I sent the following last week but don't think it arrived,
The first half of Smash was quite good, the kind of Madness coverage which national TV was sorely lacking. Even at the start showing the Rotterdam gigs 2002 � putting them across as a today band�surely. In my opinion all the band came across and looked well, I thought that this show may do the band justice and state what I thought they wanted it too, i.e. that they are still a band, still very much a group of friends with a gang mentality, still creative, hey maybe even mention the recent album �Wonderful�, talk of the musical, or even better future plans. Could this be?
No. The 2nd half failed to live up to the first half billing in my opinion, it rushed around the departure of Mike, not underlining clearly enough that it was not due to band differences. Also stating only 3 Madstocks, probably a good thing as seen as cash-ins, and showing 98 footage instead of 92 for the first. To be honest neither of these points or the longer attention given to what was �The Madness� (a grower and very good album in my opinion) bothered me. But what did bother me was that following the Madstock mention that�s about as up-to-date as it got except that the band still play occasional gigs when it suits them�oh dear. Surely this stuck in the 80�s image is not what is wanted by the band or anyone connected with it. How stupid not to let the public know what they are up to�or maybe there is little planned bar the musical.
Maybe I�m being too harsh, as I thoroughly enjoyed the show and it was a good watch, it�s just that as I watched it I thought of how much good it could have done for the band, maybe someone should have previewed it for the band. Above all it gave me the sense that the band are, good enough, young enough, and most of all loved enough to still show the rest of them how things should be done. Maybe too the band should have played more than Lovestruck at Rotterdam to encourage the TV crew to see them as more than a band that WAS great. I agree with those that say the set list needs a wee adjustment, for that reason.
Sorry, I�m mumbling on, and maybe moaning unnecessarily. It was great to have Madness on TV and they did come across very well, better in my opinion that more successful bands both older and indeed younger do.
Here�s hoping for a new 5 album deal!
All the Best,
Alan.
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