IN THIS ISSUE ...

1 - THE EDITOR SPEAKS - Latest news in brief.

2 - LATEST FLEADH NEWS AND LINE-UP - Those of you still umming and
    ahhing about whether you're going along to the Fleadh to watch a
    certain Mr. Cathal Smyth may find that what other bands will also
    be appearing will help your decision. Thanks to Adele Hargreaves.

3 - THE NEW MILLENNIUM AND OTHER STORIES - Thanks to Swanny and Mr.
    Tad, we have the latest details surrounding the recent practice
    sessions of the legendary Crunch. Apparently gigs may not be that
    far off!

4 - TRIBUTE TO IAN DURY - Ian Dury was a one off, who is greatly
    missed by those who knew him and by many that didn't. It's with
    this in mind that Inside Media Promotions, East Central One,
    Metropolis Music, and Dr Martens who are kindly sponsoring the
    event, proudly announce a special tribute concert to Ian Dury on
    Friday 16 June at Brixton Academy.

5 - RHYTHMSTOCK IS GO! - Well, here it is. Thanks to the fantastic
    efforts of one Mr. Scatty, we have details of what promises to be
    a truly superb day out. You won't want to miss this!

6 - BADNESS UK TOUR 2000/2001 - Mike Watts is here with details of a
    nationwide tour running right through till next year. Find out
    when the band are playing in your locality.

7 - IN `IS `ONOUR! - All you statesiders who are rightly annoyed that
    they'll not be able to take part in the Ian Dury Day to be held
    in June can relax. The Stateside US Ian Dury Tribute gig is
    being held this Wednesday (17th)...

8 - OFF TO BED, STRAIGHT TO SLEEP - Thanks and closing words.

[1] - THE EDITOR SPEAKS

Oi, oi Maddies!!

Well, what a week this has been. The on and off-line Madness
community seem to have gone into overdrive, making announcements
left, right and centre.

It was only last week I was starting to think things were starting
to die down, and that the good ship Madness had decided to call it
a day. Well, who knows. All I can tell you is that the lads are
confirmed as support for the forthcoming Ian Dury tribute day, and
that Crunch are well and truly back up and running with the
prospect of a gig or two not too far away.

Things are looking very rosey indeed!

News just in is that the May issue of music mag, `Record Collector`
features a four page interview with Ian Dury. Taken from sometime
last year, and featuring a lovely A4-sized picture of him on the
back holding his stick, this surely has to be worth tracking down.

Thanks go to Vincent Carden for the information.

Next up, and VIP Events Rob Lythall tells me that the VIP Online
website is now up and running for all your music buying and selling
needs. Pop along to at www.vip-24.com. Hit the yellow button and
you can browse and buy at the online fair. For more information,
please get in touch with Rob at: rob at vip-24.com

Something I keep meaning to put in the MIS, but for one reason or
another I'm always missing it out. Vincent Carden reports that
www.vinylclock.co.uk will be more than happy to sell you a clock
made out of any Madness records they have in stock. For your money
you get a vinyl album or single with some clock hands on the front.

The clocks are available on 7", 12" and LP. Prices vary depending
on the size and title of the disc. Thanks to Vince for the info.

Time to dish out the congratulations to TMML subscribers Stuart and
Alison Cook who recently became proud parents of one Callum who
weighed-in at 8 pounds, 10 ounces. I'm sure the poor chap is already
hooked up to the hi-fi system and being brain-washed with the entire
Madness back catalogue!

Ever had a problem trying to work out some elusive Madness lyrics or
sung along to one of the tracks and thought `I'm sure I'm not singing
the right lyrics here`. Well, help is now at hand. Here's Nutty
Sounds website co-maintainer, Simsey;

     "The good news is that we at www.nuttysounds.co.uk
      have about 85% of Madness' lyrics transcribed
      (although not all of them are up yet), 100% of
      Suggs' lyrics transcribed and up, and will soon
      be working on the Nutty Boys/Crunch stuff.
      So, any future questions on Madness' lyrics will
      not be searched for in vain!!

      Also, if anyone can help with missing words to the
      songs (marked with a red asterisk), or point out
      any that we've missed (bearing in mind I have 25
      song back-log to complete) we would be eternally
      grateful".

Many thanks to Simsey (simesy.wimesy at currantbun.com) for the info.

Ok, enough of the news-snippets. We've got an absolutely packed
issue to get through this week, so lets get the show on the road.

Enjoy the read!

All the nutty best,

Robert Hazelby (MIS Online Editor)

[2] - LATEST FLEADH NEWS AND LINE-UP

Those of you still umming and ahhing about whether you're going along
to the Fleadh to watch a certain Mr. Cathal Smyth may find that what
other bands will also be appearing will help your decision.

Obviously, for those of you who are going no matter what, the
following bands will be merely icing on the cake.

The current line-up is as follows;

The Corrs
The Undertones
Prefab Sprout
Billy Bragg
Suzanne Vega
Kirsty MacColl
Lonnie Donnegan
Richard Thompson
Nitin Sawhney
Cathal Coughlan
Bert Jansch
Lunasa
Celtus
Picture House

The full bill is still to be announced, but the above are all
confirmed.

Tickets are priced at £32 and are available from Ticketmaster &
selected branches of HMV, www.ticketmaster.co.uk & usual agents.

You can also call the London credit card hotline on: 02073440044

Many thanks to Adele Hargreaves for the information.

[3] - THE NEW MILLENNIUM AND OTHER STORIES

Hi All,

Just a brief update.

Last Sunday saw the band back in the rehearsal room preparing new
songs for gigs in the very near future. (Sorry no concrete dates as
yet).

I'm bursting to let you all know where and when, but until we get
assured bookings it would be unfair to get people's hopes up,
considering some of the travelling distances involved and the need
to book time off etc etc..

The moment that we get the date and venue you will get the info
immediately!!!

Mr Tadman has written a piece for you which you will find at the
bottom...

As some of you may know the Ian Dury Fund raising day is nearly
upon us, as some of you may know, of all the band (Madness)
Lee was the most closest member to Ian. In order to make some money
for cancer backup all the members of crunch have signed a Magic
Carpet 12" and a It's Ok I'm a Policeman 12" which will be auctioned
to the highest bidder. (The signatures are great, especially Lee's)
Please send a pledge if U can. And don't forget that singles etc are
still available from Me....mail us with your wishes...!
(lee at crunch.uk.com).

Best wishes

More news soon!!!

Swanny

xxx

Over To Mr Tad

Dublin Castle May 1997.
----------------------

As the last notes of 'Magic Carpet' rang out for the last time, I
don't think any of us expected not to play together again as a band
for such a long period of time. Least of all me.

The New Millennium and other stories
------------------------------------

Believe me - It wasn't planned it just happened that way: I was in
the final throws of a film production course, Lee and Chris were on
Maddie duty; Louis teaching umpteen schoolkids before breakfast; Dave
working in recording studios in the depths of London's west end;
Steve had moved to Suffolk and continued with life from there;
Spider carried on 'kicking ballistics' as he always has on different
musical explorations.

To bring y'all right up to date: Lee & Chris are still on Maddie
duty; Louis is still teaching, Dave's still in his thermal nuclear
protected bunker in London's west end, Steve's still enjoying the
country life in East Anglia and Spider has already been officially
named the ballistic kicker of the new Millennium since coming back
from a world tour with Lee 'Scratch' Perry. Me? Well, in between
doing various sessions with Spider I'm carving out a blossoming
acting career lovvies! The main thing was that during this time in
one way or another, we all kept in touch.

After much 'ho-humming' and 'shall we, shan't we' decisions at board
level a date was set to dip a toe in the water once again. Carefully
mind you, minding them crocodiles!

I must at this point say a big thank you to Mr Lee 'Swanny' Swandale
who has kept the dream alive [not to mention the website!!!] during
the past three years, surviving on a diet of stale bread and water
[Evian mind you] with the hopes and aspirations of a new 'site front
 page' every couple of months....regular as a dose of All Bran that
bloke. Good work fella! (Thanks ed.)

May Day! May Day! Monday, 1st May 2000: London. Crunch! Rehearsal.
------------------------------------------------------------------

Almost up to full strength [Dave sent his apologies, Steve
temporarily unavailable subject to 'BT' pulling their fingers out
at Directory Enquiry level] we began running through a 'carefully'
written down set list that Swanny had prepared over Toast and
Soldiers that morning.

We had no idea what was on that bit of paper [honest 'guv] and
Swanny called 'em out blind.

Let's just say it was like meeting up with old friends again, each
song greeted with expletives of such delight as 'Fuck me! How does
that one go?' and so on. As the crank handle wound up the Crunch!
Barrel organ it was time for lift off. Soon it felt like we'd never
been away. One by one until the set list was spent. Belting stuff.
Sweaty and exhausted we headed off to the four corners of our
sprawling Metropolis. It's kept me going for a couple of weeks I can
tell you!.

That set list in full:

1 - MAGIC CARPET

2 - HERE HE COMES

3 - TAPDANCE

4 - ROUND TRIP

5 - GOING SOLO

6 - WHISTLE

7 - FUR ELISE

8 - PEOPLE

9 - SAINTS 'N' SINNERS

10 - SAVING FOR A RAINY DAY

11 - POLICEMAN

12 - BIRTHDAY GIRL

13 - TICKET TOO

14 - DANGER ZONE

15 - COMPLICATIONS

16 - CHAMPION OF THE WORLD

17. - BOY IN THE BOX.

AND NOW THE ROLL CALL:

ON VOCALS: .MR LEE.J.THOMPSON

PIANO: MR LOUIS VAUSE

GUITAR: MR C.J.FOREMAN

DRUMS: MR SPIDER JOHNSON

BASS: .MR P.J.TADMAN

MESSRS LAZARO AND ANNAN HAVE BEEN TEMPORARILY MARKED DOWN IN THE
REGISTER AS ABSENT [THAT'S HONK KONG DAVE AND SEXY STEVE TO Y'ALL!]
AND HAVE BEEN REPRIMANDED AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL POSSIBLE

[TOP SHELF-MINE'S A DOUBLE!] ALTHOUGH IT WAS UNFAIR TO EXPECT STEVE
TO TRAVEL MILES AND MILES FOR A REHEARSAL. DAVE DID SEND HIS
APOLOGIES AFTER ALL.

Just when you thought it was safe to come out from behind the settee.

Sunday, 7th May 2000. London. Another rehearsal!
------------------------------------------------

Amid the scorching sun and the searing blue skies Oof a lazy Sunday
afternoon we locked ourselves away again in the sweaty confines of
our rehearsal studio

[NOW THAT'S DEDICATION FOR YOU] at our 'top secret' location in
North London.

Amid appalling train cancellations severe delays on the M25 and taxi
cab near misses, today we worked on four new ones:

1 - 'Can't Touch Us Now'

2 - Working title 'Sneaking Suspicion'

3 - Given The Opportunity

4 - You Can't Keep A Good Thing Down

Overall, it's been an uplifting couple of weeks in being able to get
back into the fold and knocking out some new 'uns too! Hopefully,
we will be able to announce some gigs soon..

Which are to be announced - you know the drill! Stand by your beds!

Until then.

All the best

Tad

[4] - TRIBUTE TO IAN DURY

FRIDAY 16th JUNE AT BRIXTON ACADEMY

On Monday March 27th 2000, the music world lost one of its most
influential characters, Ian Dury. Ian's uniquely English lyrical
style, displayed throughout his work firstly as part of Kilburn &
The High Roads and then most tellingly with The Blockheads, have
left an indelible impression on British popular music and has
exerted enormous influence on others. Putting it simply, Ian Dury
was a one off, who is greatly missed by those who new him and by
many that didn't.

It's with this in mind that Inside Media Promotions, East Central
One, Metropolis Music, and Dr Martens who are kindly sponsoring the
event, proudly announce a special tribute concert to Ian Dury on
Friday 16 June at Brixton Academy. The evening will 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. Others also scheduled to
make an appearance are the likes of Mick Jones, Topper Headon, Glen
Matlock, Wilko Johnson and Chas and Dave. Further guests are to be
announced soon.

Suggs from Madness says:

     "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 are 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.

You can help CancerBACUP with donations by calling 020 7920 7212.
Ticket Hotlines are:
Tickets are £20 (subject to booking fee)
Brixton Academy - 020 7771 2000
Stargreen Box Office - 020 7734 8932
Ticket Master - 020 7344 4000
Way Ahead - 020 7403 3331
Credit Card Hotline - 020 7287 0932

Simon Moore
Press Officer, CancerBACUP

[5] - RHYTHMSTOCK IS GO!

Hi guys

Well here is the news that you've all been waiting for. I have the
confirmations

The TMML's Ian Dury tribute day is sorted (at last !)
`Rhythmstock is go`!
(catchy don't you think ?)

Right, here's the rundown for the day.

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
fan's, 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.

If you wish to come along to this, please let me know as soon as
possible as places are limited

People who have already be guaranteed tickets do not need to
re-apply.

By the way, there will be a DVD player & a copy of `The Sixth Sense`
up for grabs there!

I will be updating the web sight soon, so you'll be able to check
out the full run-down of what's happening & what will be on offer at
the auction

Love to everyone & see you there,

Scat (scat at supanet.com)

"Bringer of your wishes" (told ya!)

[6] - BADNESS UK TOUR 2000/2001

Top Madness tribute band are just about to start a massive, and I
mean massive, UK tour for 2000 and 2001 in association with Yates'
Wine Lodges.

The tour list is huge, and I'm sure that at least one of the gigs is
somewhere in your locality. Having seen the band play, I can tell you
that they are really one not to miss. You'll have a truly cracking
night out with a brilliant atmosphere and some top tunes.

Here we go then...

May 2000

Tuesday 23rd Stafford
Thursday 25th Birkenhead

July 2000

Tuesday 4th Basildon
Wednesday 5th Southend
Tuesday 11th Portsmouth

August 2000

Tuesday 15th Plymouth
Wednesday 16th Bournemouth
Thursday 17th Taunton
Tuesday 22nd Portland Street, Manchester

September 2000

Tuesday 5th Hastings
Wednesday 6th Tunbridge Wells
Thursday 7th Croydon
Tuesday 12th Durham
Thursday 14th  Blackpool North
Tuesday 19th Burnley
Wednesday 20th Ipswich
Thursday 21st Chelmsford
Wednesday 27th Bedford
Thursday 28th Ilford

October 2000

Thursday 5th Newport
Tuesday 10th Barrow in Furness
Wednesday 11th Blackpool South
Thursday 12th Scarborough
Tuesday 17th Clapham Junction
Wednesday 18th Guildford
Thursday 19th Lewisham

November 2000

Tuesday 7th Carlisle
Wednesday 8th Burton on Trent
Thursday 9th Sheffield
Wednesday 15th Aldershot
Thursday 16th Camberley
Thursday 30th Wrexham

December 2000

Thursday 7th  Darlington
Wednesday 13th Grantham
Thursday 14th Leeds Woodhouse Lane

January 2001

Thursday 18th Bootle
Thursday 25th Doncaster

February 2001

Thursday 1st Hartlepool
Thursday 8th Allerton Road, Liverpool
Wednesday 14th Wolverhampton
Thursday 15th Solihull
Wednesday 21st Mansfield
Thursday 22nd Halifax
Wednesday 28th Kidderminster

March 2001

Thursday 1st Slough
Wednesday 7th Rochdale
Thursday 8th Chesterfield
Wednesday 14th Warrington
Thursday 15th Bury
Wednesday 21st Southampton
Thursday 22nd Swansea
Wednesday 28th Watford
Thursday 29th Hounslow

April 2001

Wednesday 4th Luton
Thursday 5th Newcastle under Lyme
Wednesday 11th York
Thursday 12th Harrogate
Wednesday 18th Oxford
Thursday 19th Hanley

Many thanks to Mike Watts for providing the above information. For
further details, please drop Mike an E-mail at:
taz at mikewatts.karoo.co.uk

Alternatively, you can also take a look at the Yates' website at:
www.yatesonthe.net

[7] - IN `IS `ONOUR!

Put away your hankies, put on your boots and panties and come down
to `No Moore Blues`.

All you statesiders who are rightly annoyed that they'll not be able
to take part in the Ian Dury Day to be held in June can relax. The
Stateside US Ian Dury Tribute gig is being held this Wednesday (17th)
evening, 9pm at `No Moore Blues` which you can find at W. Broadway
and N. Moore, Tribeca.

Tickets are a mere 10 of your US dollars which covers proceeds to the
more than worthwhile Cancer Bacup charity.

For more information, you can E-mail the organisers at:
drink at nomoore.com, check them out on the web at:
www.nomoore.com, or give them a ring on:
(212) 925 2595

As the promo poster says, `Wankers Welcome`. So get yourselves
along! ;-)

Thanks go to David Allen for the information.

[8] OFF TO BED, STRAIGHT TO SLEEP

Many, many thanks to everyone who supplied information either
directly or indirectly for this edition of the MIS. Your efforts have
really been appreciated.

My thank you's also go to all those kind people who sent me the info
for the Ian Dury Tribute Day. So many people sent me that bulletin
from CancerBacup that I can't even remember all the names. If you
took time out to make sure the info was sent to me for inclusion in
this MIS - thanks!

Right, that pretty much wraps things up. Remember to get ordering
your Ian Dury tickets as soon as possible because you can be sure
that they'll sell-out VERY quickly. Whilst you're at it, please get
in touch with Scatty and get hold of your pre and post gig
entertainment tickets. With everything that's going on, I'm pretty
sure it's going to be a day you don't want to miss.

And with that, I bid you farewell.

All the best,

Robert Hazelby