IN THIS ISSUE ...

1 - THE EDITOR WRITES - This weeks news and information in brief.

2 - IAN DURY TRIBUTE CONCERT REVIEW - No matter how many stars pack
    the stage tonight, you can't shake the sad, overwhelming sense
    that there's something missing.  When Ian Dury died of cancer in
    March, thirty something rock fans felt their first great loss.
    Taken from Mojo magazine and kindly typed-up by Fiona Linnell...

3 - TRICKY TRACK - MIS Online and TMML subscriber, Jonathan Young,
    reports on a rare rumour of a track by Suggs and ex Massive
    Attack singer, Tricky. This track may see the light of day at
    last.

4 - MONEY, MONEY, MONEY - I'm sure I can safely say, that everyone
    who went to the recent Ian Dury Tribute concert had a wonderful
    time. Not only were we paying homage to our beloved Mr.
    Lovepants, but we were also watching many of our other musical
    heroes perform on stage. If that wasn't enough, you could all go
    home safe in the knowledge that the money you spent on your
    ticket was going to a good cause - Cancer Bacup.

5 - MADNESS GOODIES FOR SALE - Fancy getting your hands on some cut
    price Madness videos or even Lee Thompson's hat from the 1st
    Madstock concert? Read on!

6 - REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL - After all the recent Ian Dury tribute
    events and charity raisers, I would like to bring to all your
    attention another related project. The Glasgow Half-marathon,
    which I will be running on Sunday 20th August 2000 to raise more
    cash in the name of Ian Dury. Colin Galbraith reports.

7 -  CHAS SMASHES ONTO THE NET - Latest Cathal Smyth related news
     from Peter Gardner and Adele Hargreaves.

8 - GANGSTERS OF SKA - As not many of the Madness tribute bands seem
    to do much in the north-East, I thought I'd drop you a quick line
    to endorse an excellent band called "The Gangsters of Ska". MIS
    Online subscriber Darren Balsdon is here with the lowdown.

9 - BETWEEN GLASGOW AND LONDON - Thanks, next week, closing words.

[1] - THE EDITOR WRITES

Evening all,

Hopefully this edition of the MIS will actually arrive in your
mailboxes this evening, unlike the last issue which eventually turned
up in your in-boxes sometime on the Monday!

The issue was indeed all ready for the Sunday but muggins here sent
it to the wrong address! Sorry about that.

In an attempt to hide my embarrassment, lets move swiftly on...

First up and it's some disappointing news from Virgin's Jake
Stavrindes, the kind chap who has been given the job of promoting
the forthcoming Madness book. As many of you who have visited the MIS
Online website will be aware, the cover artwork is all complete, and
the Madness community were all looking forward to a release in
November of this year.

Yes, I said `were`, as Jake emailed me the other day to inform me
that the book has now been put back till March 2001!! Asking Jake as
to why this was the case he replied by telling me that it was
decided that the timing was better as he was under the impression
that there was more activity happening in 2001 than this autumn/
winter.

Does he know something we don't? If I find out any further news, I'll
let you all know. Many thanks to Jake for keeping us all up-to-date
with developments.

Some pub news now, and TMML subscriber, Suggsylia reports that rumour
has it that The Dublin Castle will be re-opening its doors to the
public on August 6th. Furthermore, a party will be taking place to
which the legendary Suggs has been invited! Pete Bament, also of the
TMML tells us that the DC is in no fit state to re-open, but admits
that it's possible to do a lot in only a few days.

If there's any further news, we'll let you know. Many thanks to Pete
and Suggsylia for the news.

You may or may not be aware that an Ian Dury book has recently been
released in the UK. The Daily Mail newspaper recently treated us to a
nice halfpage feature with a review by Kirsty McCall who gave the
book a mere 2 out of 5. Thanks to Chris Mountain for keeping us in
the know.

Fancy kitting your feet out in the same style as a certain Cathal
Smyth? If so, get pointing your browsers over to:
http://www.robotshoeslondon.co.uk

It's a nice looking site, but be warned, the footware is pricey!!
Many thanks to Robot Shoes the link.

It's always nice when another Madness website bursts onto the
internet as it gives you something new to look at. Now up and running
on a browser near you is Jodie Green's "Mad 2K" site which can be
viewed at the following location: http://mad2k.homestead.com/
I'm sure Jodie will appreciate any comments, so once you've had a
look round, please drop her a brief email.

Continuing on the subject of websites, TMML subscriber, Simon
Mulvaney tells us that;

     "I have just put up a guestbook for my
      Madness site. So please visit and tell me
      what you think of it in the guestbook".

Well, what are you waiting for? Get clicking to:
http://www.mulvaneys.freeserve.co.uk and drop him a message.

And finally, before we get this edition of the MIS underway, you may
want to check out the latest Velvet Ghost (Cathal's off-shoot band)
news in their current newsletter which has just been released. Simply
go to: http://www.velvetghost.com/news/newsletter/newsletter.html
As you'll see once you get there, things are moving with speed!

Well, that's about it, so lets get underway with this weeks articles.

Enjoy the read,

Robert Hazelby (MIS Online Editor)

[2] - IAN DURY TRIBUTE CONCERT REVIEW

Taken from Mojo magazine and kindly typed-up by Fiona Linnell...

Ian Dury Tribute Concert LONDON BRIXTON ACADEMY

No matter how many stars pack the stage tonight, you can't shake the
sad, overwhelming sense that there's something missing.  When Ian
Dury died of cancer in March, thirty something rock fans felt their
first great loss.  And they're here in their thousands at this
sell-out celebration.

Though his career peaked in the early 80's, Dury's warm, earthy Essex
brogue, his saucy poetic postcards from the edge and his love of the
music hall, bolstered by the Blockheads' quirksome funk, won him
many friends and influenced a generation of bands. Many of whom are
here. Sets by Madness, Wilco, Chas and Dave and former Clash man Mick
Jones {Strummer didn't turn up} warm up the masses, while The
Blockheads smile as they work their faultless magic behind the
parade of guests.

While the star of the show isn't here, his timeless tunes are. And
his mates do them justice. The comedians acquit themselves well.
Kathy Burke grins through the rude reminiscences of Billericay
Dickie. Mark Lamarr throws himself into a riotous version of
Blockheads. Cocksure Keith Allen does a Dury shout for Blackmail
Man. And Phil Jupitus runs through Reasons to be Cheerful before
hailing the Blockheads as "the best fucking band in the world".

Madness play their part. Suggs does My Old Man, Chas Smash gets
tender on What A Waste and Lee Thompson, donning a dusty suit and
a comedy false nose and moustache, thrusts through Plaistow
Patricia.

Mick Jones returns for I'm Partial to Your Abracadabra. Saffron
from Republica bounces through Mash It Up Harry. Kirsty MacColl
makes her shaky way through Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick and in
a supreme piece of ironic casting, Tom Robinson sings I Want to
be Straight. Meanwhile Humphrey Ocean, bassist with Dury's earlier
outfit Kilburn & The High Roads, does There Ain't Half Been Some
Clever Bastards.

Robbie Williams is joined by the entire cast for the grand finale,
and in a great performance pays his respects to his friend with
Sweet Gene Vincent and Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll.

A fine send-off, then, for one of British rock's truly individual
greats. Goodnight, Ian, God Bless. You clever bastard.

Gary Crossing

[3] -  TRICKY TRACK

Hello

A conversation on Total Madness Mailing List reminded me of a rare
rumour of a track by Suggs. This track may see the light of day at
last, here is the info.

TRICKY COLLABORATION

In 1995 after The Lone Ranger Suggs Collaborated with Ex-massive
attack singer Tricky.

>From Tricky websites:

     "I'll Pass right through You", by Tricky was withdrawn
      from the Tricky produced album "Nearly God by Nearly God"
      at the request of the man who sang on it, Blurs' Damon
      Albarn, claiming that the track was unfinished and he
      didn't want it going out. Tricky pulled and scrapped it,
      getting Suggs, the singer from ska band Madness to redo
      the vocals. No idea when it will be released.

     "I'll pass right through you" is said to be a "a demonic,
      voodoo love song" with Suggs sounding like a perverted
      sicko nightclub owner...

Short lyrical extract:

      "I'm gonna scare you and make you frightened, first you
       sweat, then your windpipe tightens..."

The above is all that is known about the track. It's a weird idea to
put Suggs and Tricky together. If you compare the image their singles
and Live reputations portray. Suggs - Jolly happy nutty sound pop
music. Tricky - weird dark twisted hip hop style.  But less weird if
you consider the darker sounds of Madness, say Mad not Mad album
tracks or Suggs on the B-side Bewitched, and given Tricky's love of
the 80's Two Tone period from when he was growing up. He has been
quoted in interviews as being a big fan of this type of music. The
nearly God album featured a song with Terry Hall of the specials on
it, they collaborated on other tracks and Tricky has sung on a live
version of Ghost Train by Terry Hall.

I've always kept my eye on recent Tricky releases to see If the
Suggs track sneaked out on any format but to my knowledge it hasn't.
Interestingly enough though I heard last week that Tricky plans to
do a follow up album to the Nearly God project with more featured
artists. Maybe the Suggs tune will be released on this or perhaps
aired on Trickys internet radio shows played from his web site.

JON Young. (jonsmad at hotmail.com)

[4] - MONEY, MONEY, MONEY

I'm sure I can safely say, that everyone who went to the recent Ian
Dury Tribute concert had a wonderful time. Not only were we paying
homage to our beloved Mr. Lovepants, but we were also watching many
of our other musical heroes perform on stage. If that wasn't enough,
you could all go home safe in the knowledge that the money you spent
on your ticket was going to a good cause - Cancer Bacup.

A number of us bought more tickets than we eventually needed, so
being the kind community we are, put up the tickets for sale with
the majority of these being for face value.

One such person who found himself with surplus tickets was John
Lawrence. Not wanting to throw away the money he'd spent, and at the
same time, giving someone else the opportunity to get along to the
show, he put his up for sale.

A buyer quickly appeared, and a cheque and tickets were eagerly
swapped through the post. Unfortunately John has had problems
cashing the cheque, and has had no joy in trying to trace the buyer
and the buyers bank have not replied to his letters.

John is trying to track down an `M.L.Kitton`. If this is you, or you
know who this is, please could you get in contact with John at the
following address: john_lawrence at lineone.net

Any help would be greatly appreciated as this was a charity event,
and at the moment this person has got a free concert out of it which
is a little naughty.

Thanks for listening,

Robert Hazelby

[5] - MADNESS GOODIES FOR SALE

Hi everyone!

Many of you have either enquired or bought some Madness videos off me
in the recent past (thank you )

I have got quite a few items left over now and want to sell them off
to get a bit of holiday money!

The prices are now as follows

VIDEOS
  Tapes available are - Madness TV Appearances Tape 1, Madness TV
  Appearances Tape2, Madness Live. (For full track details, please
  mail: dean at assessment.demon.co.uk

  Pricing is as follows:
  ONE TAPE  12-00 (INC P & P)
  TWO  '' ''      20-00 (INC P & P)
  THREE ''       25-00

AUDIO TAPE
  HAMBURG 1981    10-00    ( EXCELLENT QUALITY  10/10 QUALITY )

OTHER STUFF
  Lee Thompsons hat from Madstock 1.(the one he had on when singing
  Razorblade Alley). I got this whilst back stage (I was with the
  caterers) 50-00  (NO OFFERS )

If there is anything you are looking for particularly give me a post
and I'll be able to help you out

YOU CAN SEND CHEQUES TO..

MR DEAN EAVES
16 LODGE LANE
BEXLEY
KENT
DA5 IDL

Hope to hear from you soon,

Dean (dean at assessment.demon.co.uk)

[6] - REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL

Hi all!

After all the recent Ian Dury tribute events and charity raisers, I
would like to bring to all your attention another related project.
The Glasgow Half-marathon, which I will be running on Sunday 20th
August 2000 to raise more cash in the name of Ian Dury. I dont need
to tell you the great work these people do for patients, their
families and health professionals in helping them to live with
cancer.

I've been training for over a month now and hope to complete the 13.1
miles in under 2.5 hours. Not bad if you consider the amount of
"non-fitness" things I've been doing to myself over the past few
years!!!

If you would like to sponsor me or make a donation, you can contact
me through any of the following ways...

· cgalb at hotmail.com
· madness at supanet.com
· colin_galbraith at standardlife.com

If you can find it on your heart to make a pledge, you will be making
an enormous contribution to this charity. I will contact you after
the deed is done with payment details. Thank you in advance for your
kind generosity.

PS - When I contacted CancerBACUP, Martina said this about of our
net-based organisation :-

"I have decided that the TMML and the Blockheads fansite must consist
of the most amazing group of people...they have been really amazing
in past few months with all the fund raising etc.... thank you all so
very much."

Love to you all,

Colin Galbraith

http://www.cancerbacup.org.uk
http://www.cancerbacup.org.uk/home/tributeevents-text.htm
http://www.geocities.com/themagnificentseven/iandury.htm
http://www.iandury.co.uk

[7] -  CHAS SMASHES ONTO THE NET

Hello all you Maddies out there,

You've seen the works and thoughts of The Velvet Ghost arrive on the
internet. Now behold the coming of the man behind the Ghost!!! Yep,
Chas Smash has arrived in cyberworld. The Right Honourable Maddie,
Adele Hargreaves, asked me to announce the opening of

www.ChasSmash.co.uk
The World of Mr. Smash

She tells me Cathal has so many ideas and toughs he wants to put
up but there isn't enough time to get it all there instantly, so the
site will be updated very regularly, as is www.velvetghost.com.

What's there already is looking brilliant, especially the questions
of Mr. Smash, and the biography, list of songs, and the timeline. So
go and check it out.

Cheers for now,
Peter Gardner (ptg at rri.sari.ac.uk / P.Gardner at rri.sari.ac.uk)

[8] - GANGSTERS OF SKA

As not many of the Madness tribute bands seem to do much in the
north-east, I thought I'd drop you a quick line to endorse an
excellent band called "The Gangsters of Ska".

The band mainly do covers of Madness, The Specials, Dexys, The Jam,
James Brown and Bad Manners, as well as a couple of their own tracks.
The Madness stuff tends to be the earlier dancey songs and they
normally do at least 7 Madness tracks. They're a genuine live band,
and a great bunch of blokes.

For gig details/further info their web site is at
http://www.gangsters-of-ska.freeserve.co.uk/index.htm

Anyone who lives in Newcastle, Northumberland or North Yorkshire
should get along to one of their gigs. Or if you're from further
afield why not visit the holiday resort of Whitley Bay and see them
there! Ok, it's not Ibiza, but the music'll be a lot better!

All the best,
Darren Balsdon (darren_balsdon at tinyworld.co.uk)

[9] - BETWEEN GLASGOW AND LONDON

Well, that's the end of another edition of the MIS. Many thanks to
all who helped provide bits and pieces for this issue.

I'm sure you'll remember that MIS Online and TMML subscriber, Iain
Mason decided that it was time for a new survey to be carried out.
Unlike ones previously held, this didn't attempt to list your fave
album, single or band member. Deciding to plump for something a
little more original, Ian has attempted to compile a list of your
favourite characters or outfits that have appeared in the videos
over the years.

The date for sending in your votes has now passed, and as you read
this I understand Iain is busy beavering away in an effort to compile
the results, ready to unleash onto an unsuspecting Madness community.
Iain should be issuing the chart sometime this week on the Total
Madness Mailing List, but if you're not subscribed, we'll be printing
them here in next week's issue.

Until then, please keep the news, articles and info coming in, and
I'll do my very best to include them in next weeks issue.

So, until then. Take care.

All the nutty best,

Robert Hazelby