RIP: Andrew “Chalky” Chalk: A Friendship Cherished
Andrew “Chalky” Chalk, Suggs’ Lifelong Friend and Confidant, Dies at 64
Andrew “Chalky” Chalk: A Life Remembered, A Friendship Cherished
Andrew Chalk, affectionately known as “Chalky,” was more than just a close friend to Suggs of Madness; he was a steadfast companion and a quiet yet impactful presence in the story of one of Britain’s most beloved bands. On the early morning of December 21, 2024, Chalky passed away at St. Wilfrid’s Hospice in the UK after a courageous battle with terminal cancer. His untimely death has left a deep void in the lives of those who knew and loved him, particularly his lifelong friend, Suggs.
A Lifelong Friendship in Focus
Chalky and Suggs’ friendship was destined to be extraordinary from the start. Born on Halloween, Chalky’s arrival into the world carried an air of mischief and fun. Suggs, born on Friday the Thirteenth, was equally fated to be a wildcard. Together, they were described as “a right little pair of nightmares,” a duo whose knack for adventure and chaos became legendary in their corner of Camden, London.
From mischievous schoolboy antics to sharing unforgettable life milestones, the bond between Chalky and Suggs only grew stronger over the years. One of the most cherished moments in their friendship came when Suggs asked Chalky to be his best man for his wedding to Anne. For Suggs, there was no question that his best friend would stand by his side on one of the most important days of his life.
The Wedding of Suggs and Anne
The wedding itself was a magical affair. Anne looked breathtaking in an Anna Karenina-style wedding dress, a vision of elegance and romance that seemed to transform the day into a scene from a classic Russian novel. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect—it was as though she had booked the snow to complement her outfit. A gentle snowfall blanketed the ground, adding a fairytale-like charm to the occasion.
Chalky, true to form, brought his trademark wit and warmth to his role as best man. His speech was a heartfelt mix of humor and sincerity, peppered with anecdotes about his and Suggs’ escapades over the years. It was a moment that perfectly captured the essence of their friendship: genuine, unshakeable, and filled with laughter.
Suggs later remarked that having Chalky as his best man made the day even more special. “He was my rock, my mate, and the one person who always knew how to make me laugh—even when I was nervous as hell about saying my vows,” Suggs recalled with a smile.
The Birth of a Music Legend—And a Legendary Friendship
One of the pivotal moments in Suggs’ journey to stardom also involved Chalky in a story that epitomized their camaraderie. After “they heard me singing at the top of my voice on the way home from the cinema,” Suggs was invited to a rehearsal with a fledgling band that would later become Madness. Suggs, however, wasn’t planning on attending alone.
Before heading to the session, he and Chalky decided to fortify their courage with some vodka. Fueled by liquid confidence, the pair stumbled along to the rehearsal. Suggs slurred his way through a ramshackle version of Bill Haley & His Comets’ rock’n’roll classic, See You Later, Alligator. His inebriated, yet spirited performance may not have been pitch-perfect, but it was bursting with the personality and energy that would later define his stage presence. Chalky, always the loyal friend, cheered him on and laughed along, giving Suggs the encouragement only he could provide.
Chris Foreman:
Our dear friend Chalky has passed away. We all came up in 1979. We didn’t know what we were doing, or how to do it – we all learned together. Chalky (and Toks) were our inseparable road crew and they became really good at it. They kept us grounded with their irreverence. Chalky left in August 1981 and over the years our paths crossed again. 20 years ago, I lived not too far from him in London. My son went to a school near where he was living with Liz and Maisie, so we’d meet every now and then. We moved to Sussex and stayed in touch. We’d meet in Eastbourne, my daughter’s school was near his house. It was always a pleasure to see him. He was an intelligent man and great company. His traveling adventures, his work with delinquent youths were inspiring. His life had been more exciting and varied than mine.Remembering Chalky’s Legacy
Chalky’s story is one of quiet but meaningful influence. He may not have been in the spotlight, but his presence was felt in the lives of those around him. From standing by Suggs’ side at his wedding to sharing in every major milestone of his life, Chalky was a constant, irreplaceable presence. His wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty endeared him to everyone who knew him.
Chalky’s untimely passing is a reminder of the profound impact of friendships on the human experience. His life was one of love, laughter, and unshakeable bonds, qualities that will continue to inspire those who knew him.
Chris Foreman:
A few months ago I heard he was ill. As soon as I found out how seriously ill he was, I went to meet him. He had terminal cancer. You hear cliches about a “brave battle” against cancer. Chalky was different – he had a fearless, amazing attitude. In his own words he “squeezed every drop” out of his life, which he surely did. He didn’t spend years “sitting behind a f*cking desk”, he lived it to the full. He had used up more than nine lives, for sure. We all thought he was indestructible.
He organised a “piss up” on the 7th of December in the Eastbourne Cocktail bar, which I realised was his own wake. That’s amazing – to have the strength to say goodbye to all your friends.
There were terrible storms that night but a lot of us made it as Chalky held court, surrounded by friends and loved ones. It was a lovely evening and not a “piss up” either. (picture: Mark Bedford, John Hasler, Chris Foreman, Lee Thompson with Andrew & friends)
When I left, I hugged him, held his hand and said “I’ll see you next week”. I knew I wouldn’t.
Andrew “Chalky’ Chalk – AKA “The Charmer” – thank you for being in our lives, sharing adventures with us and protecting me and the band on many occasions. God bless you on your final journey my friend, I’m so glad to have been your mate. Chrissy Boy. X My thoughts are with Liz, Maisie, Irene and his brother David. I’m so sorry for your loss. We all are.A Fond Farewell
As the Madness song goes, “It must be love.” And indeed, Chalky’s life was a testament to that sentiment. Born on Halloween and bonded with a Friday the Thirteenth kindred spirit, his life was filled with humor, chaos, and unforgettable memories. From their mischievous beginnings to the snow-dusted magic of Suggs’ wedding, Chalky’s friendship with Suggs was a true example of love and loyalty. Though he is no longer with us, the memories he created and the legacy he leaves behind will endure.
Taken from Madzine (Issue Seven)
RIP: Andrew “Chalky” Chalk: A Friendship Cherished
Author: Madzine Magazine
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