Madness say AB2K Mad Mess has gone ‘One Step Beyond’

A Madness inspired road rail vehicle has caught the attention of the band Madness – and they love it!

The ‘Mad Mess’ welfare vehicle, owned by Scottish plant hire company AB2K has paid tribute to the band with a wrapped design of Madness ‘One Step Beyond’ cover and ‘Our house in the middle of our track’ emblazoned on the side.

The ‘Mad Mess’ welfare vehicle benefits rail construction employees and key workers, giving them a safe place to take a break out of the cold, wet tunnels and tracks where they make essential rail repairs.  Inside includes a kettle, fridge, microwave, seated area, a sink with hot and cold running water and separate toilet.  It can be driven on road or on rail and is well ventilated for Covid safety.

It was brought to the attention of Bedders, the bass player from Madness, and he took the time to respond to the company with a morale boosting video on behalf of the band.

“Hello everyone at AB2K.  This is Mark Bedford from Madness.  I’ve just seen some fantastic pictures of a rather unusual vehicle!  It’s a big lorry that goes along railway tracks.  What made me most pleased and proud about it is that it was covered in Madness imagery.  I found out it was called the Mad Mess and it looks absolutely brilliant!  You’ve really gone one step beyond.  I loved it so much I actually showed the rest of the band and they’ve asked me to pass on my very best wishes to you all there and also to thank you for all the essential work you’re doing on keeping the railways going.  I hope you are really going to enjoy your very own Mad mobile.  We actually like it so much we quite fancy building one ourselves.  If we do, you know we’re going to come up and see you. Stay safe, stay well, take care.” – Mark Bedford, Madness 

The video of Bedders, posted to AB2K’s social media channels on Monday evening, has had an overwhelmingly feel-good reaction and has been shared across a host of different Madness fan sites, construction sites and profiles including fan page Mad Chat (28,000 members). Impressions on the video across Facebook, Linked In, Instagram and Twitter have now surpassed 25,000 people and the message is being felt as a bright light during the dark times of the pandemic.

Managing Director John Murphy said: “We are immensely grateful to Bedders and the band for this response.  The reaction on social media has been overwhelming. 

“Rail staff work in cold dark places and as key workers their welfare is paramount.  We wanted to do something to bring a smile to their faces so we took an unused vehicle and designed it around a band that many of us really love – Madness. 

“There’s no doubt about the fact that this band, a national treasure, makes people feel good.  The very sight of the vehicle approaching remote locations on rail with the Madness image on the side next to ‘Mad Mess’ instantly makes rail workers feel happier. 

“On the road drivers honk their horns and wave – the presence of the nutty boys has lifted spirits for so many people, way beyond our company.  This video from the band tops it all.”

Photo credit: AB2K

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