Madness

Madness are a British Ska band from Camden Town, London. They formed in 1976 and have continued to perform for fans with their recognised seven members. Madness were one of the biggest bands in the late 1970's and contributed to the rise of Ska music.




Madness achieved most of their success from the early 1980s up until the mid 1980s. Madness spent 214 weeks on the UK singles chart over the course of their success. They beat UB40's record for most weeks spent by a group in the 1980s UK singles chart during their success period from 1980-1986.

The formation of whom makes up Madness has changed slightly over the years, but the main people are:

- Graham McPherson better known as 'Suggs' – Lead Vocals.
- Mike Barson also known as 'Monsieur Barso' – Keyboards, Pianos, Vibraphone.
- Chris Foreman also known as 'Chrissy Boy' – Guitar.
- Mark Bedford also known as 'Bedders' – Bass Guitar.
- Lee Thompson also known as 'Kix' – Saxophone, Backing vocals.
- Daniel Woodgate also known as 'Woody' – Drums, Percussion.
- Cathal Smyth better known as 'Chas Smash' – Backing vocals, dancing


The Beginning of Madness:

In 1979, the band recorded famous single "The Prince." This single was released through 2 Tone Records, the label of the founder of The Specials, Jerry Dammers. "The Prince" was a surprise hit for madness, as it peaked to number 16 in the UK charts. Performing this song on popular TV music show 'Top of the Pops' helped Madness gain recognition from the public. Following this single gaining some success, Madness then toured with fellow 2 tone bands, The Specials and The Selecter, before recording their debut album, "One Step Beyond..." (Released by Stiff Records.) The album stayed in the British charts for 37 weeks, and reached its peak at number 2. Madness then went on to release another 8 albums, which all contributed in making them who they are today.

The Breakup:

Following Mike Barson leaving in 1984, Madness' success started to decline and after one self titled album, and two other albums which failed to reach the top 40 in the UK charts, Madness completely split in 1988.



The Reunion:

Towards the end of 1991, massive hit "It Must Be Love" was re-released and reached number 6 in the UK singles chart in Feburary of 1992. Following the success of this re-release, an album "Divine Madness" was released with some of the greatest hits from Madness and peaked at number 1 in the album charts. Madness then announced a reunion concert, "Madstock!". This was held at Finsbury Park, London with the original lineup of Madness reunited performing for the first time since Barson left Madness in 1984. Over 75,000 fans attended the weekend festival and the boisterous crowd caused Madness to officially reunite. The band did Christmas season tours and held three more Madstock! festivals. In June 2008, "The Liberty Of Norton Folgate" was released, currently the most recent Madness album. This reached number 5 in UK charts.

Awards:

1983: Ivor Novello Award - Best Song, "Our House".
2000: Ivor Novello Award - Outstanding Song Collection
2005: MOJO "Hall of Fame" Award - for being 'an artist's artist'.
2009: 'Silver Clef' Icon Award.



Music Label - Lucky 7 Records:

This label was actually founded by Madness themselves. The launch of the label enabled Madness to release new material. So far the label has released 5 Madness singles and the album "The Liberty of Norton Folgate".Madness also set up their old label 'Zarjazz Records".

The other labels Madness have also been part of are as follows:
- 2 Tone
- Stiff
- Zarjazz
- Virgin
- V2 Sire
- Geffen
- Union Square Music

Here is the video of one of Madness' biggest hits, "One Step Beyond". The video portrays them as a lively band.