IN THIS ISSUE ...

1 - THE EDITOR SPEAKS - Latest news in brief.

2 - RYTHMSTOCK - A certain Paul Scat returns with the latest news on
    what promises to be a truly fantastic day out for any self
    respecting Madness and Dury fan.

3 - THE RITZ AND SAVOY MAN - As mentioned in last week's edition of 
    the MIS, everyone who's got themselves a subscription to Vincent
    Carden's excellent fanzine, `Madness Unsugged`, can relax, safe 
    in the knowledge that their wait for the eagerly anticipated 
    issue 4 is almost over. 

4 - THE OFFICIAL STORY OF MADNESS, PUBLICITY PLAN - As we announced 
    a number of issues back, Virgin are well and truly underway with
    a new Madness book entitled, `DON'T WATCH THAT - WATCH THIS! THE
    OFFICIAL STORY OF MADNESS`. Penned by loyal Madfan, and 
    respected music journo, Adrian Thrills, this promises to be one 
    of the most anticipated Madness releases of recent years when it
    hits the shelves in November.

5 - ONE STEP BEHIND, LATEST GIG DETAILS! - With all the various 
    Madness tribute bands currently doing the rounds, you UK-based 
    Maddies have pretty much no excuse for not getting your dosage 
    of live Madness in one form or another. Thanks to Brendan 
    Phipps, here is the latest round-up in the ever-growing list of
    forthcoming One Step Behind gigs...

6 - THE AUCTION OF THE YEAR - As mentioned in section two, an 
    auction is due to be held during the first part of Scatty's 
    `Rhythmstock` on June 16th. Want to see just some of the items
    that'll be up for grabs during the event? Simply read on.

7 - NAIL DOWN THE DAYS - Thanks and closing words.

[1] - THE EDITOR SPEAKS

Hello Maddies!

Don't worry, nothing's gone wrong. As mentioned at the end of last 
week's bulletin, I'm sending out this edition of the MIS out on a
Saturday as I'm off on holiday for a few days to make the most of
the bank holiday weekend us Brits have got. Rather than release this
issue on the Monday when I return, I've decided to put it together
in double-quick time and release it today.

Normal service will resume next week!

It's nice to see I'm not alone with this one; Fans of the Saturday 
music show on BBC1, `A Question of Pop` were amazed when on the
`guess the year` round, the classic `Baggy Trousers` video was shown
and Suggs failed to get the correct year. Here's the Total Madness
Mailing List's Peter Gardner;

     "I think it has been very noticeable that Suggs is
      shockingly BAD at that guess the year thingy. 
      Completely and utterly useless. Very often I've 
      found myself throwing things at the telly in
      disbelief at how bad he is as I tend to get it 90%
      of the time (and 100% if it's in the 80s;-)) and at
      worse am only a year out. And what amazes me is
      when the other team have got it wrong and Suggs has
      a go and usually ends up further off than Noddy 
      [Holder] was !!! Unreal"

For those of you yet to catch the show, tune in to BBC1 around 6:55
this Saturday. It's a superb show - well worth a watch!

Some studio news from Adele Hargreaves who tells us that;

     "Next week Madness go into the studio to 
      record 'My Old Man' for the Brand New Boots
      & Panties album for Ian & Cancer Bacup".

And continuing on an Ian Dury/Madness related note Adele also says;

     "For the 16th at the Brixton Academy, Suggs 
      will sing with the Blockheads & Madness are
      scheduled to do a mini Madness set".

If you were umming and ahhing about going along to the gig before,
surely the prospect of a mini Madness set has got you rushing to
order those concert tickets. Remember this could be the only chance
you have to catch the lads live this year!

Thanks to Adele for the info and Jenny Payne for passing it on to us
all.

Further in this issue we have details of what could possibly be the
most fantastic Madmeet ever - Scatty's brilliantly organised 
`Rhythmstock`. Although Scatty has recently informed me that all
places for this event are now full, it may be worth dropping him a
mail if you are interested as I'm sure a few people will drop out
as the day approaches. For more details, please check out section 2
of this issue.

A number of issues back we announced Suggs' appearance on London's
XFM radio station. Well, it looks like that this could be a permanent
placement as a number of Total Madness Mailing List subscribers say
that he's still presenting the weekday morning show. If you'd like to
drop the Madness frontman a brief E-mail, you can get in touch with
him at: Suggs at xfm.co.uk

Thanks go to Duncan Boon for the info.

And finally, just before we jump into this week's selection of 
articles, Adele Hargreaves and Jenny Payne have this exciting news;

     "GREAT news today (25th) .... the Ivor Novello Awards
      honoured Madness with a Lifetime Achievement Award 
      for song writing.

      The award is entirely chosen by the industry, for 
      dedication, talent & song writing craft, it is a 
      far greater & more significant award than say that
      of the Brits, which comes down to money & current
      popularity. It's a very exciting and well deserved
      accolade I'm sure you'll agree.

      The award has been given today & the boys have been
      partying since lunchtime and will continue to do so 
      well into the night at a second function".

It's about time the band were recognised for everything they've
contributed to the music industry over the last 20 years. Many thanks
to Adele and Jenny for the details.

And with that, lets get underway with this weeks selection of news
and announcements.

Enjoy the read,

Robert Hazelby (MIS Online Editor)

[2] - RHYTHMSTOCK

I think it's safe to say, that there are people in the Madness
community that seem to go above and beyond the call of duty. I think
you'll agree that the efforts of Paul Scat surely put him in that
esteemed category.

It's just possible, that without the efforts of Scatty, we may not
have an Ian Dury Tribute day to look forward to. Well, with the big
record and bosses in the driving seat with regards to the forthcoming
concert, Scatty has re-aimed his sights and is now well and truly
underway with the organisation of the pre and post concert events.

Here he is...

And there are two parts to this event!

Firstly, it will start off in The Dublin Castle, Camden Town and will
run from 12pm until 5pm, at which time we will then head off to the 
Brixton academy for the Virgin concert.

Please remember that this concert is being organised by virgin and 
has nothing to do with me so I cannot organise any ticket's, 
backstage passes etc.

The event's during the day will be as follows........

12PM
     Kick off with videos of madness (interviews etc)
     showing 1.30pm there will be a "madwalk" (a 
     guided tour of famous Madness sights around the 
     Camden Town area)

3PM
     An auction (we have lot's of top stuff promised) 
     and this should take us through until roughly 5pm
     at which time we will then move on to the concert.

AFTER THE CONCERT
     The second part of the TMML day will commence in 
     Stockwell (which is roughly 5 mins walk from the 
     concert venue) although this will be by ticket or 
     invite only. These places are limited, so if you 
     wish to be at this second event please let me know
     A.S.A.P in order not to be disappointed.

     This second part of "Rhythmstock" is a celebration
     in honour of Ian. There will be a ska/two Tone/Ian
     Dury disco and for those who were not fortunate 
     enough to come along (or pick up any goodies) during
     the day will still have the chance during this second
     part, as there will be a DVD player + a copy of `The 
     Sixth Sense` to be won.

It will be one hell of a day, and something that I feel that Ian will
be proud of. There are already plans for a second event, so this is 
only just the beginning

As I've already mentioned, we have had some fantastic offers for the 
auction, but if you can add to the list (every little helps) then 
please send your donation to

Scat
c.o Radio Kings
Kings collage hospital
Bessemer road
Camberwell
London
SE5

(If you are going to donate something, please let me know)

Lastly, I would like to thank you! Because without you this day 
would be nothing.

See you on the 16th in Camden.

Scat
"bringer of your wishes"

PS - You won't be able to contact me between the dates of May 25th
till June 3rd as I shall be (as Suggs would say) "Off on Holiday".

[3] - THE RITZ AND SAVOY MAN

As mentioned in last week's edition of the MIS, everyone who's got 
themselves a subscription to Vincent Carden's excellent fanzine, 
`Madness Unsugged`, can relax, safe in the knowledge that their
wait for the eagerly anticipated issue 4 is almost over. 

Although still not quite ready for release, Vince has asked me to
give you all a run-down of just a few of the goodies that will be
appearing.

     - "In support". Members of the Jo Boxers and Friday
        club write articles especially for the fanzine on
        their days supporting Madness in the eighties.

     - "The flipside of Carl Smyth". A rather thorough
        review of some of the recent b - sides.

     - "Going Solo". An interview that Suggs did in late
        1996 in anticipation of the cancelled solo tour 
        which actually concentrated on music and not 
        alcohol for a change!!

     - "We are gathered here this evening". Scatty recalls
        the filming of the Drip Fed Fred video

     - "Warning". Details of somebody to avoid when buying
        Madness merchandise

     - "The Lone Reviewer". Suggs reviews his debut solo
        album.

     - "Poll Results". Results of the poll that readers
        responded to.

     - "Number crunching". The number of Crunch!
        unreleased songs we've found titles for now reaches
        25.

     - "Guide to the internet". If it ain't Foley it ain't
        worth a read. Irreverent Vince(!) guides us through
        the internet.

     - "Bootlegs for sale". If there is a bootleg on
        cassette you're missing from the eighties, you might
        find it here.

     - "Wembley Arena '99" One reader reviews one leg of
        the maddest show on earth.

     - "Facing the music". The hypocrisy of Virgin records
        exposed together with alternative lyrics to "Round 
        and Round", entitled "Faceless men"

     - Much much more...........

For more information, please contact Vince Carden at: 
dripfedvin at yahoo.com

or take a look at the fanzines section on the MIS website at:
http://www.jabba.demon.co.uk/mis/

For those of you going along to the Ian Dury bash on the 16th of
June, you'll be able to meet Vince in person. All drinks greatfully
received!

[4] - THE OFFICIAL STORY OF MADNESS, PUBLICITY PLAN

As we announced a number of issues back, Virgin are well and truly
underway with a new Madness book entitled, `DON'T WATCH THAT - WATCH
THIS! THE OFFICIAL STORY OF MADNESS`. Penned by loyal Madfan, and 
respected music journo, Adrian Thrills, this promises to be one of
the most anticipated Madness releases of recent years when it hits
the shelves in November.

Many have criticised Virgin during recent times over the lack of
support given to the band during their recent batch of releases but 
this looks set to change with a barrage of media coverage planned
in the run up to the release of this new book.

Thanks to Jake Stavrindes at Virgin Publishing, I can reveal what 
is currently planned to promote the book..

Everybody knows and loves Madness, they truly are one of the best 
singles bands of the last twenty years - Baggy Trousers, Our House, 
It Must Be Love and Night Boat to Cairo are just some of their more
famous hits. Their attention to detail and the quirks of British 
life ensured long-term affection from the British public.

Last year saw the release of a new album, 'Wonderful' with a top 
twenty single and there's a new single featuring the talents of the 
late, great Ian Dury.

Don't Watch That Watch This! is the official history of this unique 
band, destined to be a success not only with their massive and loyal
fan base, but with anyone who's ever tapped a toe to their fantastic 
music.

MAGAZINES
     Author Adrian Thrills is a well-respected music 
     journalist and will be writing features about 
     Madness and the book. We will be placing lead 
     review coverage with NME, Melody Maker, Q, Mojo,
     Select and Uncut magazines. There will also be a
     major Madness feature placed in one of these publications.

NEWSPAPERS
     Madness' fan base are now well into their thirties, and 
     the book makes excellent broadsheet material. We will 
     place review coverage in the following daily and Sunday
     newspapers: The Times, The Guardian, The Independent, 
     The Daily Mail, The Express, Sunday Times, Weekend 
     Guardian and Mail on Sunday.

RADIO
     Adrian Thrills will give radio interviews to a number of
     regional radio stations, both BBC and ILR. We will also 
     contact arts programmes on national radio such as Front 
     Row (R4) and documentary makers for BBC Radio 1 &2.

INTERNET
     Amazon.co.uk will run a feature on the book and an 
     interview with the author. Competitions and reviews 
     will also run on clickmusic.co.uk and the top ten Madness
     fan websites.

Thanks to Jake Stavrindes for the information.

[5] - ONE STEP BEHIND, LATEST GIG DETAILS!

With all the various Madness tribute bands currently doing the 
rounds, you UK-based Maddies have pretty much no excuse for not
getting your dosage of live Madness in one form or another. Thanks
to Brendan Phipps, here is the latest round-up in the ever-growing
list of forthcoming One Step Behind gigs...

JUNE
  Fri 2nd   Sidcup, Montrose Club
  Sat 10th  Cam Memorial Halls, Cam, Gloucs,
  Fri 16th Newton Abbot, Plymouth University.
  Sat 17th  Boston Rugby Club, Lincs
  Thu 29th  Watford, O'Neill's

JULY
  Wed 5th  Brockenhurst, Hants
  Sat 15th Cheltenham Town Hall
  Fri 21st  Colchester, The Twist
  Sat 22nd  St Albans, Horn Of Plenty
  Sat 29th Heacham Town Hall (nr Kings Lynn).

AUGUST
 Fri 4th  Isle Of Wight
 Fri 11th  Harlow, The Square.  (Paul depping Kieran)
 Fri 18th  High Wycombe
 Sun 20th  Holland  (tbc)   (Paul depping Kieran)

SEPTEMBER
 Fri 1st  Holland, Middenmeer, De Bears
 Sat 2nd  Holland, Bant, Schaunfurd
 Sun 3rd  Holland, Den Bosch, Plein 79
 Mon 4th  Holland  (tbc)
 Sat 16th  Walthamstow, Standard

NOVEMBER
 Sat 4th  Yeovil

DECEMBER
 Fri 1st  Crewe, Limelight  (Paul depping Kieran)
 Thu 14th  London  (tbc) or 19th
 Fri 15th South Shields
 Sat 16th St Albans, Horn Of Plenty
 Tue 19th  London (tbc) or 14th (Paul depping Kieran)
 Sat 23rd  Letchworth

MARCH 2001
 Sat 17th Chepstow

Thanks go to Brendan Phipps for the above details. For more 
information, please visit the Official One Step Behind website at:
http://www.jabba.demon.co.uk/sob/
or drop the band an E-mail at the following address:
m_m_management at hotmail.com

[6] - THE AUCTION OF THE YEAR

As mentioned in section two, an auction is due to be held during the
first part of Scatty's `Rhythmstock` on June 16th. Want to see just
some of the items that'll be up for grabs during the event? Simply 
read on.

If you see anything you want to get your hands on, bring that wallet
or purse along on the day, and remember, it's for charity!!

Confirmed Auction Items

Lot 1 - Doctor Marten's book donated by Jenny Payne 
Lot 2 - Video of Madness 7 Tour Hamburg 1981 donated by JR Crosby 
Lot 3 - A Roadie's Tale documentary donated by JR Crosby 
Lot 4 - Cassette of Madness 7 Tour Hamburg 1981 donated by JR Crosby 
Lot 5 - Copy of MIS Radio Players donated by Scat 
Lot 6 - Ian Dury Tribute documentary donated by Scat 
Lot 7 - Suggs' This Is Your Life recording donated by Scat 
Lot 8 - DVD and copy of The Sixth Sense donated by Landlord of 
        The Oak public house 
Lot 9 - Cassette of Madness Electric Ballroom 1999 donated by Simesy

Promised Auction Items

Stuff to come from... 

Vince Carden - Unsugged subscriptions 
Vince Foley - Nutty Sounds CDs and Madness TOTP appearances video 
Swanny - Crunch! stuff 
Buster Bloodvessel - DM's 
Virgin - Madness stuff 
Bookers - electrical goods 
Ash - football stuff 
Nijinski.com - First Step Beyond 
Chas Smash - a stage suit and other goodies (tbc) 
More as we know it... 

For more information, or if you have something you'd like to donate,
please visit:

http://www.redrival.com/simesy/auction/auction.html

Thanks to Simsey of www.blockheads.co.uk for the info.

[7] - NAIL DOWN THE DAYS

And this brings to a close to another edition of the MIS.

Next week should see things returning to normal with the bulletin
released on it's usual Sunday spot.

Many thanks to everyone who sent me bits and pieces for inclusion in
this week's issue - thanks for your help.

As usual, if you have anything you feel would be worth including in
a future edition of the MIS, please do get in touch.

And with that, I'm off to enjoy the damp and dreary bank holiday 
weekend! 

See you next week.

All the nutty best,

Robert Hazelby