Hello. Chrissy Boy here, back where I belong.
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. If you want
to just say hello to any of us, please feel free to post a comment.
Thanks CB x
Name
Email
Subject
Question
happy new year
will you nd all the lads be doing a xmas tour again 2010 and could you come to leicester plz
Hi Chris, i was 18 when i last saw Madness, some years ago now, i finally got to see you all again at the 02, you where amazing, managed to get myself down the front, got some good piccies, (though hubby said not to use them all up on Chas, wellll.. i didn't use them all up :oD) Just wanted to say a big thanks to you all, your all truelly the best have a fantasic 2010 you all deserve it xxx Carol
Myself and my wife are coming over to see you and the guys again in may ,we came to the birmingham and wolves gigs this dec,was great too see you all agin.
we wanted to wait behind to get pic's with you all at the gigs ,but had to get back home due to having a baby sitter,would it be possible to meet after the amsterdam gig at all,understand if you can not .
regards
john and sarah harvey .
Dear John and Sarah I can't promise anything like this on behalf of the other band members. If you catch any of us we will all usually sign stuff and do photos. CB
Having missed the Newcastle Gig due to circumstances beyond my control I flew over to Belfast to see you guys - great gig despite the pick pockets!...just want to say thanks to Woody, Barso, Suggs and Chas who I bumped into at the airport on the return flight home -great to talk with you and cheers for signing my DM Boots....the dilemna I now have is do I ever wear them again or do I put them pride of place in the house?!
Best Wishes.
Graham McDarby
Dear Graham Sorry I missed you. Earlier flight. Wear one, put the other on the mantlepiece.. CB
Mate Guess What .....Its Shannan No Really Long Messages This Time (Thankfully) Just Wanted To Wish Madness And Their Familes A Huge Happy New Year Oh P.s About The Cupboard Been Turned Into A Full On House Of Fun I Am Truely Sorry Vut Lets Face It, It Looks Better With More Pics And You Have More Breathing Space Then You Did Before I Knocked Down That Boundry Wall Haha shannan Xxxxxxxx
Thanks to you and the rest of the gang for a wonderful night in Belfast! All the best for 2010. Aidan PS Is Suggs contemplating forming an Aerosmith tribute band??? No?? Probably for the best!!
Dear Aidan Is this a reference to the scarf? thanks CB
Alright Chris. Was at the gig in Dublin on Monday, must say you guys are getting better with age! Class night. But where was Bedders??? That guy next to you done a good job but it wasn't him. Thankx Flicker, Athlone.
gigs Question: Just ordered myself a usb stick of Southend, nice to see that 'in the rain n tarzuns nuts' been added to set list (due too poxy recession) nearest i got to going :-( . Hope you all have a great new year hope too sewe you in 2010. Alan
Dear Alan Hope you can get out of the recession and see us next year. Check it out on youtube there are some great fan ones as well.. all the best CB
The Well of Souls Question: I'm totally hooked on the 'Liberty of Norton Folgate album, and am familiar with the area around Spitalfields, Brick Lane and so on. I am however, foxed by the reference to the reference to "The Well of Shadows". Can you illuminate? BobTheBrit
Dear Bob Not really, I'll ask Suggs. Could be some time.. CB
Belfast Gig Question: Just a quick note to say thanks for reviving many happy mermories at the Belfast Gig....Hope you will return again someday... Willis Marshall
Hello Chris just writing to say i really enjoyed the show last night. The new songs sounded brillant live and i wasn't even drinking. I was in balcony and everybody was dancing.
PS: your guitar playing on That Close is excellent/let loose more
thomas mcdaid
Dear Thomas That Close? I didn't do that much.. thanks anyway CB
Morning Chris, LONF is in the top 10 list of best albums of 2009 in one of the dutch newspapers. I must say one of the classy ones (Volkskrant). They also had good, honest reviews on the album when it came out. Oh well, always good to know. By the way, I still enjoy reading Chris's cupboard and I must say that some off the stories you get are quit moving. It seems we Madness fans are one big world wide happy, peace loving, family minded, music loving lot who consider you gentlemen one of the family. ;)
Peace Andre
thanks Andre, some of those stories are really great. CB
Hi mate, just a quick email to thank you for adding me and my party to the Belfast 'VIP guestlist', and for providing tickets for us for the show.(which was totally unexpected).
The concert was superb, absolutely top-notch, and the mixture of tunes was near perfect. (I say 'near' because i'd have loved to have heard TLONF live).
Overall, it was great seeing you at the aftershow, and despite having a hectic schedule to meet, you made a genuine effort to spend a bit of time with us Chris and that's what counts to die-hard fans like me ~ so thank you for that!
One thing, thanks for introducing me to Lord Suggs, but tell me, did he pinch the 'frame'...... he seemed to make off quite quickly with it safely tucked under his arm!
In closing, stay in touch mate, Happy New Year and best regards to you and your family.
Colin...
Dear Colin I thought you'd just give us scooter badges or something. I put the frame in the bands wardrobe case for safe keeping as it would get damaged in my suitcase. Suggs is the only one who actually has a scooter but he said I can have it. thanks CB
Chris, I just want to thank and congratulate you and the lads for a brilliant nights entertainment at the Odyssey Arena. The set was great, loved all the songs - and you all looked like you were having a ball. I'm sure Thommo is well impressed by his vastly increased bra collection! Had to curtail the dancing slightly as I've my arm in plaster, but enjoyed every moment. Was a lot more sober than I was at Madstock! And finally - even though we all miss Bedders, Bushy played really well. Hope to see you all in Belfast again.
no question....just to say happy new year and thanks for making my husbands 2009. he is currently backstage with you guys. just said hi to suggs....omg. we were just kids, same as you. Happy new year ...please come back to belfast so that I can come next time....xxxx love you guys susan
Not a question - just a big massive thank you for the awesome gig in Belfast tonight. The new stuff sounded superb, and blended in brilliantly with the old gems. Hope Thommo got enough bra's tonight (was he ever a newsagent by the name of George??)
Best wishes for 2010 with whatever you and the band do, and roll on the re releases.
Hi CB, hope you and yours had a great xmas and you hasve an even better 2010. B'ham and Sheffield both great but can you tell me how you will top that on Thurs ??
Any tips on the best vantage point, and wheres best to 'moonstomp' ?!!!!
Looking forward to a great nutty 2010, and hope to buy you that wee dram that Thommo said i could get you !!! at the earliuest opportunitity - ps, is it any better the 2nd tme around ?!!!! Cheers mate, Tone - ps, say hi to Mr Bedford next time you speak to him, and get him back up there asap !
T
Dear Tote We are at the bottom of a hill so anywhwere looks like a good view. CB
i emailed you the link for you sponsering me mate ,thanks very much. I enjoyed the 02 gig it was a brilliant night. Hope you and your family had a nice christmas and have a great new year. speak soon regards spence
Do us a favour and thank him for giving me a glasgow setlist after the Manc show? Really appreciate it - he didn't have to and all that - and I was a bit of a tit. Not that he'll remember me or owt.
Have a decent 2010.
JT.
Dear JT Right - he's in trouble. I am trying to keep the band's carbon footprint at a minimum.. Good old Hugh I'll pass it on. CB
Hi Chris I have been reading through the posts on here and have noticed a few comments regarding the USB sticks for the xmas gigs, i had one from the Brum gig which i went to and i must be honest and say it,s a top copy of a brill gig (possibly the best Madness gig i have seen), and its great to be able to listen to the show time after time. Thanks to you and the rest of the band for a great 2009 and heres to a better 2010, keep up the good work. Andy
thanks Andy, it's nice to hear the good experiences as well. CB
hi cb.you talk to my daughter leah.we went to the gig in newcastle which was the best best by far yet.just want to ask you if you know where suggs got his scalk scarf from.thanks geoff.
Dear Geoff I will ask him but I forget. ....I just left him a message. He just rang me back and it is a vintage scarf from Camden Passage, London. CB
What a year this was for us Madness fans. First LONF, then a great tour all over europe, OSB re-issued on CD with a lot of extras, the book about the album, a deluxe LONF with DVD, the christmas tour, new CD's (with I'm sure a lot of extras) of the albums, Take it or Leave it coming out....it's like a dream come true. You guys are the best and I sincerely wish the best for you all and your families, who I'm sure are missing you all, what with all the shows you are playing. Take care and until next year,
As good as forever young is for me there is only one single choice which is by far the best song on he album. That close ! Is this likely to be released ? anyone else in he band share this view ?
All the best for 2010
Gilesy
Dear Gilesy Er..me? One of our managers suggested it as well.. CB
"As for jerry Who would you suggest?" Errrmm Quite Alot Of Bands, Dan Woodgates Younger Brothers Band "Steal errection,, ,Tim Barson , your Son Felix Plays Guitar don't He? Emmmmmm Ska Billy Rebels ,Ehh The Amphetameanies ,Any One Who Really Didn't Have A Look On Their Face As If To Say "Haha Look Who My Mates Are Now" Shannan Xxxxxxxxxxx
Dear Shannan Ha ha what look would they have then? Look who my Dad/Brother is now? CB
great to see you on catherine tates xmas nan special what a laugh that must of been,like the old days appearing in young ones episodes.how did that come about? and maybe a new line of work beckons lol steve brown
Dear Steve We got asked and she is a fan and we like the show, so there you go. Lot of hanging around though and Mike Thommo and myself got blown out of the carol singing scene. Also Thomm was dancing with Nan at the end which was very funny and they cut that out as well.. CV
Hey CB, Top gig as usual last night. Do you reckon you'll do the smaller intimate show in Ireland next year as opposed to the large arena? I think it makes for a better atmosphere, like the 2 shows at Tripod the week before Hackney.
Just have to say chrissy boy just got home from the DUBLIN GIG, i am pissed,but had a brillant nite and you guys look brilliant in the tin of fruits and where well able for the gig, HAPPY NEW YEAR CB AND TO ALL THE LADS AND THE FAMILIES,AND HERES TO ANOTHER 30 YEARS,NOW GOOD NITE I AM GOING TO BED GAFFO IN DUBLIN
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU 1st Time Seen You Live Ammmmmmmmmmmaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz iiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggggggg... Thank you.. Oh By The Way I Was The Girl You Glanced At With The Silver Tie During "Dust Devil" And The One Suggs Reached Out To At "Take The Hand Of Another" In Wongs Of A Dove........Must Say Your Solo In "Shut Up" Well All I Can Say Chris Is Wooowwwww.....Still Speachless ......Thanks Once Again.. Shannan Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
All right my son, jist a wee thankyou for mingling with the after gig mob at Pivo,posing for pic's,signing body part's,answering stupid question's,and taking a wee swally of my buckfast,....P.S.,Have seen Madness many time's,but your gig at the O2 Glasgow,was one of the best,...onward's 'n' forward's to 2010,...Madness Till I Die, cheer's Gilky
thanks Gilky, my pleasure. Buckfast? did I take a wee swally? Must be losing my touch.. CB
A funny thing happened too us on the way to Berlijn for x-mas
Dear Chris, how is the x-mas tour going? I hope really good. About a week ago my girlfirend and I drove to germany for x-mas. We got involved in a nasty accident with a polish truck that slammed into us. Luckily my girl and I survived the crash. Whilst standing on the highway waiting for help I suddenly thought about the summer (we toke the same route to Berlijn for the madness gig) and my thoughts became, how should I say, positief. I have been waiting for a good moment to ask my partner to marry me and suddenly it popped to my mind that here on the german highway between Magdenburg and Berlijn was the spot. I went down on my knees and asked her the big question. She was shocked but said yes...hehehe. Little did I know that a camera man was there and asked us to do it again in front of the camera. We became the x-mas stroy of the week. hahahaha Oh well I had to share this, how Madness and it's music can change a thought pattern. Here is the vid which came on the telly the same day. I can explain the headware, it was -10.
Have a happy new year to you all and we hope to see you in Amsterdam in may.
Peace and love, Andre and Katja
Andre and Katja Unbelievable. I wish you both the very best. You are on my guest list. CB
... I really have to go now, I can smell gas. Can you smell gas? Ha Ha no you can't really, Gas is odourless and what you are really smelling are the chemicals they add to gas to make sure you can smell gas. So my question to you is this, "What does Gas smell like?" Please write soon, my leg is itching. dave archer
Dear Dave I beg to differ, you can smell methane gas. It's been a gas..see you next year. CB
Hi CB, Happy Xmas. I hope everyone had a nice time! I got a pair of Dr Martens which made me very happy, so need 2 c u again soon 2 where them! I do think you guys need to come 2 Weston Super Mare soon as I have recently found out there is a massive Ska scene there, which Madness and Badmanners tribute bands regularly! Neway hope ur ok. Jade. xxx
Dear Jade Ah, normal service is resumed. thanks CB
... How many feet have you got? I have got two. Do any of your famous friends (except "Suggs") have anything wrong with their feet as I am writing a picture pop-up book about podiatry for children. I can come to your house and take pictures if you want? If you get your famous friends friends to go to your house next Thursday for dinner, I can wait in the bushes again and photograph them walking into your house. If any of them have a slight foot related problem you can make the sound of a Tawny Owl and I will take a picture. I'm not interested in bunions or corns though, that would be odd. Talking of odd when do you think you will be coming to Barnsley again? I queued up outside EGS records for thirteen years until I noticed the picture was not real and you had no intention of ever coming to Barnsley. We have a nice village hall were you could do some Ska music, its free on a Thursday morning after the Lost Property Auction and before the Free Cat Neutering session . Not a great slot but beggars can't be choosers. I can bring my medication and my guitar, you look like you could do with learning a few new chords because from where I was stood at the Leeds Gig you were just playing the same notes but just in a different order for every song. Where's the talent in that? After the gig you can either have your cat neutered (if you bring it, or you can borrow mine, he won't mind being done again) or we can go to my house to listen to some records and draw some pictures, it's up to you. You're the famous one not me, I don't want to come across all pushy and ruin our friendship and then find you on the cover of Hello Magazine telling everyone about our relationship. I've been in Hello magazine in Poland, they airbrushed out my finger though which I thought was a shame, it added a surreal element to the picture. Apparently though in some eastern european countries that sort of gesture can get still get you hanged! Touchy! Anyhow, send my love t o John, Paul, George and Ringo but not to "Suggs", he is famous enough and frankly its starting to get a bit on my nerves. If you want I can have him taken care of, all we need is a giant ginger cat suit, some masking tape and a gig in a small rural village hall. Nudge Nudge Wink Wink, Madstock takes a detour to Barnsley, "Suggs" falls mysteriously ill, his new found soprano voice is a disaster with the fans and BOOOM! Chrissy Boy is the new leader of Madness! Its so simple it's genius. dave archer
Dear Dave No thanks, you have to do too many interviews. CB
... I haven't put a stamp on any of these emails but because you are a Pop Star I thought you could pay the postage when the emails turn up on your doorstep. Don't be cross with me. Once I know you have got all my emails I will put a second class stamp in every envelope I send. You can either keep the stamp or cash it in at the GPO. I really must go now as other people are waiting to use this telephone box. It's been fun doing all the talking and I can't wait for all your answers. I might make a book and publish it and become as famous as you and "Suggs" (my friend met him at Manchester airport and he was very impressed with the size of his hands, his wife however thought he was captain birdseye because she had never heard of Madness and Paul explained he was the man of the Fish finger advert), I wet my pants when I told this to my psychiatrist. No really I did, I had a really bad childhood memory of being force fed fish fingers by a salty old man of the sea. To this day I can't watch Only Fools and Horses and have very bad dreams about Buster Merryweather. dave archer
... when they let me out last week I had a small happy meal and a tin of cola to celebrate. If you were going to be shot what would be your last meal? Would it be something that they had to fetch from the other side of Brazil, with a three week shipping order and and a four month waiting list. I know I would. I hope they wouldn't make me stand up though. If you're going to die I think you should be comfortable. Anyway if I were going to be shot I would make my last meal 67 kilograms of stainless steel and then when they shot me the bullet would bounce off like Superman or Mary Whitehouse. Did you ever meet Mary Whitehouse? I once walked past a woman who looked quite like her but when I turned around she had gone into the butcher's shop. To this very day I regret not getting her autograph while she was the lead singer in Slade. Do you know that I went to the Leeds gig and "Suggs" (if that is his real name?) said some rude things about Leeds like having his windows put through there the last time you played you particular brand of music. Well let me send apologies for everyone in Leeds for the distress this must have caused you. (Attached is a list of everyone who lives in Leeds). This is probably why you were not picked to write the theme tune to Jimm'll Fix It. Jimmy Saville is from Leeds and I have it on good authority that you were a shoe in for that title song until those inflammatory comments about his beloved city. I myself come from Barnsley which is like Leeds but is smaller and has less letters in it. You can spell ARSE with the letters in Barnsley and still have some left over. You can't do this with Leeds. If you want I can send a taxi and you can come to my house any time except Mondays or Tuesdays when I go out to look at things. Send me your phone number and we can talk about chalk or bacon but not at the same time. One person has to talk and the other person has to listen. I know that now. dave archer
Dear Dave OK time to wind it down..it's been fun. CB
... while we are talking about photographs what do you think happens to all the photos that Boots develop? Do they keep a copy to laugh at? Do they put them all into a massive photo album and pretend they have the most friends in the world? I bet there have been some funny photos sent to Boots in the past? I had a picture of a dog once and because my thumb was still over the lens the picture came out looking like I had a wife and three kids and we were sat on the beach front at Skegness. I've never been to Skegness but strange things must happen if you take pictures of your dog there. I can't remember taking the other pictures on that roll of film either. I wonder what happened to that old man? Do you pictures that you like to look at? I do. I like looking at things. This is one of my hobbies; staring at things and sleeping. I put that on my facebook page. I think it is full now. Do you have a computer or do you have a person who reads the internet to you? If you are as rich as you said you were on Richard and Judy last week I bet you have one person to read out the words and ANOTHER person to describe the pictures. I like pictures. I don't have a camera at the moment because of the impending court case and the man at the Leeds academy would let me take my easel and brushes in with me so I had to stare at you very hard to burn the impression of your face into my eyelids. You kept moving around though so the picture was rubbish when I got home. I did like your shoes though. They were black and white brogues and they matched. You had the same pattern on each shoe which I though was typical of a Pop Star like yourself. dave archer
Dear Dave Ha ha stop it, that's enough.I think the Boots thing is a bit out of date these days though, you need to change that bit.You can't keep this up - can you? CB
photographs_5 Question: ... why do they call crickets "Crickets"? They're not round like the ball or long and thin like the bat, they're not white and they don't hold a maximum capacity of 29,000 people like Headingley. It's very confusing. Did you get my last email? I don't ususally send my bank account details on the first date but you have honest ears and no one has ever been robbed by anyone with honest ears. A man did take £500 out my bank account last week when I sent him my pin number and sort code. He said the money was poisoned and unless he took it out of my bank account it would poison all the other pennies in the bank and that I would be responsible for the economic crisis that we are in. He is very good and very carefull about taking money out of my account, he only takes £500 at a time and sometimes he is often kind enough to take money off my credit card as well. Money is very poisonous, i think it must cause a rash or something. Do you have lots of money what with being a Pop Star and all? Do you eat your money? I've heard that's what Pop Stars have for breakfast, money on toast with gold milk and silver butter. What does it taste like? I've been trying to melt a one pound coin on my gas hob for the last three days and it hasn't moved. Do you think it will be safe to eat now? Please write soon or at least send me a message by telepathy, but not on Tuesdays as I go walk past the Electricity substation at the bottom of our street and then I go a bit light headed. Wednesdays are good for me. dave archer
Dear Dave You are like that comedian Steve Wright. Very dry...
....my mum says you are not real. People on the internet are not real are they? I mean I'm looking at this picture of you and you haven't blinked once. You are either very good at the no blinking game or are not a real person. Do you have a body double for when you go to B&Q to stop being mobbed by fans. Does your body double look like you or your sister? Are you so rich that you can have a body double for every shop you go into, then you could shoplift from three places at the same time and get away with it because all the security tapes would show you were in the three different places at the same time and unless you are Captain Kirk (or Pugwash, I forget) then you can't travel in time. Did I tell you I went to the Leeds Gig it was really good although you didn't do as many cover songs as I remembered from last time. There are lots of other good bands out there like Dollar and Kajagoogoo, some of there songs would go well in your jig. Do you know anyone else tha t is famous? Do you go round to their house and listen to records or draw pictures? Can you get me any autographs? Do you have famous competitions with your friends? You could run up to people in the street and ask them if they recognise you. If they do you can get one point, if they don't recognise you you can get depressed and write a song like Morrisey or Ian Curtis or even Russ Abbot. dave archer
Dear Dave Great fun. Are you unemployed? You seem to have a lot of time on your hands. If you are, you could get a job in journalism, you have a good writing style. CB
.....oh I forgot don't use big words or crayons when you answer all of my questions. Big words hurt my eyes and crayons are just evil. You seem like a person who I can talk to. You look more normal than the rest of the band. You can come to my house if you like, we have Pasta on Mondays. We don't have anything else to eat all week so I'd advise coming on a Monday, but not next Monday I have to go to the shops. I can't just sit around waiting for Pop Stars to turn up. We can listen to records or draw pictures if you want. "Stalking" is such an ugly word don't you think? I had a stalker once it was weird, the bloke was a complete fruitcake. Normally I like cake but not his flavour, he was weird flavour. My favourite colour is Eyebrow Grey, you know the colour of your grandad's eyebrows. What is your favourite type of apple? I had a apple last monday. I think I ate it all but I can't remember, can you? If everone in the band and myself each had an apple next monday at about 5.30pm do you think there would be a tidal wave in Japan? I spend lots of time thinking about things like this, do you? People say I just stop writing letters like this as the internet is a dangerous place. Once you are a Pop Star do you ever wish you had been on Britain's Got Talent or the X-Factor and then you could have been really famous, not just a bit famous like what you are now. I was on the X-Factor but they had to cut me out of the final show for legal reasons, apparently you can't say that on live television. If only I'd known. Anyway must dash the turkey is in the oven and the duck want's a turn now. It's very noisy up here in my head. dave archer
Dear Dave Fantastic stuff love it, keep it coming in. You've got the time, I can put it up all day long. CB
How many times do you think you have had your photo taken with the same fan? TWICE. Do you get anyone saying that you look like the van drive from bezier in Wakefield? NO. Do you have any outstanding court orders against a man named John Hirst who claims to be a Madness Fan from Wakefield? NO. Apart from me who would most like to meet? NO. What was the first type of fridge that you bought with cash? ZANUSSI. Why when you were on stage at Leeds Academy O2 in December did you not say one word to the loony in the front row with a black Fred Perry T-Shirt on? HE WAS YOU. Can you play the spoons? YES. Why are my eyes blurred and the room spinning? YOU ARE IN A ROTOR.
What does "avoid alcohol when taking these tablets" actually mean? DON'T DRINK ALCOHOL WHEN TAKING THESE TABLETS. YOUR EYES WILL BLUR AND THE ROOM WILL SPIN. How many South American invertebrates can you name? NONE. At what age do you think you start to look like your dad? ABOUT NOW. At what age do you think you should start to act like to your mum? NEVER.
That's enough for now. Please answer my questions as I can't go outside because of things that live in the tree opposite my house. I like Madness, I had a Fish called Chris when I was young, I told everyone it was named after you but not many people believed me, I tried to tell them over and over again but eventually I just had to write them a letter. Most of the people sent me the letters back but some of them didn't. I tried to find out where they lived but most of them had moved away. Please send me your answers to these questions because as a Pop Star you have a responsibility to your fans to answer any questions at any times regardless of how inappropriately rambling they may seem. Anyway I have to go now as it's time for my nap. Thanks for the Leeds Gig, even though I was sober I had a right larf.
Why does Suggs pretend he is from London? WHY NOT? dave archer
hope that's it for a long time then, Dave.. thanks CB
Hello Chris, Do you know when Madstock 2009 will be released on dvd, or is it going to be??
Saw you then and also at Birmingham Acadamy in December, great small venue much better than arenas. I also loved the surprise songs...ERNIE and In the Rain, fantastic, just a shame I was surrounded by people who hadn't got a clue what the songs were. I think I was the only one singing all the words! Brought back memories of when I first heard Absolutely!
Mel xx
Dear Mel I hope it will get some sort of release next year, which is not far off.. CB
Dear Chris Thank you for another fun packed year of nuttyness and thanks for replying to two earlier emails in the months gone by. If i could just get you to bear with me for just a few minutes to tell you how much madness has meant to me over three quarters of my life and has now even affected my own children. 2009 has been a year of highs and lows. the low was losing my dad at 83 years old in march of this year and even when he heard i was going to madstock he said 'jeasus they must be grown men now'. I got hooked on madness in 1980 and havent stopped since, I have followed the solo careers of you all from crunch to velvet ghost and suggs to votb. As a 14 year old boy growing up in dublin during the 80's recession the only thing to look forward to was if the postman was going to deliver that parcel from the M.I.S I was expecting or when the next appearance on top of the pops might be. You're pictures and posters beamed down on me from every square inch of my room and the only sound coming from my home was the nutty sound of madness. I am no different to the many many fans out there as i am sure everyone has their own stories of just how you're music has affected them but for me the music was just a part of it. What i loved was the ordinaryness and approachability of you guys as you could'nt do enough for the fans As the years passed and i was married with my own children i couldn't get the kids to bed without letting them watch complete madness on video and here i am tweny four years later and they are coming with me to see you at the dublin gig on monday which will be my fourth this year madstock being the ultimate as its your home town. So I guess what i'm trying to say is thankyou from the bottom of my heart for the music that has got me through the highs and lows of my life. The music of madness has not only affected the generation that grew up on it but also our children and in a lot of cases grandchildren. I hope one day I can personally shake your hand just to say thanks Madness has been the best hobby i have ever had and is now a hobby for my four sons I look forward to seeing you all in Dublin tomorrow night and as my wife has surprised me with tickets for belfast I'll see you there as well ( GIG NO 14 ) SINCE 1985. Thank you for taking the time to read this and may you and all you hold dear have a very happy and healthy new year, god bless you all. Declan from Dublin
Dear Declan Thanks that's really nice to hear. all the best Chris
Hello, I'm 39 years old and I have discovered again Madness for 6 month ago( when I was young I knew "One Step Beyond" and "Night Boat to Cairo" and "Our House". Madness made me like saxophone, and I like very much the piano of M.Barson. Suggs was charming with one of most beautiful mouth of UK, and you and the other five members, I can write a book on what I think in your delirious videos... My favorites songs are "Grey day" , "My Girl", Baggy Trousers", "Tomorrow's just another day"...My son has 14 months and he likes to look and listen "TOTAL MADNESS" in video, his favorites songs are "Baggy Trousers, Shut Up and I Must Be Love"... you are funny, good and magic and you get much happiness in my daily life. It's a pity that there are no more concerts in France in 2010... good round in Europe, I adore you all the seven : Suggs, you Chris, Chas Smash, Dan Woodgate, Mr Barso, Mark Bedford, Lee Thomson... All the best for Madness and your families... Sophie
Dear Sophie thanks, it's nice to meet you again after all these years.We are in Paris 14th Mai 2010 at the Zenit. CB
Just a big thanks to you and the rest of the guys for adding Matinee shows.Took my 11 year old boy to Newcastle with my mate and his boy.They had no idea they were coming to see you guys.The look on there face too when we were sittin in burger king and the red double decker bus pulls up outside while theyre askin "Whys everyone standing outside that building" Couldnt have timed it better mate ;-).Only for us to stand in the Que and show them the tickets Lol. I sent my mate off with the kids coz we had an hour to wait an it was bloody cold.They came back and had met Suggs round the back an had a pic of themselves with him:-0.I was totally gutted for myself but over the moon for my boy. Anyway thanks again to you all and how the hell can I take him to another gig without him expecting to meet one off you ;-).
Was at Glasgow gig next night and have to say it was best Ive seen....an ahve been to a few;-). So is Tarzans Nuts gettin released in the summer and is ali campbell getting any royalties for it ;-)
Thanks Mike
Thanks Mike. Typical eh? you wait all day then Suggs turns up when you least expect it.. CB
hey chris, just a quick word to say how much me and the wife enjoyed the gig at sheffield. you boys were amazing as usual. i think you noticed me, i was the one with the "ghost train" suit. hope yto see you guys on tour again. best wishes to all of you for the new year, Alvey
Dear Alvey The suit was great - how did you make it? thanks CB
Ah, Mr Foreman It's the former (assistant) merchandise seller from the Nutty Boys days here. That was me you picked out in the crowd at the start of the 'My Girl Manchester' youtube clip before the battery ran out! So much to say but will keep it brief for now: - Tarzan's Nuts, ERNIE, In the Rain live - magnificent to hear so many old chestnuts! - Among many TLONF highlights for me - On the Town, Fish & Chips, One Fine Day - 5 year old son, graduated from singing 'dame an dandal' as a toddler to his current favourites Wings, Our House, and Fish & Chips! He's also a veteran of 3 shows (Knowsley, Romsey, and Southend) - 30 years of memories, heartiest congrats to you all, see you in 2010!
a bit ago i asked u about how to start a ska/mod band and the advice was really great and i was wondering and this is a bit cheeky could u teel me the tab for rockin in a flat as i cant find the solo anywhere thanks chrissy boy from ur biggest 14 yearold fan ps is it true that paul young once was the bands minder? conor
Dear Conor I don't know do you mean? Do you mean what key is it in? C. It's in C, a 12 bar in C. Paul Young was not the band's minder, although do you mean Paul Young the singer, or another Paul Young? CB
Dear CB merry xmas from all of us and a big thanks to u and the rest of the guys for a fantastic year, we appreciate the band more than ever and think that you've cemented your status as true music legends. Hope u have a brill festive period and enjoy a well earned break. Stay safe.
Hi Chris, A little mail to wish you (and to the rest of the band) a Merry Christmas! It's strange coz I've never see you in "real" (just on stage at Montreux last year), but you know that for lot of fans like me, Madness is not just a band:it's family! And I have to tell you that you've gain a new fan this year with my 6-months daughter :she especially loves "Night boat..", "On the town", and "Sorry" (for the last one, I'm not sure it's your favorite...but come on, she's 6 months y.o.!!) So I wish you all the best for the new year. And this year, I won't tell you that my best Chritmas gift would be an autographed picture of the band....No I won't...even if it's Christmas...!!!! Thanks again for this great year. Let's go for a another Nutty year 2010! Steve
Dear Steve You were doing great, till the last bit.I can't send autographs for many reasons. It's not really fair to the people who wait in the rain to see us, for one thing. thanks CB
Hi CB! Just a few days now until the glorious return to Belfast, you looking forward to it? I've been chatting with Lee (and of course yourself), regarding a few of the Club meeting the band to hand over gifts, what's our best plan for doing this as i'm still a wee bit in the dark and time is short? Have a great Christmas, Colin.
Dear Colin I just got round to this one. The sound check is in 20 minutes, hang around or I'll try to see you after the show. CB
Wanted to wish you and your bandmates and everyone who's made this one of the most successful years for Madness ever a very Merry Christmas, Happy 2010, etc.
Your bud Steve
PS - Did you hear Total Madness went 100K? Two gold albums for Madness in one year. Booya.
thanks Steve and thanks for the card very funny. CB
Newcastle can easily be added to my top 10 all time concerts, but that top 10 is getting very crowded, both Manchester and London were excellent.
Just one question, I was on the far right of the stage, near where all your family members were gathered, near where I stood last year but my view this year was obscured by some speakers. I seemed to remember last year the seats parallel to the stage were full but this year they were empty. Did you know about this or was it more down to O2 management? It did not stop my enjoyment of the show and I could see Suggs, Chas, Kix and yourself fine. Lee even came over and gave us all a blast of his sax, but is it possible if you do the O2 again to open up the stage a bit more.
Maybe we have been spoiled by seeing you in smaller venues, keep on rockin' and see you in Edinburgh.
All the Best Phil
Dear Phil We sold fewer tickets this time at the O2. The seating configuration of the venue was not down to the band, the O2 did it - as far as I know. thanks for the support CB
Dear Chrissy,I went to your (awesome) gig at Wolves last week,bought the USB stick with the gig on(I don't have a home comp but access them at other places)I tried it in 2 libraries and a cmmunity centre to find it doesn't fit in the comp slot! All 3 places told me it's not a standard fitting..I contacted customer services on this site and they said its 'not their responsibility' but the vendor,whoever that might be! So I'm 15 quid down,I can't access anything on the USB stick,and not that this should make a difference but I'm long term ill and can't afford to lose that kind of money. So sorry to mail you,but I'd like a working model please..can you kick the vendor up the arse/send me a working stick/my money back as a last resort/anything! Hope the rest of the tour goes as well for you. Thank you, Donna :)
Dear Donna I have had a few comments on the usb sticks, but this is a first. I'll pass it on.I just realised that by comp you mean a computer. Excuse me but it seems a bit silly to have bought one [a usb stick] in the first place. do you have any friends with comps? CB
Hello boys, another cracking night out listening to the old and new hits, even singing along to 'ERNIE'(I remember it the first time around).Nineteen of us came to see you and evryone enjoyed themselves. Only gripe is that the acoustics in the mush pit are poor, apart from that great time was had.Must be due for an introduction to you guys now, 10+ times we have been to see you and will be possibly travelling to Amsterdam to see you again. A very merry Christmas to you all and your families and have a fantastic new year.
Best regards
Big Rob (Herts)
Dear Big Rob Waht can I say? 20 people in the mush [mosh?] pit. no wonder the sound was a bit blurry.. thanks CB
Dear Mr Boy, I've just bought the PSB Christmas EP. They've done two versions of 'My Girl'. I think they're both fantastic. Do any of the band have an opionion? Happy Christmas from Coventry's Cheekiest Charmer.
Dear CCC I haven't heard it yet there was version on the internet it's OK a bit avant garde I like the chorus. CB
Heya Again Chris (Its Shannan) But This Time A Question From A Friend Who Has Got Me Wondering The Same Flippen' Thing.......Why Where Alot Of The Bands Who Supported You At Madstock '09 No Where Near Ska Genre......The Pouges......Jerry Dammers ??? Yeah It Was a Good (Ish) Bill But A Band Like Yourself's Deserve More Then The Pougees Supporting You, It Should Have Been Abit More Upper Class...Yeah the Pouges And Jerry Dammers Are Good But Still Shouldn't have The Right To Share A Stage With The best
Dear We all like the Pogues and when they were suggested we all wanted them on the bill.As for Jerry..Who would you suggest? CB
chris mate took my six year old son(dave)to his first gig(wolves)he insisted on wearing his fez all nite and he never stopped dancing and singing throughout the show he had had the best time ever it was great to see loads of people filming him dancing he thinks the new album is ace loves idiot child cor wait to see you again merry nutty christmas gordon
Dear Gordon Great stuff, another convert saved from the clutches of X Factor and Jedward etc... thanks Cb
Hello Chris Not a question as such. my girlfriend just told me she tried desperately to get tickets for me at the b`ham o2 academy for christmas and failed. I`ve been a fan since the early 80`s and although i`ve missed out this time i`m determined to come and see you guys in the future. Have a great gig mate!! Love all your stuff gary g
Dear Gary Er..right...better luck next time.Early bird and all that. thanks CB
Hi Chrissy and rest of the band. Saw you in Newcastle on 12th Dec 09. Fantastic and even better than fantastic. Been a fan for year since The Prince and every time in London have to visit the Dublin Castle for a pint or several. Excellent pub. Has all the Madness vinals and lost them when my record collection got stolen. Yeah got insurance but it cant replace pure quality and teenage memories. wondering when you will be releasing the whole set on CD, especially Absoloutely. Got One Step Beyond and really looking forward to getting the others.Cant wait to hear the sounds of my youth again. Also how could i get one of albums autographed by you guys. Love the music, love the videos, Love Take it or Leave it, Dance Craze you name it. All i can say is the bands of today, take a lesson from the true masters, 30 years and just getting better all the time. Thank you Madness for an amazing experience. Your music in my car just takes me back to my youth and i love it. Cant wait to see you live again. Bloody marvelous. Please let me know how i can get an Album or CD signed. I would treasure it.
Thanks Chrissy
Mark
Dear Mark I'm sorry to hear about your vinyl collection getting stolen. All the studio albums being re released on CD in the coming months by Union Square. With the exception of Mad not Mad which will be on EMI. CB
Just wanted to say i hope all of Madness and their families have a fantastic Christmas and an even better New year(really fed up the girls and myself can't come to Edinburgh,bugga). Big sloppy christmas kisses Jane.x
Congratulations with the tour (looking forward to Amsterdam in 2010), album and new single. Was wondering, is a video planned for this potential hit? Why not do it with the Hackney footage?
i sent a text to get the big issue D/Ls, i was sent a text by them asking for my email address. i sent it. haven't recieved anything back. did this twice. can you help out please.
great album by the way
cheers
Rab
OK Rab. Try ringing them? Texts...I will forward this. CB
First of all,i had a blinding time time at the o2 on friday,once again you did a great set.Heres the negative bit,the usb stick i purchased only had eight of the songs on it and my encore code did not work on the companys website.they are also ignoring my emails,any chance of a word in their shell like chris as i wouldnt like to see the good name of madness sullied by a fly be night outfit such as this cheers your loyal fan clarky
Dear Clarky How terrible. The company is German, the very height of Teutonic efficiency. This has been forwarded to the tech team. CB
do the band embark on the above either pre or after their shows. im going to the belfast show next tuesday. appreciate that you all have a schedule to keep-but wondered if it would be worth my while going up several hours early for this purpose?/thanks. MARK DEAN-N.IRELAND
Dear Mark Hang round the venue and you may see some of us. Soundcheck is usually 4pm. I can't promise you anything, except if you see me I'll say hello. Maybe. CB
me again ???? i posted some thing on your wall in may saying i would love to see ya again down plymouth and you came back down . thank you so much 4 coming back down again you have made my year . have a grrrrreat xmas and a happy new year to yu and the gang and yes a have order the new song to keep it up your music always makes me sing in the car i think i may go 4 the x facter next year lol t.c from john mad v :-D JOHN VANDENBROUCK
Just found the clip of the band playing Tomorrow's just another day with Elvis Costello on ye olde youtube.Brilliant, it got me thinking(it had to happen one day) who would you love to play along with on stage? keep it clean. :) Tim
Dear Tim I was keeping it clean till you said that, so it'll have to be Alica Keys..OK then Chuck Berry. CB
hi chris, I know youse are busy with the tour but could you ask lee for any history on my sax that he gave me want to sell it on ebay hehehehe no no no no, that will be left to my grandchildren or taken with me on my day of calling want to learn to play it once i learn my arabic This was all planned before the gig well not the sax bit but me n my mates i have a place in egypt and for my friends birthday she wants to go down the nile on a night boat to cairo seriously it was ment to be im taken the sax to cairo just hope im within my 20 kilo bagage BIG THANKYOU AGAIN and please any info you can give me still cant remember the question for swop shop love lorraine X ;)
Dear Lorraine I think you should go to the treehouse and Thommo will tell you how that sax was the first one he ever had, blah blah blah. The truth sadly, is far less interesting. It'll take you forever to learn Arabic won't it? Once you have mastered it, ask me again. In Arabic. CB
Hi Chris. Just wanted to say Thank You for an excellent year of Madness. All the very best to you, the lads and all myour families during the festive period. Jim
Just wanted to say what a brilliant show at Manchester which was made all the better for me getting a photo with you and Woody after the sound check!Happy Christmas to you all!! Cheers, Richard
Dear Richard thanks, you stalker.. all the best CB
Dear young Chris , I don't no if you can but if you could send some of your words of wisdom to my wife Anita i would really greatfull . Today (Tuesday 21st December 09) She has been diagnosed with pneumonia and as you can imagine she is REALLY down and a few words from here favorite guitarist might make here smile . I will always be in your debt if you can . Many thanks and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and an even more sucessful 2010
Barry
Dear Barry Sorry to hear that. Who is her favourite guitarist then? I'll see what I can do.I hope she gets well soon. CB
Hi bud hows you just wanted to say im really looking forward to the hogmanay gig in Edinburgh, I know the stage is family only so how would you boys like to adopt my sons for the night (yep im that sad I would sell my boys to dance on stage with you lot) im sure my boys would love a new uncle chas dancing at all the family weddings or a barmy uncle lee doing daft things at the same wedding or a nice uncle chris to babysit them (god im crawling now)ah well we can all dream, anyway on to more serious stuff I loved the one step beyond reissue (it was a thing of beauty) and think that all the band should try to get all the albums rereleased as it really seems a shame to only release the seven of them, it would be much better if they were all done with the same style (even the greatest hits and madstock ones) are you planning to have a celeb do an intro to all of them (I know im scottish but I cant stand Irvine Welsh even we scots cant understand half the crap he writes, pity John Peel or mr lovepants himself Ian Dury arent still with us as im sure they could have done the band justice) how about having a competition for the fans to write an intro for the last release and you could give an autographed set as a prize to the winner and could you please try to arrange some sort of release for all of dads mixtapes for M section members as I still cant work out how to download them but I would happilly pay for a copy of them (it would be worth it to hear them on my stereo nice and loud compared to my laptops crap speakers)anyway thanks for listening hope you all have a great crimbo cant wait for new year cheers Terry Burgoyne Ps if you remember could you mention my boys when you do the showtime shoutout at edinburgh as they would love it and im gonna buy the recording of it so we would love to hear them being mentioned they are Terry and Alex Burgoyne (please pleaseb please)we will be the three dafties dancing at the front wearing fezs
Dear Terry We all lkied Mr Walsh's comments although I cut out the swearing. I like his books as well. All the original studio albums [except Mad Not Mad which will be on Virgin] are being re released to the same standards as One Step Beyond.I'll keep an eye out for you and who knows? CB
i have some great photos of chas on stage with his son and kids where can i send them to him... some are smashing. sorry chrissy didnt get any ofother side of stage
but that was the best show time ever, and tarzans nuts as well.......
thanks for another great gig netty
Dear Netty You can post them on this site, or send them to our management.The address is on the home page under 'contact'. CB
Brilliant show,as always,thanks for a good night. I've been a fan for 30 years and i hope to take my kids to a Madness gig in the summer. Merry Xmas to all of you and a happy new year. P.S Great to hear Johnny The Horse. Darren Swallow
thanks Darren. I enjoy playing that song, I'm glad it's back in the set. CB
Dear Chris, was listening to Rise & Fall at the weekend for the first time in ages. What an album! And that got me thinking.. I recall (in the midst of time) that the band performed 4 tracks for the bbc a few months before the album was released. The title track, a quite different ending with trumpets compared to the final cut, TJAD which i think was slower, Calling Cards and a great Tiptoes. I taped this way back then but the tape gave up about 3 months later (probably after about 1,000 plays). Er no MP3's etc back then (for younger readers...). So can we have these of the re-release please? The CD of R&F i have is from virgin and the cover/insert is pretty poor... The original 1982 album had a magnificent fold gate but the virgin cd version simply tries to cram this into cd size with the result that the last 2 song titles are actually cut-off on my version. BTW i always thought Madness is all in the Mind was written by Carl until last night! Oops - sorry! A great song to finish off a great album. Michael G
Dear Michael Thanks very good points. I think all the sessions we could get hold of are on the re release.The artwork has not been sent to me yet but I try to keep it as original as possible. CB
Thanks for a great show at the 02 friday. Came all the way from Norway again! Well worth it! Got myself the USB stick aswell. to all of you in Madness: Merry Christmas!
I wrote to you back in July with my story of seeing you lot at the Hammersmith Palais and how I ended up at the back and seeing nothing, and how I had just been dancing in my living room with my missus watching you at Glastonbury on tele and how my daughter had just told us she was expecting he first baby. Well it's nearly Christmas now and I wanted to let you know what a great gig The O2 was. I was privileged to ride from The Dublin Castle to the O2 on the Total Madness tour bus. I shared the journey through London with some brilliantly nutty people, we drank a lot and hung out of the top deck windows shouting along to the constant Madness songs being played on board. I'd like to mention the bemused looking Japanese tourists on Tower Bridge, the miserable bankers in The City who ignored our shouts and the kind people of Bermondsey who waved at us. I'll never forget that journey.
The gig was was of the best ever, the set list was inspired, I witnessed The Chuckle Brothers doing Tarzan's Nuts and what must be the longest 'Shooow Time' in history. And, unlike 30 years ago, I got right to the front and held on till the bitter end. I met some wonderful people that day and have a whole load more incredible memories to keep.
A couple of weeks before that my daughter gave birth to a precious, tiny little baby girl called Poppy and a week before that I saw The Specials play The Hammersmith Odeon! What an incredible end to 2009. At a time when an awful a lot of people in the country are going through some very bad times I consider myself a very lucky fella. For once in my life I actually don't want the year to end!
Merry Christmas to you Chris and all The Maddies. Thanks for 30 fantastic years!
Mad Mick
Dear Mick I loved that story you sent in.We are doing a Madness book and one thing I'd like to do is include stuff like that. Have you got any pictures of you and your mate from then? Grandad eh? Congratualtions, join the gang. Whenever I'm stuck behind some old codger in my car, I shout "get a move on Grandad!" Then I realise...I am one too.. CB
can i still get a recording of the brighton gig 09 as i cant seem to find one anywhere?seeing the band brought back some brilliant memories.has kix still got that bra lol all the best and a great xmas neil
Dear Neil The bra was too small. There is a link on this site to buy the usb sticks.Go to the main page below the picture of Woody, there is a link. CB
Hi Chris, Thanks for a great night at Wolverhamton, we travelled from Mid Wales for the gig. Have a great xmas and hopefully will see you guys again in the new year. All the best Baz Mac
chris where do suggs and rest o the band get the black and white brougues been scanning the net to get a pair but no luck your madness fan colin whyte
Dear Colin I get mine from the British Boot Company. http://www.britboot.co.uk/engine/shop/index.html
Look for George Cox Robot shoes page 2 http://www.britboot.co.uk/engine/shop/product/R18/George+Cox+-+Black+And+White+Brogue+%2813804%29 Ask for Nick and say I told you. CB
Ciao Chris just bought 21 tickets for your next "italian job", friends, wifes, doughters and sons grow up with the nutty sounds in the air. PEACE, LOVE,HAPPINESS !!! Pierprince
ciao Pierprince i ringraziamenti ed allora lo vedono CB
Hi Chris,Can't believe it's been 30 years.The set at the O2 last night was incredible, hubby and I were like a pair of teenagers again, except I did'nt wake up feeling stiff from all the dancing back then! Thank you so much...Your music sounds as fresh as a daisy.Long live the nutty boys. lindyloo
please can we have a dvd or regent st gig???????? i asked absolute radio & its madness managements video? please ask the guy in the office to bung it on disk!! very merry christmas!!!!!
Hi Chrissy, It's the day after the O2 concert - absolutely brilliant, especially when Rhoda Dakar came on for On The Town ! My nephew is definitely a new convert, he wants me to take him to the front next time but as he is only 11 at the moment, can you make sure you are still touring in 3 years time ??
Your "Showtime" was such a laugh, was that the longest one in history ??
Have a good rest over Christmas, I can't wait to see what Madness goodies we have for 2010 !!!
Sharon xx
Dear Sharon thanks, I meant every word. Now - what did I say? CB PS - I got the cake!
Another great gig! Front row at the O2 is odd in itself, never mind the Total Madness bus ride from the Dublin Castle to the gig, the xx and being forced to speak to Thommo, my sax god. Still can't believe I held that together - or that it even happened. Twice!
So, my question is, Thommo was trying to give me an email address I could send my real address to (he has something gathering dust that would find a loving home here in Reading) but I was all blah, blah, blah, I'll find it. Think it starts MIS. You're on here much more than Thommo so I thought I'd ask you first. Do you know what he meant? I could make up a million permutations but if you know it, please tell. Need it. xx
Hugs.
Amanda xx
PS I didn't get home till just before 5am.
PPS Tarzan's Nuts! Again!
Dear Amada Oh the tickets turned up then? How's the head? Ask Thommo, he's next door.. CB
its just john vandenbrouck here again i posted some thing on here in may 09.thank you so much for coming back down to plymouth what more can i say 10/10 again have a grrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat xmas u made my year
Dear John What can I say? Greeeeeennnn Arrrrrrrrrmay! get arwn yer Janners! CB
first off id just like to say..what a night me an my mate had at your wolverhamton show lastnite..we was at the front with two inflateable saxaphones! throughly enjoyed the show so top marks..i was just wondering where i could get the live recoreding off the show from? as unfortunatly we didnt have enough money to buy the usb stick on the nite..thanx an merry christmas! michael
thanks Michael You can get them from http://concert-online.com/de/artist/560/Madness.html CB
Not a question, just a thank you for a superb night at the Civic last night. I saw you in Brum last week and at Madstock in July and last night was the best. Have a good Christmas, you deserve it after the hectic year you have had. Hope to see you again next year, thanks again for a fab night. Richard
Just wanted to say what a fantastic night I had last at the Civic in Wolverhampton. Much better in a smaller venue than big arenas! Look forward to seeing you next time...James
hello chris a few of us are going to the concert but i was wondering if there would be any possibility of two backstage passes for my husband and seven year old daughter. enjoy belfast and have a good christmas. ps me and my friends would get peace for a couple of hours. gillian
Dear Gillian If you put it like that then not likely! We need some peace too... thanks CB
ANOTHER great show, love the oldies, newies and the hardly played. Thank Suggs for the fez mate. Madstock was fantastic. Keep them coming lad's, I'm in my 40's now and just like 'the young the old' "Old man in the morning, Young man at night. Breakfast full of wisdom Until you hit the lights Have a quick short, forget about work Have a couple more then you go beserk"
Every time we take 'Madness Gig Virgin' with us they say the same thing "I'll never miss another". Sorry Chrissy, getting carried away (should be carried off some would say)
Anyway, I was wondering with the cameras at the toon gig would you be releasing a DVD of the night.
Best wishes and happy new year to you all. Hope to see you very soon
Kev
thanks Kev. The cameras were just for the live video feed to the screens. CB
Hi I saw you at Swindon and you were all amazing. Do you release live albums? I have seen a live album of Madness at the O2 in 2007 on sale in amazon, is it an album that you have released or is it pirate?
thanks
LISA
Dear Lisa Really? There are a few out there, I don't know much about them. There's a good US one called Universal Madness. CB
Thanks for an unbelieveable performance on Sunday, you guys were on top form. One of the best gigs ever. Smaller venue captured the atmosphere 100%, and what a setlist. Hope you'se will be back in 2010.
I'm away to order the cd now, and relive the night all over again :)
when madstock is released on dvd,is there any chance some of the support bands will be on it?Happy xmas and look forward to another great nutty year. jim
Not really Jim as we don't have rights to their performances. thanks CB
Hello there. 3 generations(my dad, me and my 11 year old )had a great night at the Manchester gig, but just 1 question-why no Liberty of Norton Folgate (the track) on the setlist?That said had a fab time-my dad's fourth Madness gig and my 11 year old's 1st. Jen
Dear Jen Er..it's too long is the current reasoning.I'd have a go.. CB
Not a question but a comment. I've seen you guys numerous times over the years but this was the best ever. Been on a high ever since. You're still my No1 band & always will be. Chas is still HOT. Love you all TB
Thank you for a brilliant gig in Manchester last night. So excited to hear Tarzan's Nuts live! I tried to film it but haven't got used to my new camera yet. Did get some good stills though which I'll put up in the gallery - one in particular of you and Thommo is very sweet. Seemed like you were all having much more fun than in Brighton.
I was lucky to be there at all. My friend and I were making our way on foot from our B& to the Apollo when I noticed the houses over the road each had a funny window - too high for downstairs; too low for upstairs. While speculating about what sort of room would have such a window and looking rightwards rather than forwards, I did a very silly thing. SMACK into a lamp post; BOING flying backwards; BANG onto the road. Suddenly I was in the gutter with a car swerving round my head. We did laugh - but only after I'd checked nothing was broken and neither of us would miss the gig.
I was lucky; after scrubbing the road and stigmata off my hands all that remains is a cluster of small blood blisters arranged into a look of surprise.
This happened sober too! Wish I was going to your Dublin gig - it's my birthday on the 28th and I'm not sure I'll make 40 next year at this rate.
At least I'll see you again at the O2 - provided no architectural quirks distract me from the job of walking. (I still don't have my tickets! The postman tried to deliver them while I was in Manchester.)
Don't think I've asked a question yet. Will you be doing Tarzan's Nuts again on Friday? Does it depend on whether Suggs and Carl need a fag break? If so I hope they don't give up before then and I'll read my camera manual just in case.
See you on Friday! Excited!!
Amanda xx
PS Turned out the funny windows were in the middle of the stairwells. I've never seen that down south. Not on the front.
Dear Amanda Ouch! That sort of thing happens to me sometimes. Hope you got into the O2.. CB
Dear Chris & Madness, just to say thank you from me and my boy, Harry (7), for another top show in Manchester last night. My cunning plan to avoid having him sat on my shoulders the whole gig (as he has managed to do the last 3 times) failed when everyone stood up in the circle as soon as you came on, meaning he couldn't see anything. So we left our seats, and went to the aisle so he could get a good view......sat on my shoulders again. He's getting too heavy for this! Harry had played a few Madness songs at his school Christmas party, and he's really into Johnny the Horse right now, so he was well chuffed to hear that one last night. It was a real treat to hear ERNIE, In the Rain, and Tarzan's Nuts too (nice to hear you on the mic!) We both had a great time, although I think Harry was a bit grouchy at school today (we didn't get home til after 1am), and I'm told he heckled Orville at the Pantomime they went to see this afternoon. Thanks again Chris! Regards, Graham. PS: Harry says can you play "Rainbows" next time? It's his favourite song.
Dear Graham You should have given him the day off. Poor kid. CB
Hello Chris Just to say that me and my wife are coming to see you on friday at the o2, this is our first madness gig, and we cant wait. Roll on friday. All the best mate.
Keith.
Dear Keith Yes I had a roll and some cheese. Good gig eh? CB
hi chris i see hunchback and sugar and spice seem to have been dropped have they not been rehearsed enough or did they not go down to well.i see most of the venues for the tour are small which i prefer myself,except 02 london.but 02 dublin is a big enough venue.im worried it will look empty as gig was only announced in 0ctober.as it will be hard to fill,i hope you get a good crowd.i was at point gigs in 95,03, and 06 and they were full,maybe im worring over nothing,see you in dublin and belfast too,bought another pair of shoes from nick last week grinders robert burgandy and white what a shoe .thats 5 pairs of shoes now from bbc happy christmas chris michael farmer
Dear Michael Hunchback was always risky, as it's only on the box set. I did see a few people singing along though.Ah well. I should ring Nick I think, you have got more pairs that me.. CB
Hello Chris third time now, Thanks for youre answer if i buy the liberty of northon folgate the expensive box will you and the rest of youre bandmembers sign my box and making a picture with madness in the heineken music hall on the 15th of may? Then i'm gonna buy that one and can you help me with a madness sunglasses ? Rens van Heijst
Dear Rens Maybe. You have to wait for us. Madness sunglasses? Persol is a good make. CB
hiya chris just to say it was awesome brillant fantastic last nite in the manchester apollo and then meeting you in the aftershow was even better cheers boys . adrian stansfield
Will the video for "Forever Young" be available before the release date, unlike "Sugar and Spice" ? Might be a good ide. Keep up the good work fella's, top album and performances on the road. Long may it continue, and lets hope "Forever Young" get the airplay and chart position it deserves. trind
Dear Trind Good point, we haven't done one yet.. CB
Hi CB, Just to say thank you on behalf of my wife and myself for a top evening's entertainment at the Apollo last night. Have seen the band play in loads of venues (Sherwood forest stands out particularly for me!) but have to say the decision to play 'smaller' venues was a great idea. The atmosphere was fantastic and as previous posters have already said you all look like you are feeding off that with your performances. Thanks again and a Merry Christmas to you all.
Thanks CB! They are sorting it out for me. P.S Did you see me at Newcastle (night) gig? Front row, infront of you and Thommo, Black harington with white top... Dancing like a tit and singing at the top of my voice in evey song! Thanks once again & Merry Christmas to you and yours! Leah xxx
Just wanted to add to the glowing tributes re the Glasgow gig last Sunday 13th. What a fantastic night! Have been to hundreds of gigs in my 40 plus years but this topped the lot! You guys made a lot of people happy, young and old. Cheers Kenny Walls
chris loved the gig at manchester apollo, fantastic to hear some of the absolutely tracks as well, you might remember us it was my daughter (natalie) at the front that was after your hat all night! thanks also for takin the time to talk to us at the aftershow party, it was an experience she will never forget!! lookin forward to amsterdam, any chance for guest passes to the aftershow party there cos we had to sneak in at manchester!! and our nat is desperate to meet thommo!! cheers once again for a top night alison & natalie
Dear Alison and Natalie Yes she was persistent..I wore that to Ian Dury's funereal, I would never part with it.. CB
hi chris just to say thank you for a most enjoyable gig at the apollo we loved it it was great to hear the old classics like in the rain and ernie but every madness song is a classic anyway and i would also like to wish you and the lads and your families a very merry xmas and a happy new year take care. many regards mark.
amazing gig yet again-great energy and visually brilliant,keeping the madness spirit well and truly alive ! i came to see you in 81 at the same venue my first gig,so to hear tarzons nuts,in the rain and ernie again was a master stroke plus all the new matrial and the classic hits it was a storming set list ! a magic night ! many thanks,where would we be without you-see you in amsterdam next may and heres to the next 30 years !! steve harrison
Oh my god - christmas has well and truely arrived with my first chrismas pressie at the Madness concert last night :0) still buzzing.
I was the lucky lucky girlie who was I plucked out of the audience to pretend play the sax and dance on stage. Thankyou it was amazing experience and thankyou so much for my signed sax and case and the backstage party passes. ( and I did a naughty and passed your manager my bands cd :0) )
What a cracking way to start the christmas period and its my birthday on christmas eve as well.
thanks chris for a memorable show thats 11 times ive seen you now and that was possibly the best tarzans nuts was amazing,also thanks for your patience in pivo all the punters in there appreciated your appearance made our night even better caigsey
Dear Caigsey Thanks for seeing us 11 times - that shows much dedication and it's appreciated. It was fun I must say in Pivo. CB
hey chris, we will be at the 02 friday, any chance you will do 'land of hope and glory'? pls pls!! lookin 4ward to another great night with the lads, cheers chrissy. tony goddard
Can you say a big hello to Jessica, my nine yr old daughter who made the small Madness banner that you seen in Glasgow. She made it when she was 8 and got me and her mum, Michelle to take it to the gig. I promised her that I would show it. Your confirmation that it was shown would be aprreciated. My wife's first Madness gig and she loved it. Keep up the good work and see you at hogmanay.
Brian Fleming
Hello Jessica! thanks for making the banner. I saw it and it was very good. CB x
Hi Chris, Thanks for an amazing night...(oo er)...at the Manchester Apollo!!!!!! The venue was perfect, the crowd perfect and as always you boys were....perfect x x x x Michelle
Dear Michelle Thanks....so were .................you xxx CB
Hi Chris, the Manchester Appollo gig was great! The wife & I decided to bring the kids this time, one of them being our 9yr old son Ryan who's a really nutty kid! For the first time ever we decided to try & get a glimpse of the band leaving but after standing in the freezing rain and dismantling my new Norton Folgate boxed set for a possible autograph, no luck! The poor lad was so disappointed. Did the loons who'd had too many bevvys have anything to do with it? and have you got any tips for him on how to maybe get an autograph? Cheers for another great show! Best regards, Andy
Dear Andy Had the band had too many bevvys again? I am sorry about that. You did the right thing and got nothing. I'll try to get something for the young lad. CB
I have just seen the funniest thing for ages, I had actually forgotten about it. Suggs and Carl being Interviewed by Mr. "Personality of a Corn Flake" Nick Owen, and Anne Diamonte. They were totally out of there safe zone. Suggs and Carl had them tied in knots. Just wondered if you remembered it Chrissy Boy. Good elf and Best wishes. Tony
Hey!! I saw The Liberty of Norton Folgate last saturday in Buenos Aires, in a festival called In-Edit. It's great!! the way you show London, past and present, beautiful!! and the songs!! everyone was moving their heads and singing.. we had a great time!! thanks!! gabriela
thanks for a brilliant gig in glasgow never thought i,d dance around in a fez but i did and i loved it,never thought i,d ever see madness live but i did and love you all even more. Tracey
thanks Tracey. .....Actually I was thinking, was it a really big fez? How did you get in it ? Or are you really small? CB
Chrissy Boy...awesome! Nice to see you hogging the mic! Loved the revived oldies - especially you and Lee doing the intro to Tarzan's Nuts - an absolute blast, mate! And the crowd seemed to appreciate everything - new, old, regular or obscure. 2009 - the Year of the Nutter. Big E
Hiya Chrissy Boy, Im driving all the way up to see you in Edinburgh from Cardiff on 31st Dec....it seems from on here alot of Madness fans are lucky enough to meet you all afterwards..any chance of this purely in return for the length of my journey I have that long drive home....just to make it extra special sob sob tee hee ....are you gonna mingle somewhere afterwards....I wont tell anyone if you let me know where to go ??? Helen
Dear Helen Home? Can you drop me off near Brighton? Wouldn't it be cheaper to fly? The petrol will cost you about £500!I found a flight on flybe for £64. Think about it. CB
hi chris just wanted to say a very big thank you to yourself and all the others (especially chas) sorry had to get that in chas my teenage crush that ive never grown out of he he !! I have followed you from the beginning and have been to see you quite a lot but it was great in the cliffs because it was a small venue and ive never seen you that close before, and because it was so close to home I brought both my kids this time , took my son to the 02 in 07 and my little girl begged me to take her this year she is 7 her face was priceless when you all came out " mummy its really suggs in real life" she said bless her ive brought them both up to be proper maddies just like their mum. Well thanks again for a most enjoyable evening . Just one grumble 12 for a programme ? to quote nan what a f*****g liberty !!! merry christmas darling all the best xxx ps hope to see u again next year x jackie
Dear Jackie Ah kids don't you just love 'em? The programme was not really very good, sorry about that we lowered the price to a tenner [I think] but still too much really. thanks and all the very best for Christmas CB
I would just like to add what has been said about the gig in Glasgow. I have seen you 10 times over the 3 decades and that was the best by a mile...what a brilliant venue and a brilliant show from you guys...I was amazed at the crowd as well...in recent years the punters have been the fans...generally the more mature beer bellied shaven heeded types..but there were more youngsters and burdz than diehards!! What has happended??? Norton Folgate has generated the respect that should have been there for years, it has made you relevent, now, and dare I say it...cool!! Feching brilliant...thanks for a great show and a great year. All the best!! Stuart
Dear Stuart Yes - indeed a great show. Always is in Scotland. CB
Thanks to you all for a wonderful night. It was my first time in the o2 and it was amazing, very intimate venue which added to the the atmosphere even more. Victoria Park was just a distant memory(a great one though) but it all came flooding back when you guys came on, and the piper was a lovely touch. Hope you all have a Great Christmas and an even better New Year. Thanks again.xXx
Dear Nicole The piper is called Johnny Gauld. Top man he is, oh yes.. thanks CB
Thanks for replying the other day. I recorded Dust Devil and It Must Be Love at the gig on my phone. When I played it back, I couldn't believe how much your guitar came through. It sometimes gets a bit lost on the records. Anyway, have a look when you get a minute, you'll be impressed with your sound. Just type in " Madness Dust Devil Newcastle 12/12/09 ".Merry Christmas.
Davey.
Dear Davey Love to. Where do I type it in though? thanks CB
well my faith in humanity has been restored, have tickets for 02, standing of course, and a mate to meet me in london and guide me across the under ground
for a little country hick like me its quite the adventure
can you give a shout out to me annette and mick for helping me
Just to say a big thank you for the fantastic gig at the O2 in Glasgow on Sunday, I have seen you guy's many times over the past 20 years or so and you have never sounded better the acoustic's were brilliant ditto the set list with some great album tracks past and present E.R.N.I.E. is a personal favourite of mine and I had never heard it live I am now playing Absolutely constantly as my missus who was also there was asking about the songs she had not heard before.
All the best for 2010 to you all and haste ye back to Glasgow soon.
Hello Chris Just to let you know that I have recieved the tickets for the 02 on friday. I hope next time there isnt the delay lol. See you friday! Thanks for ur help as well mate
Dear Callum I told you so, the same thing WILL happen next time, this is to stop touts. CB
Dear Commander Now, I know I asked to come onto the stage for Night Boat at Swindon...but oh man oh man...it didn't matter, I could not have asked for a better night!!!! It was honestly the best Madness gig I've ever been to, and I know I've only been to ten, but still...a stunning setlist, Mother And Child Reunion HAS to be recorded in a studio! I also thought very highly of your 'back pain' joke, though I think I was the only one! Thank you so much for your kind words both during and after the gig, and for making me the first Meeted and Greeted Fan! What an honour! I honestly can't thank all of you enough for such a great night, and you were all so happy to just chat and mingle afterwards - even Mike got off the minibus specially for a photo!!!!!! He even smiled! Once again, thanks a million. I was pretty down in the week preceding the gig, but you cheered me up beyond belief - I could barely sit still in the car on the way back! All the best with the rest of the tour Thank you Owen The Nutter
Dear Owen You are getting a bit too famous now.. CB
Hello, i'm Zane from Barooga Australia. I'm a 14 year old year 8 student, I play the Tenor Saxophone. My dad recently put me onto your music which blew me away. Would love to learn One Step Beyond, where can i get the music for it? I'd love ot learn it so i can let other people hear how good your music is. Our house is in the middle of the street. Hope to hear from you soon, regards, Zane Ruxton.
Dear Zane Try asking the clown it the treehouse next door, I play the guitar. OK. There are no sax sheet music books for Madness, you would have to get a normal book and transpose it. None of us can read music really except Bedders and woody I think, we all learnt by ear. Try just playing along with one Step Beyond it's in Cm, Fm and G which for you, is a tone up I think.. best of luck CB
Dear Chris, just to say thanks for a brilliant show in Glasgow. So many people saying it was the best gig they have ever been too. You guys were in sparkling form with a great set list. The new songs were brilliant too, and a great kick for me hearing them live for the first time. I've always liked the intro to the Sun and The Rain, so was really pleased when Mr B decided to play it twice (ha ha). Think the 02 in Glasgow is a great venue (much better than the SECC) and think the audience were well up for it on Sunday night. Hope you all felt the love, man. I'm off now to buy the live show recording and since there were no collection cans for Woody's marathon on the way out, pop over and make a donation on line. (tell him we dont think of him as just the "little guy at the back of the stage" - we love him too! Have a great Christmas (are you still allowed to say that without offending anyone?!) and a happiness and health to you all for 2010. Michael
Dear Michael thanks - and the same to you. No offence with the C word taken, as I am a lapsed atheist CB
i have to disagree with some of the other punters at the newcastle gig. sound was poor and the venue itself was grim. billy
Dear Billy It was what it was a great show in my humble opinion. Have you never been to that venue before? It's not the Ritz, I think you can tell that from the exterior. Do you want a refund? CB
hi, just sent you an email. hope you have the same address. love, kerry
Dear Kerry Yeah I do luvvy, I am a bit busy at the mo. Two emails from you in two weeks is a bit rare.I am King of the Glasgow Skinheeds these days. Chris x
me and the missus were at the gig in glasgow ,we were totally blown away,you especially looked like you enjoyed the "piper" and thommo was on top form.do you still get the buzz out of a performance like that after 30 years? kevvyboy
Deae kevvyboy No, I was totally bored..What do ye think mon? CB
Well done Chris with last nights show in Glasgow. Been to see Madness countless times now and have to say the show was one of the best I`ve been to. The atmosphere was superb and the whole building was moving in time to the stomping feet of the many enthusiastic fans present. Never heard so many people singing along with the songs either. Hope you managed to catch the atmosphere from the stage. Think the smaller venue was an excellent choice. Thanks again Chris for another superb night of entertainment. See you and the boys soon in Edinburgh for Hogmanay. Long Live Madness!
John.B
Dear John Yes, it was quite a night wasn't it? thanks CB
What a belter. Crowds at other band's gigs just don't bounce like they did at Glasgow any more. What a night. I had to buy the flash drive so I can live it again. Gordon
Dear Gordon Och aye, it was just a quiet little wee show, sort of like Belle and Sebastian.. ha ha CB
Hi crissyboy i am a huge madness fan as you probably know by now. i am 13 years old- my dad converted me. i was quite annoyed though because after attending madstock (which was the best thing i have ever done) i purchased the recording for £12.99 then when i logged into the M section just now i realised it was on there for free. is there any way on getting my money back as i had to save for that for a while. well done for an amazing year and i hope 2010 will be another. hope the tour is going ok. jack
Many thanks to you and the rest of the lads for a Wonderful concert.I had a great night squashed against the barrier at the front and singing my wee heart out.
Heyup Chris, great show last week in Sheffield, it was really good to see in smaller venue. I saw The Specials a few weeks ago in Bridlington in a similar size venue, do you have any plans to do this type of show again in the future? Cheers dude. craig wolstenholme
Hi chrissy who would of thought id get to finally meet you on saturday night at newcastle,i was with my boyfriend "boydy",he was wearing his new two tone suit from jump the gun in brighton...Just like to say it was an honour and i dont have to keep stalking you with my number now...as ive met you and you were lovelyy as were all the lads...im sending pic to you through your management team as a reminder...lol...once again thankyou..for me it was an unreal moment and was so impressed how nice you all are...thankyou xxxxxxxxxxxx helenmoore
CB, I bought the USB stick from the Newcastle evening gig & some of the downloads are from the Matinee also i am missing Tarzan's Nuts & That Close, help? Leah x
Dear Leah I have forwarded this. Should get sorted.. CB
Chrissy Ma Boy! 'kin' excellent show that. Even the Bootleg Bedders was almost as good as the real thing. Did that woman get her bra back as it was far too chilly for that type of behaviour? Cheers. Monsieur Brasso.
Dear Monsieur Brasso It was bit er..nippy wasn't it? I think she did. thanks CB
Thanks for 2 excellent gigs in Newcastle on saturday, the evening gig was the best gig I have ever been to. Also thanks for letting me get my picture taken with you after the matinee gig and for giving me the finger when I was telling you to move so I could see Thomo made me laugh.
Good luck with the rest of the tour and have a good christmas and new year.
Dicka
Dear Dicka The finger? Oh I didn't did I? How rude of me all the best CB
hi just to say what a fantastic night we had on saturday the wife enjoyed it from the safty of the back while i was right down the front with all the other lunatics really nice to here some of the songs that don't really get played that much such as in the rain, ernie, and thommo with the classic tarzans nut's also extremly made up to finally get to meet you outside after the gig "hope suggs gets his suit drycleaned" after some loon launched the pint over him but rest assured it wasn't me best wishes to one and all looking forward to 2010 as its my big 40 in may so lets hope i get something nice for the big day all the best for christmas and new year cheers carl "maddog " brent
Thanks to all the boys for signing MY sax A very BIG THANKYOU to Lee for making my nite a blast n especially for the sax and to you chrissy for being a gent at pivo pivo
I phoned swap shop lol years ago to speak to youse, i cant remember the question i was going to ask i was 12 years old what a state i was waiting for swap shop to call me back When my friken parents at the time dragged me out with them to do the weekly shopping never spoke to them again that was payback time THANKYOU XX lorraine
Dear Lorraine Come on, remember the question. CB x
Hi chris, My name is Danny Warren and im 10,i just wanted to tell you that on friday the 18th im going to the o2 to see you it will be my 3rd madness concert this year i went to norwich show ground, then victoria park and now the 02.To make it more special my dad has bought tickets for me in the box. I just love you guys im always singing along to u on my i pod i even dress like suggs , i made my mum and dad go out and buy the clothes ha ha . I cant wait to see on fri 18th. And if u remember wave up to me in the box please. Thaks alot Danny boy Warren
thanks Danny Boy - I hope you have a good time. CB
Just like to say what a great night i had last night in Glasgow superb set from a superb group.MADNESS delivered the goods yet again all i can say is "brilliant".Have a great christmas & all the best with the rest of the tour the fans are in for a treat.You guys are so good i have bought the whole tour on usb. PS. Love your version of Mother & Child Reunion would have loved to have heard it at Glasgow never mind i can always listen to it on usb.Love you guys have done for 30 years.Have a great christmas & new year. all the best Andy
Just wanted to tell you that you all blew us away at the 02 Academy Glasgow last night. I think thats the best ever set list I've ever heard you play...it was perfect!!! thanks Del Boy
Dear Del Boy Yes I think I agree, we got it there... CB
Hi Just to say thanks for another fantastic gig wished I could have obtained a ticket for my hometown gig in Edinburgh but not to worry I will just have to watch from tv!
Good luck with the rest of the tour.
Alan Sargent
Dear Alan Are we on TV? Maybe I'll watch it then. thanks CB
hi, not a question,but a thanks. last tuesdays gig was awesome. thanks for the band in engaging with my son harry and his friend dyllan(especially thommo,chas and suggs). they were the two 10 year olds in suits,hat and blow up sax. i@ve been a fan since '79 (aqe 7!) and my boy is now a nutty boy too!. good to meet chas and thommo after,the signed shirts will not be on ebay! all the best,johnny from york. johnny
Dear Johnny Yeah I saw them they were very funny, they made me laugh. You don't use e bay then ? You won't get so much for them at a car boot... CB
Hello, and much love!! It has been just a while (but it really seems like just yesterday, folks) since I've been looking you all up and thinking I should maybe say 'Ta!!', so Loveies, there's your 'T' from a displaced, inplaced, replaced, girl from the green shore living now in goleta, CA. I love you and your music so dearly. Thank-you for all the times and tears (I broke up w/ my first boyfriend to O.H. on the record player in the background =)) -xoxo ellyn
Dear Ellyn Oh how sad, does that song always remind you of it? like in Simon Bates crappy "our tune"? CB x
Hi Chrissy boy, At southend i was trying to take photos of the front and back of the bus as i remembered seeing all your names on the destination board.
All my photos of the bus came out blurred. can you take some photos of it for me please as I would like to use it for the cd cover of the southend gig from my usb.
Its taken me a while to ask as I have been waiting for people to add it on madness central. Can you email them or post them on here please?
One last thing what is the overall feeling amongst the band from doing the smaller venues. I have loved it as its easier for me to get home afterwards lol :)
Have a great christmas and new year.
All the best
Tony
Dear Tony Oh you lovable clown, I have got better things to do than take a photo of the flippin bus. Use another image? The overall feeling on the smaller is good even though we have to do twice the amount of work to get the same pay ha ha.I was not very keen at first and I thought we were milking it, but it has been great. thanks CB
Thanks for a great concert at Newcastle last night from all the lads at Compass Developments. i have heard you have a really slim hansome brother in law from Newcastle. Thanks from Noddy,Chubs,Ginger Lee,Gandie,James and No1. Graham
Dear Graham Yeah, he's called Jonny Anderson. Legend. I had a good laugh. Say hello to wor lass Chris
Have really enjoyed myself at the Sheff and Newcastle gigs so far, in total I have now been to see you 17 times!! I've liked Madness going on 18 years next year. Just want to thank you so much for getting me through some hard times over the last couple of years through being the best band ever and listening to your music/ looking at Carl cheers me up whenever im down hahah! Was so pleased to see my picture in the tour programme with the flag I made for Madstock.Im the one in the blue on the left, got some random guy to help me hold up the flag up when they were taking pictures. That flag got me into a lot of trouble as I accidently got the neon yellow paint over the walls at my parents house, the paint kind of squirted out of the tube on to newly painted white walls hahaha, its Madness hahaha!! I had fun making it anyway! See you on Tuesday at the Manchester gig, my last gig till next year jen xxxx
Dear Jen thanks for all the tremendous support. I'm glad in some way that we are able to help you through your hard times. Neon paint? I remember years ago Thommo and me sprayed some all over the dressing rooms at the Lyceum.. CB
Hello for the second time;), I just forget one thing to ask can i get a pink jacket it's to cool:D I hope you can help me with this Chris. Greetz Rens The Netherlands
Dear Rens Do you mean Sugg's pink suit? He had it made by tailor some time ago. CB
Thought I would just let you know that after being introduced to Madness by my father as a child and being excited everytime I heard you guys, my own children are now just as hooked! My 7 year old son is bugging me to get him some 'gig' tickets as he puts it & my 4 year old keeps shouting "baggy trousers" at the top of his voice!
Brilliant to know you are still entertaining 30 years on - thank you! xx
Tanya Crisp
Dear Tanya Fantastic - this is what I like to hear, the potential source for future income...is er..sorry it's very heartwarming, it really is. CB
dear chris thank you so much for taking the time to let us have a photo with you i have to say this is the 5th time i have seen u and by far this was the best u get better and better cant believe you have been going 30yrs keep up the good work we are having a charity day on the 20th of this mnth all money raised goes to cancer reasearch uk and the national deaf society any chance of a signed picture from all of you that we could auction. laura isom
Chrissy Boy, Saw at the newcastle matinee gig. First time i've seen you. Unbelievable. Thank you for a wonderful afternoon. Nice shoes by the way. Davey
Dear Davey thanks my shoes are from the British Boot Company. Ask for Nick.. http://www.britboot.co.uk/engine/shop/index.html CB
Hey Chris Just to say the Brighton gig was absolutely bloody fantastic. I was right at the front on the barrier,right in front of you, am still covered in bruises but had a brilliant time. Thank you SO much for Hunchback, I couldn't believe you played it, and MKII, another of my favourites from TLONF! Just fantastic! I had a brilliant time. Can't wait for the 02 on Friday now. By the way, loved the skull and crossbones tie. :o)
Lou x
Thanks Lou The tie was in the wardrobe box. Terry Edwards nicked it one night but I got it back off him. CB
just seen the gig at newcastle you might remember me at the front asking for your hat i have been into madness for 10yrs i am 16 my dad has been there since you started 30 yrs ago he has seen you live 27 times and we both agreed the newcastle gig was one of the best he has seen you were all fantastic heres to another 30 yrs and can you release the harder they come as a single we both think your version is great adam graham
Dear Adam Hello? Calling the 90's - anyone receiving me? Harder They Come was released in 1992
Hey it's better than I thought, crap video though Thommo had a great script but no one was interested. thanks CB PS you can't have my hat so there..
Mr Foreman! Oh my, it was by far the best Madness concert i have been to! It was amazing, you played my favourite song, Johnny The Horse! I have got some amazing photo's, thank you so much! Leah xxxxx
Hey Chris, me and my bezza David are well up for the Manc gig - we first saw you back there in the 1980s - Manc Apollo - a trip back in time! You inspired us loads - we eventually launched the Mad Not Mad fanzine which ran from 98 to 02. Whilst you're in manchester, spare a thought for my school, Ashton on Mersey in Sale...they're well into rehearsals for the Our House musical and sounding awesome! Love hearing the next generous singing your tunes. The Head Boy is particularly into My Girl and Simple Equation. I'm having a ball assisting in directing and playing the ghost Dad. Remember...any of the band are welcome to the show next March. Keep up the good work, Chris...what an amazing year it's been for Madness and their fans. THANK YOU! Merry Christmas and a peaceful new year. Big E
Dear Big E Keep in touch regarding the Our House production. If you film it we can put it on the site somewhere, or some of it at least.. all the best CB
Not so much a question as a note to say thank you for putting on such a great concert in Swindon last Monday. I had a lovely time. I was honoured - courtesy of your Management team - to have a photography permit and the Independent on Sunday published two of my photographs today! It was nice to meet you and the rest of the fellas after the show too - I was the one with the "professional camera". If you want to see my record of the evening then go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/rocky-road/sets/72157622837523503/ and happy viewing!
Best wishes
Suzanne
Dear Suzanne Nice one. Lots of pictures of Owen the nutter.. thanks CB
I wrote last week as my tickets hadn't arrived from see tickets, they arrived in the end 48 hrs before the gig.
Just want to say the gig was fantastic, THE best gig I've ever been to bar none. At one point I thought my heart was going to pack up as it heaved my 16 stone frame around the floor dancing like a loon with 1000's of other fez bedecked men to Night Boat to Cairo!!
All the new stuff from LoNF Album sounded great live too.
Thanks for a great show.
Tim N
Dear Tim The thing with sending the tickets out so close to the gig is to stop touting, which no one likes. CB
Just a quick note, as i know your busy busy busy!!! Big thanx to u all for signin autographs for my kids, Courtney and Sam. They were well pleased and enjoyed ya gig xxx leanne wall
Thanks for waiting all that time Leanne, it's the least I could do. CB
Hiya Enjoyed the Newcastle Matinee show but it was over rather quickly wasnt it.Was exepecting the band 2 play over an hour m8. martin
Dear Martin I think it was 75 minutes which is still short but we had to do another show that evening and the tickets er..were cheaper. Personally, I could have done another 15 minutes. thanks CB
Thanks lads for a great gig on Saturday night in Newcastle. We finally managed to get to the front, just in front of you - a bit squashed but it was worth it! An added bonus was I had a clear view of Woody (my long standing crush) from where I was! The atmosphere was great my friends two daughters loved it. Hope you all have a great Christmas. Lindsay xx
Only 2 days to go now before we're off to see you at the Apollo. Nedless to say I'm (one step)beyond excited ;-) I've not seen In the middle of the night on any of the set lists for previous dates on this tour, I was really hoping it would get included. Is it not a band favourite? I thought it was a fave of Lee's. Glad to see Ironshirt is on the set list as I adore the album. Made up that you are doing lots of TLONF tracks. What an awsome album! Its the best album you've ever done (One Step Beyond and Dangermen are a close 2nd and 3rd). See you Tuesday.....only 2 more sleeps Whooooooooooo Bramblecat xxxxxxx
OK Bramblecat but we won't be doing In the Middle of the Night. CB
Chris Just wanted to say what a top gig Birmingham was and a BIG thank you to you for stopping to chat with us and have pics while we were waiting outside. cheers Andy Isom
Dear Andy Always a pleasure, especially when it's been raining and you've been outside for ages.It's the least I can do. CB
hey chrissy i was at the newcastle gig last night and it was amazing!!! i saw you at the arena a few years ago but i thought last night was better as i got to the front!!!! shame about the prick who threw beer in suggs' face.also your guitar playing is fantastic,you dont get enough credit from the press etc,you are a legend!!! xxxx sandie
Hi Chris Firstly Congratulations on 30 years of being the greatest band that has ever come out of britain and also the Magnificent TLONF album.Im very happy to hear that the tour is going down well too!! My only winge is why no welsh gig,I know you cant perform everywhere,but there is no concert in Wales whatsoever.Can you imagine announcing a UK tour and then not doing any concerts in England, Im sure you would have quite a few fans peeved at that.As I said I know you cant be everywhere,but surely one gig in Wales wouldnt have hurt,especially on your 30th anniversary. Just my thoughts.I wish you and the lads all the best for the remaining shows,and hope you all have a great christmas and another succesful year in 2010.Kind regards Chris Tinson
Dear Chris Yeah sorry, I really like it in Wales it's the best [most tuneful] crowd to sing along with the songs. I remember Wings of a Dove was quite something amazing down your way. sounded like a Welsh choir, look you. Next time.. thanks CB
Hey there hope you are well and not too burnt out after all those gigs and heaps of travelling...
i was putting my stuff in storage and my mates who are helping found a book i keep to hand to write what i think of as poetry,,
they reckon some of it is reallt good and maybe would be good lyrics ( never thought of that)
do you have any advice what to do.. how to get hold of a musician as i cannot read or play music... obviously no one reallt huge would been keen to read my stuff,,,
do you have any contacts or advice of people who may be able to help
more gigs in the uk sooooooooooooooooooooon please
x annette
Dear Annette Put an ad in the local paper? Do you know anyone who can play an instrument, or can you even think of some tune to go with the words? Don't go to one of those professional types who will write a song for you at great cost. good luckCB
Hi, my name is Ryan (age 9) and me, my mum, my brother and my dad are going to the apollo to see you perform on the 14th December, and me, my brother and my dad are damn crazy about madness! and my mum and dad are going to see you at the O2 on the 18th. King regards Ryan
just been to matinee @ newcastle 02 with my dad it was fantastic my dad said he can`t believe he`s watching his favourite band after he bought his first ever album One Step Beyond nearly 30 years ago when he was 13,he said it was the best atmosphere he's been at in ages. Hope you come to Newcastle again. paul field
Dear Paul Thanks, that's what it's all about really. CB
Hi Chris, came and saw you at the Brum O2 with my son-in-law on Thursday. Had a fantastic time, thanks very much. Really enjoyed the mix of old, nearly new and new songs in the set. It was great to hear some of the them again. Did it take a long time for you all to pick your favourites tp play again? I'm guessing that as the set lits seem to be slightly different for each concert you have quite a lot of songs in the "pot" so you all get to give your personal fav's an "airing"? However you decided it was great to hear them and I think that the audience really appreciated it - it certainly seemed that way from where we were standing in the "mosh pit"! Once again, thanks for a really great night. I hope you all have a fab Christmas and New Year (in Scotland) and look forward to seeing you again sometime next year. Kind Regards, Steve. Steve Saunders
Dear Steve The set list is a constant source of fun. Woody has been doing it and then everyone has a go at him. It all seems to work out in the end and it's pretty good at the moment. thanks CB
Ok, Serious Help Needed Here, My Dads Missus Coming Over Christmas Day And Could Staying Over Until The 4th ....Which Means She'll Be Here On 28th And My Dad Knows I Don't Like Her ,And Now She I sGonna Be Ruining Chrimbo Day....I Know It Unfair Of Me But Still I Don't Understand Why The Hell She HAs To Come Over.....Any Good Tecniques To Try Forget Or Get Over It ??? Thanks CB Shannan Xxxxxxxxxxx
Dear Shannan Catch Swine flu? It is hard I know. My Dad split up with my Mum and I had two stepmothers but I suppose it is Christmas so just try to get through it. You never know, you might have something in common.. CB
Please play the nia or lg arena next time you come to the midlands really enjoyed the gig at o2 but badly managed you could not fart in the balcony with out some meat hook mike telling ya to sit down and i missed some of the show if we can't jump around to your magical tunes go to a venue where we can without the gustapo cracking show at b'ham come back again soon ONE STEP BEYOND BOYS
Dear I'm glad they stopped you farting. Imagine the damage to the ozone layer, we are trying to lower the band's carbon footprint. In all seriousness though, it is a bit of a sad policy isn't it? Sorry your enjoyment was somewhat curtailed.. CB
just letting you know mate i will be running in the london marathon in april im running for a childrens charity.I was supposed to run 2 years ago but i had a bad injury playing football.PS im gonna sponser woody aswell as myself. see you at the 02 regards spence
hiya firstly merry christmas nutty boys still annoyed about u being overlooked forthe brit award what has robbie williams done sweet fa i am 52 been a fan since you started and were all growing old together best band ever love you all merry crimbo xx viv
Dear Viv Brit award? Are you still going on about that? Get over it, I have. happy humbug CB
how come you arent playing the big arenas this time round? loved the atmosphere at manchester arena apollo will be great tho.saw you at newmarket...... awsome!!!!! chris
Dear Chris We are playing to a more selective audience.It's all down to timing really, this tour was only suggested a short while ago. A big arena tour you have to plan well in advance. CB
chrissy ' can i say you lot get better and better ever time you step out to perform: see you on the 18 at the 02 chrissy its a big asks it my mates bithday any way of meeting you guys? thanks mate. shrimper
Dear Shrimper Are you from Southend? Sorry I can't arrange that, it's chaos at the O2 as it is.Family comes first. CB
Hi Chris Went to the Leeds gig the other night. You guys were absolutely fantastic! The last buzz I got like that was Madstock 92!. just 2 quick questions. I know you have recently done another album but do you think you will be making any more in the future? secondly I bought the cd download on my way out of the gig but all I can get are the tracks up to no.14 "that close" dont suppose if you know if I can get the lot do you cos I have already used my unique code and not sure if I entered it too early if you pardon the question! God bless you all (even the Bedders lookalike)! Best Wishes Matt
New album? Give us a chance..The usb thing I have forwarded to our technical team. CB
Amazing gig last night Chris. Fair play to you guys, you still beat any band around for live shows. Great to see you enjoying the gig as much as the crowd. Must try and get some more tickets before the end of the tour.
Hi Crissy, i'm 14 and seen the band 4 times already, glasgow will be my 5th, is there any chance that u could play the Harder They Come, it's one of mines and my dads favourite songs and it would be amazing if u could play it, cheers brads Brads
My trip to see you in Southend: Lose tickets in hotel toilets :( Then mysterious man offers me two back stage passes after the gig :) receptionist tells me this goodly soul is your manager :0 !!! WELL ! as you can imagine I was a bit excited :) after seeing you in Nottingham and the Isle of White (where you kindly had your photo taken with me and my son) I thought all my christmases had come at once and I MIGHT EVEN GET A CUDDLE FROM CHAS;) BUT we waited and waited and waited and waaaaiiiited and had a couple of drinks and a very nice man told us that you had gone ????? :o WELL I AM BOOKING MYSELF IN FOR SOME COUNSELLING in the new year to get over THESE TRAUMATISING EVENTS!!!!! Oh Well, better luck next time!!! ps... Chas , when Suggs asked if we had brought our kids with us and I said no! I had taken said youngest son to both the other concerts but sadly he had other commitments which meant he was unable to attend and don't pick on me ' I'm only li'l!!! HOPE ALL OF YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL CRIMBLE AND A TIPTOPTASTIC NEW YEAR XXX from your little CHRISTMAS HUMBUG (I was in black and white stripes)!!!!!!!!
Allison Nash
Dear Allison Right then, glad to sort that one out. What a story.. CB
Less of question, more of a statment of undying love...
Dear Chris,
Merry Xmas for starters. Now further to my "The sun and the shower" email (november) I would like to add that after attending to of your Hackney Empire shows and purchasing the Norton Folgate boxset that I'd failed to listen to the album and went through a barren Madness spell (as I'm sure we all do). Anyway, to my point - I recently purchased the silver edition on CD (because of the DVD) and am thoroughly enjoying listening to the album. It is quite frankly amazing. So many deliberate (I presume) hints to past Madness and such rich new colourful material. Lyrically and musically a masterpiece.
To be fair it plays with my emotions, tears of sadness, tears of hapiness, tears of a clown.
Today I am particularly enjoying Sugar and Spice and Rainbows. And if i'd made bad choices there "anything you wrote".
I look forward to an intelligent response.
All the best with love,
Jimi Sweet x
Dear Jimi Intelligent response? Well you just done wrote to the wrong person, my man. thanks CB xx PS Now get the box set. 8 more really brilliant songs and more...
i was absolutely distraugt when i got the news you had missed out on lifetime award again . after such a brilliant year. do the band talk about it ? john impey
Hi Chris, I just wanted to say thank you for adding the Matinee show to the tour in Southend. It was absolutely brilliant, and thoroughly enjoyed by myself, husband and son. We came and watched you play Regent Street on my Birthday. It was a super evening and the 1st time my 11 year old son had seen you. After that we couldn't wait to see you live again, so when you added the Matinee we were thrilled. Thanks again Karen Davis
newcastle gig Question: hello chris,im at the 02 newcastle on saturday.could you tell me what time yous are on stage in the evening show?(i will have my night boat to cairo gear on and im loooking forward to seeing you,s as usual) john watson
Dear John Whoops I'm only just catching up here, we were on about 8.15. CB
Hiya Chris, Just wanted to say Madness was fantastic at Birmingham O2 last night,all 5 of us nuttygirls had a ball.Just wanted to ask did you get the card i threw on stage and did Chas get the present i threw on stage for him.The other thing was,did Suggs get my mates(Deborah) bra that she threw to him. Big kiss Jane.x
Chris, I was lucky enough to be at the concert last night in Birmingham. You guys were superb and the hits just kept playing! Me and my girl friend thoroughly enjoyed the concert and the atmosphere was superb. Good gig and many thanks for a memorable night. Cheers Craig and Jo
Great night what happened with the mikes at the start of baggy trousers?saw you nearly get dragged into the crowd where would we be without security,sounded brilliant thought you and tommo were on top form,never loose the faith and keep the nutty train running.Any chance of the original magnificent 7 riding again on the next tour we all miss Bedders. Gary
Dear Gary The mikes? Not my department...Bedders will return.. CB
Hi Chris Just to let know it was a cracking gig and set list you put on at Sheffield , Me and my wife went we actualy stood right in front of you at the front of the gig i dunno wether you remember but there was a smallish lass to the left of me getting squashed you did mime to me if i could move abit to a side, but Chris have you tried moving to a side through night boat to cairo hahaha,But that girl was ok at the end of the gig.My wife was stood behind me and ended up thumping some bloke for elbowing her on the head about 4 times,oh well a good night by all, and i got some great pik's of you guy's which ive put on Madness central, Take care and enjoy the rest of your tour mad2
Dear Mad2 Oh that poor girl. She was a lot easier on the eye then you, if you catch my drift. You could have moved a bit.. CB
