Hello and welcome to this weeks’ edition of the MIS Online newsletter.
For the first time in what seems a long time, we have no cancelled gigs to report in this issue’s intro. It doesn’t mean that there aren’t more to come, but it at least means we (and the band!) get just a bit of respite!
With the gigs for this year drying up fast it’s possible that some weeks we may not have anything to report at all. We’re toying with the idea of possibly moving the release date of each issue of the MIS to fortnightly during this time, but have yet to come to a decision. The MIS has been weekly since its inception back in 1999, so if we did change the publication frequency of the MIS it wouldn’t be a decision we’ll take lightly.
This week, news is thin on the ground, but as you’ll see from our regular “Sign of the Times” section, the PR bandwagon for Suggs’ forthcoming tour seems to be coming out of hibernation and into the light once more.
We do hope lockdown restrictions will be suitably relaxed by the time Suggs’ tour is due to start at the end of September. We’ll just have to wait and see.
See below for all forthcoming Madness and Madness related gigs and events. If there’s something we’ve missed off or you feel should be added then please let us know.
16th – The Courtyard, Herefordshire’s Centre for the Arts
17th – Bristol, Royal Redgrave Theatre
19th – Exeter, Corn Exchange
20th – Westlands, Yeovil
21st – Aldershot, Princes Hall
22nd – Hertford Theatre
23rd – Forum Theatre (Malvern Theatres)
24th – Warrington, Pyramind and Parr Hall
25th – Lythan St. Annes, Lowther Pavilion
27th – Hexham, Queens Hall Arts Centre
28th – Dundee Rep Theatrre
29th – Aberdeen Music Hall
30th – Edinburgh, The Queen’s Hall
The Sliencerz
May
30th – Bull and Gate, Barnet
Buy It
New Album From Nick Woodate – “JoJo Man”. Out Now
Here’s Nick;
“Because it stresses me out to have people pay for my music or have to have vast amounts of followers to earn the smallest bit of money I am releasing my album on Soundcloud totally free to listen to and stupidly it doesn’t earn me a penny. I don’t think you even need to create an account.
Nick also told us;
“It’s ended up being more of a compilation album with 3 new songs to people that know. I might have 8 new songs to put on this album”.
We’re blown away with Nick’s generosity of making his latest album free to download. Nick isn’t asking for any donations. What a gent!
In Before We Was We Madness tell us how they became them. A story of seven originals, whose collective graft, energy and talent took them from the sweaty depths of the Hope and Anchor’s basement to the Top of the Pops studio.
In their own words they each look back on shared adventures. Playing music together, riding freight trains, spraying graffiti and stealing records. Walking in one another’s footsteps by day and rising up through the city’s exploding pub music scene by night.
Before We Was We is irreverent, funny and full of character. Just like them.
Record Store Day – Work Rest and Play ** revised date **
Release date: TBC. Was 18th April then 20th June
Format: Double 7″ single
Cat No. BMGCAT430DSV
Overview:
Fortieth anniversary re-issue of Madness’ “Work Rest & Play EP” – the follow-up to their debut album, 1979’s “One Step Beyond…”
Limited edition Record Store Day 2020 release on double 7” format with a triple gatefold sleeve including photos from the time of the original release.
Track listing:
Side One
Night Boat To Cairo
Side Two
Deceives The Eye
Side Three
The Young And The Old
Side Four
Don’t Quote Me On That
Record Store Day – Dance Craze 40th Anniversary Edition ** revised date **
This is a new half-speed master exclusively for RSD and part of the Two Tone Records 40th Anniversary celebrations. This is a soundtrack to the live movie of the same name featuring exclusive live recordings by The Specials, Madness, The Selecter, The Beat, Bad Manners and The Bodysnatchers. This is also first vinyl repress since its original release in 1981.
Tracklisting:
Concrete Jungle
Mirror in the Bathroom
Lip up Fatty
Razor Blade Alley
Three Minute Hero
Easy Life
Big Shot
One Step Beyond
Ranking Fullstop
Man at C&A
Missing Words
Inner London Violence
Night Boat to Cairo
Too Much Pressure
Nite Klub
I Remember Way Back When
This week, MIS co-editor Rob Hazelby goes back in time to report on what was going on in the world of Madness 5, 10, 15 and 20 years ago this week.
5 years ago…
Issue Number 836 – Sunday 17th May to Saturday 23rd May 2015
We got this week’s bulletin off the starting grid with the news that Madness were in pole position for the forthcoming Grandslam, as the latest band video showed them driving Formula One style racing cars around the track.
Meanwhile, over in our regular “Buy it” section we revealed that with just two weeks to go until the Grandslam was due to kick off, you could now order the latest official tour T-shirt in advance of the tour itself!
The charcoal grey T-shirt (available in small or large sizes) would set you back £20 and was exclusive to the Madshop.
Also in this section the news was that the first single from Woody’s new album would be entitled “In Your Mind”. A release date had yet to be confirmed and we were told that shooting for the view would begin shortly.
Next, and in the week that Cathal launched his new album he took part in much chatting with the BBC. Conducting interviews with BBC Breakfast, appearing on the Robert Elms Show and speaking to BBC Manchester, you could clearly see the promotional bandwagon in full swing.
Our Live and Intensified section continued on a Cathal related note with reviews of the signing session at the Fopp Record Store, videos of his performance at the Bush Hall and a review of the gig to accompany the clips.
Further on, and as the Grandslam drew ever nearer, Woody was about to board the Coast Train for a chat with the one and only Mr. Scurf. Taking place this coming Wednesday, you had the opportunity to ask our favourite drummer your questions or simply listen live via the link provided.
Subscriber Mark Adamson was the author of this weeks’ MIS Feature, as he gave us the lowdown on “Laundrette”, the first studio album from Deaf School in 4 years. Mark described it as a number 13 track album featuring a mix of terrific new songs and rocking live classic gems.
We brought this issue to a close by sending our congratulations to Cathal Smyth who was now sat at the number 1 position in the “Independent Breakers Chart”, and at a very respectable number 10 in the Independent Album Charts overall.
Not only that, but the album was at number 68 in the UK official albums chart this week. Impressive!
10 years ago…
Issue Number 576 – Sunday 16th May – Saturday 22nd May 2010
We kicked off this issue with the news that enhanced vinyl versions of One Step Beyond, Absolutely and Seven would all be seeing the light of day in early June. Before our readership groaned at the prospect of yet more re-releases, we were assured that these would be more than your normal re-releases, and would contain masses of extras, all pressed on high quality vinyl.
Elsewhere, French MIS co-maintainer, Sabrina Boutellier, announced that Madness’ performance in Milan on the 8th of May was now available for download on the Mega Upload web site. Spanning a whopping 29 tracks, this was one recording well worth a download.
Further on, and Retro Madness were back with another one of their stupidly good offers. This they had managed to track down a couple of copies of the rare Suggs “Night Fever” Karaoke Double CD album from November 2000. Long since deleted, these were in brand new condition and were priced at just £4.99 including UK p&p. Madness!
Next, and with the CD re-issues of the Rise and Fall and Keep Moving just around the corner, Jonathan Young told us that Uncut Magazine journalist, Gavin Martin had been busy putting together the sleeve notes for Rise and Fall, while Phil Jupitus had been given the task of the write up for Keep Moving.
Finally, we pointed you in the direction of an audio and video interview with Chris Foreman, recorded on the 14th of May at Le Zenith De Paris, France. It was a little hard to hear at times due to the noise in the background, but we urged you to stick with it and have a listen.
15 years ago…
Issue number 314 – Sunday 15th May to Saturday 21st May 2005
This last week was a sad one for Madness fans, as the long running rumours became official when found member Chris Foreman finally announced he had retired from the band.
We’d already been receiving numerous emails before this became official, and as this had now been cleared-up by Chris, we asked that you let things be, and refrained from emailing us further questions on the subject.
Chris gave a full explanation as to the reasons why he was leaving, over on the official Madness web site, underneath a “Job Centre” photo.
Although no longer in the band, Chris promised to continue answering questions fans sent in via his much loved “Cupboard”, so you’d still be able to receive bizarre replies to your long running queries.
On a jollier note, we received news announcing that North London based JAG would be supporting the band during next month’s Forest Tour.
Although not appearing at all the dates, they had confirmed that they’d be appearing at High Lodge, Thetford Forest on the 11th and Bedgebury Pinetum, Kent, on the 12th of June.
Part of the fun of attending Madness gigs is meeting up with numerous like-minded individuals, all mad about the band. You’ve probably been chatting with them on numerous forums/lists or had swapped emails.
Well, now it was time to meet them.
A ‘Meets’ folder had been set up on the MIS Forums, where you could either organise your own MadMeet, or announce your intention to attend one that was already being organised.
At present, two meets were being organised – one for Bedgebury Pinetum, on the 12th of June, and one for Westonbirt Arboretum on the 18th.
Moving on, and we took time out to congratulate Allison Masterson on her wedding day. Allison, and her husband Derek, tied the knot this weekend. Before the big day, Allison told us that;
“My story is that I met a great guy 10 years ago at an Utter Madness gig in Dublin and since then Madness music has played a big part in our relationship.
Even now he smiles at every song and over the last 10 years our love of Madness’s music has grown, so much so that we are thinking of having “It must be love” as our first dance. Yeah I know, a bit corney, but that’s us!”
We finished off my gently informing our readers that the MIS web site wasn’t throwing a wobbly. Instead, we’d decided to close many of the sections off in a small tribute to the departure of a certain Chris Foreman. We promised that normal service would resume once our period of mourning was over.
20 years ago…
Issue number 52 – Sunday 14th May to Saturday 20th May 2000
We started off this week’s collection of articles with news on the full line-up for the forthcoming Fleadh Festival. For those of you umming and ahhing about whether you were going to go along to watch a certain Cathal Smyth, this line-up should have helped to make your decision either one way or another.
Next, it was over to Lee Swandale for rehearsal news. Last Sunday saw the Crunch back in the rehearsal room, preparing songs for gigs in the very near future.
Swanny explained that he was bursting to tell us when and where we’d get the chance to hear these new tracks, but until bookings were confirmed he felt it unfair to comment further at this time.
Moving on, and we passed the baton over to Simon Moore, press officer at Cancer Bacup, who was here with details of the forthcoming Ian Dury Tribute Concert. The event was due to take place on Friday the 16th of June, and the line-up was extremely impressive.
We were told that the evening would be headlined by The Blockheads, Ian’s long serving band, with guest vocal appearances by Robbie Williams, Joe Strummer, members of Madness, Ian Broudie, Kirsty MacColl, Saffron from Republica, Wreckless Eric, Mark Lamarr, Phill Jupitus, Keith Allen and Kathy Burke.
Suggs commented at the time;
“I am proud and privileged to be involved in a tribute to one of this country’s finest writers and performers. Looking at the line up so far it looks like it will be a fantastic evening and a fitting tribute to the great man.”
The profits from this very special concert were to be donated to the national charity CancerBACUP, for whom Ian was spokesperson. Ian wanted to ensure that everyone who was diagnosed with cancer knew about and had access to, the best information and support possible.
With the tribute concert now confirmed it was down to the one and only Scatty to confirm that Rhythmstock was also a goer.
Here’s what Scatty had to say at the time:
“Kick of is 12 noon at the Dublin Castle. There will be videos of the lads playing, interviews etc, the auction (a must for all madness fans, some top stuff up for grabs) & a madwalk for those who haven’t had the joy of that yet .
Then we move on to the concert…
After the concert there will be an ska/two tone/Madness disco until when we’ve had enough. That will be held close to the concert venue. This is only for those who have helped, out & members of TTMML. It is purely on a first come, first served basis”.
Next we had details of Badness’ UK tour dates for 2000 and 2001. The tour list was absolutely huge, and we were sure that there was at least one gig taking place in your locality. Having seen the band for ourselves we were quick to assure the MIS readership that they were a band not to be missed.
We finished off this issue with news that US based readers wouldn’t have to miss out on celebrating the life of the late, great Ian Dury, as on Wednesday 17th of June `No Moore Blues`, which you could find at W. Broadway and N. Moore, Tribeca, were holding their very own Ian Dury night. Entry was a mere $10, with proceeds going to the Cancer Bacup charity
Rob Hazelby
Sign of the Times
Madness frontman Suggs shares his story with Derbyshire fans
From: The Buxton Advertiser
By: Gary Bolton
Date: 11/05/2020
His show, entitled A Life in the Realm of Madness, will include tales of vertigo on the roof of Buckingham Palace, nearly blowing the closing ceremony of the Olympics and the embarrassing stuff that happened at Glastonbury.
Last year was the 40th anniversary of Madness. Suggs said: “Who’d have thought it would go on this long? I know how lucky I’ve been.”
Accompanied by Deano, his trusty pianist, Suggs will be sharing some classic Madness songs and a couple which he wrote himself.
Graeae’s Reasons To Be Cheerful musical to be released online for free
From: What’s on Stage
By: Alex Wood
Date: 14/05/2020
The show will be streamable from 3 June to 3 August.
Graeae Theatre Company’s hit show Reasons to be Cheerful will be released online for two months.
Featuring the music of Ian Dury and the Blockheads, the piece was filmed in 2017 as part of its national tour that year, produced alongside the Belgrade Theatre Coventry.
Jenny Sealey’s show has a cast of Stephen Collins, Joey Hickman, Beth Hinton-Lever, Stephen Lloyd, Gerard McDermott, Jude Mahon, Wayne ‘Pickles’ Norman, Max Runham and Karen Spicer. The onstage band comprises John Kelly on lead vocals, Paul Sirett (guitar), Joey Hickman (keyboard), Nixon Rosembert (bass), Louis Schultz-Wiremu (saxophone) and Paula Stanbridge-Faircloth (drums).
It includes songs such as “Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick”, “Plaistow Patricia”, “Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll”, “Sweet Gene Vincent” and “What A Waste”.
It has design by Liz Ascroft, sound by Lewis Gibson, musical direction by Hickman, choreography by Mark Smith, lighting by Ian Scott and casting by Sarah Hughes.
See Madness legend Suggs at New Theatre Royal Lincoln in latest one-man show
From: The Gainsborough Standard
By: Steve Eyley
Date: 15/05/2020
Suggs: A Life In The Realm Of Madness
New Theatre Royal Lincoln, October 14.
Madness frontman Graham McPherson, aka Suggs, is heading to Lincoln with his latest spoken word show (with a little bit of music thrown in too). Due to popular demand following his first tour-de-force, smash hit tour with My Life Story, Suggs is treading the boards again. And if the first show was about how he got there, this one is about the surprises that awaited him when he did. Suggs is constantly expecting that tap on the shoulder, to hear, ‘What are you doing here, sunshine?’ How has he got this far? In this business you can be washed up at any minute. How has he managed to get away with it for so long?With help from Deano, his trusty pianist, Suggs tells his story in words and music with the help of some Madness classics and a couple more that he wrote himself.
