Madness singer Suggs has taken a nostalgic trip through his record collection, revealing the songs that have provided the soundtrack to his life in a remarkably candid 'honest playlist'. From the first single he bought to the track he wants played at his funeral, the frontman shares the musical memories that have defined his personal and professional journey.
The Songs That Shaped a Ska Legend
The first song to capture his heart was Cockney Rebel's 'Judy Teen', which he heard on a transistor radio during a childhood cycling trip. He recalls being captivated by Steve Harley's appearance on Top of the Pops, comparing his look to Alex from A Clockwork Orange. His musical journey properly began with his first purchased single: 'The Wall Street Shuffle' by 10cc, bought from Woolworths in Camden Town.
The track that fundamentally altered his path was Prince Buster's 'Al Capone', which he discovered in a Tottenham Court Road pool hall. He was immediately drawn to its energy, humour, and spirit. The B-side of that very record, 'One Step Beyond', would later become Madness's second single, marking a pivotal moment in the band's formation.
Karaoke, Parties and Unfortunate Predictions
When it comes to karaoke, Suggs doesn't hold back, typically attempting Aretha Franklin's monumental '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman'. He jokes that his performances usually elicit pleas from his family to stop. For getting a party started, his go-to dance track is the irresistibly uplifting 'Teardrops' by Womack & Womack.
He also shared a hilarious memory of a wild end-of-tour party in Australia, where he witnessed his saxophone player chasing Duffy's backing singers around a giant polystyrene volcano while wearing only his underpants. On a more reflective note, Suggs admits there's one song he finds difficult to hear now: his own band's hit, 'Baggy Trousers'. This stems from a comment he made to Smash Hits magazine, declaring he would never still be playing the song as an 'old man of 30'. Those words now ring in his ears as he continues to perform it at 64, though he confesses he enjoys it more now after the band's long break.
Secret Loves and Final Requests
Every playlist has its guilty pleasure, and for Suggs, it's Dido's 'White Flag', a song he publicly claims to hate but secretly finds moving, especially after a few drinks and a Chelsea loss. When asked about the most romantic song, he points to the sensuality of Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On', adding that the idea of rock stars listening to their own records during intimate moments is 'disturbing'.
The song that brings him to tears is Julie London's 'Cry Me a River', a record that featured prominently at his first Camden housewarming party, playing on a repeat loop from a jukebox until a frustrated guest finally unplugged it. For his final curtain call, Suggs has chosen Peggy Lee's 'Is That All There Is?', which he finds uplifting in its acceptance of life's trials. He hopes his funeral will be a jolly affair, acknowledging that while some attendees will be sad, others will be happy.
Madness's new greatest hits collection, 'Hit Parade', is set for release on 21 November.
