Chris's Cupboard

Hello, it’s Chrissy Boy here. Send me a question and I'll do my best to answer it.

Unless it contains any of the following:

When/where is the next gig? - Please see the gig section above.
Can I get your autographs?- This service is not available via the website, all applications must be made in person.
Can I get backstage passes? - No.
Will there ever be another 2Tone tour? - This is not very likely, is it?
Where does Suggs get his sunglasses? – Persol.
Where do you get your suits/hats/shoes? Gresham Blake, The Saturday Club, Hackett, Christies, Loake, Lock and Co, The British Boot Company.
When is the “The Madness” album being re released? – I have still not got a clue.

[The questions above will be rinsed, filtered, processed and finally deleted by our new “Timewaster (tm)” interface, leaving me more time to answer the really important ones].

Thanks CB x

To see posts from the old version of Chris's Cupboard visit the archive Here

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Hello! I was wondering if you guys would ever tour to America again? Also, I just wrote my final paper for my senior music seminar in uni on you all and your involvement in the 2tone movement. I couldn’t thank you guys enough for your music helping me get through my 4 years of study 😁

Lots of love from America!!

dear Alana
I don’t I’d be allowed into the US if my social media was scrutinised. Nothing planned at the moment.
CB

Who is supporting Madness in Falkirk on 5 June?

Thank you

Chat Gpt
“ Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5

Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5 are a Scottish ska, funk, and party band based in Glasgow, known for their genre-blending performances and vibrant stage shows. The 11-piece ensemble, led by frontman Colonel John Thomas McMustard, combine upbeat humour, dance rhythms, and social positivity as pioneers of the “Yellow Movement,” promoting unity and joy through music.”

Hiya Chris hope you’re doing ok!!
I’m a student concert photographer and i was wondering if it would be possible for me to do some photography for you and the lads at Madrophenia this year? I’ve worked with some of the other ska legends like Bad Manners and The Beat already so would be absolutely amazing to work with you guys too!!!
Hope to hear back from you soon,
Sammie

dear Sammie
I’ll forward this to the management team.
CB

Hey again Chris! Did you guys know One Step Beyond was used in The Wolf of Wall Street film? They used your arrangement but they recorded with a different, even including Cathal’s shouting intro at the beginning. Were you guys aware and just not want to record it, (cause to be honest the film’s not a sight for sore eyes)?

dear Joe
I saw the film and it’s a shame they didn’t use our version. I don’t know why this was. I disagree on the film – I thought it was great!
CB

Hi, your Good times live concert in Chipping Sodbury was phenominal. I have not heard tomorrow’s just another day, Michael Caine , riding on the ghost train, or Mr Wheeze for a while, so followed up on your concert listening to them the next day. My thirteen year old daughter is now an absolute fan, praising yourselves and the crowds great behaviour, whilst waiting at the beer queue! Keep up the good work, would happily have you back again next year

dear Steve
Thanks 🙏
CB

Morning Chris,I’ve never asked anything like this but my bosses have just taken over a micro pub and are ska mad,please look up The Admiral’s Arm,in queenborough,sheppey,kent.
We have ska weekender in July.. 3rd,4th and 5th.
It would be amazing if you or anyone could surprise them.
Thankyou for reading .

dear Alison
The band are in Europe on those dates but I doubt anyone would make it. Maybe Thommo would though!
CB

Hey Chrissy Boy! My son and I came to England in December for the Hit Parade tour in Sheffield. Gutted you weren’t there. I have re-listened to “Before we was we.” on Audible countless times and your experiences are hilarious, entertaining and touching. All the best. Keep up the great work.

Thanks Scott
Sorry I wasn’t there – next time!
CB

Hi,
I am curious to know the story behind the song ‘How can I tell you’.
Would you tell me something about it?
Is it about a father talking to his daughter?

Thank you

dear Leo
I didn’t write the lyrics but I think that’s correct.
CB

Hey Chris!
I hope you’re feeling better, I think about you often.
After waiting for about 40 years (really!) I finally got to see Madness live in both Las Vegas and Boston last year and the year before! Absolutely worth the wait, you guys were incredible!!! Thank you for coming to the USA! Such great shows!
Get well soon!

dear Chuck
Thanks for coming and hopefully I’ll be back soon!
CB

Will we be able to see the stage from the vip area at abbey park Leicester? Last year the gig at the manor near Bedford had the vip area BEHIND the stage…. Thanks for your attention 🤗

Dear Devon’s
I’m afraid I don’t know, was this information not available at point of sale? Behind the stage sounds daft!
CB

Hey Chrissy boy, hope you’re okay. I have a question about bootlegs (First step Beyond to be particular), how did the pirates that made the bootleg get hold of the rare tracks? Someone said they were stolen from Chas’s attic! Can you please help as no one I’ve spoke to knows, and i figured only Chrissy boy would know best! All the best, Cobie.

dear Covid
It was really quite sad. Cathal had a lockup and he’d forgotten to pay the storage fees so someone bought the contents. There were a lot of personal items in there too that he never got back.
CB

Hello,

Looking forward to seeing you lovely lot in the beautiful Halifax Piece Hall on 11th June!
I volunteer at the brilliant Industrial Museum next door….if you fancy a visit while you’re there, just drop in! We’ll be closed to the public that day.

dear Jenni
When offstage we are members of the public lol. Thanks for the offer.
CB

Hey Chrissy, cannot wait for Madness on the beach in Brighton. Question have you all heard of a cracking young musician called REN and band The Big Push (Brighton based), he mixes poetry and story telling and punk and reggae and deserves to be on stage with Madness. His lyrics and story telling about London is original and phenomenal. Reminds me of those boys from Camden that stole our hearts way back in 1981 but he is Welsh. Please give him a listen. especially Violet’s Tale.

I know Ren (not personally) but as a very talented young musician. I saw him playing live in the street with a massive crowd a few years ago. He’s got a huge internet presence which is much bigger than ours!
It’s hard to push for support acts with 6 in the band and the promoters usually suggest them too.
CB

Chrissy Boy, first and foremost. I sincerely hope you are feeling better and wish you all the best going forward. Please tell me, if you can, what do I have to do to get Suggs to shout out to my girlfriend at the upcoming gig on June 5th at Helix Park, Falkirk. We will both be in attendance in VIP. She ranks Suggs way ahead of me and has done since we met 42 years ago. We are both Madness daft and have there since the start. I’ve emailed every address with ‘madness’ in the address to try and help me. Id love to see her face if it happened. Thanks mate.

dear Gazza
Thanks, I’m getting there. Regarding shout outs,if I had a pound for every request…I doubt it
Sorry CB

Hi , is there a book that goes into detail on the songs, inspiration, thought process?

dear Chris
There isn’t a book but for the last few years I’ve encouraged the band to write brief notes and anecdotes about the songs on various greatest hits etc.
Could compile that into a book though.
CB

Hiya it’s a random one but my dad has been your biggest fan since forever and his 60th birthday is approaching. I wondered if there was any way of getting a really quick birthday video of the band or any members saying happy 60th Dave! He would absolutely die and I would be so so greatful for the man impossible to buy for!

dear Amy
Regarding personal videos. If I had a pound for every request…I doubt it
Sorry CB

Q: How did Madness achieve the carnival fairground circus type of sound when recording the 1982 song “House Of Fun” and are there any live to studio performances online that I can watch, in where I can see this specific music effect actually being played in action as filmed in close up?

dear George
I’m not entirely sure. We probably mucked around with the tape speed and added some background effects as well. I know Chas was saying “Mummy Mummy” like a lost child at a funfair.
CB

I’m a lifelong fan whose formative years were shaped by your music. I’m also a slacker and procrastinator who has never seen you live, it’s taken 54 years and will see you at Beautiful Days. If you played Disappear i would be made for life. Best song and my fondest memories. I expect you to rinse this message but my late mum said if you don’t ask you don’t get.

dear Nick
You asked but sadly you won’t get.
There’s some cracking songs in the set though
CB

Hey! Do you wanna come sing “It Must be Love” at my (very small) wedding Sept 2027 at The Electic Picture Palace in Southwold. I cant afford your (well deserved) fees but I can buy you a meal after 🤣 If you can play it on a Wurlitzer would be a bonus! If you dont ask you dont get! Worth a shot 😉🤣🤣

dear Becky
That’s what Nick (above answer)said.
If I had a pound for every time we get asked,etc.
CB
Good luck with the wedding X

Hey, Chris, hope you’re doing well!
I wanted to ask about something that I’m not sure if I’m imagining. In “No Money” I hear in the background of the chorus some beeping and I wanted to know if it was a secret morse code message or if it was just some beeps. Cheers!

dear BND
It’s me flicking the pickup switch on the ol’ guitar. I can’t reveal the morse code though.
CB

What i need to contact and do for bring Madness to Portugal.

dear Francisco
Our booking agent is called ROAM. The link is on the homepage.
CB

Hi Chrissy Boy, I have just tried to recognize the stairs to the basement in the Hope & Anchor, comparing them to your famous start scene of the One Step video. As it looks totally different today (even much wider), it is definately the place where this scene was taken? Thx and see you at Stadtpark Hamburg in July! Boris (First M gig Dec 1982 Fabrik Hamburg at the age of 14)

dear Boris
That film was a long time ago and I’m pretty sure the Hope and Anchor has changed a lot since then.
best, CB

Hi
You might want to to know that Chemist Warehouse uses your song as part of their advertising. ( has done so for 30 plus years) and you are not being paid any royalties

Dear MT
We get paid for that usage don’t worry yourself. I’m pretty sure it’s not 30 years either.
CB

good day C.B.! hope you’ve been recovering well 🙂

i’ll try to be brief, by chance is there *any* clue that the original words for “Sunshine Voice” could be written down anywhere? i’ve loved the track for as long as i’ve known of it but unfortunately the rehearsal tape’s quality only has a few parts clear, it gets cut off in TIOLI, and the live performance of it appears to repeat the same few lines over and over … so i was wondering, is there any chance the actual original words could be anywhere? i honestly don’t expect that to be the case, but if otherwise, i’d be pleasantly surprised!

kind regards and well wishes!

dear Aris
If you piece them together that’s about it. I don’t recall many more lyrics.
CB

Hi Chris
Just met your keyboard players Mum and brother in Barnet by chance and got chatting. What a fascinating and talented family. It reminded me how much I have always loved Madness. Just saying. x

dear Glynice
Thank you 🙏
CB

Hi booked hotel and tickets for madrophenia in brighton for at time was for Friday night …I was really looking forward to seeing selctor as massive two tone fan like said i brought tickets and hotel please help and tell me selector playing Friday as was advertised

dear Martin
I don’t think they are.
Sorry CB

Hey Chris, hope you’re doing well. I wanted to ask whatever happened to Liquidator Studios? I know you guys used it for Mad Not Mad and The Madness and Crunch! (i think), but was ever used after that, maybe for Wonderful or post-Madstock stuff, or have you just rented out to other people, or left it entirely. Thanks.

dear Joe
It’s currently an escape room. We still own the building and they are the current tenants. Hard to find them though. It’s called Cluequest (Caledonian Road)
CB

Hey chrissy! My dad has been such a huge fan of madness since you guys formed in the 70s. I was just wondering and I know it’s a big ask to see if you could do a video message for him wishing him a big 60th birthday for this upcoming Tuesday 7th April. We’ve just found out today he’s got a rare liver condition and he might only be here for the next 2 years so I just wanted to try and do this for him as a surprise. Cheers boys x

dear Luke
Sorry but I missed this.
CB

you guys should check out “the whitest kids u know” theyre inspired by monty python i dunno as an 04 girl i wonder if you guys would like themmmm? theyre truly very great and criminally underrated just like u dudes these days xoxo
༊·˚

dear Gracie
Hmmm watched a brief bit and 🤔
CB

you guys should check out “the whitest kids u know” theyre inspired by monty python i dunno as an 04 girl i wonder if you guys would like themmmm? theyre truly very great and criminally underrated just like u dudes these days xoxo
also always been so confused by these lyrics
”Think of seven letters
Begin and end in c
Like a big american car
But misspelt with a d”
whats the answer? ༊·˚

dear Gracie
Cardiac. You’re quite prolific aincha?
CB X

i love the song lovestruck, never related to a song more, thats all i gotta say lol xx

dear Gracie
You again?
Ain’t we all!
CB

Hi, do you consider Madness a band that belongs to the Rock genre?

We’ve had a couple of close encounters but generally speaking – no.
CB

It would be splendid to see Madness for one third time before I die but it was a bit cheeky for me to ask where you chaps stay – can you imagine the kerfuffle in Margam if they all knew which Premier Inn who were in? Love, Lily Xx

Premier Inn?
How very dare you!
CB 🧐

Please just ignore my last two requests – of course, you are not going to let your fans know where you stay – I hope to see you one last time before i die – and to get very near to the stage – I hope that you are feeling better and sorry you are poorly! Love, Lily Xx

dear Lily offa Facebook
Sorry too late – these are done on a “first come first answered” basis.
CB

Where do you stay when you are playing at your festivals? Just want to see you up close and my cousin lives near Neath – I don’t want your autographs or a backstage pass – I have seen you live twice and it was when I was in my 50’s – you were brill

That’s enough Lily
CB X

At the Margam Festival in Wales, is it possible to just buy a ticket to see Madness – I don’t do well with crowds – sorry

Dear Lilly
I don’t think you can buy a ticket for one day but maybe just go on the day Madness are on?
CB

Will Suggs be doing his solo tours again? Thank you!

dear Lily
Probably.
CB

hello chrissy
may i ask how many gold silver and platinum discs do you have ??? have you ever counted them all from 1979-2026

Dear Colin
Quite a lot but I’ve never counted them.
Best, CB

Hi, do you attend birthday parties?
If you do what would the cost be please.

Thankyou for any reply.

dear Bev
About £100,000 plus VAT.
CB

hi Chris hope you are improving ???? in your time out are you writing new songs ??

Dear Don
I’m sort of ok but quite tired so no change there. Yeah I’ve written a few as it happens
CB

Dear Chrissy Boy,
Wishing you a speedy recovery. I am a young Madness fan and was wondering whose head it is on the cover of Lovestruck, 1999?
Thank you,
Chloe

Those photos were taken by the great Martin Parr (R.I.P.)so some random person.
CB

Hello Chrissy Boy,

I hope your recovering well, Madness has been a huge part of my life since I was 5 years old ( now 35 years old) and seen you countless times through the years.

Out of all the wonderful and fantastic albums Madnsss have released through the years, what one are you most proud of and enjoyed making?

All the best,

Callum

dear Callum
I would say the first album. The last album was really enjoyable too.
CB

Hey up Chrissy boy, do you know where all the props go after filming a music video? See you all in Scarborough!

dear Mick
Some are in storage but a few were hired. I’ve got the logo from “Mr Apples”
CB