Madness Information Service Online Newsletter Issue Number: 737 – Sunday 23rd June to Saturday 29th June 2013
Evening all!
We’ve seen Lee Thompson get up to some unusual things during his time, but what we’ve seen this week is certainly up there with the most bizarre of them all.
Performing at the Barnet Church as part of the Barnet Music Festival, Lee took to the top of the Barnet Church Tower to blow out a few ditties to the appreciative crowd below. Sure, the weather was pretty grotty, but it was nice to see people out supporting him. Take a look and listen for yourself by going to:
Enjoy the read,
Simon Roberts, Jon Young, Liz Hazelby, Rob Hazelby
SHOWTIMES
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.
Madness
June 28th Newcastle Race course, UK
June 29th Daytripper, Waterford, Ireland
July 6th Carlise Racecourse, Carlisle, UK
July 7th Nuits De Fourviere Festival, Lyon, France
July 8th Les Deferlantes, d’Argeles Sur Mer, France
July 10th Jazz Montauban Festival, France
July 11th Festival De Poupet, France
July 12th Henley Festival, Henley On Thames, UK
July 17th Sandown Park Racecourse, UK
July 19th Newmarket Racecourse, UK
July 20th Haydock Park Racecourse, UK
August 10th Fete Du Bruit, Landerneau, France
August 11th Brussels Summer Fest, Belgium
September 15th Rockhal, Belval, Luxembourg
September 16th L’Olympia, Paris, France
September 22nd Northants CCC, UK
September 28th Alexandra Palace, London, UK
October 12th Esprit Arena, Duesseldorf, Germany
November 22nd-25th House Of Fun Weekender, Minehead, UK
For tickets see links via: www.madness.co.uk
Suggs Live
The week before last we spoke to Suggs’ management, who confirmed that at present that are no current plans for any further shows. Naturally, if this situation changes we’ll be sure to let you know
The Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra
July 6th, Godiva Festival, Coventry
July 20th Lambeth Country Show, Brockwell Park, 4pm, Free entry!
July 28th, Secret Garden Party Festival, Midlands, Nr Huntingdon (Full festival tickets only)
August 11th United Colours Festival, Sheffield
August 16th Belgium (Brussels Summer Fest)
See ticket links via: www.ltso.mis-online.net
The Near Jazz Experience
The “Dear Thief” album launch takes place at the Indo on July 2nd. Check the NJE Facebook page to see if they are part of the evening.
https://www.facebook.com/NearJazzExperience
Deaf School
August 23rd – Hoxton Bar & Kitchen
August 24th – St Helens – The Citadel
August 25th – Aspatria, Cumbria – Solfest
August 26th – Liverpool, Sefton Park – Intl Music Festival
BUY IT
If you’re stuck for something to spend your money on, perhaps we can help…
Misery – The 1-Track Download Single is out now
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/misery-single/id656129020
We suspect that the majority of you will be more interested in a 1 track promo CD doing that’s currently the rounds.
Limited Edition Colour Vinyl Reissue Albums.
1000 pressings of One Step Beyond (White) Absolutely, Complete Madness, Presents Rise and Fall (Transparent Red) 7 (Yellow) Keep Moving (Blue) 180 GRAM heavy Vinyl. Out now!
http://madness.mamstore.co.uk/
Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da Special Ed: 70 Track CD/DVD 4 Disc
Benevolence Of Sister Mary Ignatius – The Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra.
http://amzn.to/12z3nyH (CD link)
Also, newly available MP3 download http://tinyurl.com/buxnxuy
Vinyl edition (released July 8th), priced £10.44
http://amzn.to/17QUxkL
Pre Order: Suggs That Close My Story Book.
Out October 24th http://amzn.to/14YOKsT
Meanwhile, The Magic Brothers’ single “You Don’t Have To Hide Your Love Away”, is due out in August. The Magic Line Album will follow in September.
LIVE AND INTENSIFIED
With the number of Madness gigs now ramping-up we’ve decided to begin an irregular section entitled “Live and Intensified”.
If it’s fan gig reviews you’re after, then this is the section you’ll want to read.
Those of you who get along to any future gigs please knock up a review and send it in as we’d love to print your thoughts.
Darren West Reviews Chepstow and Newark
“I’d love to see Madness play outdoor events around the country. Much better than watching my football teams”, I said to astonished work colleagues a year or 2 ago knowing how much I love football. Holding season tickets at both Barnet and West Ham was taking it’s toll! Half the fun for twice the price!?!!
In January through MIS, I first learnt that Madness were touring the UK, mainly at racecourses through the summer months. My prophecy was coming true and I was prepared to put my money where my sizeable mouth is! Aside from Rockness and Henley I have booked up tickets, starting this weekend with Chepstow and Newark.
Myself and a racegoing friend who also likes Madness got our train from Paddington arriving in Chepstow Friday lunchtime. After booking into our b & b, we took in a leisurely pub crawl around the relaxed Welsh border town which was just what we needed to set us up for the nights ‘support’: an evening race card.
The tickets for tonight’s event are slightly unusual; a pure white rope already tied to wear round your wrist or attach to be visibly seen on your clothing with a label that hooks through the tied part. Its appearance is similar to an old-fashioned type luggage tag. Think Paddington Bear and you’re halfway there!
The big screen was used between races to interview the band backstage in what appeared to be a very cramped caravan. Although this was a nice touch, it was a shame the ‘live’ interview was barely audible.
I couldn’t find any merchandise stall; if there was one it wasn’t in a prominent place! I did however spot 3 or 4 people wearing a Madness t-shirt I hadn’t seen before; the front had a large image of a horse’s head with ‘Madness at the races’ as the surround. On the back was an image of all 7 of the band plus tour dates oddly excluding Chepstow! I asked one such gent wearing the shirt who said he’d got it off the internet/E-bay. Damn, ‘cos it’s a good ‘T’!
The racing has only yielded one winner for me, I’m about £20 down and my mate has only fared slightly better. The earlier mix of cloud and warm sunny weather has given way to a cool evening and a brief shower. The rain eased off before the racing had finished.
During the last race, I’d already made my way towards the stage to get a good place to see my heroes performing. The covered terrace allowed for a good number of punters to get a decent view of the band however I preferred my usual place stage left just behind the expected moshpit. The natural slope downwards from left-to-right also suited my shorter than average height!
Madness, pleasingly complete with Bedders on bass, start as usual with One Step Beyond and we bounce, sing and grin our way through the set which included all the singles released off Oui, Oui so far plus the next release, Misery. The band also played Leon. Also played is a personal favourite of mine that only gets an occasional live airing is Take It Or Leave It: I stomped my way through that one, oh yes!
The gig is great and despite the frequent stop/start showers it doesn’t stop everyone enjoying themselves. Aptly Showtime was Singin’ In The Rain which went down a storm (ber-ding-cher!). Personally, I would have liked to hear 1 or 2 of the 7 extra songs off the deluxe version of Qui, Qui especially as the band are touring to promote the album! Despite this I would say of the 40/45 times I’ve seen Madness, this would be somewhere around the top dozen. I didn’t expect the primitive looking surrounding to produce such an excellent sound quality. An excellent day out!!
We leave Chepstow the following morning arriving at Paddington just before 1. I bid farewell to my friend as I now embark travelling solo via Kings Cross. This time we have 6 more in our group; 2 have travelled on an earlier train with an overnight stay, 4 others are going by car. I’m on the 15.17 service and get to Newark Northgate via a courtesy bus from Grantham. Another b&b.
I’m now sorted for the Newark Festival which Madness are headlining. The disappointment of no merchandise at Chepstow is countered by a stall selling some decent Madness T’s. I get the tour date t-shirt and notice a further date at Newbury races has been added on Saturday 21 September. Bonus! Or is it bogus?! No sign of this on the official Newbury races site when I later checked it online. Perhaps those in higher places at MIS could find out for us? They are also selling the deluxe cd/dvd for £30; I hope this is available at futures tour dates for those who have not yet seen or heard the delights of this cracking longer than long player!
The bars are selling the Madness endorsed beer Gladness and also Lovestruck. As a beer lover, 3 pints of each are eventually consumed and Gladness gets my vote!!
I get to see most of the support bands. Sibling remind me of Vampire Weekend; worth checking out. By The Rivers (who I will see again in August at the Folkestone Ska Splash) are more more akin to a Madness sound and get the crowd going, as do Yes King. It’s a good solid support and 1000’s are assembled with the backdrop of Newark Castle to add to the sense of occasion.
The boys themselves go into battle and for the first time ever I hear booing at a Madness gig. Don’t worry, folks – it’s not the band’s fault. The PA system /speakers seem to be muffled by a giant invisible cushion! The band leave the stage and 10 minutes later the boys return on stage and according to Suggs “we’ve just had a pint of Gladness which has sorted it out!”. Beer and Madness: a great combination. During this same 10 minutes me and 2 mates are in amongst the moshpit; the other 4 in our group take a more leisurely appreciation 100 yards or so away.
We are now back to business and our lads put in another great show. The set and running order is very similar to Chepstow. My booming voice is heard by my hero Suggs as he introduces Chrissy Boy with my loud prompts of “SHOWTIME!” which Suggs acknowledges with a nod, pointing at me. Showtime and yet again Chrissy Boy comes up trumps with a clever re-wording of New York, New York. Yep, you’ve guessed it – Newark, Newark. Also during It Must Be Love with the “Bless the bees and the birds” part, myself and my 2 mates loudly chant “Bees, Bees, Bees” in recognition of Barnet FCs nickname, Suggs happily obliges with “especially the Bees”. As Tommo is a Barnet boy that probably helps our cause and we have more acknowledgement for my friend who knows both Lee and his son Daley quite well!
We are feeling are on top of the world and it all adds up to a fantastic weekend rounded off on Sunday when we are having a last look around the festival site. I’m taking photos of the Gladness and Lovestruck logos behind the bar and a member of staff very kindly offered if me and a friend if we wanted the Gladness beer tap facia which we readily accepted as a final memento of a truly marvellous weekend. Not long to Newcastle!
Chepstow set list in rough running order;-
One Step Beyond
The Prince
Embarrassment
My Girl
My Girl 2
NW5
Take It Or Leave It
Never Knew Your Name
The Sun And The Rain
Baggy Trousers
Grey Day
Misery
Showtime: Singin’ In The Rain
House Of Fun
Wings Of A Dove
Leon
Our House
It Must Be Love
Death Of A Rude Boy
Madness
Night Boat To Cairo
Newark – no Leon or Take It Or Leave It; Shut Up got played and I think 1 or 2 others.
Daren West
SIGN OF THE TIMES
Below is a selection of interviews, articles and other items of recent news that have caught our eye over the course of the past week. Click on the links to be taken to the relevant page.
Sun’s Gladness Giveaway
Have a pint of Gladness on your super Sun pop funsters Madness, and Nicholsons pubs.
They’ve performed on top of Buckingham palace but for the band a good old British boozer is very much their home after starting their rise to fame by playing pub gigs. And now they’ve launched their golden brew Gladness. It has a great taste so what are you waiting for. Nicholsonpubs.co.uk
Our thanks to FM on facebook for this. Sorry we can’t reproduce the voucher for you here!
They Called it Madness at Chepstow
Kicking off with the classic track One Step Beyond, the band made sure that no-one was concerned about getting damp at the open air event but far more interested in dancing like teenagers and that they most certainly did. The ‘mosh-pit’ resembled a 50th birthday party which had got a tad out of hand as Madness’ loyal fans enjoyed a night of reliving their youth.
From The South Wales Argus web site.
Woody on Koast Train
Here’s a recording of Woody’s fascinating interview on Mr Scurf’s Koast Train this week. Talking old rare bands, Magic Brothers songs, and more.
MIS helped write the questions and we even asked the tee total member of the band about Gladness!!! 
Our Thanks to Mr Scurf & Darren Dicka.
THAT FACEBOOK / TWEETS OF A DOVE
Snippets from Facebook and Twitter that have caught our eye…
Mark Bedford
Had my first tuba lesson today as part of the Grade-One-athon. Raising money for children in cross fire Exam in Dec…
Thanks to Oren Marshallfor putting up with the strange burp-like noises coming out of the instrument…
Woody (Magic Brothers)
I never did like Pepsi. Or did I? pic.twitter.com/rS1XiZGZHH
Mix The Beatles, with ELO, Supertramp, 10cc, XTC, and Pink Floyd. That’s the Magic Brothers.
Newark Festival
What a GREAT weekend!Thanks to everyone for coming to see Madness, the atmosphere brilliant, photos coming soon so keep checking back!
Order Gladness in Bottles
Meanwhile pisshead fan paul littlewood has news on when you can get Gladness takeaway.
“I spoke with the brewery, and they said that they are gonna start bottling it in 4 weeks time and can place an order now for a case and get it delivered”
I REMEMBER WAY BACK WHEN
This week, MIS co-editor Rob Hazelby, goes back 5 years to issue 477, and the week of Sunday 22nd June to Saturday 29th 2008, and then back 10 years to issue 215 and the week of Sunday 22nd June Saturday 29th June 2003.
5 years ago…
Issue 477 – Sunday 22nd June to Saturday 29th June 2008
Over the past couple of years select Madness performances had been made available on compact disc for purchase after the show, and during that time we were pretty certain that not one single person complained that they were unable to wear the recording on their arm.
Well, thanks to the wonders of modern technology you’d soon be able to pre-order USB wristbands for collection before or after the forthcoming Hackney gigs. Those unable to attend would have been pleased to learn that a limited number of wristbands would also be made available in the online Madstore. Thank heavens for that!
With news of that technological marvel out of the way we went back to more traditional subject matter as we re-printed a review of the recent Belfast gig (including setlist) from Nutty forum member Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker wound up his glowing review by commenting;
“This was definitely the best I have seen Madness, they were on absolute top form. The new songs are sounding amazing, and I hope whoever is going to the Hackney Empire gigs loves them as much as I did”
Moving on, and it was interview time as we featured a transcript of an interview with Only Fools and Horses star Gwyneth Strong, who played Kath Casey in the much loved but prematurely cancelled Madness music.
It turned out that Gwyneth had been a fan of our favourite band for many years, and she commented that;
“When I was 16 I was in the front row when Madness played to 200 fans at The Nashville Rooms in London, long before they hit the big time. I had the Madness look – the pork pie hat and Two Tone black and white checked skirt. I thought they were fantastic.”
We moved back on to reviews for the next article as MIS subscriber Lee Buckley gave us an in-depth review of the recent Aintree Racecourse gig, which took place on Friday 13th of June.
Although the experience was marred by an over-enthusiastic Madness fan, the night was alright in the end as Lee and her daughter were given the all-clear to stand at the side of the stage away from the main crowd. While visibility was limited Chris, Carl and Suggs all took time out to check they were OK during the performance.
The night got even better for the duo when Lee’s daughter was invited on stage for the final Night Boat segment, where she danced her heart away to the final number.
It was history time next as we reported on what we believed to be the earliest known recording of NW5. Recorded way back in 2006, it sounds rather rough, but it certainly a piece of Madness history worth watching and hearing.
Thankfully, the YouTube link for this still works, and you can check this out for yourselves at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxr1lGyGaz8
Beyond the song it’s fun to see Toe rag studios with it’s old equipment, the piano that The prince was recorded on and Liam Watson at the helm in the studio.
It was over to Anrew Langmead next, who revealed that Suggs has recently been a guest on Steve Wright’s Radio 2 show, and that Norton Folgate had received its first radio play in part. The show quoted the album as being ready for release in September. Time to start saving those pennies.
We brought this issue of the MIS to a close with two interviews. The first with Woody and Suggs, who appeared on BBC News 24, talking about being ready to release their first studio album in a decade. The second was with Suggs, chatting to Manchester guitar indie band The Charlatans on his chat show. The topics flowed nicely between Madness and Charlatans related experiences, and made for an interesting read.
10 years ago…
Issue 215 – Sunday 22nd June to Saturday 29th June 2003.
We started this week’s edition of the MIS with news that both Complete Madness and Utter Madness would be receiving the re-release treatment.
However, we were promised that both would not only be digitally remastered, but would also feature updated artwork and a full discography.
With Madness’ 1984 album, Keep Moving having already undergone the revamp treatment, it came down to Chris Carter-Pegg to fill us in on this new release.
With the Party in The Park gig getting ever closer, and there still no announcement of Madness making an appearance, it was looking less and less likely that all the rumours would amount to any truth whatsoever.
The big shocker to land on our desks this week was the news in from the What’s on Stage web site, which announced that the Our House musical would play it’s last performance on the 16th of August.
Commenting on the closure, Tiger Aspect chairman and show producer Peter Bennett-Jones said: “The decision was taken with a heavy heart.
It is a terrific show, which well deserved its prestigious Olivier award. It continues to generate a great response from audiences who love this entertaining and engaging show, but these are difficult times, politically and economically, and we are among the casualties.
We hope those who have not yet marvelled at seeing Our House will grab the opportunity to do so during the coming weeks.”
In a statement, Madness added: “We’d like to express our immense respect and gratitude to everyone who took part in the creation and production of the show. It has been an amazing experience working alongside so many talented and passionate people. The belief and commitment from all at Tiger Aspect, the creative team, the exceptional cast right through to the staff at the Cambridge has been total. We thank you all and wish you well in the future.”
Rob Hazelby
MIS FEATURE
Specialized II – Beat Teenage Cancer
SPECIALIZED CHARITY MUSIC PROJECT PRESENTS…
“SPECIALIZED II – BEAT TEENAGE CANCER”
ALL PROCEEDS TO TEENAGE CANCER TRUST
TCTCD002- Specials2 Records
Released June 18th 2013
After the great success of the first Specialized charity album and the project in general in 2012, and the raising of over £25,000 for charity, it was decided that there was to be a Specialized 2 project in 2013.
We are very pleased and honoured that this week we are launching “Specialized- Beat teenage cancer”. In the same vein as the first album, this time we are basing the whole project around another of the UK ska and 2-Tone legends ,of course ,it’s THE BEAT. As is the norm with Specialized, all money raised goes to Teenage Cancer Trust.
Always one of the stand out 2-Tone related bands, The Beat were truly the rhythm kings of the movement and they continued this on after the demise of 2-Tone such was their appeal. A team of great songwriters within the band saw many hits and they became the first 2-Tone act to really crack the USA, where their popularity is still huge. They have proved as popular at home too of course, and the latest releases of their work on vinyl and CD has proved this. The cool and efficient front men of Dave Wakeling and Ranking Roger were the perfect front for the band with the continual manic struts of superb guitarists Dave Steele and Andy Cox were a sight to behold. Throw into that melting pot the slinking driving rhythms supplied by Everett Morton on drums and the surprise element in the mix of Lionel Martin AKA “Saxa” (on what else, a saxophone) the laid back, floppy hatted brass maestro who had played with the likes of Prince Buster and Laurel Aitken on the original first ska boom and there you have a band that was crammed with musical greatness . Time has not diminished the bands legacy and glory, their songs remain hugely popular and we all know both sets of bands currently in formation under The Beat banner, carry off the catalogue of tuneful melodic tracks with aplomb.
The album features 44 tracks, all the Beat classics and plenty of album tracks for your delight and the project has plenty of surprises along the way. These surprises consist such superb items like the fantastic addition to the new album by THE BEAT’s leading lights DAVE WAKELING and RANKING ROGER. Dave appears with a scintillating re-recording of the bands signature tune “Mirror On The Bathroom” and Roger appears with the band Spritely Allstars (who coincidentally features Hunt Emerson who created the iconic Beat girl logo). A host of stars from the 2-Tone label join Wakeling and Roger on the album,acts like Neol Davies(Selecter), Rhoda Dakar(Bodysnatchers/Special AKA), plus an appearance by esteemed British stage and TV star Phill Jupitus. The album has an international flavour with acts appearing from the UK, Australia, United States, and Czech Republic.
The new website is at www.specializedproject.co.uk . HERE YOU CAN PURCHASE THE ALBUM.A promo tour of the UK based Specialized acts is currently underway which will culminate in a 3 day festival to round the project off in November at Parkdean Sandford,Dorset. At tedh website you can keep up to date with the fast moving Specialized events and more. Merchandise is also available.PLEASE NOTE THE PROJECT IS TOTALLY NON PROFIT. ALL MONIES RAISED GOT TO TEENAGE CANCER TRUST CHARITY. Thank you all for your continued support and hope to see old and new faces at our events.
Come on- lets try and Beat Teenage Cancer. Together.
Message from Dave Wakeling
“…Music has always had a healing aspect, and two tone a bit more than most, as it was designed to bring people together. These songs have been a big part of my life, and I am honoured that they could be of use to the Specialized project. a wonderful opportunity to assist a worthy cause, the Teenage Cancer Trust, and remember, when we help others, we help ourselves…one hand wash the other!
Thanks
Specialized crew
LINKS
Specialized Beat Teenage Cancer Facebook-
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Specialized-2-Beat-Teenage-Cancer/471972376177786
Specialized Beat teenage Cancer Twitter
www.twitter.com/specializeduk1
TIME…
Next week we hope to bring you a full review from the Barnet Music festival gig, where band whore Lee Thompson formed yet another unique line up. This time The Reverend Green, formed from local musicians to take over Barnet Church, including players previously in Like Father Like son, The Dance Brigade and some current Ska Orchestra players.
One Step Beyond and The Prince, were performed by Lee’s son Daley as front man, along with a third of Lee’s current solo album being performed alongside the Ian Dury cover Clever Trevor.
For videos from the event keep a lookout on these YouTube channels for recent uploads:
http://www.youtube.com/user/LeeThompsonSka
http://www.youtube.com/user/MISTV1
http://www.youtube.com/user/heidicookiemax
Until next week, take care,
Simon Roberts, Jon Young, Liz Hazelby, Rob Hazelby
(With thanks to The Specialized Crew and Mr Scurf)
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