Chas Smash Interview
 Taken From dizzybeat.com

Article by: Glen Smyth
01 January 2002

Cathal Smyth AKA Chas Smash from Issue #2 of The Skammunicator Fanzine

I did an interview a while back with this legend and asked him about Madness and his new band The Velvet Ghost, plus more.

Many ska fans claim Madness as their own (I know I do) and yet different music influences are evident. Do Madness call themselves a ska band?
No we don't call ourselves a ska band. We did originally call our sound the nutty sound so as to avoid these tags as we felt our influences were more broad.

What young bands (ska in particular) have made you sit up and take notice?
In truth whilst I am aware of some of the current breed of ska bands such as the Mighty Bosstones. It is some years since I collected ska records as I preferred the more original sound but there are some really hot ska bands with an original sound in the states these days.

There are heaps of Madness cover/tribute bands, what do you think of them?
If a band wants to play covers of Madness songs that's cool with me .I think it's a great way to learn song structures, which helps with future song writing. I haven't ever gone to see a madness tribute band but it's flattering that they do it and I wish them well.

The Skatalites have had the problem of not seeing any of the money from CDs of their music in recent times, have Madness had a similar problem?
I think the Skatalites' problems with royalties is probably indicative of the music bizness in those days and would not occur in general these days.

Is it true Madness left the 2-tone label because too much money was spent on tropical plants for the office?
No your story is wrong .the plant incident was to do with record companies that we visited to get a deal who seemed to spend loads on the décor of their offices, that's why we went with Stiff who seemed more concerned with music. We did not stay on Two Tone as they only had a deal with Chrysalis records to release six singles, so we went where we could make an album.

Where did the Velvet Ghost draw its members from?

The wonderful world of music...

Boz Boorer: The mighty Boz, is the musical director & guitarist. An original Polecat & probably best known, for being Morrissey's guitarist, musical director & co-writer. His many projects have included working with Kirsty MacColl, Edwin Collins, Jools Holland, Joan Armatrading & Adam Ant to name but a few!

David Ruffy: Drummer, previously with The Ruts, Aztec Camera, Sinead O'Connor & is currently in Kirsty MaColl's band

Louis Vause: keyboards & accordion, Louis has played with everyone & his talents also stretch to writing for television (music & sketch) & the last Toyota adverts!

Jason Wilson: Double Bass, been in the music scene forever & is currently playing with the up & coming Bap Kennedy

Damian Hand: Saxophone as with all the other guys he's a seasoned musician, sessions with Jools Holland & Bap Kennedy

Sean MacGloin: Violin, Harmonica & Bagpipes: Sean is Cathal's cousin & by day a lawyer. By night he plays anywhere & everywhere!

Jason McDermid: Trumpet, currently playing in Jools Holland's band

Between the 8 members of the band, their résumé's look like a who's who of the music industry, each has at some time played with another member of the band, Ruffy & Boz both with Adam & the Ants, Jason M & Cathal on the last Madness album etc

I see some of the songs in the Velvet Ghost set were also on the Madness album 'Wonderful'. Are the songs any different and how so?
The feel on most are different..I have restored original lyrics and arrangements which were altered during recording.

What can punters expect when going to a Velvet Ghost gig?
They will get to know me through my songs and they will leave exile and content.

Does these early days of the Velvet Ghost bring back memories of your early Madness days?
If anything I am keeping the ghost as fresh as possible by trying to make the performances special by only playing when and where I like, which is exactly how it was in the early days of madness.. you know as if its yours and not a record companies.

The Velvet Ghost played a gig on the 10th June in London. Did you find you attracted Madness fans or people interested in the Velvet Ghost?
I didn't promote the ghost particularly as I was doing the fleadh to see if the ghost would work so although a few madness fans and friends turned up the rest didn't have a clue who I or the ghost was which is the way I wanted it as I was interested to see if the ghost could draw people to the stage by the music alone, which I think we achieved.

You were on vocals and horns for Madness, now you're on guitar and vocals for the Velvet Ghost. How many instruments can you play and why the swapping?
I am not swapping per se I used to write only on piano but after working with the La's at Go Disc records I acquired a like for the acoustic and learnt quite a bit about strumming which brought a new edge to my song writing. I play a few instruments a little and mostly for my own satisfaction..the following I have turned my hands to .flute..tin whistle..trumpet..bagpipes( a bit out of practice now) piano guitar and bhodrean.

I ask this in every interview, what one band would the Velvet Ghost give their right arms to play with?
I am not sure as I have not really thought about it. I will get back to you on that one.

What are the plans for The Velvet Ghost and Madness?
The plan for the ghost is to record an album in September and play some shows in October here in the uk I will make the album available on velvetghost.com that's as far as I have gone...Madness well that's in the lap of the Gods, who knows.

In Australia we pronounce my surname Smyth as Smyth, where as the Irish pronounce it Smith, how do you pronounce it?
As the Irish.

If your house was robbed (completely hypothetically), what one Ian Dury album would you hope wasn't flogged? How did the great man influence you?
New Boots a superb piece of work..I learnt I think from Mr Dury to overcome the odds to sing in the style that's comfortable and to work with words in a way that excites the ear and the imagination.

What's some stores in the UK Cathal Smyth might buy his clothes especially pork pie and bowler hats from?
I don't buy bowlers only the occasional top hat .I have not worn a pork pie hat in at least 15 years as these days I favour a Homberg. which can be bought from Terry's menswear in Harrow rd or Herbert and Johnson in Old Bond Street.

Is there any chance Madness or the Velvet ghost might be coming to Australia in the future?
I would love the ghost to tour Australia and I will definitely put it on my shopping list as regards Madness I think the band have trouble getting out of bed to go to the shops at the moment let alone Australia.

And in closing
Today as Madness is wallowing in inactivity I am getting so much joy out of planning the ghost. I like to perform and the interaction with a crowd is the ultimate experience for an artiste so more performing as the ghost. I would like to say hello to all around the bar in Mildura and all that I met over the years. good luck to all of you and may your hopes and aspirations be realised.

Thanks to Cathyl and Adele for organising the interview, much appreciated.