Dear Chrissy Boy,
Yet again, a fantastic concert. Again it’s great to hear new material. There’s been a lot of hype about the new Academy, and whilst it is a cracking venue in many ways, there’s one major draw back.When you played’One Step Beyond’ everyone in the balcony stood up and started dancing. Bouncers immediately rushed in and forced everyone to sit down. I told them ‘It’s Rock and Roll, not the Royal Philarmonic’. One sensible Bouncer decided too explain rather than threaten, and said the staff are under stict orders to force everyone to sit, or throw them out.
My friends and I are all tall, so stood at the back and enjoyed ourselves. Anyone short who fancied a dance couldn’t. When attending gigs at the NIA and NEC it states on the tickets ‘People around you may stand’. Can I suggest that Madness and other groups tell the Academy that they won’t play there unless their policy for seating areas is brought into line with other music venues?
Hope youy are all having a good Christmas,
Regards, Coventry’s Cheekiest Charmer.

Dear CCC
It’s probably that old chestnut Health and Safety. However a good point. I think that some people have to sit as they are old and infirm, so I can see the reasoning.
CB
CB