Madzine (C’est La Vie Expanded Madzine Edition, 2024, 52 pp.)

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Embark on a thrilling 9-month journey with the expanded edition: *The Theatre of the Absurd* now features *C’est La Vie Madzine*! This isn’t just a magazine—it’s an adventure that begins with the launch of a new album and takes you through the buzz of tour preparations, leading up to the grand finale of the 2023 C’est La Vie tour in November, extending into the summer of 2024.

As we enter early 2024, the C’Est La Vie campaign is in full swing. We’re bringing you in-depth coverage of the upcoming U.S. tour dates, the expanded album release, and the highly anticipated summer tour in the UK. Our coverage ensures you’re always up-to-date with everything happening in the first half of 2024.

*The Madzine Special Edition* was originally set to include a complimentary CD, celebrating the golden age of physical music media. Designed for the album’s sleeve, this 48-page edition aimed to rekindle the nostalgic experience of holding tangible music, at a time when digital dominates. However, strong promotion and insider information caught the attention of Chris Foreman, a founding member of Madness, leading the band’s label, Madness/BMG, to issue a cease-and-desist order at the last minute. Respecting copyright laws, *Madzine* promptly withdrew the CD but continued with the publication as planned.

Despite this legal challenge, *Madzine* was able to publish the “C’Est La Vie Expanded Edition” in 2024, thanks to the protection of press freedom in the United States. The issue remained true to its mission, honoring the tactile and visual aspects of music ownership—from meticulously designed album artwork to the ritual of playing a CD.

In a digital world, it’s regrettable that Madness hasn’t taken the opportunity to release tracks on 7″ vinyl or CD singles. The tangible connection that physical media offers is irreplaceable, and its absence is felt by fans. Yet, in the absence of official releases, the passion for their music thrives through bootlegs, which fill the void and keep the spirit of physical music alive in cherished collections.