Hello, and a very warm welcome to this latest issue of the MIS Online Bulletin.
With the hectic tour schedule of December done and the band’s performance on new year’s eve also becoming a distant memory we’re now at that time the year where news is rather on the lean side.
This week, our Live Intensified section goes back to the band’s performance on new year’s eve. If you missed the coverage on BBC1 then you’ll want to check out the links included there. The feature also includes fan footage of the two track performed before the live feed was broadcast, and show what went on in the venue when the clock struck midnight and the BBC moved to the London fireworks.
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.
The idea is a simple one, that came to us one evening back in July.
Bands as Football Teams, Football Teams as Bands.
We now have over 400 badges, working with friends and guest designers, setting up an exhibition at The National Football Museum in Manchester https://bandsfc.com/”
Bands FC have given a large number of badges to the band to give away on the Sound of Madness tour. So, if you’re buying something before or after one of the gigs don’t forget to pick up your free badge.
New Arrivals at The Madstore
If you missed the House Of Fun or you need another fix get your hands on the event range NOW at The MAD STORE with 20% OFF whilst stocks last!
NEW STOCK JUST LANDED!
2018 Christmas Sweaters, track jackets, polos, fez hats, tea towels, badge sets, dekker hats, beanie hats the list goes on….!
Lee ‘Kix’ Thompson is a most unlikely character. Early career choices had him spend a year in Borstal. He still hasn’t found the receipt for his first saxophone. Luckily, he met two other unlikely characters: Mike ‘Barso’ Barson and ‘Chrissy Boy’ Foreman, who shared his interests of graffiti, train hopping and music.
One Man’s Madness, a feature length rocku-docu-mockumentary directed by Jeff Baynes, tells the story of Madness saxophonist Lee Thompson, told by Lee and his fellow Madness band mates, his family, friends and musicologists, who strangely all look a little like him! From meeting Barso and Chrissy Boy, and later Suggs, Chas, Woody and Bedders, to becoming one of Britain’s most iconic and successful bands, this joyous and light-hearted film follows the path of Lee’s life through his lyrics and songs, including such Madness classics as The Prince, Embarrassment, House Of Fun, Lovestruck and NW5.
Two CD set. Original soundtrack to the 2018 documentary about Madness saxophonist Lee Thompson. Includes tracks from Madness, Crunch, ‘Thommosina Leigh’, Ian Dury, and the Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra. Including Hidden Tracks.
Danceable and delightful, this debut album of the band’s much loved original songs pushes on through, breaking the mould of standard ska cover band. Catchy tunes and powerful brass and rhythm section make this a must-listen. Featuring Lee Thompson.
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 years, 10 and 15 years ago this week.
5 years ago…
Issue Number: 766 – Sunday 12th January Saturday 18th January 2014
We were only a couple of weeks into the new year and already new dates being added were being added to the Showtimes section of the MIS.
This week, we brought news of four new May dates to Suggs’ 2014 tour, and also details of the first Near Jazz Experience gig of the year.
We had no doubt that this section would receive numerous additions over the coming year so we urged you to keep an eye on it.
On Wednesday 15th January we suggested you logged in to to www.koastradio.co.uk as from 8pm long time MIS subscriber Lee Swandale would be staging a takeover. One not to miss!
Fresh from his skanking audience appearance on Jool Holland’s Hootenanny, Lee would be hosting the long running Koast Train Ska Radio show for just one week. Lee, the web site developer and maintainer of Crunch! Online would be speaking to Lee Thompson on the phone. We were also promised a smattering of Crunch! and Madness, plus an exclusive track. Something live from the Ska orchestra was promised!
Elsewhere in this issue we featured “A Magic Update”, where Magic Brothers Nick and Woody Woodgate gave us the latest news on their forthcoming album project. The drums had now been recorded. Just everything else to go!
The proposed name for the next album was “Magic Train”.
Moving on, and it was on to part 3 of our “Lookback at 2013”. This time we shot through the months of September to December, and highlighted some of the highs and lows of the final third of the year.
Lee Thompson brought this week’s issue of the MIS to a close by explaining that a young lad who had recently been brought on stage at the end of a Madness concert was called Johnny. He’d told his school teacher that he wanted to meet Lee Thomson and somehow it got arranged!
10 years ago…
Issue 506 – Sunday 11th January to Saturday 17th January 2009
We got this issue off the starting blocks with the third and final part of our lookback at 2008. This week we covered the last four months of the year, completing out overview of the highs and lows of the year gone by.
Next, and those of you who’d attended the Christmas gigs would have no doubt spotted the projector screens detailing Woody’s entry into the 2009 London Marathon. Following that we’d done some digging and had managed to find his JustGiving page meaning you now had no excuse for not sponsoring him.
What we didn’t realise until the issue went out what that the sponsorship page was for a previous year’s London Marathon fundraiser, and so a swift mini issue followed where we apologized and then promised to give you the updated sponsorship information as soon as we had it.
Moving on, and in the next article we featured transcripts of two chats we originally had with Thommo at a mid year event that the band used to showcase a whole set of new Madness tracks.
The first transcript took place at The Old Ship after the rehearsal the day and before the first gig. The second interview took place the following day when Jon met up with Lee again, this time outside The Hackney Empire.
It was Madness Central news next as we took a look at the efforts of Madness fan Lee Buckley who had been keeping herself busy over the past few months and was now ready to reveal a mass of additions to the “In Print” section of their web site.
The purpose of the ‘In Print’ section was for it to become the definite online archive of all Madness and Madness related magazine and newspaper articles that the band had either appeared in through interviews, or had simply been mentioned in through such things as gig reviews.
Sadly, the site has long since closed, which is real shame as it was a wonderful resource of Madness related information.
We brought this issue to a close with the news that the next gig for North London band MOT would be taking place at Viva Viva on the High Street in Hornsey on Wednesday 14th January.
15 years ago…
Issue 244 – Sunday 11th January to Saturday 17th January 2004
It seemed as if things had started to pick up following the traditional quiet spell we usually experienced during the Christmas season.
Chris Wardell contacted us with news on his latest project, entitled Backdoor Promotions. Run from his home in Darlington, the idea behind this recently formed company was to help and promote ska music in the north east of England, by getting artists record reviews and gigs in the region.
Over the years Chris has helped the likes of Bad Manners, Chas Smash, The Selecter, Butterfield 8 and Desmond Dekker to name but a few, with concerts and press, so you could be sure that the company was in a pair of very experienced hands.
Next-up we had World Darts news in from MIS subscriber Darren Balsden. What did this have to do with Madness? Well, it turned out that darts player Darryl Fitton asked the band if it was OK for him to make his “Oche Entrance” to “One Step Beyond” and wear one of the Madness logos on his shirt at the World Championships. Chris wrote back to say he didn’t mind, but (tongue in cheek?) advised him not to tell the rest of the band in case they wanted money!
The Daily Mirror reported his antics of doing a “Madness dance” to the oche and wearing ray band shades. Reports that he plans to leave the stage to “Yesterday’s Men” if he got knocked out were unconfirmed.
With the previous year still less than two weeks ago, we continued with our review of 2003, with the second part of our annual lookback. As testament to how much had gone on during that year, the second part of our annual review was a packed piece of writing.
Always one to have his finger on the pulse, Andrew Langmead had sent out the word only a few days earlier, to let fellow fans know that a rare showing of Feargal Sharkey on Top of The Pops would be shown on Top of The Pops 2. What was unusual about this was that Madness joined him on stage for the performance.
Five members of the band were on stage, with Carl in ‘Grey Day’ mirror like shades singing the backing vocals. Suggs wasn’t there, and Mike had left the band by this time (1984). Lee could be found in the 4-piece brass section.
Continuing on the Feargal related note was news that Mr. Sharkey had been appointed the first government music ‘czar’. The 44-year-old Londonderry man had been appointed head of the Government’s Live Music Forum, set up to safeguard the future of live music in England and Wales.
Musicians and the Government had been at loggerheads over new licensing legislation set to come into effect in England and Wales in 2005. Critics said the new legislation would have a devastating impact on the small venue live music scene. Currently, up to two people can perform in a bar without a licence. Under the new legislation every live performance would have to be licensed.
Next-up, we had a transcription of the Madness classic “Don’t Quote me on That”. Nothing out of the ordinary there, you may think, but what was different about this was that this version had originally aired as part of a Madness session from 1980, and featured different lyrics to the final official release.
We finished off this issue with a short article from Graeme Sharpe who, thanks to the aid of an out-of-print book entitled “The Complete Radio 1 Recordings”, was able to detail all of the ‘sessions’ appearances the band had made on radio 1 over the years.
Graeme commented how great it would be if the sessions that were previously unreleased were given an official release, as other bands had already had their sessions re-mastered and sold as official releases.
Rob Hazelby
That Facebook
A Band Comment on New Year’s Eve
“Happy New Year to all our fans. Everybody who’s watching.
Best wishes for the new year. Hope it turns out spiffing for one and all. Happy New Year, thanks to everyone who made it to the gig last night you were a great crowd – done us proud – Best wishes for 2019”
Mike Barson
Fan Comments on Attending Westminster Central Hall
“It was great to see that elderly lady singing along, word perfect. I have another friend in the Madness fan community who is 85, she got into Madness big time at the age of 45 (same age as I am now) and has loved them for the past 40 years.” Chris Carter Pegg
“I was standing last night with a bunch of awesome strangers arround me,we bounced, we sang and we all saw in the new year together,hand shakes n kisses all around.”
Gary Mullins
“Thank you Madness-Thank you London! That was fantastic. We came from Sweden”
Csaba Alfi
“Most enjoyable end to 2018 seen madness many times before but last night was a special gig, a different experience it was New Year’s Eve and they were live on the telly playing in a rather different kind of venue. Thanks to all who came”
Patrick Clifford
“Madness… the pride of the BBC broadcasting tonight!”
Allie Mayor
Fan Comments on the New Year’s Eve BBC Broadcast
“Just watched Madness, the best I’ve seen them play in years.”
Shaun Brooke
“Singing my ass off Happy new year”
Darren Robert Bishop
“There is no band in the world who could have started the new year better”
Tony Brignell
“One of the most touching moments of last night’s New years eve gig, has to be Suggs singing “We’re having fun mum” at the end of House of Fun. He’s quoting Clive Langer’s Clang band’s collaboration song. “Had a nice night” a tune where Clive is young and away from home writing home by letter in the days before texts etc telling his own mother what a time he was having in London. Suggs is looking up in the church when he says this at the end of the tune, having lost his mother in the year that was just ending last night. Nice sentiment Suggs. Bless you.”
Jonathan F Young.
“Is it free Fez night for the mosh pit..?”
Geo Adam
[Note: Yes it was! Gifted hats for the night. An XL new year card was also given out to attending fans.]
“Madness you were amazing again last night, just like in Birmingham. Loved your music for 40 years”
Andrew Jones
“Out of all the new year and Christmas Telly this was the best.”
Clair Chapelle Barnes
“The audience just ain’t Madness fans” – Mike Atthis
In reply…
“I was there with my friends who I met through going to see Madness in various locations so I’d definitely call us fans. Think we have to realise that people enjoy concerts differently. As long as everyone came out of there having had a bloody good time, that’s all that matters.”
Vicki Lee
“Seated folk were told to stay seated due to health & safety regs”
Hazel Foster
“There were cameras cranes over the crowd above some people heads.”
Maria Ashe
“In My Street – as yet unreleased. Always a special moment to hear a brand new Madness tune. Hope there’s a new album this year.”
Adam Fowler
“So I was thoroughly enjoying Madness and then they made it even better when Suggs just pulled out a cardboard cut out of mr bean.”
John Derek Rees
“Special Kinda Madness. Now much much better than the real thing. Suggs looks disinterested. Where is Carl Smith”
John Digga Lines
“Not even an hour into 2019 and we’ve already reached peak Britishness with Suggs dancing around on stage with a cardboard cut out of Mr. Bean. I love #madness”
Shannon Walsh
“Worse performance I’ve seen and seen them hundreds of times. Suggs was tone deaf”
Fi Roberts
“One Step Beyond sounded like a Jools Holland version. Bland.”
Wayne R Zenith
“Suggs is out of breath on Night Boat. Do 2019 and give up.”
John Gough
“Madness were fantastic. Looking forward to Madness at 50. Can they do it.”
Andrew Brown
“Thank you Madness and Suggs for the best new year ever. After 40 years of gigs, you’ve supplied the soundtrack to my life. Waking up this happy after 3 hours sleep shouldn’t be allowed. Happy new year.”
Dawn Neesome
“Musically sounding better then ever I thought 🙂 Brass sounding excellent and let’s hope they go on tour with strings and a gospel choir all year.”
Kevin Crowther
“Music Week have just released today’s sales figures. On the back of last night’s concert Madness have sold an extra 300 copies of Full House. Sales of the ‘Complete Mr Bean’ box set have gone through the roof.”
Chris Carter Pegg
Live Intensified
We’re almost a fortnight into 2019, but there may be many of you out there who failed to catch Madness’ new year’s eve / day performances on BBC1 in the UK.
Thanks to the kind efforts of a few individuals, not only can you now watch these performances for yourself but you can also see what songs were performed to the assembled crowd before the live feed began, and what went on in Central Hall as the clock struck midnight.
New Year’s Eve and Day, Live From Westminster Central Hall
One of the great things about Specialized is the support we receive from our ambassadors. One is Madness’ Lee Thompson and the other is Nick Welsh aka King Hammond.
One of the highlights now at the big weekend is the Q & A sessions and November 2018 saw these 2 come together in a great session. We’ve footage from another great session with the lovely Susan Cadogan to come but here is In Conversation with Lee Thompson. Shot by Mick Jenner.
There are many more fun “house” parties coming in this exciting 40th anniversary year of Madness.
To find out about events first and for more info for this year go to www.madness.co.uk/madnessXL and make sure you’re registered
The next official announcements are due soon as the band revealed alongside their 40 songs XL Spotify playlist, that SOME celebrations would be revealed for this year.
We’ve been given a small peek by the band and are very excited for 2019. Beyond that, we’re unable to say much else as things are very much in the planning stages.
It’s purely our speculation now, but we may have an MIS event in June on North London, and we think some of you readers will likely be around the capital at a similar time.
