When my son Matthew became ill, my songwriting came to a complete standstill. I had half-finished songs sitting around waiting to be completed, but I’d lost all motivation. After he died, they stayed in the drawer — what was the point?

Then one day I asked Louise what she wanted for Christmas, and she said, “A CD of your songs.” And just like that, this project was born.

Madhouse isn’t just a CD — it’s a collection of songs that mean a great deal to me. I went back to those half-written ideas, dusted them off, and finally finished them, turning them into something new. Some of the songs are funny, others a little more serious — and one of them can’t quite make up its mind.

Every penny raised from this CD goes to Myton Hospice, the extraordinary place that cared for Matthew and supported our family when we needed it most. They don’t just provide medical care — they offer kindness, dignity, perfectly timed cups of tea, and a steady shoulder when things feel overwhelming. They’re heroes… just without the capes.

Track listing

01. Wheels Turning Round

02. A Little Peace of Mind

03. Madhouse

04. The Christmas Wrap

05. I Can’t Find Love

06. Anarchistic Revolutionary

07. Forever Middle Aged

08. Proud to Be a Miner

09. The Tallest Tree

10. Over the Top Boys

11. Colours

12. Carlos Santana (Not a Tribute)

13. The Songwriter

14. Midnight Café

15. Don’t Touch the Fire

16. Wanna Be Steve Knightley (Live-ish EP)

All songs written and produced by Bill Bates except

Forever Middle Aged, written by Keith Donnelly.

The CD is also available via Bandcamp https://billbates.bandcamp.com/

So why Madhouse?

It’s the title of one of my songs, based on how my Grandad used to describe life as a “madhouse” when things became too much. And let’s face it — life really can be a bit mad. Grief is mad too. During those dark days our world truly felt like a madhouse… but with support, kindness and with the help of our friends and family, love carried us through. Myton was a huge part of that.

If you would like a CD, or even if you have just wandered onto this page, please consider donating. And if you don’t like my music… donate anyway — it’s for a wonderful charity. No amount is too small, and every penny helps Myton continue the amazing work they do for families like ours.

So, please… buy the CD, make a donation, and help turn a little bit of musical madness into something truly meaningful.

Thank you 💙