Madness' Suggs reveals his first record and the mischievous way he acquired it
He also revealed the first band he saw live
Madness front man Suggs joined Jackie Brambles on Greatest Hit Radio, to talk about his lengthy career, what his first record was and the first band he saw as a teenager.
When Jackie began: "My first question tends to be if you remember the first record you ever bought with your own pocket money," she probably wasn't expecting the answer Suggs gave.
With Suggs admitting: "No, because I stole it!"
Going on to reveal it was 'Imagine' by John Lennon, Suggs explained: "I mean, in them days they was foolish enough to leave the record in the sleeve, then you just kneel down and stick it in the big pocket of your Crombi and away you went."
Jackie then admitted: "Well, whilst I can't condone the illegal activities that is a pretty great first record to have in your collection, that's for sure."
Later in the interview, Suggs was asked about his first gig, and he revealed it was The Who at Charlton football ground. The singer went on to explain: "I think was 1974 can't remember exactly. I was about 12 or 13. Me and loads of me mates went down and we bunked in, climbed over the wall.
"It was Alex Harvey was the first band on which was like just such a revelation. I mean, man, Alex Harvey, and that was a such a sort of revelation. I remember Ian Dury sang, you know, comic malevolent and really resonated with us because we weren’t horrible, but we weren’t nice neither.
"And just having a bit of fun while being you know, on the other side of the coin. The wall wasn't that high around Charlton football ground!"
Suggs, who is known for hits such as 'Baggy Trousers' and 'Our House' then continued: "I do remember The Who come on. They did that ‘Baba O'Riley’, it was the first laser show in the world. And literally it was like one green beam was bouncing off some sort of car."
Later this year, Madness will be embarking on their 13-date 'C'est La Vie' tour in November and December. The Lightning Seeds will be supporting the band at all dates.
You can hear songs by Madness on Greatest Hits Radio.
Take a look through tours coming up this year:
ABBA - 'ABBA Voyage'
ABBA's virtual tour 'ABBA Voyage' started in May 2022. The tour sees the ABBA avatars accompanied by a 10-piece live band, all taking place in a custom-built arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London.
The shows were due to run until October 2022, but due popular demand from fans, they will now run until 2026.
Jason Donovan
Jason Donovan will be going on tour in February and March 2026 with his 'Doin' Fine Encore' tour. The singer said: "I am so excited about extending this tour. There were some places we were unable to visit on the 'Doin' Fine 25' tour for logistical reasons, so it's great to be able to go and perform in those venues.
"My performing career has been an incredible ride, and I can't wait to celebrate it by performing the songs that have been such an important part of my life. It's been a fantastic tour so far, and I look forward to sharing all those special moments with my fans."
Pet Shop Boys
Pet Shop Boys have announced a series of intimate gigs, taking place in April 2026. 'Obscure Pet Shop Boys', are truly for the biggest fans of the band, as they'll be performing non-single album tracks and B-sides, from throughout their long career.
Toyah Willcox
To celebrate 45 years in the music industry, 80s legend Toyah Willcox will be heading on tour from 2025 to 2026, starting by supporting The Human League at a series of shows in the summer of 2025, before her HUGE tour gets underway in March 2026. Entitled 'Songs & Stories Tour 2026', she'll take the tour to 49 intimate venues across England, Scotland and Wales — finishing on 14th June 2026.
Toyah also has a number of gigs in October and December 2025, in celebration of the release of her new greatest hits album, 'Chameleon: The Very Best Of Toyah'.
Rick Astley
Rick Astley has announced a huge UK tour with special guest Gabrielle. The 'Never Gonna Give You Up' singer will perform across the UK with gigs in Glasgow, London, Liverpool, Newcastle and many more, in April 2026.
Paul Carrack
Paul Carrack will be on tour throughout April and May 2026, celebrating 50 years in the music business and the release of his album 'The Country Side of Paul Carrack'. The singer said of the tour: "There's no feeling like performing live with this band. We've been through it all together, and we're excited to bring something new to these incredible venues. It's going to be a big one."
James Morrison
James Morrison has announced a tour for 2026 celebrating 20 years since the release of his debut album 'Undiscovered'. The singer will perform throughout May and the beginning of June, playing songs from his 5x Platinum album, along with some of this biggest hits.
Billy Ocean
In October 2025, Billy Ocean announced dates for his Summer 2026 tour where he will be performing across the UK from May until August. The singer will be joined by special guest, former Wet Wet Wet and solo artist Marti Pellow.
Foreigner
'I Want To Know What Love Is' band Foreigner have announced two UK dates for June 2026. The band will perform their biggest anthems from their back catalogue at the very special concerts.
UB40
UB40 have announced a huge tour taking place in June 2026. The band are expected to perform many of their iconic classic hits from their back catalogue and some brand new tracks which will feature on their upcoming studio album, due for release in Spring 2026.
The Human League
'Don't You Want Me' band The Human League have announced they will be performing a big outdoor show in 2026. The band, who will be joined by special guests ABC, will be taking to the stage for this one-off show in Leeds.
Boyzone
In September 2025, Boyzone announced they would be reuniting for their largest gig ever. Due to take place in London on Saturday 6th June 2026, the band will be playing to 44,000 fans for their show called 'One For The Road: Live At Emirates Stadium, London'.
Beverley Knight
Beverley Knight has announced a huge UK headline tour for 2026 called 'Born to Perform'. The show will see Beverley perform some of her biggest hits as she also takes the audience on a journey through her career of music and theatre. The tour takes place throughout June 2026.
Westlife
After much excitement and teasing, the band revealed they will be playing across the UK in September and October 2026, as part of their 'Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour'. The band will start their UK leg in Aberdeen on Tuesday 29th September, before performing across the UK, ending with FIVE dates in Belfast (previously announced).
When is Jackie Brambles on Greatest Hits Radio?
You can listen to Jackie Brambles on Greatest Hits Radio weekdays from 7pm.
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