A lot of people always want to know what it's like?
Well, it's dull. Lots of gazing out of the window of a van. But, having said that, there's a lot to be said for that sort of drift: the glorious knowledge that you don't have much to do, except wend your way to the next town on the list. One of the things that can help is something to while away the hours. On the last couple of tours, myself, Jerry and Gen have spent some quality time listening to the Madness audiobook "Before we was we". I really can't recommend it enough - it's just perfect. Funny, moving, nostalgic - but more than that, it's a window into the life of a band. All of the myriad ways that a group of people come together, interacting with each other. The bonds that are created, the threads that join everyone together. All bands go on a journey, but it's not just about a path from obscurity to fame; it's the making of a family. That resonates so much for all of us. It was a hugely entertaining experience - and I'm already plotting to listen to it again when we're back in that van.
It also made me dive deeper into Madness' back catalogue: there's some truly wondrous stuff in there, if you did deep enough. And when I say deep, I mean it. My favourite Madness track is this overlooked gem, just an album track from the record that almost marked their career's final phase. But - what an absolute gem.
