1 – THIS IS WHERE THE MADNESS BEGINS – The obligatory intro.

2 – THE FACE OF FU MAN CHU – LTSO SINGLE – The Lee Thompson Ska
Orchestra lead single is to be Fu Man Chu. It features a guest
vocalist, and is due to air on Radio 1 Extra next week. Meanwhile,
over on the facebook page an interesting teaser campaign by the
name of Mission: Mary has begun. Jonathan Young reports

3 – WILKO JOHNSON’S FINAL EVER PERFORMANCE – Wilko Johnson gave his
final ever performance in London last night (11.03.13). The
guitarist – a founding member of Dr. Feelgood and former member
of The Blockheads – is retiring from the spotlight after being
diagnosed with inoperable cancer of the pancreas last year and
being given only months to live. From the Virgin Media web site.

4 – MADNESS HEADLINE NEW MUSIC FEST IN IRELAND – MIS subscriber
Stephen Prender reports on the forthcoming appearance for the
band at the Bolton Street Festival. Details here.

5 – MADNESS TO SUPPORT DIE TOTEN HOSEN – I was surprised to see a
German date on the Madness Upcoming Gigs list on the website. I
was even more surprised to see it is a support slot for German
band Die Toten Hosen [at the] Esprit Arena, Dusseldorf [on the]
12th October 2013. Here’s Vicki Lee.

6 – DAN FOSSARD’S TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT FILMING LOCATIONS – Near the
very start of the legendary Take it or Leave it movie you see one
Barso and Thommo around Topsfield Road in Crouch End. Inspired by
Mick & Ruth Jenner’s Madness video locations documentary Big Ten
drummer Dan Fossard, decided to put together a short photos
documentary of some key shots from back then and how they look
now.

7 – PAUL RODGERS’ MADNESS STATS, FACTS AND FIGURES – The man with
1001 Madness related nuggets of information is back with his
latest batch of stat-packed news. Strap on those seatbelts.

8 – MASS OF FRANCE-BASED GIGS ANNOUNCED – You may have noticed that
throughout the history of Madness, the group has never [had so]
many concerts in France [as they have planned for] 2013. After
Midem in Cannes in January and Trianon in Paris last night, here
are the next dates. Info from the French MIS team

9 – THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS – This week MIS co-editor, Rob Hazelby
goes back 5 years to issue number 463, and the week of Sunday 16th
March to Saturday 22nd March 2008, and then back 10 years
to issue number 201 and the week of Sunday 16th March to
Saturday 22nd March 2003.

10 – THAT’S YER LOT – A few last minute bits and pieces before we
finish for the week.

[1] – THIS IS WHERE THE MADNESS BEGINS

Hello, and a very warm welcome to this week’s gig-filled edition of the weekly MIS Online Bulletin.

We say “gig-filled”, as this issue has news of a stack of France gigs, plus news of the band booked to perform in Ireland and Germany over the coming months.

It’s not all gig related, though. We also take time out to report on Dan Fossard’s Take it or Leave it filming locations online scrapbook, and as usual, we take you back to this week 5 and 10 years ago in our regular lookback column.

As you’ll see from the contents listing, we have even more besides that little lot, so let’s dive straight in with some news, exclusive to the MIS, of the forthcoming Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra single.

Enjoy the read,

Liz Maher, Simon Roberts, Rob Hazelby, Jonathan Young
Email us at: liz, simon, robert, jonathan @mis-online.net

[2] – THE FACE OF FU MAN CHU – LTSO SINGLE

The Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra lead single is to be Fu Man Chu. It features a guest vocalist, and is due to air on Radio 1 Extra next week. Meanwhile, over on the facebook page an interesting teaser campaign by the name of Mission: Mary has begun.

Out in 9 weeks time, on May 13th, the lead single from The Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra is to be their cover of Desmond Dekker’s Fu Man Chu.

The single features a lead vocal from guest singer, British/Jamaican reggae artist Bitty Mclean, a talented and well respected figure in reggae circles he’s most famously known for also covering Fat’s Domino, (like the ska orchestra do), on his hit of “It’s raining It’s raining”

Dave Robinson, he of Stiff records fame, has been working with the band, and put the team together, adding an extra layer of input to a project already bursting with creative talent, from Mark Bedford to Terry Edwards, to Lee himself and producer Mike Pelaconi, and now Dave has added Bitty to the mix for this lead track with quite stunning results.

Sceptical at first to the news of an additional vocalist, fans close to the band instantly warmed to the result upon hearing the mix.

A teaser 1 minute can be heard over on the facebook where, Mission:
Mary project run by fans started today.

Some brilliant teaser artwork devised by Cartoonist Sean Gaskin, was intriguing watchers as it slow revealed the news today, culminating with a full cartoon of Lee as Fu Man Chu and a short teaser video.

www.ltso.mis-online.net

Mission: Mary aims to do a few more things as the release of the album draws nearer. Including the additional extra promotion of this single, when it goes on sale. If you are a fan who thinks they can help our mission, or you don’t know how to but want to join in the team efforts get in touch. Jonsmad@hotmail.com

The single is due to receive it’s first full radio debut airplay, on David Rodigan’s 1 Extra show next Sunday.

Jonthan Young

[3] – WILKO JOHNSON’S FINAL EVER PERFORMANCE

Wilko Johnson gave his final ever performance in London last night (11.03.13).

The guitarist – a founding member of Dr. Feelgood and former member of The Blockheads – is retiring from the spotlight after being diagnosed with inoperable cancer of the pancreas last year and being given only months to live.

Wilko had organised a mini tour to say farewell to his fans, which concluded at Koko, London, last night (10.03.13).

The crowd were in a particularly jovial mood as Wilko took to the stage, flanked by bassist Norman Watt-Roy and drummer Dylan Howe, and delivered a version of ‘Down by the Jetty’, with his trademark lunges toward the crowd and side-shuffling footsteps.

Wilko appeared in high spirits and deceptively good health throughout the set, as he jammed out tracks including ‘Roxette’ and ‘Back In the Night’.

The band welcomed an accordionist to the stage for a cover of ‘Woolly Bully’, and returned for two encores.

The evening ended with a take on Chuck Berrry’s ‘Bye Bye Johnny’, including a poignant section where Wilko talked of a train which came for his baby and was soon to take him too. Many of the crowd absorbed the spirit and message of the song and waved back at Wilko on the stage to see him off.

The guitarist has previously told how his greatest wish was to complete his shows before the cancer took hold.

He said in January: ”This position I’m in is so strange, in that I do feel fit and yet I know death is upon me.

”I’m not hoping for a miracle cure or anything. I just hope it spares me long enough to do these gigs – then I’ll be a happy man.

”I’ve had a fantastic life. When I think about the things that have happened to me and the things I’ve done, I think anybody who asks for more would just be being greedy. I don’t wanna be greedy.”

Virgin Media.

[4] – MADNESS HEADLINE NEW MUSIC FEST IN IRELAND –

I can’t believe this news..

MADNESS are to Headline the Saturday night of a brand new music festival in my Home County of Waterford!!!

The Bolton Street Festival (Daytripper.ie) is a Three day Music Festival being held in Waterford City from the 28th – 30th of June.

Imelda May Headlines on Friday, The Coronas on Sunday and MADNESS on the Saturday night.

This is the First time for MADNESS to play in Waterford. However there is a Waterford connection that goes all the way back to the First Madstock in 1992 when Local music promoters Mick O Keeffe and Vince Power (Mean Fiddler) were heavily involved in the Finsbury Park event.

Mick O Keeffe announced the “secret” headliners on the Local Radio station at 8am on Friday morning. Rumours had being doing the rounds during the week that The Nutty Boys Might be playing but you can never be sure until you hear confirmation.

MADNESS will Headline on SATURDAY 29th of JUNE, with special guests to be announced. Tickets go on sale next Friday priced at 42.50 euros.

This is a 2,500 Capacity, so tickets will sell Out very fast..
Waterford has a very strong Ska & Mod scene, with MADNESS having a massive following in these parts. This is only a 30 minute drive away for me, so I can’t wait for June!!!

Stephen Prender

[5] – MADNESS TO SUPPORT DIE TOTEN HOSEN

I was surprised to see a German date on the Madness Upcoming Gigs list on the website. I was even more surprised to see it is a support slot for German band Die Toten Hosen [at the] Esprit Arena, Dusseldorf [on the] 12th October 2013.

Tickets went on sale 11th March exclusively on their website. On 25th March, if [there are] any left they’ll be on sale everywhere.

It may very possibly be already sold out, but here are the links:

http://shop.dietotenhosen.de/index.php/n.1/

http://bit.ly/XSyHrz

Vicki Lee

[6] – DAN FOSSARD’S TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT FILMING LOCATIONS

Near the very start of the legendary Take it or Leave it movie you see one Barso and Thommo around Topsfield Road in Crouch End.

Inspired by Mick & Ruth Jenner’s Madness video locations documentary Big Ten drummer Dan Fossard, decided to put together a short photos documentary of some key shots from back then and how they look now.

You’ll need a Facebook account to view these, but if you have one you can find the 12 photos here:

http://on.fb.me/WPUiSP

Perhaps if Dan receives enough positive feedback he’ll consider adding to this collection using locations from other parts of the film.

We can but hope.

Rob Hazelby

[7] – PAUL RODGERS’ MADNESS STATS, FACTS AND FIGURES

Hello. I just had a thought. You all know my name, but I’ve never asked yours. This is probably something we should sort out. We really must acquire the skill of communication. Which reminds me today is likely to be the last day Never Knew Your Name is in the UK’s top 100 radio airplay chart. With 3605 plays having reached 92.5 million listeners this year it has been a brilliant introduction to the album.

Absolute Radio seem to take my hints. Every time I mention How Can I Tell You they play it. Although they haven’t playlisted it yet they have played it 3 times. Meanwhile Radio Two have included it on their C list for the week that started on Friday 15 March. It’s likely to pick up quite a large amount of airplay now especially with Madness due to close the BBC TV Centre on Friday.

Last week’s chart saw Complete Madness climb from 166 to 151 and Oui Oui fall from 147 to 156. Hopefully both will get a boost as a result of this week’s airplay and the TV special thingy.

This week’s chart shows nothing in the top 100, but hopefully Complete will have managed its 52nd straight week on the top 200. In the indie chart Complete falls from 22 to 26 and Oui Oui drops from 23 to 29.

In France the album has dipped out of the chart now, although the promotion continues out there. Never Knew Your Name has climbed yet again on their radio airplay chart. This week it rose from 140 to 131.
That may not seem all that impressive, but I think it is as it has been on the chart for 21 weeks. Steady regular airplay can only be a good thing. Hopefully Madness will be able to break their way into a few more countries over the coming months.

Right I’m nearly finished, but before I go I’d like to remind you to pre-order the How Can I Tell You download single. There’s a radio edit, a live recording and a demo version (which is NOT on the deluxe album). Both Amazon and iTunes have samples you can listen to, with the ones on iTunes being a lot longer than those Amazon have.

Right that’s me done. I been naughty today and I need to go get back on my diet.

Until next time, take care of yourself and each other. Bugger! I’ve just realised I forgot to ask again.

Paul Rodgers

[8] – MASS OF FRANCE-BASED GIGS ANNOUNCED

Information courtesy of The French MIS Online, via their excellent blog at: http://newsdufrenchmis.blogspot.fr/

You may have noticed that throughout the history of Madness, the group has never [had so] many concerts in France [as they have planned for] 2013?.

After Midem in Cannes in January and Trianon in Paris last night, here are the next dates :

MADNESS
in Rouen (76) Armada 2013
June 12, 2013
Concert

MADNESS / C2C / LOU DOILLON
Argeles Sur Mer (66) – Parc De Valmy
within the framework of the surf festival ARGELES OF THE SEA Monday, July 8, 2013 at 16:30 € 42

MADNESS / JIM MURPLE MEMORIAL
Montauban (82) – Jardin Des Plantes De Montauban in the festival JAZZ A MONTAUBAN Wednesday, July 10, 2013

MADNESS / CONCRETE KNIVES
Saint Malo Du Bois (85) – Theatre De Verdure A St Malo Du Bois in the festival FESTIVAL POUPET Thursday, July 11, 2013 at 20:30

MADNESS / Asaf Avidan / DUB INC
Landerneau (29) – Esplanade De La Petite Palud in the festival FESTIVAL OF NOISE IN LANDERNEAU Saturday, August 10, 2013 at 14:00 € 39.8

MADNESS
in Paris (75) – Olympia Bruno Coquatrix
Monday, September 16, 2013 at 20:00
Price Euros 51.70 Euros 40.7

Info and reservations:

http://www.infoconcert.com/artiste/madness-17980/concerts.html

French MIS
(With dodgy English translations from Google Translate)

[9] – THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS

This week MIS co-editor, Rob Hazelby goes back 5 years to issue number 463, and the week of Sunday 16th March to Saturday 22nd March 2008, and then back 10 years to issue number 201 and the week of Sunday 16th March to Saturday 22nd March 2003.

5 years ago…

Issue number 463 – Sunday 16th March – Saturday 22nd March 2008

Last week the news broke revealing Madness would be performing at the world famous Royal Albert Hall in April. This week we discovered that on the 20th of June the band had been booked to play The Sonar Festival, Barcelona.

We all hoped that these two gigs were a mere taster of more to come during the forthcoming months of 2008.

Alongside the Albert Hall news we featured the results of last week’s Damaged Goods CD competition, news from French MIS website of Lee Thompson’s appearance on a new track by unsigned ska outfit The Dance Brigade, and details of how you could ask the McPherson daughters a question or two.

As well as that, we had the usual half decade weekly lookback, news of Suggs and Carl appearing at a tribute night for Dainton Connell, and we finished of by reporting that Suggs had been given a mention in the restaurant critic AA Gill’s Column in The Times.

10 years ago…

Issue number 201 – Sunday 16th March – Saturday 22nd March 2003

Another week meant another question and answer session with Chas Smash, over on the Chas Smash Forums. With the turnout of Maddies being much smaller that the previous two meetings (about 20), the pace of proceedings was much more reasonable, with those logged-in giving Chas the chance to get a word in edgeways before the next barrage of questions were submitted.

Continuing on a Smash related note, and thanks to Birchy, we discovered that Carl was not only a member of The Masons, but had taken time out of his busy schedule to be interviewed for The Masons official magazine. In the interview Carl commented that;

“I think it tempers the wild side of me. You know
you’ve got to plan ahead to learn your work and
that gives me a discipline, and I think it gives
you a good sense of succeeding as an individual.
It’s a great to be part of a body of men that
you’re growing with, and I think the more you put
in the more pleasurable it becomes, you begin to
live it.”

We finished off this issue with news that tickets to the forthcoming Royal Albert Hall gig were current up on online auction site, Ebay, for a wallet-busting £115.00 a pair!

Rob Hazelby

[10] – THAT’S YER LOT

We’re almost done for this week’s issue, but before we go we’ve got a few last minute bits to pass in your direction.

First-up and well done to Suggs and friends who this week raised money for Pancreatic Cancer, with a special evening. You can see pictures of Phil Jupitus, Suggs, Anne, Viva and Wilko Johnson at the evening here, though the article mainly focuses on the body, fashion, and other aspects of singer Bo Bruce.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2293645/
Bo-brave-Bruce-shows-tiny-frame-dress-bra-Evening-With-Suggs.html

Suggs also appeared on the Robert elms show, last week. It was a very poignant interview in which he talks about the death of Anne’s sister being the inspiration for the Suggs and Friends special charity event.

See: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p015lb81

Moving on and don’t forget that this coming Friday Madness will be on
BBC4 from 7:30pm to 8:30pm as part of the concert to mark the sad closure of BBC Television Centre.

If this wasn’t enough, subscriber Nicky Evans tells us that “Suggs [is] on Sunday brunch [this coming] week :-)”

And finally we’d like to pass the baton over to subscriber Richard Gunn, who has a few words.

“Hey you don’t watch that watch this!

Last year I was lucky enough to run around the King
Power stadium before the Leicester City v West Ham
United match with the former Leicester City player
and current club ambassador Alan “The Birch” Birchenall
MBE and managed to raise £2,711 for The LCFC Foxes
foundation, which was an amazing amount.

I had previously raised £800, when I ran at the very
last match played at Filbert Street before the Leicester
City v Spurs match. I can now say that I have ran around
both the Filbert Street pitch and the King Power Stadium
pitch.

I have been given the opportunity to run around the pitch
again before the Leicester City v Watford match on Friday
26th April, and I am hoping to complete 52 full laps of
the pitch in 90 minutes”

If you’d like to sponsor sponsor Rich, donations can be made at:

www.justgiving.com/RichGunn52

You can also text: GUNN 61 with the amount i.e. £5 to 70070

And with that we’re done.

Until next week, take care,

Liz, Simon, Rob, Jon
(With special thanks to Vicki Lee, Dan Fossard, Richard Gunn, Stephen Prender, Paul Rodgers, Nicky Evans, and all at the French MIS)