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Madness (band)

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Madness
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1976
Headquarters
Camden Town, London
,
United Kingdom
ProductsSka, pop music

Madness is a British band from Camden Town, London, known for their fusion of ska and pop genres, having formed in 1976. As prominent figures in the late 1970s and early 1980s two-tone ska resurgence, they continue to tour with six of the original seven members still active. Their commercial peak occurred between 1980 and 1986, during which their collective singles amassed 214 weeks on the UK Singles Chart, tying with UB40 for the longest chart presence by a group throughout the 1980s.

Madness secured 16 singles within the UK top ten, including notable tracks such as "One Step Beyond", "Baggy Trousers", and "It Must Be Love". They achieved one UK number-one hit, "House of Fun", which also reached the top spot in Ireland alongside "Wings of a Dove". Their most successful single in the United States was "Our House", peaking at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In recognition of their songwriting legacy, Madness was honored with the Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Song Collection by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors in 2000.

1976–1978: Formation

Initially known as the North London Invaders in 1976, the group consisted of Mike Barson on keyboards and vocals, Chris Foreman handling guitar duties, and Lee Thompson playing saxophone and providing vocals. They later incorporated John Hasler on drums and Cathal Smyth on bass, with lead vocals delivered by Dikran Tulaine during the early phase.

In 1977, Graham McPherson, better known as Suggs, replaced Tulaine as frontman after witnessing one of their performances. Following an internal disagreement, Smyth departed and was substituted by Gavin Rodgers. For a brief period, McPherson was removed from the lineup due to prioritizing attending Chelsea FC matches over rehearsals; Thompson also exited after receiving criticism from Barson regarding his saxophone skills.

By 1978, McPherson had rejoined as lead singer, Thompson returned to the band, and new members drummer Dan Woodgate and bassist Mark Bedford took over from Garry Dovey and Rodgers respectively. The ensemble temporarily adopted the name Morris and the Minors before settling on Madness in 1979, inspired by a track from ska pioneer Prince Buster. Later that year, Chas Smash re-entered as backing vocalist and dancer, expanding the group to seven members.

1979–1981: Early success

During 1979, Madness developed a strong live following within London’s music scene, frequently performing at the Dublin Castle venue in Camden Town. Their initial commercial release was Lee Thompson’s composition "The Prince", issued through 2 Tone Records, the label established by Jerry Dammers of the Specials. This single achieved a peak position of number 16 on UK charts. The band toured alongside fellow two-tone acts such as the Specials and the Selecter, prior to recording their debut album.

Their first full-length album, One Step Beyond..., was launched under Stiff Records. It featured a new version of "The Prince" along with singles like "One Step Beyond" and "My Girl". The album remained on British charts for an impressive 78 weeks, reaching as high as number 2. Although Smyth contributed to this album’s recordings, he officially became a band member shortly after its October 1979 release.

Following "My Girl", Madness preferred not to issue further singles from One Step Beyond..., but Stiff Records’ head Dave Robinson insisted otherwise. The compromise resulted in the Work Rest and Play EP, which combined one track from the album with three new songs led by "Night Boat to Cairo". This EP climbed to number 6 on the UK Singles Chart.

In 1980, Madness unveiled their second studio effort titled Absolutely, which also reached number 2 on the UK Albums Chart. It yielded several significant hits including "Baggy Trousers" at number 3, "Embarrassment" at number 4, and "The Return of the Los Palmas 7" at number 7. Critical reception varied; Robert Christgau assigned it a B− rating while Rolling Stone offered a less favorable review of both this album and the broader ska revival movement.

In 1981, Madness featured in the drama-documentary film Take It or Leave It, which depicted their formative years. The documentary included live performances by Madness alongside other two-tone bands and was accompanied by the soundtrack album Dance Craze.

1981–1983: Shift in musical style

In 1981, Madness unveiled their third studio effort, 7, which climbed to number 5 on the UK Albums Chart and produced three successful singles: "Grey Day" (peaking at no. 4), "Shut Up" (no. 7), and "Cardiac Arrest" (no. 14). This record represented a departure from their traditional ska roots, embracing a more pop-centric sound characterized by a gentler vocal delivery from Suggs. This transformation reflected the band's deliberate approach to evolving their musical identity over time.

Towards the end of 1981, they released a rendition of Labi Siffre's "It Must Be Love", which reached number 4 in the UK and later achieved a peak position of number 33 on the US charts. In 1982, Madness secured their sole UK number one hit with "House of Fun" and simultaneously topped the UK album charts with their compilation Complete Madness. During this timeframe, they broadened their international exposure by featuring in Japanese advertising campaigns for the Honda City automobile and the Honda Motocompo scooter, incorporating original compositions such as "In the City".

November 1982 marked the release of their fourth studio album, The Rise & Fall, which garnered favorable reviews in the UK but was not distributed in the US market. Instead, several tracks were included on the US compilation Madness (1983), notably "Our House", which became their most globally recognized single, reaching number 5 in the UK and number 7 in the US charts. Critics frequently likened The Rise & Fall to the Kinks' The Village Green Preservation Society, with some considering it a concept album. The song "Primrose Hill" drew parallels to the Beatles' "Strawberry Fields Forever" due to its psychedelic influences and complex layering.

1983–1986: Decline and dissolution

In 1983, Madness released "Wings of a Dove", which reached number 2 on the UK singles chart, followed by "The Sun and the Rain" peaking at number 5. Their studio album Keep Moving attained number 6 on the UK Albums Chart, accompanied by two singles that entered the top 20. The album was met with positive critical reception, including a four-star rating from Rolling Stone, signaling an artistic improvement compared to their prior release Absolutely.

Departure of Mike Barson

As the creative core of Madness, Mike Barson experienced growing fatigue from industry demands. His retreat began during late 1982 while working on The Rise & Fall, when he relocated to Amsterdam with his spouse and adopted a more private lifestyle, even concealing his face in photographs. During sessions for Keep Moving, Barson embarked on an extended European road trip in a camper van.

On October 4, 1983, amid rehearsals and conversations about a potential television series collaboration with Ben Elton and Richard Curtis, Barson declared his intention to leave the group to prioritize family commitments. He completed his contributions to Keep Moving and performed his final live show at the Lyceum Ballroom on December 21, 1983.

James Mackie stepped in for Barson during Madness's appearance on Saturday Night Live broadcast on April 14, 1984. Although Barson briefly rejoined for music video productions of "Michael Caine" and "One Better Day", he officially exited the band following the latter's release in June 1984. Paul Carrack substituted during their early 1984 American tour. Subsequently, the remaining six members parted ways with Stiff Records and launched their own imprint, Zarjazz Records, operating as a subsidiary under Virgin Records.

Post-Stiff Era

In 1985, Madness unveiled their sixth studio effort, Mad Not Mad, which featured synthesizer parts played by Steve Nieve of the Attractions instead of Barson's typical keyboard work. Lead vocalist Suggs later referred to the album as a "polished turd." It reached number 16 on the UK charts, marking the band's lowest chart position up to that point. Despite this, it was placed at number 55 on NME’s list of the "All Time 100 Albums." The singles from this album underperformed, with "Yesterday's Men" peaking at number 18, while "Uncle Sam" and "Sweetest Girl" did not break into the top 20 for the first time in Madness's career.

The group started working on a new studio album, creating 11 demo tracks. However, creative disagreements within the band prevented its release. In September 1986, Madness officially announced their split. Barson returned to contribute to a farewell single, "(Waiting For) The Ghost Train", which reached number 18 in the UK charts, although he did not appear in the accompanying music video.

1987–1991: Transitional Years

Following the breakup, members embarked on individual musical paths. Four of them—Suggs, Carl Smyth, Lee Thompson, and Chris Foreman—briefly regrouped as The Madness in 1988, releasing a self-titled album along with two singles. The album attained a peak position of No. 65 in the UK, while the singles failed to enter the top 40, resulting in another disbandment within that year. Members later expressed significant dissatisfaction with this phase; Lee Thompson described it as their "Shitting Bricks" period.

Drummer Dan Woodgate became part of Voice of the Beehive, enjoying UK chart success with tracks such as "Don't Call Me Baby." Mark Bedford initially joined but soon departed to pursue graphic design studies; nonetheless, he remained musically active by collaborating on jazz projects and contributing to Morrissey's 1991 album Kill Uncle. Meanwhile, Thompson and Foreman formed a ska group named The Nutty Boys, releasing the album Crunch! in 1990 which saw moderate success and toured across Europe. Early performances attracted attendance from other Madness members.

In 1990, Carl Smyth shifted into an A&R role at Go! Discs, signing artists such as The Stairs and working alongside The Beautiful South, Paul Weller, and The La's. He introduced Boz Boorer to Morrissey and provided backing vocals on Morrissey's rendition of The Jam's "That's Entertainment." Despite Morrissey offering to manage him, Carl declined the proposal.

Suggs encountered personal difficulties after the split, including experiences of paranoia and a mental breakdown. He ventured into acting with roles in films like The Tall Guy, attempted stand-up comedy without much success, and hosted Suggs On Saturday on BSB Power Station between 1990 and 1991. Additionally, Suggs managed and produced for The Farm, overseeing their No. 1 album Spartacus along with Top 10 singles "Groovy Train" and "All Together Now." He also collaborated with Morrissey by providing backing vocals on singles including "Picadilly Palare."

Throughout these years, band members kept in touch and occasionally worked together. Thompson, Bedford, and Foreman performed with Terry Edwards' All Stars. Mike Barson, having retired to Amsterdam, continued composing and producing alongside Thompson and Suggs; many of these works were featured on subsequent Madness albums as well as Suggs' solo debut The Lone Ranger. Carl Smyth visited Lee Thompson and Chris Foreman during their work on Crunch!. After moderate success from compilation albums It's... Madness (1990) and It's... Madness Too (1991), Carl suggested releasing a greatest hits collection—an idea that rekindled communication among members and eventually triggered their reunion.

1992–2003: Reunion and the Our House Musical Era

In February 1992, the reissued single "It Must Be Love" climbed to number 6 on the UK Singles Chart by March. This success was followed by the release of the compilation album Divine Madness later that year, which secured the top spot on the UK Albums Chart. Madness announced a reunion concert, Madstock!, held at Finsbury Park, London on 8–9 August, marking the first time since 1984 that the original members performed together. The event attracted over 75,000 attendees, whose energetic dancing caused vibrations felt in nearby buildings.

After Madstock!, a live album was issued, and their rendition of Jimmy Cliff's 1973 classic "The Harder They Come" reached number 44 in the UK charts, while the live album itself peaked at number 22.

The band maintained an annual tradition of Christmas tours across the UK and organized three additional Madstock! festivals in 1994, 1996, and 1998. In 1998, Madness embarked on their first US tour since 1984; a live album recorded at Los Angeles' Universal Amphitheatre titled Universal Madness was released in 1999. That same year saw their first studio album since 1986, Wonderful, which attained number 17 on UK charts. The lead single "Lovestruck" became their first new top 10 UK hit since 1983. However, subsequent singles "Johnny the Horse" and "Drip Fed Fred" (featuring Ian Dury) failed to break into the top 40.

Between October 2002 and August 2003, Our House, a musical featuring Madness’s songs, ran at London's Cambridge Theatre. The band acted as executive producers, with Suggs temporarily joining the cast. The production earned the Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 2003 and was later released on DVD in November 2004. Prior to this, another Madness-inspired musical titled One Step Beyond!, penned by Alan Gilbey, had brief runs in London theatres during 1993 and again in 2012.

2004–2010: The Dangermen Project and The Liberty of Norton Folgate

In celebration of their 25th anniversary in 2004, Madness performed intimate shows under the moniker The Dangermen, focusing on reggae and ska covers from their early influences. This endeavor culminated in the August 2005 release of The Dangermen Sessions Vol. 1 through V2 Records. During recording sessions, guitarist Chris Foreman exited due to internal disagreements within the band. The album reached number 11 on the UK Albums Chart—Madness’s highest studio chart position in over two decades. Singles such as "Shame & Scandal" and "Girl Why Don't You" saw modest chart success; notably, "Shame & Scandal" peaked at number 38 in the UK and number 12 in France. Following this period, Madness parted ways with V2 Records. Kevin Burdette joined as a touring guitarist and appeared in videos for "Sorry" and "NW5" released in 2007.

The original six members reunited to create their first original studio album in seven years. In March 2007, they independently released the non-album single "Sorry" via Lucky 7 Records, which reached number 23 on UK charts and featured collaborations with UK hip hop artists Sway DaSafo and Baby Blue.

Their tracks "NW5" and a newly recorded version of "It Must Be Love" were included in the German film Neues vom Wixxer [de]. These songs were issued as a double A-side single accompanied by music videos starring band members alongside Burdette. A re-recorded version of "NW5," featuring Chris Foreman's return to guitar duties, was released in January 2008 and attained number 24 on UK charts.

In June 2008, Madness previewed much of their forthcoming album The Liberty of Norton Folgate during three nights at London's Hackney Empire; recordings from these shows were made available to fans via USB wristbands. Additional concerts took place in Manchester and London that December.

To mark their thirtieth anniversary in 2009, Madness hosted a fifth Madstock Festival at Victoria Park, London on July 17. Although The Specials did not appear, original keyboardist Jerry Dammers supported Madness with his Spatial AKA Orchestra and later joined them for their Christmas tour through DJ performances.

Between March and April that year, Madness toured Australia performing at festivals and headlining various shows. Their lead single from the upcoming album, "Dust Devil," released on May 11 through Lucky 7 Records featured actors Alfie Allen and Jaime Winstone in its video. The track peaked at number 64 on the UK Singles Chart but topped the UK Independent charts.

Released on May 18, 2009, The Liberty of Norton Folgate achieved a peak position of number five on the UK Albums Chart. The band continued festival appearances including Pinkpop, Splendour Festival, and Glastonbury. On September 27, they performed a free concert on Regent Street in collaboration with Absolute Radio.

On August 28 at Rock en Seine near Paris, Madness was invited to substitute for Oasis after internal conflicts led to Oasis's cancellation; their performances received positive acclaim.

During their UK Christmas tour which included Dublin dates, bassist Mark Bedford was temporarily replaced by Graham Bush.

Members also appeared performing "Baggy Trousers" in Catherine Tate's Nan's Christmas Carol. On January 18, 2010, they released "Forever Young" from The Liberty of Norton Folgate, though it did not chart.

In an interview with RTÉ in May 2010, drummer Daniel Woodgate disclosed that Madness was completing material for a subsequent album intended for recording later that year.

At September’s Q Awards ceremony in London that year, Madness received the Idol Award; guitarist Chris Foreman confirmed ongoing work on a new album during his acceptance remarks.

The band toured extensively across the UK throughout November and December of 2010, culminating with a performance at London's Earl's Court where they debuted a new song from their forthcoming album. Two shows postponed due to heavy snowfall were rescheduled for February 2011.

2011–2015: Oui Oui, Si Si, Ja Ja, Da Da

In June 2011, Madness took the stage at the Meltdown Festival held at the Royal Festival Hall, an event curated by Ray Davies of the Kinks, who also introduced the band. During this performance, they debuted three new tracks: "1978," "Can't Keep a Good Thing Down," and "Death of a Rude Boy."

During the summer of 2012, Madness appeared at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace, performing "Our House" and "It Must Be Love" from the rooftop while animations were projected onto the palace facade. In August of the same year, they became the opening act for the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony. Former bassist Bedford rejoined the group for both high-profile appearances. That August also saw the release of "Death of a Rude Boy" as a complimentary preview for their tenth studio album, Oui Oui, Si Si, Ja Ja, Da Da, which was officially released on 29 October 2012 and achieved a peak position of number 10 on the UK Albums Chart. In January 2013, boosted by radio play of the single "Never Knew Your Name," the album re-entered the charts at number 16.

Starting in early 2013, Bedford’s participation increased significantly, culminating in his full reinstatement to the band and concluding Graham Bush’s four-year stint.

On 22 March 2013, Madness performed live outside the BBC Television Centre for a broadcast on BBC Four, commemorating the building’s closure with their song Goodbye Television Centre. They also headlined Dublin’s New Year’s Eve festivities in 2014.

On 22 March 2014, Suggs announced intentions to record and release a new studio album before the end of that year.

October 2014 marked Cathal Smyth’s (Chas Smash) departure from Madness to focus on his solo career; his first solo album, A Comfortable Man, was released on 11 May 2015 via Phoenix Rising Recording Co. Although initially framed as a hiatus rather than a permanent exit, Smyth has not returned to the band since. In 2016, Suggs described Madness as a "dysfunctional family," emphasizing that mutual tolerance and affection have maintained their unity.

2016–2022: Can't Touch Us Now

In May 2016, Madness revealed plans for their studio album Can't Touch Us Now, which they supported with a performance on the Pyramid Stage at the Glastonbury Festival in June. The lead single "Mr. Apples" was accompanied by a scripted music video—their first since 2009—and earned an A-list spot on BBC Radio 2. The song "Herbert" was released alongside an animated video, while singles "Can't Touch Us Now" and "Another Version of Me" also received airplay on BBC Radio 2. Upon its release in November 2016, the album debuted at number five on the UK Albums Chart. The year concluded with a UK arena tour in December.

Throughout 2017, Madness toured internationally, including sold-out performances in Australia and hosting their "House of Common Festival" on Clapham Common, which was their only London show that year. In summer 2018, they toured various UK stately homes and later completed a Christmas arena tour. Their New Year’s Eve event titled "Madness Rocks Big Ben Live" was broadcast on BBC One.

In March 2019, Madness announced their autobiography titled Before We Was We: Madness by Madness, which was published in October. This book offers perspectives from all seven members detailing their early days and was later adapted into a three-part documentary aired on AMC (European TV channel) in May 2021.

Celebrating four decades since their debut album release, Madness organized special live events throughout 2019 including another "House of Common" festival, a concert featuring a full orchestra at Kenwood House, and an anniversary show at Electric Ballroom—which was broadcast on Sky Arts in early 2020—culminating in three performances at The Roundhouse.

In December 2019, they released "Bullingdon Boys (Don't Get Bullied by the Bully Boys)," characterized by NME as a sharp critique targeting Boris Johnson and his former classmates from Eton. In March 2020, Madness was honored with a commemorative stone on Camden's 'Music Walk Of Fame,' attended by both current and past members.

Following pandemic-related video releases, April 2021 saw Madness announce their inaugural global livestream event titled "The Get Up!", recorded at the London Palladium in May. The show combined music and comedy acts featuring guests such as Roland Gift and Paul Weller, with Mike Barson impersonating Queen Elizabeth II. Additionally, they revealed plans for The Ladykillers Tour later that year, co-headlined alongside Squeeze.

2023–present: Theatre of the Absurd Presents C'est la Vie

In September 2023, Madness revealed their thirteenth studio album, titled Theatre of the Absurd Presents C'est la Vie, which was officially released on 17 November 2023. To promote the album, they embarked on a UK tour alongside the Lightning Seeds, performing in prominent cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, and London.

Prior to the album launch, the singles "C'est La Vie" and "Baby Burglar" were released, both drawing inspiration from the band’s earlier youthful experiences. A video compilation showcased these singles along with a live rendition of Round We Go. This album achieved Madness' first UK number one studio chart position and also appeared on charts in Ireland, Germany, and The Netherlands.

The complete video for "C'est La Vie" was made public on 11 December, followed by the "Baby Burglar" video release on 23 January 2024. In February, "Round We Go" was promoted as an official single, accompanied by a video debuting on 6 February and subsequently added to BBC Radio 2’s playlist by 23 February.

In April, an expanded edition of Theatre Of The Absurd Presents C'est La Vie was announced, featuring five additional new tracks plus seven previously unreleased live recordings from the December tour. This collection included their rendition of The Specials' "Friday Night Saturday Morning." Additionally, Suggs’ composition "No Reason" was made available separately.

On 17 May, coinciding with their first US tour in over a decade, the track "Hour Of Need" was released and added to BBC Radio 2’s rotation. This release was accompanied by the 'Hour Of Need' Award initiative, enabling fans to recognize everyday heroes in their communities.

In August 2025, guitarist Chris Foreman disclosed he had been diagnosed with myeloma, a form of blood cancer that is manageable but not curable. Earlier that year, symptoms led to the discovery of a spinal tumor; subsequent treatment significantly enhanced his kidney function. Foreman announced he would be absent from forthcoming tours but remains hopeful for remission and aims to resume performing in 2026.

The Fink Brothers

The Fink Brothers represented a short-lived side project created by Madness members Suggs and Chas Smash, who adopted the pseudonyms Angel and Ratty Fink. These aliases were inspired by characters from the science fiction comic 2000 AD.

Single
Year Song(s) Album UK Notes
1985 "Mutants in Mega-City One" Non-album single 50 The sole release by The Fink Brothers, comprising two tracks.

The Madness

Active between 1988 and 1989, The Madness was formed by Suggs, Chas Smash, Lee Thompson, and Chris Foreman, notably excluding bassist Mark Bedford, drummer Daniel Woodgate, and keyboardist Mike Barson. To differentiate themselves from Madness, they added "The" to their name. After a BBC Radio 1 contest for naming the band resulted in 'The Wasp Factory' being rejected due to prior use.

Their self-produced album featured collaborations with guest musicians including Jerry Dammers of The Specials, former early Madness member John Hasler, and Earl Falconer from UB40. When reforming in 1987, they invited Barson to rejoin but he declined.

Although often regarded as part of Madness by sources like The Guinness Book of British Hit Singles, several songs on this album were reworked from an abandoned Madness project dating back to 1986. Lee Thompson and Chris Foreman acknowledged this link on their 1990 album Crunch!, which included a dedication to "the good ship Madness and all who sailed in her (1979 to 1989)".

Studio album
Singles
Year Song(s) Album UK Notes
1988 "I Pronounce You" The Madness 44 The music video features Thompson playing the flute.
1988 "What's That" The Madness 92 First single by Madness or related acts not to enter UK top 75.

The Nutty Boys

The Nutty Boys consisted of Madness members Lee Thompson and Chris Foreman. Initially, "The Nutty Boys" was the title of their album, while the duo performed under the name "Crunch!". However, a misprint on their debut gig posters listed them as "The Nutty Boys," and this error led to the adoption of that name. This section focuses exclusively on the releases by Thompson and Foreman under the "The Nutty Boys" moniker during the early 1990s.

Single
Year Title UK Notes
1992 "It's OK, I'm a Policeman" – Issued as a four-track EP and cassette single. Included B-sides: "Fight Amongst Yourselves," "Birthday Girl," and "Magic Carpet"
Studio album
  • 1990: Crunch!

Crunch!

After rectifying the earlier naming confusion, Lee Thompson and Chris Foreman officially adopted the name Crunch!.

Single
Year Title UK Notes
1996 "Magic Carpet" – The only single released by Crunch!, distributed on a limited scale. B-sides comprised "Danger Zone," "Hereditary," and a live rendition of "Magic Carpet"

The Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra

Established in 2011 by Lee Thompson with bassist Mark Bedford, this group features a flexible roster of musicians. They began by performing ska covers before moving on to original compositions.

Studio albums
  • 2013: The Benevolence of Sister Mary Ignatius
  • 2016: Bite the Bullet

Collaborations

In 1983, Madness teamed up with Elvis Costello on a rendition of "Tomorrow's (Just Another Day)", which was included as an extra track on the 12" single. Mike Barson later acknowledged that Costello's "Watching the Detectives" significantly influenced the creation of "My Girl". Although internal conflicts led Madness to decline participating in Live Aid, members Suggs, Carl, and Lee performed at Fashion Aid.

Ian Dury lent his vocals to the track "Drip Fed Fred" on Madness's 1999 album Wonderful, marking his last recording before passing away. Due to illness, promotion was limited; however, he appeared on the National Lottery Show, with Phill Jupitus taking over vocal duties in subsequent performances. The band has also shared stages with UB40, Prince Buster, and artists from other 2 Tone bands such as The Specials, especially during Madstock events.

In May 2008, Suggs and Carl joined Pet Shop Boys for a tribute concert at London's Heaven nightclub honoring their late roadie Dainton 'The Bear' Connell. Soon after, Pet Shop Boys released their own cover version of "My Girl" online.

Towards the end of 2010, Madness participated in the Cage Against the Machine charity single—a project featuring various artists interpreting John Cage's 4′33″—aimed at preventing The X Factor winner from claiming the Christmas Number One spot. This followed a similar successful campaign from the previous year that promoted Rage Against the Machine's "Killing in the Name" over Joe McElderry.

Lyrical themes

Madness frequently drew upon themes of childhood reminiscence (for example, "Baggy Trousers", "Our House") as well as minor criminal activity (such as "Shut Up", "Deceives the Eye"). Despite their reputation for lively and catchy tunes, many songs contained darker subject matter reflecting social issues of their era. For instance, "Embarrassment" from Absolutely dealt with personal distress when Lee Thompson's sister became pregnant by a black man. The band also addressed topics like animal testing in "Tomorrow's Dream" and criticized aspects of the National Health Service in "Mrs. Hutchinson," inspired by Mike Barson's mother's experience. Their final single before disbanding, "(Waiting For) The Ghost Train", confronted apartheid in South Africa.

Awards

In 1983, Chris Foreman and Cathal Smyth were honored with an Ivor Novello Award for Best Song due to their work on "Our House". Seventeen years afterward, Madness was presented with another Ivor Novello Award, this time for an "Outstanding Song Collection". The band was inducted into the Mojo "Hall of Fame" in 2005, celebrated as "an artist's artist". A fan-driven initiative in 2007 aimed to secure a Brit Award for Madness, highlighting the widespread view that the group had been largely unrecognized throughout their three-decade tenure. In July 2009, Madness received the 'Silver Clef' Icon Award, followed by the 'Idol Award' at the 2010 Q Awards held in London.

Members

The members belonging to the original classic lineup are emphasized in bold.

Current members

  • Chris Foreman – guitar, sitar (1976–1986, 1992–2005, 2006–present; currently not touring)
  • Mike Barson – keyboards, piano, percussion, harmonica, backing vocals (1976–1984, 1992–present)
  • Lee Thompson – saxophone, percussion, vocals (1976–1977, 1978–1986, 1992–present)
  • Graham "Suggs" McPherson – lead vocals, percussion (1977, 1978–1986, 1992–present)
  • Dan Woodgate – drums, percussion (1978–1986, 1992–present)
  • Mark Bedford – bass guitar (1978–1986, 1992–2009, 2012, 2013–present; absent from touring during 1995–1996, 2009–2012, and 2012–2013)

Former members

Touring musicians and frequent collaborators

  • Dick Cuthell – French horn, flugelhorn, cornet (1983–1985) (both live performances and studio sessions)
  • Nick Parker – violin (1983) (live)
  • Jonathan Kahan – violin (1983) (live)
  • Suzanne Rosenfeld – viola (1983) (live)
  • Caroline Verney – cello (1983) (live)
  • Paul Carrack – keyboards (1984) (live)
  • James Mackie – keyboards (1984) (live)
  • Steve Nieve – keyboards (1985, 1988) (studio and live)
  • Terry Disley – keyboards (1985–1986) (live)
  • Seamus Beaghan – keyboards (1985–1986, 2009, 2012, 2021) (studio and live)
  • Jimmy Helms – backing vocals (1985–1986) (studio and live)
  • Jimmy Thomas – backing vocals (1985–1986) (studio and live)
  • Lorenza Johnson – backing vocals (1985–1986) (live)
  • Bosco De Oliveira – percussion (1985–1986) (live)
  • Norman Watt-Roy – bass guitar (1995–1996) (live)
  • Mike Kearsey – trombone (1999, 2004, 2005–present) (studio and live)
  • Terry Edwards – saxophone, trumpet (2003) (live)
  • Steve Turner – saxophone (2003, 2005 – circa 2016) (studio and live)
  • John "Segs" Jennings – guitar (2005) (studio and live)
  • Kevin Burdett – guitar (2005–2006, 2013, 2025–present as substitute for Chris Foreman) (studio and live)
  • Graham Bush – bass guitar (2005, 2009–2013) (studio and live)
  • Joe Auckland – trumpet (2005–present) (studio and live)
  • Steve Hamilton – saxophone (2011–2012, circa 2016 – present) (studio and live)
  • Paul Fisher – trombone (2016–2017) (live)
  • Mez Clough – percussion and backing vocals since 2016; drums during selected years (studio and live)
  • Neil Waters – trumpet (2017–2019) (live)
  • Paul Burton – trombone (2019) (live)

North London Invaders members only (The band adopted the name "Madness" in 1979)

  • John Hasler – drums and vocals (1976–1978)
  • Dikran Tulaine – vocals (1976)
  • Gavin Rodgers – bass guitar (1977–1978)
  • Garry Dovey – drums (1977–1978)

Albums


Concert Tours

  • Two Tone Tour (1979)
  • Absolutely Tour (1980)
  • Seven Tour (1981)
  • Complete Madness Tour (1982)
  • Rise and Fall Tour (1983)
  • Keep Moving Tour (1984)
  • Mad Not Mad Tour (1985)
  • Christmas Madness (1992)
  • The Man in the Mad Suit (1993)
  • Mad Dogs (1995)
  • The Maddest Show on Earth (1999)
  • Welcome to the Wonderful World of Madness (2003)
  • To the Edge of the Universe & Beyond (2006)
  • On Board the Nutty Express (2007)
  • The Liberty of Norton Folgate Tour (2009)
  • Do Not Adjust Your Nut (2010)
  • Butlin's House of Fun Weekender – Minehead only (2011–2021, 2025–present)
  • Charge of the Mad Brigade (2012)
  • Oui Oui, Si Si, Ja Ja, Da Da Tour (2013)
  • All for the M.A.D.H.E.A.D. (2014)
  • Grandslam Madness (2015)
  • Can't Touch Us Now Tour (2016)
  • Stately Madness (2018)
  • The Sound of Madness (2018)
  • Madness XL (2018–2019)
  • The Ladykillers Tour (2021)
  • The Great European Roadtrip (2022–2023)
  • C'est La Vie Tour (2023)


Related Topics

External Resources

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