Hackney
Are Suggs and Woody going to use their connections and get to go to the FA Cup Final this year? Even as a fan of the opposition I will gladly buy the pair of them a pre match pint! Cheers, Spoffy Dear Spoffy I really don't know. Maybe not. CB Hackney has been the best gig so far. While there I had my Fez aoutographed by yourself, Lee and Suggs unfortunately someone nicked it off my head at the O2 gig. Could you autograph me a new one at Madstock? Also who are the lovely girls on the strings? In answer to your question, yes my son is Owen. Thanks.
song title
Dear Thanks. Like father like son eh? What a flippin pair.I love him really, he makes laugh with his questions a lot of the time. Your Fez? I dunno, if you see us we will sign it. The string players are all spoken for... CB hi chris, can u tell me who sang one seconds thoughtlesnes. cheers
Poster
steve Dear Steve It was Thommo. CB Hello again young Chris .
big hello
I know that HMV will want us and i will be (although i have the box set)buying TLONF , will you sign a poster for me ? Many thanks The Flash Dear Barry I will. CB heard your new song ac as usall. kepp up the good work. say hi to the band
Axcam & TV ad
Cliff Coe Dear Cliff Thanks. OK. CB Dear Chris "The Mad Axcam" Foreman
Bedders/Butterfield 8
Thank you for recording behind the scenes at the Beeb for the Late Show. Great fun to watch!!! And I love the TV ad. I hope you are all really enjoying this year so far and that the LONF becomes a big seller. It certainly deserves to be!!! Cheers Sean Gaskin Dear Sean Thanks - I just got a new AxecamTM so we will now see even more in HD. CB Did Chas sign Bedders to Go! Discs, and was there anything released other than Watermelon Man?
Bad manners
Mike Fisher Dear Mike No that was before Chas worked there. They did an album called Blow http://www.nme.com/artists/butterfield-8 CB Hi, me AGAIN.
Take It or Leave It
Just wanted to say that the link you gave me was good about the ghost train suit, I have sent in a request. Also, I have just got tickets to see bad manners live on the 21st of dec the bournemouth pier theatre. Do you know is madness will ever play on the same night as bad manners. What a Combo that would be Also what Is your favourite bad manners track??? Can't wait to get my suit. Thanks, Jack Dear Jack Glad to be of service. Let me know how it all turns out. Bad Manners track er..Just A Feeling? CB Chris
Great new album
With regards to the message where you were on about locating a print of the TIOLI film I've got a 35mm print of the trailer for the film (well that's what it says on the tin! - though I aint got any means to check it)if its any use to you. May be it could be included as an extra on the next release of the DVD. Graheme Dear Grahem That sounds very interesting.Could you contact our management about it? Anglo Management / Hannah Management Fulham Palace, London SW6 6EA management@madness.co.uk thanks CB Thanks for the new 3cd box set. Great stuff! Dust Devil is a classic I reckon, and Idiot Child sounds like another single (good car-radio track),I can relate to it being sent to a VERY strict Catholic all boys college in Zimbabwe in the 80's where we were 'taught' submissiveness by various modes of punishment by the teachers and prefects-the whole lot of us were made to shut up!
Crunch
A lot of people can probably relate to 'Idiot Child',and that's what can make a song. Sugar and Spice reminds me of another classic single-to-be. Really great to see Madness in 2002 at the C.I.A -waited 20 years for that gig! Cheers Russ Dear Russ Thanks.Thommo's lyrics are very clever and often very thought provoking. He is very underrated as a great British lyricist I think. Which also applies to Suggs, Chas and Mike as well. Sugar and Spice is great, it reminds me of our old stuff. CB Hi C.B,
The rise and fall cover
What ever happened to those bunch of likely lads CRUNCH ???? I know its propably hard to get together now the good ship Madness is on a roll - but just wanted to know....! Also - is it my imagination or has TAD been doing some tv ads over the past few months ???? Keep on keeping on my nutty friend. All the best, Jason. Dear jason We did a gig last year in Brighton which was a laugh, but it's harder to get us all together than the A team these days. Tad is in a few ads for a holiday company. CB hi chris
tickets 4 madstock
I`ve always wondered if suggs was actually on the cover of the rise and fall. If he is he is virtually unrecognisable, i thought maybe it was an imposter!! Could you please clear this up for me Chris? By the way congrats on the fantastic new album its gonna be a monster Cheers gary g in brum  Thanks Gary Suggs is on the left, he represents Mr Speaker. Then moving right Chas is That Face, Bedders is Calling Cards, Thommo is Blue Skinned Beast. I'm in the armchair as Our House. Then front left to right, Mike is New Delhi....Which incidentally nearly didn't make the album. I liked it myself, but we were saying to Mike "is it worth getting blacked up for? He was made up like that because he was sure it would have to get on the album, if he was dressed like that. This line is in fact, a reference to a Benny Hill gag when Benny and Bob Todd were in black face make up for a not too funny gag and at the end Bob Todd says to Benny "that wasn't worth getting blacked up for, was it?" This line entered into Madness terminology for any unfunny gag in a video. Sorry I digressed there right back to 1982 on the top of Primrose Hill...and Woody is Sunday Morning yours CB has anyone got there tickets yet ...
The Communicators
paul cowen Well - has anyone? CB How do Mr F?
Madstock
Did you ever receive your copy of The Communicators album? We handed an armful to Jim to pass to you guys. If so, did you enjoy it and has Thommo heard the tune \'Mr Thompson?' There was a rumour that he now had it as his ringtone! We are gigging at Brixton's Hootananny on the 22nd of May if you're around. Loving the new album, particularly 'That Close.' Splendid stuff. Big love from Bristol XX MOssy Boy Dear Mossy Er..I probably lost it. I'll ask Jim if he's still got it. Thanks and all the best CB Hi Chris
Ad
One step beyond was the 1st album I bought (the 1st one I owned was a pinky & perky one so that doesn't count) Me & Mrs will be going to Madstock. I've not seen you live before so I'm really looking forward to seeing you. My question...Is the legend that is DJ Derek going to one of the DJ\'s? Simon Dear Simon I don't know. I saw a documentary on him he is a bit of a character is'nt he? Hope you enjoy it. CB Hi Chris,
andress
Just watched the ad in the M section, just wondered when it hits prime time TV. Also, don't need no Zazz as the album's already good enough without it. Unless I'm lucky enough to bag a ballot place for the launch party, I'll be attending the Gatcombe Park gig. Cheers Matt S Dear Matt The ad will be on here and there if you're lucky. CB yippee got my tickets, permission to wear tiger dress at romsey broadfield in july, cannot wait to see ya all,
how many...
MADRAQ Dear MADRAQ Hooray! Someone got some tickets for a Madness gig! However if you read the small print, tiger dress is not allowed, as it makes Thommo climb the PA. Permission denied. CB how many pebbles are there on brighton and hove beach?
Just saying hi!
random question and i have the answer! Simo Dear Simo So do I. what a coincidence. CB HI Chris,
Collaborations
Don't know if you remember me, I was the lady from Canada who was going to fly over to see your gig in Manchester in Dec 06 but couldn't come coz of a car accident. You were kind enough to send me an autographed CD of the gig I missed. Which, by the way, has worn out, and the autographs hold pride of place in a frame in my office. Anyhow, my back is still knackered, so I was wondering if there was any chance the band is going to tour Canada in the near future? Thanks Tracy Dear Tracy Blimey - how do you wear out a CD? I don't answer questions on gigs but as it's you I'm sorry but we have no plans to tour Canada. I hope your back get better some time soon then you can come over here. CB Mr Foreman,
video games
Belated congratulations on an excellent, excellent box set. It gets better with every listen. Cannot even say which is the favourite / prospective single as they're all brilliant. Few things to ask if you don't mind - 1) If (more hopefully when) the credit card Companies deem to refund our payments to Trinity, how do we pass the payment on to you so that we DON'T get an extra box set and you lose out yet again? I really haven't thought about that. If it happens let me know, you can send me a cheque. 2) What are the chances of Omid Djalili making an appearance to dance to the 'immigrant' part of TLONF? Not bad - how much would he charge though? 3) What are the chances of Sir Michael Caine making a farewell appearance in this Country on stage with Sirs Barson, Bedford, Your Good Self, Smyth, Suggs, Thompson & Woodgate participating in the song with his name in the title? Many, many thanks & be lucky all of you, Sir Micheal! Way out of our range..yours CB Papa Bravo of Lower Highgate. Heya Chris
Nutty Boys
I read an interview about you and was surprised to find that you play video games. Can you please answer a few question about this particular topic? 1.) When did you get into video games and what was the first game you played? 2.) Are you good at any games you played or are you rubbish? (like me) 3.) what consoles do you own? Thanks Nice Man George  Dear George Blimey - I was there when they invented them. The tennis one first Pong, then ,Space Invaders, Asteroids. Chas was so good on Asteroids he clocked it. Honest right round the clock. I was pretty rubbish. My son's got an X Box we have a Wii for everyone and I've got a PSP Hey Chris I Seen You Were Accepting Some Jokes So Here it Goes
Roadette Song
2 Irish Fellas Mick And Paddy on A Camping Trip In Florida And On The Camp site They See A Guy Been Eatin By An Alligater Mick Turns To Paddy And Goes "Jaysus Paddy Look At The Posh Git With The LAcoste Sleeping Bag ,, Soz Just Thaught Id Drop By And Tell Ya I Love Yas Nutty Boys MAy The Nuttienest Last Forever Shannan Xxxxxxxxxx HO.hum. CB Hi Chris,
Glastonbury
great version of The Roadette Song onm the Dust Devil single. Just curious if you are playing on this one, as it was recorded sometime back during the Dangermen sessions. All the best Andy Dear Andy Thanks.Oh yes it's me. I didn't play on Rain and Lola. CB Is it true Madness will be playing glasto this year?
Not Home Today
What time slot & stage are you schdueled to be on? Donal Dear Donal Yes and I'm not sure.Afternoon main stage I think. CB what happened to the lad this was written about? was he ever exonerated of the crime?
Just saying hello
Catharine Dear Catharine I think so. CB Just saying hello
will you be on tv
Question: I just want to thank you kind gents for all the years of good music and hope you all come to the states to tour. If you ever are in need of a new singer, my 3 year old sons knows a few songs and would jump at the chance. He's a good dancer as well. Mister LD Dear Mister LD Thanks but he's nearly too old.. CB Hi Chris as the great and fab new album will be out will you and the boys be on any tv shows?all the Chris.Bazza
Bloody Marys
Dear Bazza Yes tonight ITV2 at 10pm. Then er..Paul O' Grady this Morning..erm..all the top stuff. CB Send me an email address I send you the photos!!
dangermen 2 ?
Bald suits you!!LOL!! Dear Clare OK madnessphotoalbum@fastmail.fm CB will there be a dangermen vol. 2 vol 1 is brilliant. PS cant wait for delivery of NORTON FOLGATE CD. MADNESS RULE !! hope u and all the guys r well. Alan glasgow.
download
alan miller Dear Alan Dangermen 2 will be released bit by bit over the next few months..Part one b side of Dust Devil. CB Just download Dust Devil that i preorder.Spot on,keep them coming.When the next single coming out and whats the title?Keep them coming.
Cameras
Bris Dear Bris Er don't know yet. Thanks CB I'm off back to Blighty for a holiday this week for the first time in 4 years and will be spending the first few days in London so I may be able to make it to HMV on the 19th... If so, will I be permitted to bring a small camcorder?
MADSTOCK
Over here I present a travel show so I may include it on a London feature and mention the album, maybe get you a few more itunes store sales this side of the globe. I don't have anything to sign, all my Madness cd's are in a box at my mums, your wrist will be hurting anyway by then. Regards Cameron (Madness ambassador to Thailand) Dear Cameron OK no funny stuff you rude person. CB HELLO AGAIN CB
v Signing- Question for the Nutty boys
LOOKING FORWARD TO MADSTOCK COMING OVER FROM DUBLIN BRINGING THE WIFE TO HER FIRST MADNESS GIG HAVE TO BEHAVE {YEA RIGHT}.SEEN MADNESS IN THE TRIPOD DUBLIN LAST JUNE GREAT GIG. TALK TO YOU SOON CHRIS TONY ..........PS I,LL BRING ME OWN BOWLER HAT THIS TIME THANK YOU Dear Tony Please behave..CB v Signing- Question for the Nutty boys
Helloo
Question: I was wondering with the signings at hmv basically its my dads birthday in a month or two and i know hes as much as a big fan as me, basically he got me into you. so for his birthday im going to get his favourite album (one step beyond) signed and im wondering will i have to que twice too get my own copy of 7 signed? also are photos aloud? thanks very much, craig Dear Craig I'll see what we can do. It depends on how many people are there.Photos can be taken quietly. CB Hi Chris
hi ya mate
Hope your all doing well. I went to see you guys in newcastle about christmas 3 years ago and you were fantastic. Hopefully we will see you back there very very soon maybe????? All the best in your upcoming gigs Nicola x Dear Nicola Thanks - maybe we come back sometime.. CB at the gig at vic park can you try and play cardiac arrest? i could never make out why you never play ,it a geat song. cheers mate
Airplay! whoohoo!
Spencer Wade Dear Spence I will mention it but there are so many other songs on the list.. CB Hello Chris,
Romsey gig
Ken Bruce/Radio 2 has LONF as this weeks album of the week (album of the year/decade/century more like), so well done to anyone who emailed in asking for it to be so. On the same show there is a feature called "Tracks of my years", Suggs has been on a couple of times picking 10 tracks which have been an influence on him over the years, so if you were asked Chris ,What 10 tracks would you pick? Wishing you great success with the album , from Andy Dear Andy I am so useless at this type of question... err recent listening mostly on my jukebox Peter Gunn - Duane Eddy Jailbreak - AC/DC Liverpool Drive - Chuck Berry Geronimo - Bruce Ruffin Both Ends Burning - Roxy Music Earthquake - Prince Buster Hitchhike - Marvin Gaye Clint Eastwood - Lee Perry Upsetters Private Life - Grace Jones Elected - Alice Cooper CB Hey Chris!!
The States and Norton Folgate
I just wanted to say that I'm really looking foreward to your gig in Romsey in 10 weeks time! I saw you last year in April at the Royal Albert Hall and I thought you were AMAZING!! I just can't wait :) Love Georgia xxx ps. Your new album is amazing x Dear Georgia Stop it - I'm blushing...thanks. CB Hello Chris -
the specials
My name is Tony and I am a lifelong fan, originally from England but for the past 16 years in the USA, for four years in North Carolina. I ordered the box set and it's superb. Easy my favourite album this past several years. I am so thrilled for you guys, and the reviews I've read have all been excellent so far. I have been playing CD1 from my box set over the speakers in work (a very busy used bookstore with lots of customers listening in), and I've received a ton of compliments for it from the Americans on the staff. They really seem to like it and are gagging for copies of it for themselves. So imagine how happy I was to get an email from Yep Roc Records over here where they had both The Liberty of Norton Folgate CD AND the box set both listed on their release schedule for this coming summer. I am so thrilled it's going to be coming out over here. Music this good just has to be heard by as many people as possible. I am probably going to buy another copy of the CD (to get the longer 15 song version - even though I think I'll prefer the more concise 11 songs at 45 minutes version), and I'll probably get another boxed set too, since it's the best put together set I've seen a band compile in years, and lord knows I've bought a few. And then who knows, if it's successful over here MAYBE you'll play a few shows and I can get to see you all again for the first time in seventeen years. The last time I saw you live was at the first Madstock when I accidentally broke my toe two days before the event and was on crutches for the entire show. I was cheated by the fates on that day. I wanna dance! So no question for you this time. Just a pure thrill to be a small part of the success of this thing. You chaps must all be so proud. Cheers! from Tony in NC, USA Dear Tony I am relieved that you actually got the box set. Glad you like it and thanks. We will be back in the good ol' USA before too long, I hope. CB the specials
suggsy
hi chris, any chance you could get the specials to play madstock? now that would be very....well SPECIAL! cheers Ray Dear Ray Not this year... CB hi chris
Do you remember "Once I put it down I couldn't pick it up again"?
just a question for u...what i would like to know has madness ever went on tour without suggs as the frontman ? kind regards neil Dear Neil In a word - No. CB Do you remember "Once I put it down I couldn't pick it up again"?
TV Ads
Question: Hello Chris, I've always remembered your quote on the front of a Madness book I once proudly owned (said book was tragically ruined when my flat flooded!!). The quote was along the lines of..."Once I put it down I couldn't pick it up again" -Chrissy Boy Always tickled me that did. Anyway, I wanted to say how much I have appreciated your guitar playing and your brilliant songs over the years (Our House is such a BLINDER!!!). Oh just one last thing... I just received my brand spanking new 'Take it or leave it' DVD through the post...(my VHS copy got chewed to death) I am now doubly excited having seen that it contains a commentary by none other than your good self!! That's my evening sorted then(well apart from nipping to the offee for some tenants super and popcorn). Brings to mind another C.B. classic "I fell over on the way to work & had to go home & wash my hands". Looking forward to seeing you and the rest of the Chipmonk Squadron at MADSTOCK. Good day to you sir, Bye bye... Kleet - from Costa del Croydon (a fan and Nutty wannabe) Dear Kleet Of course I do, it was the George Marshall book Total Madness, which is now I think deleted. Thanks so much for your support CB Hi CB,
Madstock 3rd Stage
i saw in Music Week the other day that a greatest hits will be coming in September along with a tv ad to promote it. Would it not be more wise to have a tv ad for the new album? I heard there may be one, but haven't saw anything on my TV yet... Paul. Dear Paul Of course we have done one - for soap powder. They will be shown next week so keep em' peeled on those freeview channels late night stuff. CB Has the bill been sorted... when should we expect the third stage lineup to be announced?
2 Tone
What time are Madness due on stage at madstock? Patrick. Dear Patrick Not yet confirmed. As for what time we are on, what time can you turn up? OK I will find all this out and get it on the news page or something. CB Chris, 30 years since 2 Tone mate, surley a 2Tone gig somewhere, your still going along with Bad Manners, The Beat and now The Specials are back ! Come on make so many of our dreams come true !! Please !!!!
HMV
Jon Dear Jon It's not really likely in all truth. CB It`s me again. I`ll bring 16 LP`s to the signing. Is it too many for you to sign?
BBC review of TLONF
If it`s too many, tell me how many I can bring. Looking forward to finally meet you guys Bjorn Dear Bjorn Yeah that's about 15 too many. It all depends on how many people show up. There may be trouble if you want us to sign 16 LP's. I think [that sad to say] the object of the exercise is to get people to buy our NEW album. If you bought 16 copies of that then we would sign them. HMV might get the hump too. So try it but I cannot guarantee success. CB Hi Chris, what do you think of it?
Madness discussion
http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/fdbd It made my day. Jefed Ah Jefed Very nice review we have'nt really had a bad one yet, psychedelic-era Beatles may be a bit of a strange comparison, but it is a great album. By the way, Bringe is Steve Bringe Madness Central. Ring a bell? CB there's a great discussion going on over here about the new album...
Later: The Motion Picture
might want to let the real fans know, its a good music chat site and I'm doing all I can to fan the brilliance of the new Opus. Sheer brilliance it is indeed. http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?t=181518 William Dear William Thanks. CB Dear Chris,
Just wondered...
just been watching your footage from later - really good! Is being in Madness the best job in the world? All the best, Graham Dear Grham Possibly. Being an MP on expenses must be fun though .I must get that moat cleaned out... CB 1st time I heard Fish & Chip Parade it stuck me how similar the tune apeared to be to the Ovaltine Lite 1980's commercial.. Don't know if anyone remembers..."Have you got a loight boy? .. Ovaltine Lite" .. and when I listen to Hutchback I always get strong images of Suggs and Carl from the Judge Dred.. Mutants in Mega City One days... and The Kiss sounds like its from the 3 Pyramids Club era...
Get together?
Please don't think my comments are in anyway derogatory.. I love the new album, especially the 2nd CD; and all the historic stuff also! I just wondered yours and others thoughts... Feedback pls x P.S Any sign of a run out groove message on the dust devil single release? :) Liz Dear Liz Absolutely not. CB Hello mate how r u and the band? Will b there at Norfolk showground on June 13th with mates and will once again have a rocking good time. Who`s getting older, me or u mad lot? Anyway why not think about doing a Ska Festival with u heading + Bad Manners,Selecter,The Beat and now back together The Specials? Should b done maybe? What a weekend? Money? One last thing being cheeky, would b good to meet the band one day as iam getting old? (41 now, maybe Norfolk?).Later mate, Fitzy.
Completing the set
Dear Fitzy Maybe one day some of these things will happen. You're only 41... CB Helo Chris hoping to make it to the HMV signing and was wondering if I could bring my NW5 single with me as I've got Suggs',Mike's and Woddy's autograph on it. Just need yours ,Bedders,Thomo's and Mr Smash's to complete the set
Take It Or Leave It
All the best Matt Dear Matt Give it a go. CB I had brought for me for my 19th Take It Or Leave It on DVD from play.com. It never arived!! I have phoned them and they have problems from the manufacture and didnt no if you new of anywhere that does it for about 11? I have never seen it and everyone I no who has told me its a good laugh and fun to watch! Countin down the days till Newbury as its going to b a nutty forum fest! Meetin new people and goin to b a fantastic day! Hope ur all ok. Jade. xx
How did you, err, build Our House?
Dear Jade It has been deleted.You can still get copies here and there .It will get re released soon. CB Hi Chris
The Specials brixton
Didn't know you were one of us lefties! How did Our House move from writing to finished stage? Do you compose on guitar/piano/keyboard and then take it in? Was Bedder's RMM-RMM! bass written into it or are there loads of other peoples' bits that kind of develop the song? Mike Fisher Dear Mike First of all, I recorded it at home on a two track cassette recorder that Dave Robinson had given me and the rest of the band. They were brilliant and had a drum machine in too. Then I took it to rehearsals and the band learnt it. Then we recorded that and Chas came up with the lyrics. Then Clive came to rehearsals we Motowned it up, Bedders did the RRR RRR then we went to Air Studios and recorded that sucker. I thought the guitar bits up in the studio which were then also played by the strings. Brass by Thommo and Chas. Like a lot of Madness songs, a group effort really. Everybody did brilliant parts including the piano intro from Mike CB hi chris
Cross Breeding
i spoke to you last night outside brixton tube station before the specials gig and wanted to know what you thought of their gig? i thought they were amazing. by the way as i said to you the liberty of norton folgate is a masterpiece! cheers marc Dear marc Thanks again. The gig was blinding. the lights were very bright ha ha .Yes it was great. CB Dear Chris,
madstock gigg
Do you know what you get when you cross a Jehovah's Witness with an atheist? Someone who knocks on your door for absolutely no reason. Be well Steve Ha.Ha. hi ya chrissy im tacking my wife to be to the gigg at vic park. Shes never been to a madness gigg before and im hoping to god she enjoys, ps i love your bit acting in take it or leave it ,its classic
Hi
Dear Spencer Acting? CB Hi,
Hidden messages?
Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your concert in Manchester in December last year. Also quick question, I am getting married next year and I want It Must Be Love as a song at my wedding but am looking for an instrumental version any clues where I would find this. Love to all the boys my heros lol Love Jane Dear Jane There must be a karaoke one somewhere onlne. http://www.karaoke-version.com/mp3-backingtrack/madness/it-must-be-love.html there is! not too bad either... Congratulations and good luck CB Dear CB
The Specials
I just wanted to write (again) and this time say thank you to you for replying to the letters that I used to write you when I was a kid (in the old days of MIS at 9-11 Woodside road or something?)you kindly wrote back, which I was over the moon about. You were my favourite band member you see. Anyway, just a thanks for that. I still have the letters, with little guitar drawings on your signature :o) Can you just confirm there were no hidden messages for me on any of your B sides please. I used to listen to them over and over thinking there was (especially The Business). I think it would probably be put down to mental illness these days don't you think? Dear LouB Is that loopy? There were no messages I think... CB Hello Chris .. Read somewhere that you were going to see THE SPECIALS at Brixton at some point .. Take my advice & check if it's not been cancelled like the gig on the 6th .. Got to wait until the 16th now !!!!!!!! p.s. have you ever had to call off a show due to sickness within the band ?
sales
Mick Allen Dear Mick Yeah I saw them last night [7th May]. It was a great show. I saw the lads for a beer afterwards it was really nice to see them all onstage again. A big shame about Jerry but there you go.We have cancelled a few shows over the years mainly for weather issues or that they were not confirmed in the first place. CB hope you and the boys are well i was wondering how many records have you sold worldwide.
"Golden Circle"
many regards mark. Dear Mark Thanks Mark we are all OK as well as can be at our ages. About 60 million I think. CB Hi Chris,
rock en seine
Please would you explain for the first time why you guys have decided to charge extra for being at the front at your Madstock gig? the fun of it is trying to get up front even if it is for a brief moment, I feel this is just another way for you to cash in on your fans which you would have already have cashed in on, for this reason I and 20 others will not be attending Look forward for your reasons. Take care x Dear Nimla Well I'll miss you. My thoughts? Yeah I don't like it either. No disrespect to anyone that paid for one of the tickets. We did this on the Isle of Man and I thought oh dear but actually it wasn't what you think it is. Quite narrow section really in the photography pit. You would still be at the front but the front is bit further back. does that make sense? Next time CB x got my tickets for the august rock en seine paris gig.
hy mate
unfortunately, the next monday i'll have to get back to work... fini les vacances ! but being what you all guys are make the life less boring, and much thanks for that. fred Dear Fred Merci. CB chris i just want to say hi and all the guys o made the best music includin the specials u all rock. madness rule n always wil. so bring bak the prince and u all r back cliffi boy
The Damned Vinyl
Cheers Cliff CB Dear Chris.
Grew Up with you
Any chance of a signed photo of the band in return for the records I sent you? It would get pride of place above my extensive collection of Madness cd/dvds. Congratulations on the new album. Every track is terrific. My current favourites Mission from Hell and Hunchback (great guitar!). Im happy to wait another 10 years for the next album, as I will still be playing this one in 2019! Dear Micael Thanks for the comments. The Albums? No way. You can have them back I've taped them now... CB Dear Chris,
HMV
I'm writing just to say thanks for making my youth such fun. I remember my mum got me the Absolutely album and I litterally played it till it fell apart. I bought a new one on the Waterlooplein (flea market) in Amsterdam (Holland)where I live. O sweet memories (Sugar and Spice).. Thanx for reforming some years ago and I hope to see you on Pinkpop. Regards, Bob Dear Bob Thanks Bob I have nearly grown up myself.Hope to see you too. CB Hello Chris!
Hello From one of your loyal italian friend!!!
I am coming all the way from Norway to be at the singing in HMV. Will it be OK to bring my old vinyl so you can sign them as well? Bjorn Dear Bjorn It's difficult to say. How many? CB Hello Chris,it's Fabio here from Italy.I've been following you since 1985,when my brother influenced me listening to your songs everyday.Since than,you are my favourite group and in 1994 I had the honour to be present to your Madstock concert in Finsbury park,An amazing experience I must say!I'm really happy that you're come back,If my brother were still alive,he would be happy undoubtedly.Bye from Fabio and again welcome back!!!CIAO
Ghost train
Dear Fabio Thank you and I'm sorry to hear about your brother. Ciao CB Do you
Left handed
Know any website or company that I could get a suit just like the newspaper one from waiting for the ghost train? Jack Dear Jack We got the fabric made by printing onto white fabric. try this: http://www.ivo.co.uk/index.html CB Hello young Chris ,
Out & about a bit
just watched on M you arriving at the bbc . Your left handed too ! Top man . Will you all be at HMV for the signing ? Keep the maddie flag flying ! The Flash . Dear Barry Oh yes I will. Left hand at the ready... CB Hello Chris,
madstock-gold circle
I see you are doing a live session on Dermot O'Learys radio 2 saturday show, this week, good to see you returning to the airwaves. The other day on here in reply to a question you said you weren't in favour of re-recording old maddie tracks & i agree, however i always thought that "Listen to your Father", that you did with Feargal Sharkey would have been a bigger hit with a Suggs/Carl vocal. Any chance of a proper madness version turning up ,say as a b-side, in the future? from Andy P.S If you do decide to release Norton Folgate as a single i think it should be released as the 10 minute track , as it is on the album, 'cos its the finest song the band have ever done & cutting it for radio play will take something away from it. Dear Andy I don't think we would re do that track good song though it was. Norton yes I'm up for it. CB hi chris,
Subject: Bloody Mary's and Grand Canaria!!
stupid question. are there standing places or seats? joseph Dear Joseph Yes it is a stupid question isn't it? Look, it's Friday and I got in at 2.30am sining specails songs, then the wife woke up at 5.45am to go to yoga and I took the kids to school. Middle class or what? You will be carried in a sedan chair around the park. Maybe. CB Bloody Mary's and Grand Canaria!!
Baggy Jeans
Question: Well the Bloody Marys are history!!The only photo I got of you was your hair!!Where is your hair????Thomo looks a little pink in a little bathing suit and a bad haircut!! Say this thought I'd pop by and say hello!! Hello!!How's it hanging??? ME living with an artist in Germany two miracle children!! LOVE;PEACE AND CHOCOLATE CAKE!! Clare Dear Clare That's easy for you to say. Who are you? Where were you? What are you on about? CB Hello Maddies
Well the signing will do!
Really lookin forward to the new album :D :D I was just wondering whatever became of the collaboration with Sway Baggy Jeans that was so keenly hyped back in about 2007?? Goood luck with the album hope it goes to number 1 :D Sam Dear Sam Thanks Baggy Jeans was more of a rumour... CB The signing over songs! As for the comment about hotels near Victoria Park, best to google search as there are 4 of us going and needing to find a hotel ASAP! Just wondering about the tickets for Madstock, I havent recieved a singel email since Trinity Street went under, and am very worried that the tickets wont get to me! xxx Jade
Our House - your bit
Dear Jade The tickets should be going out in June. CB Our House - your bit
Take or Leave it.
Question: What bit(s) of Our House did you write? - and who out of the two of you has got the Ivor Novello these days? Mike Fisher aka The Fish Dear Mike I wrote the music and we got one each. CB Dear Chris,
Madstock
I know this is a long shot, but do you know if there are any 35mm or 16mm prints of Take or Leave it in existence? The reason i ask is that it's one of my favourite films of all time and at some point in my life I've got to see it on a big screen. Very little is ever mentioned about TIOLI as if it never happened but actually it is one of the best 'London' films of the last 30 years. I know there have not been many but it's up there with 'Withnail and I' 'Secrets and Lies' and 'Rude Boy.' Few films set in London actually let you see London and the much of the London that was captured in the film has changed...it doesn't look the same. Your movie and Rude boy are important documents of London at a specific time or place. Aside from that it is a great 'getting the band together' movie. It's well shot, it has a real gritty feel, it starts in black and white and moves to colour, it charts the band from the start when you could barely play and taks you all the way to the final incarnation and it ends where it's meant to end so to speak...at the beginning of your recording career. it is also full of moments to cherish, like the line when you say 'Well he wanted to be the singer then he wanted to be the drummer, i should expect he'll want to be the manager' when talking about Hasler. it's a truly wonderful, energetic and cinematic film. I guess if i knew the prints could be got I'd start hassling my local art house cinema, the GFT in Glasgow, to maybe see if they could get hold of it. I think Mark Kermode should be pestered too. Anyway...i just don't think you guys are aware just how good the film is. I've played it to all my friends, many of whom were not big Madness fans and they are all blown away and utterly charmed by how great the film is. Bands don't make proper films these days. And Britain doesn't make too many great films these days. You guys did. And i don't know if you, the band or many people actually are aware of this. I mean you captured proper London...a London that in some respects does not exist any more. I know creative people look forwards and not backwards so let me finish by saying the new material is excellent. I think you chaps have stepped up in much the same way as The Kinks and made a claim to being true poets and documentarians, (albeit with your music) of London. Phew...glad i got that off my chest, been meaning to say that for a while. Cheers mart Dear Mart Thanks for all the comments. It's a funny thing, but the guy who directed our much maligned video said a lot of similar things. I would love to see the film in a cinema myself. A few years ago I came close to locating a print of the film. I'm sure there are some lying around somewhere. Could be something for me to do next... CB Hi Chris,
POSTERS and PROMOS
I cant wait to see you all at Victoria Park, to hear songs, old and new, loving the album been a fan for a long time. You just keep getting better.... ps Im traveling from Scotland do you know any good B&Bs near the park...? xXx Nicole Pettus Dear Nicole Sorry but I don't. I live Brighton now and I don't know thta area very well. Can anyone help? CB Hi Chris and the boys, big fan of yours from the early days mate, hoping to come to the showground in Norwich to see you this June. I own a cd shop in sunny Clacton On Sea , Essex, one of the little indies still going , still enjoying it myself but how do i get any posters or promo stuff, the record company say they havnt got anything .....probably think its going on e bay if they give me anything but i assure you its for myself . got anything to shut me up and keep me happy ? even e mailing me back to ask the shop address so you can send me a badge would be something. Glad you guys are still enjoying yourselves and looking forward to hearing the new album.
Johnny The Horse
Malc Dear Malc Try the contact page and contact them and they might send you some stuff.. CB What is the song Johnny the Horse based on? Is it about a person or actually a horse? lol Maybe it is about Shergar? Great tune anyway
swf files?
Bob Yeah Giddy up. CB hi chris....
Sugar & Spice
on your front page you've got pictures of the band which fade in and out. That's an swf file isn't it? If it is, how did you make it? Would love to know.. thanx, Sam Dear Sam So would I. CB 'Sugar & Spice'... without precedent, innit? I mean, I can't think of any other instance where a band writes and releases their strongest track thirty years into their career. You gents will be unstoppable in 2040.
Bonjour de France
Kind regards... ...Mark Dear Mark Thanks. I like that song a lot myself. It reminds me of our old stuff. CB Hello Chris,
hello
Before sorry for my English,i hope you'll understand what i'll say. I was a big fan of madness since my 13th when i bought "ONE STEP BEYONE" but i've never seen the goup on a gig in France. I know, nothing about... But do you think about a French tour with the coming soon "The liberty of Norton Folgate"??? I hope you understand me and like we joke in France, i surely speak "English like a French Cow", so you can read my french accent. Think for your music and your attitude, thank you Madness and have a very nice year 2009. i hope see you soon in the land of France. Christian. Dear Christian We will be en Paris for rock en Seine Auot 28th. CB i was just writeing to say hello to you all i think your the best band in the world i managed to see you guys live when you came down to bournmouth and played at the bic it was amazing i know this rather cheaky but as they say if you dont ask you dont get i was woundering if you would send me a signed t-shirt thank you very much for taken the time to read my email all the best to you all tomo
The Lobbying of Norton Folgate
Dear Tomo Sorry I can't. CB Have any of the band pushed for 'Liberty' to become a single?
The Box Set
Imagine if Queen had just sat back and allowed Bohemian Rhapsody to become nothing more than a cult album track. There's a way around everything, perhaps radio stations could be given 'section' of the song to play separately. As for a single, it's not like it won't fit on a DVD. If it doesn't make it as a single I hope there a better reason than duration. Cheers, Cameron Dear Cameron I am up for it. CB Hi Chris,
wrong
Will the box set be available in high street record stores? Being stuck in the last century, I aint got no credit card, but would really love to get it? Yours hopefully, Lee Dear Lee Oh yes are you near an HMV? CB hi.sent you a msg earlier,i saw you in 1980 at hammersmith odean and not 1981,thought i would correct myself before i made myself look a pratt.
old fans
thats what happens when you loose ya marballs when you have a stroke.see you in the summer.all the bast andy. Dear Andy Don't worry about so have I. Lost me marbles...Hammersmith where? CB olhi ya.the 1st time me n my mate saw you was in 1981,we are now both 44,we will be at victoria park in july,last year i suffered a small stroke and geting over it and my mate suffered a heart attack and was dead for 6 min,they bought him back.so you dont have the A team you got the A&E team out there watching you..cant wait.i know its a tall order for you guys,any chance of meeting you guys once n for all,that would make two very old fans happy.
Just having a ganders
thanks chris and good luck to you n the guys.see you in the summer all the best andy n dave Dear Andy and Dave God bless you both.Take it very very easy...Like me. CB Been havin a look at peoples comments and saw that you would like to hear One Better Day! I would also like to hear One Better Day and also Yesterdays Men! Not Long now until Newbury! There will be a group of 9 of us, probably be there as soon as the gates open! Also I ave been told you are doing a album signin in London on 19th May! Wud love album signed but can not afford to get to London! Wot about doin one at HMV in Bath for all you South-West fans? xx Jade Cawte
Dualers
Dear Jade We can't do them both...songs and signings... CB Hi Chrissy of the boy kind.....I heard a rumour that The Dualers will be supporting you lot at Madstock this year....Is this true?.....If so, Good show ole chaps.....They is wicked....spunky badger
Melbourne concert
Dear SB You know what? I think they are.. CB Thanks so much for a sensational concert at The Palace in Melbourne - fantastic night.
Madstock Set List
Judy Dear Judy Thanks CB Hi Chris
Next Madstock???
I agree with you in hoping that you play One Better Day at Madstock. It's a beautiful song! Do you know if you'll be playing a good size selection of LONF songs? I hope so, as I'm sure pretty much everyone in the Gold Circle at Madstock will, too! Cheers Sean Dear Sean The Goden Circle is going to have about 3 people in it the amount of "where's my tickets" questions I've had... CB Dear Chris,
One better note
When is Madness going to play another Madstock? Love Smiley Never. CB CB,
setlists
I agree that One Better Day should be played at Madstock. However, what would be YOUR ideal setlist for Madstock....? (Sorry if this has been asked already!) Thomo Dear Thomo Me? It's the powers that be that decide....I don't flippin know do I? If I can get One Better Day in I'll be happy.. CB Hi Chris,
Live Recordings
Who decides the setlists/order for the gigs? About time One Step Beyond got dropped as the opener ;) I was happy to see you played Night Boat to Cairo was played at a warm up gig. Lee told me back in 1995 that the powers that be decide the setlist at times. I have a hunch both youself and Lee may like the change. I've always though Swan Lake should be dropped for Tarzan's Nuts and the 2009 version sounds excellent. Regards Gary Dear Gary One Step not the opening song? Oh dear no, we tried that a while back and there was......trubble. "The powers that be" - what is Thommo on about? The good Lord decides? Set lists are currently in the capable hands of Woody. Crap job but someone's got to deal with it. CB Hi Chris,
Twitter
Is there any plans to record any upcoming gigs for release? like before with the concert live cds and the Hackney Empire wristbands. Also, will Madstock at Victoria park be filmed for release? Cheers PJ Dear PJ Probably but I don't know when. This answer applies to all your questions. thanks CB Hi CB,
hmv 19 may
Any plans for a Madness Twitter feed? RSS is sooo 2007 you know Wez x Dear Wez The day I do that is the day they.... CB hey up guys ive just heard that you will be at hmv on the 19 of may look foward to meeting all of you guys
Wind down
also bringing the other half she hasent meet any of you well exited take care see you all there Adam Devere Dear Adam Well I have to say the HMV thing came as a shock to some of the band as well.So we only have to meet her then? It could save time in the queue.You will have been well exited CB Hi Chris,
Blagstock
Just wanted to know how you all wind down after a concert?Do you all go for a drink or sit in a darkened room?Oh if its the drink can you tell us the pub so us nutty girls can join you after madstock as we are hoping to stop in London after the concert.lol Jane Dear Jane I go straight to bed myself.To sober up. CB Dear Mr Foreman
Idiot Child
Already purchased my madstock tickets ages ago, what are the chances of blagging some back stage passes? I can brush up, or do the dishes.. ta neil Dear Neil You mean you actually got some? Well I'll be.....No. CB Is Idiot Child about a kid who was abused?
madness
Dear I think verbally abused, yes. CB i like many others think that madness have not been given the praise they deserve in the uk. you have one award these plastic bands dont have the british public. what do you think chris does it bother you at all
Vocal Compressor
stephen Dear Stephen Not really we sold a lot of records You all love us. That does it for me. Hi, I work as a sound tech/Compere in Blackpool..when im at home I sit in my home studio trying to be the next big thing lol (no hope) can you recommend a vocal compressor that doesnt cost a fortune cos im struggling..cheers
dust devil
Jerry Wright Dear Jerry Not really my field.Could you move the mic back a bit and not talk too loud...sorry that's not helping is it? CB dear chris i play sax in a newly formed band called EN1 and we have started doing some gigs mainly our own stuff and we are planning a gig in the dublin castle. I hope you dont mind if we cover dust devil? regards spence
Sydney Gig
Dear Spencer Of course not.Good luck with it. CB Went to the gig in Sydney at the Big Top, you guys were awesome. Just I didn't have the chance to grab a "F*ck Art, Let's Dance" T-Shirt. Any ideas where I can get one in Sydney?
MADSTOCK
Ta Muchly. Sean Dear Sean sorry but I don't have a clue.No change there then. CB Hi Chris, box set brilliant already wearing it out. hearty congratulations. Chris I know youre probably up to your eyes in it, but I bought golden circle tickets through trinity in January. seem to be hitting a brick wall everywhere. please can you point me in the right direction towards getting this matter resolved.
Paranoid much?
Where you sent any confirmation? If so you should get them in June. If not - panic stations! CB Hey Chris,
MADNESS YOU DONE ME HIP IN
My my. I read your posts with great interest, and time and again I read the phrase, "Is this a wind up?" or "Are you winding me up?" What has made you so paranoid, I wonder? Booya Steve Who me? Chrissy Boy.
Bedders & the Madness children
Toddy from Manchester here Been a fan since me Skinhead days of the late 70s,80'sand manage to see your gigs when you're up in the weatherfield area.Coz I dance for all of the gig having arthritis in me hip and being almost 50 it catches up with me and spend the day after resting up.As a precaution I tend to have around 6 or 8 pints of Joseph Holts Bitter pre gig to dull the pain am i doing the right thing as i aint gonna stop skankin for a few years yet.Do you have any tips for us to get through the gig and i dont mean drinkin any of that southern lager top drinkin mate. Cheers Toddy Boy. Dear Toddy boy You are class. I have done my neck in once or twice with the sheer weight of that flippin Gibson Les Paul. Tip? Pace yourself... CB Bedders seems to be quite an underated player - so melodic. Does he ever secretly get down to some Mark King style thumb slapping?
Who's on third?
How many Madness children are there? Do they like the band, or are they a bit embarrassed by their dads? Mike Fisher Dear Mike Bedders would never do that he is too cool. Madness kids erm hold on Me 4 Thommo 3 Chas 2 Bedders 2 Suggs 2 Woody 1 Arsenal 0. That makes 14 - right? CB any news about that third stage at Madstock?
laughter
nudge nudge wink wink MrDankDonk Ah Gordy my dear mate I did put in a word for you and indeed Barso did too. But it is really all over now. Guest list? What's on bass? CB everytime i see the video to bed and breakfast man and you do that funny accent at the start, it always makes me burst out laughing. In your professional life have you ever had a fit of laughter when you shouldnt have had and cant stop laughing?
NW5
Grant McNally Dear Grant That was supposed to be Welsh as it was Hector Walker a walking down the road. He's Sugg's cousin and he is Welsh. I try not to laugh in a professional situation but it does happen, especially if drink is involved. CB Dear Chris
preordered box set
Purchased NW5 when it came out but how if at all can I get the original version you did for a german film?, seen it on you tube and really like its sound. Great to see you guys movin and groovin again. Ta for the comeback Joel Dear Joel I don't really know try Google or something like that. CB hello chrissy boy . My wife ordered me a box set but that company when tits up . Do you know what is going to happen to all those orders . Will i get my box set or not .ps love all of the new tracks . I have all ways been a greatest fan of all the nutty boys and always will be . Long live madness
Madstock
Dear Steve Sorry to hear this. Did you receive any confirmation of your order from Trinity Street? Recordstore should have all the details of everyone that ordered but some people have slipped through the net. I have passed you message on to to our team so give it a few days and then contact me again all the best CB Hi Chris,
How close are you guys?
I doubt you'll remember but I met you guys round the time of the first Madstock in Finsbury Park. The gig was a knock-out! I just found my old VHS copy and have been re-living the fun. I've been trying to convert my Swiss mate to the ska ways and the new album has sold it. Nice one All the best mate x Helen Dear Helen Oh no - thank you my dear. CB Hi Chris
the glory returns
Would you say that, as time has gone by, you have all grown closer and closer and are good friends...or would you say that "the conversation revolves around things that happened 20 years ago at least?" Or are some of you closer than others? (I should point out there are no homosexual connotations intended) Thanks Mark Dear Mark We all sort of get on most of the time in a non gay way of course we are all married men how could you..dare to suggest...that being gay may be...bad?... CB Hello again Chris,
Madness is the best band in the world
Firstly, apologies that this virtual missive is not written on paper with the 'Craven Arms' watermark on it, but hey, I guess that's progress. 10 years feels such a long time, but the new album is sending multiple shivers up my spine such is the excellence contained within 'Liberty ..', i love the way the music and lyrics recalls the classics (welcome return for Mrs Hutchinsons son !), but forges forward into new pastures. Also, having been nicknamed 'M' at school back in the 80s (through schoolboy laziness, as opposed to anything creaive), it feels weird to have a membership card with the letter emblazend large and proud. Still, until death us do part, may I subscribe to the rules of 'M' from hereon. onwards Mark Dear M Thanks CB Hiya,I can't believe I'm so out of touch with life that I didn't know you had been in Australia. Obviously the media didn't get on board for that one. I'm so sad I missed it. I know it's a gig q but when r u back? Agree with above, please come to Sunshine Coast.
Our House Guitars
Madness was my first concert ever in Sydney 26? years ago. You are the best in the world!!! Was so sad to miss being in the TV audience when you came around 1986. Was taken to hospital at last minute for an operation. Photos of you with my friend was the closest I came. Boo Hoo! Liz Dear Liz The reason for the lack of publicity was that we only agreed to do it at the last minute. Bedders actually didn't agree and he stayed at home. We all had a laugh but I don't know when we will be back. yours CB Hu CB, During the part of your guitar solo in the Our House video, there's a series of shots of you playing three different guitars, one after the other. Were they all yours, do you still have them?
old school
Michael. Dear Micheal Er on was a Gretsch which I think I borrowed from Bedders. One was a Sitar which I borrowed from Clive Langer and er what was the other one. Hold on [goes off to youtube]. Right it was a tennis racket [not mine] then the Bedders Gretsch then a sort of Gibson job [not mine] and then Clive's sitar. So none of them were actually mine and of course I don't still have them but Clive has the sitar and Bedders [calls Bedders gets no answer, can't be bothered to go downstairs and get mobile and call Bedders mobile number] well I'll ask him soon if he's still got hte Gretsch. CB Even tho you lot are slightly older than me you p**s all over these new bands,i met you lee and suggs at the powerhaus years ago,i was rotten but you went out of your way to talk to me-you wouldnt get that from u2-the new album is FANTASTIC!
Next Video
Darren Cooper Dear Darren Yeah but that was when we was the Crunchy Nutty Boys. These days I wouldn't do that - no way. Did you buy me a drink? Might have had something to do with it. The thing is I can be real nice and real miserable glad you got me on a good night. CB Hello Chris,
Skaville UK
I have a camcorder and was wondering if I can make the next Madness vid. My idea is to follow a baby as it is pushed around in a pram (close up mind you!) And when the mum/dad takes it to the shops to get nappies, the mads are standing in the queue to get served or actually on the checkouts. The baby can goo and ga and even look as if it\'s going to be sick. lol. Forever Young, arty but clever. Genius! Mark S Doherty Dear Mark You funny fella. I love it! CB Hey Chris,
Day On The Town
Is there any chance of getting 'Skaville UK' on the bill for Madstock - they are a very popular band and local too. They also have Rhoda singing with them so she could do Dust Devil with you then too - I think they would be a crowd pleaser for the majority. Cheers The MAD onion Dear MO I think the bill is filled. CB Any chance of day On The Town making a return to the setlist Chrissy Boy? Great track and reckon it would go down well at Madstock
hey chris
All the best Matt Dear Matt I will try to do that.Hold it...I thought you meant ON the Town... CB I cant stop listening to Dust devil its a great tune .Hope you guys come to the aecc in December i saw you two years ago it was brill i waved to you .You wave to me back
Will you be playing...
Mark OK Mark thanks. CB Dear Chris,
song name
Below is a list of the 194 recognized United Nations sovereign countries. If you wlll, please place a check mark next to each country Madness will be playing this year. Thanks! Steve Afghanistan (Kabul) (AS) Albania (Tirane) (EU) Algeria (Algers) (AF) Andorra (Andorra la Vella) (EU) Angola (Luanda) (AF) Antigua and Barbuda (St. John's) (NA) Argentina (Buenos Aires) (SA) Armenia (Yerevan) (EU) Australia (Canberra) (AU) Austria (Vienna) (EU) Azerbaijan (Baku) (AS) Bahamas (Nassau) (NA) Bahrain (Manama) (AS) Bangladesh (Dhaka) (AS) Barbados (Bridgetown) (NA) Belarus (Minsk) (EU) Belgium (Brussels) (EU) Belize (Belmopan) (NA) Benin (Port-Novo) (AF) Bhutan (Thimphu) (AS) Bolivia (Sucre) (SA) Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sarajevo) (EU) Botswana (Gaborone) (AF) Brazil (Brasilia) (SA) Brunei (Bander Seri Begawan) (AS) Bulgaria (Sofia) (EU) Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou) (AF) Burma/Myanmar (Yangon) (AS) Burundi (Bujumbura) (AF) Cambodia (Phnom Penh) (AS) Cameroon (Yaounde) (AF) Canada (Ottawa) (NA) Cape Verde (Praia) (EU - Portugal) Central African Republic (Bangui) (AF) Chad (N'Djamena) (AF) Chile (Santiago) (SA) China (Beijing) (AS) Colombia (Bogota) (SA) Comoros (Moroni) (AF) Congo (Brazzaville) (AF) Congo, Democratic Republic of (Kinshasa) (AF) Costa Rica (San Jose) (NA) Cote d'Ivoire/Ivory Coast (Yamoussoukro) (AF) Croatia (Zagreb) (EU) Cuba (Havana) (NA) Cyprus (Nicosia) (AS) and/or (EU) Czech Republic (Prague) (EU) Denmark (Copenhagen) (EU) Djibouti (Djibouti) (AF) Dominica (Roseau) (NA) Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo) (NA) East Timor (Dili) (AS) Ecuador (Quito) (SA) Egypt (Cairo) (AF) El Salvador (San Salvador) (NA) Equatorial Guinea (Malabo) (AF) Eritrea (Asmara) (AF) Estonia (Tallinn) (EU) Ethiopia (Addis Ababa) (AF) Fiji (Suva) (AU - Oceania) Finland (Helsinki) (EU) France (Paris) (EU) Gabon (Liberville) (AF) Gambia (Banjul) (AF) Georgia (Tbilisi) (EU) Germany (Berlin) (EU) Ghana (Accra) (AF) Greece (Athens) (EU) Grenada (St. George's) (NA) Guatemala (Guatemala City) (NA) Guinea (Conakry) (AF) Guinea-Bissau (Bissau) (AF) Guyana (Georgetown) (SA) Haiti (Port-au-Prince) (NA) Honduras (Tegucigalpa) (NA) Hungary (Budapest) (EU) Iceland (Reykjavik) (EU) India (New Delhi) (AS) Indonesia (Jakarta) (AS) Iran (Tehran) (AS) Iraq (Baghdad) (AS) Ireland (Dublin) (EU) Israel (Jerusalem) (AS) Italy (Rome) (EU) Jamaica (Kingston) (NA) Japan (Tokyo) (AS) Jordan (Amman) (AS) Kazakstan (Astana) (AS) Kenya (Nairobi) (AF) Kiribati (Bairiki) (AU - Oceania) Korea, North (Pyongyang) (AS) Korea, South (Seoul) (AS) Kuwait (Kuwait City) (AS) Kyrgyzstan (Bishkek) (AS) Laos (Vientiane) (AS) Latvia (Riga) (EU) Lebanon (Beirut) (AS) Lesotho (Maseru) (AF) Liberia (Monrovia) (AF) Libya (Tripoli) (AF) Liechtenstein (Vaduz) (EU) Lithuania (Vilnius) (EU) Luxembourg (Luxembourg) (EU) Macedonia (Skopje) (EU) Madagascar (Antananarivo) (AF) Malawi (Lilongwe) (AF) Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) (AS) Maldives (Male) (AS) Mali (Bamako) (AF) Malta (Valletta) (EU) Marshall Islands (Majuro) (AU - Oceania) Mauritania (Nouakchott) (AF) Mauritius (Port Louis) (AF) Mexico (Mexico City) (NA) Micronesia (Palikir) (AU - Oceania) Moldova (Chisinau) (EU) Monaco (Monaco) (EU) Mongolia (Ulan Bator) (AS) Montenegro (Podgorica) (EU) Morocco (Rabat) (AF) (including Western Sahara) Mozambique (Maputo) (AF) Namibia (Windhoek) (AF) Nauru (no official capital) (AU - Oceania) Nepal (Kathmandu) (AS) Netherlands (Amsterdam, The Hague) (EU) New Zealand (Wellington) (AU) Nicaragua (Managua) (NA) Niger (Niamey) (AF) Nigeria (Abuja) (AF) Norway (Oslo) (EU) Oman (Muscat) (AS) Pakistan (Islamabad) (AS) Palau (Koror) (AU - Oceania) Panama (Panama City) (NA) Papua New Guinea (Port Moresby) (AU) Paraguay (Asuncion) (SA) Peru (Lima) (SA) Philippines (Manila) (AS) Poland (Warsaw) (EU) Portugal (Lisbon) (EU) Qatar (Doha) (AS) Romania (Bucharest) (EU) Russian Federation (Moscow) (AS) Rwanda (Kigali) (AF) Saint Kitts and Nevis (Basseterre) (NA) Saint Lucia (Castries) (NA) Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Kingstown) (NA) Samoa (Apia) (AU - Oceania) San Marino (San Marino) (EU) Sao Tome and Principe (Sao Tome) (AF) Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) (AS) Senegal (Dakar) (AF) Serbia (Belgrade) (EU) Seychelles (Victoria) (AF) Sierra Leone (Freetown) (AF) Singapore (Singapore City) (AS) Slovakia (Bratislava) (EU) Slovenia (Ljubljana) (EU) Solomon Islands (Honiara) (AU - Oceania) Somalia (Mogadishu) (AF) South Africa (Pretoria, Cape Town, Bloemfontein) (AF) Spain (Madrid) (EU) Sri Lanka (Colombo) (AS) Sudan (Khartoum) (AF) Suriname (Paramaribo) (SA) Swaziland (Mbabane) (AF) Sweden (Stockholm) (EU) Switzerland (Bern) (EU) Syria (Damascus) (AS) Tajikistan (Dushanbe) (AS) Tanzania (Dodoma) (AF) Thailand (Bangkok) (AS) Togo (Lome) (AF) Tonga (Nuku'alofa) (AU - Oceania) Trinidad and Tobago (Port-of-Spain) (NA) Tunisia (Tunis) (AF) Turkey (Ankara) (AS) & (EU) Turkmenistan (Ashgabat) (AS) Tuvalu (Funafuti) (AU - Oceania) Uganda (Kampala) (AF) Ukraine (Kiev) (EU) United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi) (AS) United Kingdom (London) (EU) United States (Washington D.C.) (NA) Uruguay (Montevideo) (SA) Uzbekistan (Tashkent) (AS) Vanuatu (Port-Vila) (AU - Oceania) Vatican City (na) (EU) Venezuela (Caracas) (SA) Vietnam (Hanoi) (AS) Yemen (Sana) (AS) Zambia (Lusaka) (AF) Zimbabwe (Harare) (AF) Dear Steve Can I get back to you on this? Did you not read what I put at the top of my page? CB can any body tell me the name of this song i think its called the quikness of the hand decieves the eye is this right by madness
Prospects
billy Dear Billy Yes I can! I wrote that rubbish lyric. It was called Decieves The Eye. CB Would love to hear this one live, maybe at Madstock? Any plans to perform some rare'uns?
revisiting forgotten gems
Sam R Dear Sam Is that Sammy Rhodes? I would like to hear One Better Day. CB hi chris just wondering out of curiosity would you ever consider revisiting some forgotten tracks and reworking them as there seems to be a great working vibe in the band at present.Due to situations at the time of recording some tracks could be given a new lease of life for example Beat the Bride a very underestimated song.New album is fantastic by the way.
Thx!
Cheers Dave Dear Dave I don't think it's a good idea really. Like remaking a film. It could go all wrong.. CB Guys,
Greetings from Argentina
thx for coming back to Berlin!! It was a big pleaseure to meet you last year backstage, but my hear made a big jump when I heard you come again 2010. 17 years madnees - not one wasted second! Thx and Greatings from Berlin! Becks Dear Becks Hold on - I am confused? Have we been already? Is it 2010 already? We are coming this year 2009 so calm down mein freund. CB Hi Chrissy! How r u? Just saying hello and telling you that i´m a big fan of you guys! I went to your show in buenos aires in 2006 and i loved it! I had such a great time. How was your stay in BA? Hope you had fun.
Woody's run
This summer I´m going specially to London to be at the madstock! So i´m looking foward to see all you on stage again!! Ceci Dear Ceci Actually I wasn't there. But the band told me how great it was and Barso got these fantastic shoes he now wears onstage - so next time I will be there! CB Hi Chris
a message to you !!!!how special ??
Can you say well done to Woody from me and my family also Tony to for the run he did and congratulations on the money he raised. I did wish him all the best when I saw you guys at the o2. But I wanted to say well done afterwards to. Also a well done to you all for "Later on Jools " show those two shows were brill. It's a shame I couldn't go to the Camden Crawl to see you guy but what I saw on you tube it looked like you all had fun. hat guy that was carried across the crowd omg lol. Wished I was there but to be honest I knew nothing about it. Still I did enjoy watching it though. Judging by the crowd it seems I was safer here lol. All the very best. Madboo Dear Madboo Thanks CB x allo mate great new material just what the general public need !!"just wonderin now".. how "special" the un named guests mite be @ madstock??we will all be there to get the richter scale movin again !!!thanx...
Greens
grog Dear Grog Nah it's not them. We would have said by now. They could sell a good few tickets. CB What's your favorite vegetable Chris?
Ole madstock
The MAD Onion Carrots when raw. Cooked-Brussel sprouts CB Hiya Chris I Know In The Intro To Your Cupbord You Put No Questions About Gigs ,But I Just Had To Ask This One Is "Ole Madstock,, Still Goin Ahead I Rember Suggs And Woody Were Talking About It A While Ago On "Football Am,, So I was Just Wondering
My memory aint wot it was.
....Sorry For Taking Up So Much Of Your Time Love Ya CB Shannan Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx Dear Shannan Oh sweet Jeeeeeeeeeeeeeesus. Just look on the NEWS page and scroll down.Or click on the GIGS bit.....I give up really.... CB Hi,
teddy bedford
In my last message about artists in their own videos, i was thinking of Elton Johns , "I Want Love", (the one with Robert Downey Jr. in it), & not "Sacrifice", ('cos Elton was in that one a fair bit), Anyway Chris, i have a possible idea for you , why not get fans to record a video for your next single?, people could send in their efforts & the band could pick the best one & use it.You could even make it a bit of a competition with signed cds as a prize .After all lots of people post stuff on Youtube & some of it is very inventive. I,m sure those who hate the Dust Devil video would be more than willing to come up with something you could use.(i,m gonna start making plasticine models of you all right away & dig out me old camcorder in anticipation, do you want to be Wallace or Gromit? ha! ha!) from Andy. P.S Well done to Woody on a great time in the London Marathon. P.P.S On the Town or Liberty of Norton Folgate for the next single. Dear Andy Not bad. I think the Dangermen did this for Lola but it was never released. They got some really funny footage as well. CB he is marks dad by the way last time we see him was down hollaway road a few years back
Day On The Town
spencer Dear Spencer I hope he was behaving himself. CB Any chance of day On The Town making a return to the setlist Chrissy Boy? Great track and reckon it would go down well at Madstock
hey chris
All the best Matt Dear Matt It's hard for me. It's out of my control. I am about to push for One Better Day. CB cant stop listening to Dust devil its a great tune .Hope you guys come to the aecc in December i saw you two years ago it was brill i waved to you .You wave to me back
I JUST LIKE TO SAY A BIG THANKS
Mark Morrow Dear Mark Cheers. CB I HAVE BEEN A FAN FOR ALONG TIME AND THE NEW ALBUM IS ACE LAST TIME I SAW THE BAND WAS IN PLYMOUTH 2 YEARS AGO THANK SO MUCH FOR COMING DOWN TO DEVON I THINK YOU LOT PLAYED IN TORQUAY IN THE 80S ANYWAYS HOPE TO SEE YOU LOT SOON LIVE AGAIN SEEN YA 3 TIMES YOU LOT GET BETTER BYE NOW SAY HI TO THE REST OF THE BAND TA VERY MUCH FROM JOHN VANDENBROUCK :-D YOU P.S YOU ARE WELCOME TO COME DOWN AND HAVE TEA AT MY PLACE ANY TIME ???
Dust Devil Video
Dear John Ta very much.Much appreciated. CB Dear Chris,
concert times
The Dust Devil is the best thing ever. My life was incomplete until now. In truth, it's a cool interpretation of the song. Don't be afraid to try more artistic fare like this with future videos. No wind up. Best Steve PS - Who is "Jefed"? Dear Steve Thanks. Jefed wants to know who you are too. CB any idea what time madstock might be finishing? as i will be traveling from dear old hastings by train with three children and the last train back from victoria is at 0005 can't risk being stuck in london. not that i want the show to end. is there a limit to how many children i can bring my 3 want to come. i have read in two places children under 12. and one says children 12 and under i don't want to turn up and be turned away. any answers to ease my mind so i can just relax and look forward to seeing a super show would be much welcome. i have heard that you are a nutty lord and a fountain of knowledge about all things nutty. i was at the first madstock and would realy like my kids to be part of this madtastic event. many thanks.nuttyboydave
Video
Dear Dave That is a good question. I would guess at least by 10pm maybe 11. I will find out. How old are the kids? If they are all under 12 then they should get in free. yours CB Hi Chris,
No Cd's in my HMV
Seeing as the Dust Devil video controversy is the order of the day, my question is ,Which is your favourite Madness video? + To all the people who are up in arms about the band not being in the video, - many artists have had massive hits without appearing in their own promo videos, one that springs to mind is Sacrifice by Elton John, -not in the video but a massive No.1.If he can do it ,why can,t Madness? Also to all fans out there who listen to bbc radio 2, Ken Bruce always has a album of the week, so email him via his radio 2 site & ask for Norton Folgate to be cd of the week when its released .The more airplay it gets , the bigger the hit it will be, ('cos it jolly well deserves to be No.1 ). Andy Dear Andy Thanks for the positive thoughts. My favourite video is House of Fun which has some naff bits but we used every bit of film we shot. CB Hello Chris,
candles
Love the new lp. How come none of the old albums seem to be around on CD at the moment? Are they coming out again or should I hold on to my vinyl? Cheers, JM Dear JM We deleted them as our back catalogue deal with EMI ran out. We have a new deal with Union Square and we will be re releasing all the albums over the next few months with added tracks and theyt will also be re mastered. One Step Beyond is due in October. Hold on to that vinyl though... CB dear chris,
Skanking
a million thanks for putting us in touch with jim at dept x and supporting the candles foundation fund raiser. if ever you or the boys are in need of an electrician give me a nod, i owe you one.many many thanks again, kind regards, pat taylor Dear Pat No problems. Jim is the one who does all the work not me. best of luck CB Hi Chris,
I heart vinyl
I'm doing a music research project at school and i am currently on Ska. I know what Skanking is (The dance that goes with Ska) But i don't know how to do it... Could you help me in anyway? Would really appreciate the help... Thanx Woody Look what I found today:
last message
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/3121/photo39o.jpg The One Step Beyond album on vinyl. Picture-disc no less! When I asked the Scottish boy behind the counter whether he had anything by Madness his eyes lit up and he said "Yes!" He told me that One Step Beyond was the first album he ever bought when he was a kid. Reckons he was the only 10yo in his neighbourhood going round in a pork pie hat. Happy Day! S x Dear Sarah Amazing. I never even knew we did this. Well I forgot really. He must have been at least 40. The kid behind the counter. CB Cancel the last.What i was going to say was get get yoursel a ticket for 11 May and join us for the specials at Brixton.We are meeting at Brighton Station at 4 pm for a few beers and a lot of skanking.
Hi Chris
Paul Dear Paul I could come and wave you off if you want. I'll have a latte though. CB Hi Chris
boxset arrived
going to Specials Monday 11th May Brixton.Meeting Brighton station at 4pm Paul Dear paul Right. I will be er..on the train after you then...4 days before. I think I'm going on the 7th as I have to be in London anyway for an important meeting. CB hi just to let you know the day i whinged it had not arrived - low and beholdn it was there to behold at my house (our house?) so thanks its fakking brilliant....Barzo sounds pretty sure the Dangermen was a big flopperooney - sorry to hear that...but this double set is the sh*t! well done. dont take so long next time. thanks for the Oz tour, thanks thanks thanks...
reply
esteban Esteban Good job. I'm glad to hear it. CB Sadly no, I wasn't out drinking with you and the lads. I hope I would've remembered that. And that's a bit of bad luck coming across some city coppers at 3am 'pre-Fitzgerald enquiry' days that were sober enough to nab you. Your fall on the car probably caused them no end of bother by making them spill their stubbies (aussie colloquial for beer).
Cracks In The Pavement
The Sunshine Coast is an hour north of Brisbane. You've played there before to a good crowd. A much more pleasant place for that working holiday. Cheers Barb Dear Barb Right. So the cops used to drink a lot eh? I shall retain that bit of information. We didn't really fall on their car. That was poetic license. Or exaggerating as I call it. Or Thommo-isms as it will be known in the Oxford dictionarys next edition. CB Hello Chris,
Something for the weekend!
Once The song "Cracks In The Pavement" was mentioned. You didn't know this song? It'the song Suggs and Carl performed in the docu "A Picture Of London". Dinant D. Dear Dinant Ah Right. We haven't recorded it then? CB Me and the Wife were talking about some of the ridculous stuff 'celeb's' ask to have in there dressing rooms whilst they are waiting to do a show or make an appearance. That got me thinking, if anything, what do you and the boys ask for?
Your Ol' Pa
Be honest now Chris I promise I won't tell the others. By the way apparently the Queen has to have a separate toilet made available when she's touring..... says a lot about old Phillip doesn't it? Paul Bridges Dear Paul It's sad to say but we are not really like that. Back in the day we decided to have Ouzo on the rider once which was deadly. Then Saki. Ditto. These days it's much more serene. CB Hello Chris
Missing item from box set
I found this on t'internet: http://www.folktrax-archive.org/menus/cassprogs/210.htm Could that be you perched on your old dad's shoulders there? I hear that your dad still performs as the Broadsheet King. Where does he normally play? Dominic Dear Dominic Thanks so much for that photo of me perched on my Dad's shoulders. It looks like my son Frankie, he is about the same age. My Dad doesn't really play live any more but he was still at it aged about 65. CB Missing item from box set
Support for Madstock
Question: Hey Chris, I was missing my "M" pin from the box set. I contacted Digital Stores customer service and they told me the info was fowarded to " the organizers of Madness who will advise us with regards to your order" Any idea of how mising box set items are being handled? Joe Marchesa Dear Joe I am sorry that you [and anyone else] has items missing. It is being handled in a sort of held together with string type of way. I have forwarded your message to our excellent team. CB Alright Chrissy Boy,
Victoria Park
Any chance of getting the Specials to provide support for your Madstock gig on 17th July? Imagine the Specials, the Pogues and yourselves on the same bill. Pure class. Paul Dear Paul Not really. CB Chris, I will be making my way down with the Northumberland Nutty Boys armed with a large crate of Newcastle Broon for you and the boys, or a crate of IPA for El Thommo. I'll keep my eyes open for you and get you a couple of cold ones in at the beer tent. Are you planning on visiting the Cramlington lot this year... Drop me a line and I will join you in The Plough... Catch you in the smoke.... Mr ScUrF.
forum?
Dear Garry I might be up this Christmas probably Boxing Day. yours CB forum?
Thoughts
Hello mate, will this site be having a forum like the old one or am i not looking properly. Simon Ward Dear Simon There wasn't one on the old site. Was there? There isn't one here but you can add comments. CB Hi Chris, I personally Love Dust devil and thought it was the most imediate tune on the album, a great choice for a single. One question i have for ya though, i was at the Dublin Castle just before Christmas and caught site of a band called The Communicators (obviously fans of you guys) Question, do you know them? They were great, very Blockheads in places, I bought their album, got a cracking tune about Thomo on it called Mr Thompson! Maybe a good support for you guys? Think they are from bath? Anyway see you at Madstock if not before. Thanks Robin
Height
Dear Robin I have heard of them but I think the bill is full now. So I was told. CB Just a random question, was wondering what all the bands heights were, as you all use to stand in a row from tallest to smallest. Thanks.Lloyd Poulton
One Step Beyond at soccer (football) matches
Dear Lloyd Probably Barso tallest then Suggs then Chas [very close there] then Bedders. Then it gets hard. Thommo myself and Woody are all about the same. Depends on our stance and posture really and the elevated socks Thommo wears. CB Hello again from Wisconsin!
I teach a three week unit on soccer (global aspects, connections to capitalism and nationalism, chants, why the US can't get its act together and join in on the fun, etc.), and I've seen videos of British football fans singing "One Step Beyond" at matches, especially Chelsea. That said, here are my questions: 1) How do you and the rest of the band feel about your song being used for matches? 2) Who do you want to see win the Champions League? 3) Would it be possible for me to send you a video of me and my students doing "One Step Beyond" at our soccer matches? Regards, Jason Knoll (the K is pronounced, so no relation to Grassy) Dear Jason Sorry about the name gag. It just occurred to me at the last minute. Has anyone ever said that before? Do you get that all the time? 1.I don't really mind. Suggs and Woody are the Chelsea fans. 2.The underdogs if any are left. It's all big business these days. 3.Put it on you tube and I could embed it on our site. I am getting quite good at that sort of thing. CB well done mate
Dig it up
XXXXXXX **HUGS & Kisses** Which do you prefer, a shovel or a spade?
hello hello!!!!
Chritsophe Dear Chritsophe Real name? A shovel. CB dear chrissy boy,
Mad-nificent!
i have seen your new video "dust devil" and the song is very good. after the latest single in germany "nw5" for the german film "wixxer" it is nice that the magnificent seven are back with a brand new album. i still bought the box set and now i am waiting for it. after all those years it is nice to see that you are back in the original line up. see you in berlin and all my best.... lars vegas Dear Lars Danke Schone. I hope it arrives soon. CB Hi Chrissy Boy,
Next Single
After many sleepless nights and biting of nails.... the Boxset has arrived!! Truly worth the wait. Loving the vinyl version of the album. Everything in the Boxset has that touch of Madness class. Countdown is on for Victoria Park! Nice One. K. Dear K Thanks. That makes me happy. CB Hi Chris, Many people are asking you about the second single release from the new album. Idiot Child and Hunchback of Toriano both have that radio play vibe about them. Am I close ? Good luck with Dust Devil and Norton Folgate ! Dell Dear Dell It would be funny if it was Hunchback seeing as it's on the box set. I don't know. If we get one away then the world's our oyster. In France they have gone with Forever Young. CB | |||||||||||||||||
