Robert Wardlaw wrote: ''ppps Ian,�how about a review in the family newspaper?'' I'd love to oblige Rob, but unfortunately the N*** of the W**** is too busy putting the boot into saucy vicars and third-rate soap stars to include REAL news (ie Madness). So until I become editor and devote a whole page to the lads every week, hope this 2p's worth will do. As Stoo and Mr G said, we eventually arrived from Glasgow frozen solid and two hours late, but soon thawed out with the warm welcome in O'Neills. Faces were put to names, pints pushed into grateful hands and stories swapped. Special mention must go to Lisa B for having the unenviable job of keeping us in check all afternoon. What a star! As the drink flowed, the day was a blur of beaming smiles and Madchat, but steaming plates of chow mein at 5-ish brought everything back to semi-normality (thanks again Lisa - great idea). As you'd expect, more pubs followed, and special mention must go to the gentleman who stood on the table and showed us the unusual place he'd put his TMML sticker. It was just a shame it was so cold in the bar, bless 'im. And so the gig. After eyeing up the merchandise for later, we trooped down to the front just as the DJs were winding up - impeccable timing. As Mr G said, the set was top class - it started with ''OSB''and ''Embarrassment'' and was the perfect mix of old and new stuff, with ''The Communicator'' and ''DFF'' received with exactly the same gusto as all the old faves. The sight of both sides of the arena on their feet waving hundreds of ''Vote For Fred'' cards during the latter was something to behold. ''Saturday Night...'' was also excellent and the ''Wonderful'' songs fitted in seamlessly alongside the hoary old chestnuts. A testament to their greatness already. Repeated trips up to the front left me realising I'm not as young as I was, so I retired panting to the wings with other TMML-ers. As always, the one and a half hours was just not long enough and all too soon it was time for the giant balls to be bounced around the crowd (and back onstage) for the encore. But before departing, the lads took a bow in a way that brought a huge grin to this fan's face (I won't spell out exactly what they did - it'll spoil it for you Wembley lot). The only lowpoint - the girl who repeatedly told Wee Stoo to ''stop dancing''. Er, was she expecting Celine Dion? After cleaning out the merchandise stall (Christmas had come early for Mr G) it was back into the cold. The more shattered among us made our apologies and left to the comfort(?) of a nearby B&B while others trooped off to Planet Earth. For details of what happened next, mails are required from Jenni, Pete & Co. This fan curled up on the B&B floor looking like the cheshire cat's smilier brother. Brilliant - but more would you expect from the best band in the world? Special mention to Adele (a fan extraordinaire. behind-the-scenes chat was fascinating) and Pete Gardner (I now know exactly who I'm cursing when I'm trying to crack the Hangman. Hope your bootleg ''Mandess'' t-shirt is still intact!) To those of you going to Wembley tonight and tomorrow - you lucky lot. You're in for a treat. To those of you who missed out - there's always Madstock V. Stay nutty, Iain - ______________________________________________________________ Visit the Total Madness Mailing List website for: latest news, madmeet info, list charter, games, and more ... http://members.xoom.com/totalmadmail/ Contact the TMML Moderators at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe, send an e-mail to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] and in the message body put: unsubscribe total-madness
