Hi all -
Better late than never...... I'll write a few words about my adventures in
the UK, the meets and shows. First off, great thanks to those of you who
had some excellent travel advice, maps and websites for me - Adele,
Simesy, Robert, Rich, Al, Andrew, Jello and Jim.
**UK**
After hearing so much about Camden Town onlist, Kathy and I headed there
via the tube. ("Mind the gap!" haha) A.H. Holts was the first thing we
saw on the left. It was closed but we took a look at the shoes on display
in the modest storefront window. Then on to Tower, where I bought "The
Madness" on CD (and ironically had to explain to the clerk who they
were). Not one of the five people we asked had ever heard of Inverness
Street, "the most rock n' roll street in Camden," according to Suggs.
No worries, we made our way down Parkway instead to find the Goodfare,
Spread Eagle and Dublin Castle. We stopped in the latter and were
greeted by 2 Madness posters (one signed by the band) and one Suggs
"Camden Town" shot - all of them framed and hanging above the bar.
I knew I was in the right place! With Divine Madness and
Crunch on the jukebox and many new beers to try, the night went by
quickly. I talked to Patsy Conlon, owner of the DC, who said I didn't
have an American accent (haha) and that they'd be selling the place soon.
(I sincererly hope I misunderstood her!)
We had several days before the gigs/meets so we spent them doing
tourist-like things - visting the National Gallery, National Portrait
Gallery, St. Martin in the Fields, walking 'round Piccadilly Circus,
snapping countless photos, the Electric Ballroom record fair in
Camden (good thing I don't live there, as I'd be sure to spend my
entire paycheck there week after week!), seeing the Norwegian Christmas
tree in Trafalgar Square (my god, those pigeons are disgusting! haha),
Covent Garden.... Covent Garden was especially nice, with the street
performers, market, stores, huge Doc Martens store (it's like a museum!),
the ice skating rink shaped like a bottle of Absolut, 'Punch & Judy's'
bar and that wonderful place that had all the automation machines. The
one where the dog slobbers on your hand gave us a good laugh! Most
evenings we were drawn back into Camden, though, where the people were
friendly, down-to-earth sorts and the pubs dark and cozy.
We met a couple of 'famous' people while around London - the first being
Chris from the Sneaker Pimps. He was DJing at the Institute of
Contemporary Arts one night. It was called 'Home Taping,' and all the
music played was from people's compilation tapes they'd made. If only I'd
known to bring one! Chris was terribly nice and we chatted for a few
minutes. My sister couldn't stop looking at his bizarre haircut. :) We
also saw David Hockney at the National Gallery, and were promptly scooted
out of the room we were viewing so all the VIPs could have a chat and
take photos. Hmmph. The funniest of all was meeting 'Scully' (X-Files).
Her television double was on vacation in London and Kathy and I spoke to
her at the Dublin Castle.
On the 19th, we boarded the train for Newcastle, which was a long (and
expensive) trip. We got in too late to do much other than have a good
drink in a pub, so we did just that, at The Tyne. We listened to a blues
band, drank Morden's "Workie Ticket," tried some funky-flavored crisps and
admired how the Brits bring their dogs into pubs.
**Newcastle Madmeet**
One of the best things about our trip was the pleasure of being amongst so
many ardent Madness fans. This was my (and Kathy's) first Madmeet. We
arrived at O'Neill's at quarter past two to find several TMMLers
already downing brews and getting to know one another. We came across
Alan first, who seemed like an old friend. Scotland was well-represented
by Iain, Craig, Colin G, Pete and brother Dave, Stoo and Rob W. - all the
most friendly of fellows. Their friend Chris from New Zealand was along
as well. Mike H. showed up solely because he'd heard he'd get to wear a
badge. (ha!) He'd brought his friend Ian. Lisa B. was as lovely in
person as she'd seemed on e-mail and was with her husband Mark. Adele and
Emma seemed like they blew in the door with the wind and were a joy to
meet. I also spoke to Carlo a bit and laughed at how he'd managed to
sneak cans of Foster's into the bar. Pete (Adele's other half) was in
after a bit too. There was another Colin along, but I never did catch his
surname or figure out if he was someone I'd spoken to before. (sorry)
Nice man though. After a few pints at O'Neill's, we were led to
the Telegraph - truly the darkest of all pubs. We met a few more Maddies
there, including the bold one who had an interesting place to put his TMML
sticker! (I know someone got a photo of that.. haha) The Chinese
restaurant was next, and a great big table upstairs was reserved for us.
(Thanks Lisa!) The food was good, but like Rob said, seeing sausages in a
Chinese place was a first. Dave the lyrics-master knew the words to every
song played, Pete '3-plates' Gardner earned a new nickname, and an apple
was put into flight before we left. The Tut & Shive was our last stop
before the show. It was close to the venue and had lots of Madness on the
jukebox. (Great pick, Al.) What fun we had there, and came across lots
of other Madness fans who wanted to know how to join TMML. As it drew
nearer to showtime, solid blocks of Madness were played and what seemed
like the entire bar knew the lyrics and were singing with passion. I
could have stayed all night but the show was starting soon and we had to
be off....
**Newcastle Show - Telewest Arena**
This show was truly one of their best. They spared no expense at
transforming the stage into a fantastic street scene - including a fence
running along the back with VOTE FOR FRED posters, street lights, traffic
lights....brilliant lights everywhere (including the famous lamp post!),
an Esso gas pump... we were even snowed upon at the end of the show. All
were looking stunning in their suits and hats (Bedders and Woody opted for
black shirts instead). The sound was dead-on, the crowd was explosive and
the band was at their best. The amount of enthusiasm shown by Suggs
and the boys made it hard to believe this was the sixth date on the
"Maddest Show on Earth" tour. Old and new songs mixed well, just as old
and new fans intermingled. A highlight for me was hearing "Going to the
Top" for the first time live. I would have done it all - the drive to DC,
the flight to the UK, the countless tubes, trains and taxis... just for
that song. Brilliant!! "Lovestruck" was also a favorite. "Night Boat to
Cairo" was a blast as they brought out those giant balloons.
We were shuffled out of the arena and into the cold, but not before we
checked out the merchandise. The "vintage pop" bottlecap design was
clever, and I ended up with that t-shirt and a fleece. I must say I've
never been to a show where a coffee mug was an option.. and those
keychains are unique as well.
While I ran back in to get my abandoned sweater, I hear that Pete bought
himself a fine MANDESS (Iain's phrase and what Kathy now calls
them...) shirt for 3 pounds or something obscene like that.
Has it shrunk to bits yet, Pete? haha
We parted ways with a few people and were off to "Planet Earth" along with
Colin, Al, Rob, Pete and Dave. (Why didn't you come along, Stoo? Too
much Iron Brrruuu?) I spent most of the evening sitting, watching,
laughing... oh, and standing in the heinous women's line. Rob managed to
get a Madness song played, which was great fun, though not quite as
energetic as in the Tut and Shive!
It really couldn't have been more fun, and I couldn't have met up with
finer people. Thanks again to Lisa and Al for the organization. Thanks
to Mike and Colin for the gifts. Thanks to my sister, Kathy, for
travelling to another country with me just to see a band she (previously!)
didn't even like!!! ;)
Photos coming online this week....
Wembley report to come.....
Jenny Payne
-
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