Hi Maddies,
Hope everyone had an excellent New Year and the hangovers aren't too bad ;-)
This is late I know, but the Millennium crept up on me before I had a
chance. It's a good piece although I know some of you have read all the
other reviews from list members but I have to get my feelings onto paper
before they subside.
Myself, Craig & Wee Stoo left Glasgow Central on the 23:55 on Wednesday 22nd
December on the Virgin Sleeper to Euston. Still in pain
after the Newcastle gig, there was not much sleeping done as we headed
straight for the drinks carriage and got pissed with a member of the Armed
forces who had just been released from the jail in Dunoon for fighting with
locals. Nice one. We managed to clear out most of the carriage with our
various illustrated stories of criminal activity, fluffing and other
disgusting ditties. At one point close to 3am I headed off for a pee.
Instead of opening what I thought was the toilet door I stumbled in on a 95
year old woman in semi-naked status getting un-dressed. Panicking I tried to
close the door but the pale, gaunt face staring out at me, trying to scream
but unable to for fear made me panick further. As the hand of her daughter
came down around my neck I stumbled the words "Sorry - I thought it was the
bathroom" before hurrying back for a much needed drink of whisky.
The night was not over however as Wee Stoo was reportedly sodomised in his
cabin by a strange tourist. At least that was what he boasted anyway ;-)
Arriving in Euston was no fun at all. We slept in a rest-room till about
11am, managing to break the drinks machine in the process before heading
for Threadneedle Street. Why? Because old Mr.G had to get some evidence of
who he was in order to collect the standing tickets that had been purchased
the previous day. The only way to get this was to get a print-out from the
only Bank of Scotland branch in London.
Identification was got and we headed for the Dublin Castle in Camden Town.
Its always good walking through the bustle of the town up to the pub. It's
almost magnetic for us Nutters. As soon as we were in the DC we met up with
some old faces - Andrew Langmead, Jenny and Kathy Payne, On the Beat Pete,
Scaty (I think), the "sweaty-sock" Dovey's, Suggsylia, Simesy and countless
others who I can't remember their names but I know I've spoken to you since
so sorry :-0
After downing many tasty beverages some went for a meal before returning and
we all headed off for a quick tour and into Suggs's local. More whisky's
were had before leaving for Wemberley at about 5:45pm.
Having never been to Wembley before and so soon after the Tartan Army had
visited to witness the humiliation of Engerlund in the Euro 2000 play-offs,
it was a real moment of history walking up towards the twin towers. But
enough nostalgia - this was Madness. We arrived, got our tickets and met up
with Chris the Kiwi. I was lucky to bump into Adele and Pete Hargreaves
(great to see you both again) but unfortunately I couldn't get rid of my 4
spare seated tix. I wasn't really caring though. It was worth paying the
extra to see them from the front of the stage.
We entered the Arena earlier than we had at Newcastle. Damn doorman
wouldn't let me keep my ticket. We were soon in and in front of the stage. I
got to see the Ska DJ doing his stuff. Great Ska music but the guy was a
total tosser IMHO. The only exciting thing about him was when Wee Stoo
noticed the shirt he was wearing mentioned "Madness 2000" and had dates
written on the back. Could this be a sign?
Then the Bob Marley Greatest Hits was played, the arena darkened, the
intro. "The only performance that makes it............is the one that
achieves Madness" then they were here. "Hey You..........One Step Beyond!!"
The place went absolutely mental. Definitely some of the most passionate
dancing and skanking I've seen and partaken in for many a year.
Embarrassment followed, then The Prince, Lovestruck, My Girl and Bed &
Breakfast Man dedicated to John Hasler who was in the audience and took his
bow. Through to The Sun and The Rain, Baggy Trousers, The Communicator,
Johnny The Horse and Drip Fed Fred (unfortunately no Ian Dury). Like a Malt
Whiskey from the Highlands of Scotland it was THE perfect blend of old and
new. Then the final encore and the massive balloons. Swan Lake, Night Boat
to Cairo and Madness. The boys with their white suits with a letter each,
and the final words "You have been watching" to which they spun round to
reveal what it was all about...."M A D N E S S".
The looks on some peoples faces said it all. Madness had proved that
despite the farce that sometimes is the British Music Industry, some things
do get better with age. Yet they also proved that they still know how to put
on a show. They still know how to write great songs. They still know how to
get the place rocking and move everyone present onto their feet - you just
have to dance! The walls sweated, the floor moved and the crowd moved as one
to the nutty beat.
The journey home saw us back on the 23:55 Sleeper to Glasgow. I slept this
time. I was out the game thanks to a week of mayhem. It was all totally
worth it despite the expense and the travelling incurred.
Madstock 5 - here we come!
All the best,
Mr.G
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| THAT NUT...NUT...NUTTY SOUND......... |
| |
| Contact Mr.G - ICQ 37211386 |
| http://www.angelfire.com/sc/cgalbraith |
| |
| "Take my head away, |
| Take my brain, |
| Take my mind away, |
| It's driving me insane" |
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