The Fink Brothers

Madness

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1976
Headquarters	Camden Town, London , United Kingdom
Products	Ska and pop music

Madness is a British band specializing in ska and pop, originating from Camden Town, London, in 1976. They played a pivotal role in the late 1970s and early 1980s two-tone ska resurgence and still perform today with six of the original seven members. Their most commercially successful period lasted from 1980 to 1986, during which their singles collectively spent 214 weeks on the UK Singles Chart, a record for the decade they shared with reggae group UB40.

The group scored 16 UK top ten hits, including notable tracks such as "One Step Beyond", "Baggy Trousers", and "It Must Be Love". They achieved one UK number-one single, "House of Fun", which also reached the top spot in Ireland along with "Wings of a Dove". Their highest-charting single in the United States was "Our House", which climbed to number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. 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, the band formed in 1976 with members Mike Barson (keyboards, vocals), Chris Foreman (guitar), and Lee Thompson (saxophone, vocals). They soon incorporated John Hasler on drums and Cathal Smyth on bass, later adding lead singer Dikran Tulaine.

In 1977, Graham McPherson—better known as Suggs—joined as lead vocalist after witnessing one of their performances, replacing Tulaine. Smyth departed following disagreements with Barson and was succeeded by Gavin Rodgers. McPherson was briefly removed from the band due to prioritizing watching Chelsea over rehearsals, while Thompson exited after receiving criticism from Barson about his saxophone skills.

By 1978, McPherson had returned as frontman, Thompson rejoined on saxophone, and new members drummer Dan Woodgate and bassist Mark Bedford replaced Garry Dovey and Rodgers respectively. The band briefly performed under the name Morris and the Minors before adopting the name Madness in 1979, inspired by a track from ska/reggae artist Prince Buster. Later that year, Chas Smash re-entered the lineup as a backing vocalist and dancer, bringing the group to seven members.

1979–1981: Early success

During 1979, Madness cultivated a strong live presence in London, frequently playing at Camden Town’s Dublin Castle. Their debut commercial release was Lee Thompson’s composition "The Prince" on 2 Tone Records, a label established by Jerry Dammers of the Specials. This tribute to their idol Prince Buster reached number 16 on the UK charts. Madness toured alongside other prominent 2 Tone bands such as the Specials and the Selecter, prior to releasing their first album.

Their inaugural studio album, One Step Beyond..., launched through Stiff Records, included a re-recorded version of "The Prince" and its B-side "Madness," along with singles like "One Step Beyond" and "My Girl". The title track was a cover of a Prince Buster B-side. This album remained on UK charts for 78 weeks and peaked at number 2. Smyth contributed to this record and officially joined the band shortly after its release in October 1979.

Following "My Girl," the band felt they had exhausted material from One Step Beyond... and were reluctant to issue additional singles. However, Stiff Records' head Dave Robinson encouraged further releases. A compromise resulted in the Work Rest and Play EP featuring one album track alongside three new songs, led by "Night Boat to Cairo." This EP reached number 6 on the UK Singles Chart.

In 1980, Madness released their sophomore album Absolutely, which also peaked at number 2 on UK album charts. It yielded several hit singles including "Baggy Trousers" (number 3), "Embarrassment" (number 4), and the instrumental "The Return of the Los Palmas 7" (number 7). Critical reception was mixed; while some reviews were favorable, others were less so—Robert Christgau rated it B− whereas Rolling Stone gave it one star and criticized the ska revival movement.

In 1981, Madness featured in the drama-documentary film Take It or Leave It, which depicted their formative years up to that point. Performances by Madness alongside other 2 Tone bands were also showcased in both this documentary and its accompanying soundtrack Dance Craze.

1981–1983: Shift in Musical Style

In 1981, Madness unveiled their third album, 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 release represented a departure from their traditional ska roots, embracing a more pop-centric approach, with Suggs adopting a noticeably gentler vocal delivery.

Towards the end of 1981, the group issued their popular 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 in the US in 1983. In 1982, Madness secured their sole UK chart-topper with the single "House of Fun" and simultaneously reached number one on the album charts with their inaugural compilation, Complete Madness. During this timeframe, they also penetrated the Japanese market through advertisements for the Honda City hatchback and Honda Motocompo scooter, featuring original compositions such as "In the City".

Their fourth studio effort, The Rise & Fall (1982), garnered favorable reviews domestically but was not released in the US; instead, many tracks were included on the American compilation Madness (1983). This compilation featured "Our House", which became their most globally recognized single, reaching number 5 in the UK and number 7 stateside. Critics often likened the album to the Kinks' The Village Green Preservation Society, and it is occasionally classified as a concept album. Additionally, it contained "Primrose Hill", noted for its psychedelic style reminiscent of the Beatles' "Strawberry Fields Forever".

1983–1986: Decline and Disbandment

In 1983, Madness released "Wings of a Dove", which peaked at number 2 on UK charts, followed by "The Sun and the Rain" reaching number 5. Their studio album Keep Moving climbed to number 6 on the UK Albums Chart and featured two singles that entered the top 20. The album earned favorable critiques, including a four-star evaluation from Rolling Stone, marking a step forward compared to their previous album, Absolutely.

Departure of Mike Barson

As a pivotal figure in the band's sound, Barson became increasingly weary of music industry demands. During late 1982 amid production of The Rise & Fall, he moved to Amsterdam and gradually withdrew from public appearances, even obscuring his face in promotional images. While working on Keep Moving, he took an extended trip throughout Europe.

On October 4, 1983, Barson declared his decision to leave Madness to prioritize his family commitments; however, he agreed to finish recording Keep Moving. His last live show took place at the Lyceum Ballroom on December 21, 1983. For Madness's American television debut on Saturday Night Live in April 1984, James Mackie stepped in as his replacement. Barson briefly returned for the music videos of "Michael Caine" and "One Better Day," officially departing after the latter single's release in June 1984. During early US tours that year, Paul Carrack filled in for Barson.

Following Barson’s exit, the remaining six members parted ways with Stiff Records and launched their own label, Zarjazz Records, operating under the umbrella of Virgin Records.

Post-Stiff Era

In 1985, the group unveiled their sixth studio effort, Mad Not Mad, featuring synthesizer contributions from Steve Nieve of the Attractions in place of Barson's keyboard parts. Lead vocalist Suggs later referred to the album as a "polished turd". It reached a peak position of number 16 on the UK charts, marking their lowest charting album up to that point, although it was placed at number 55 in NME’s list of the "All Time 100 Albums". The singles from the album underperformed commercially; "Yesterday's Men" only climbed to number 18, while both "Uncle Sam" and "Sweetest Girl" failed to break into the top 20 for the first time in the band's history.

The band laid down 11 demo tracks intended for a new studio release, but creative disagreements within the group caused the project to be abandoned. In September 1986, Madness officially announced their split. Barson briefly rejoined for the farewell single "(Waiting For) The Ghost Train", which reached number 18 on the charts, though he was absent from the accompanying music video. Following this release, the band formally disbanded.

1987–1991: The Interim Years

After the breakup, members embarked on separate musical paths. Four of them—Suggs, Carl Smyth, Lee Thompson, and Chris Foreman—formed a new band called The Madness and released a self-titled album in March 1988, accompanied by singles "I Pronounce You" and "What's That". Despite an initially hopeful outlook, poor sales (the album peaked at No. 65 in the UK and singles failed to enter the top 40) led to another dissolution within the same year. Reflecting on this period, members expressed regret; Lee Thompson described it as their "Shitting Bricks" phase.

Dan Woodgate found success as drummer for Voice of the Beehive, scoring UK chart hits such as "Don't Call Me Baby". Mark Bedford briefly joined before departing to pursue graphic design studies but remained musically active, collaborating with Terry Edwards in jazz group BUtterfield 8 and contributing to Morrissey’s 1991 album Kill Uncle. Thompson and Foreman established ska outfit The Nutty Boys, releasing Crunch! in 1990 with moderate success and touring across Europe; early performances were attended by former Madness colleagues.

Carl Smyth moved into an A&R role at Go! Discs in 1990, signing artists like The Stairs and working alongside The Beautiful South, Paul Weller, and The La's. He developed a longstanding working relationship with Morrissey, introducing Boz Boorer to him and providing backing vocals on Morrissey’s rendition of "That's Entertainment".

Suggs encountered personal struggles after the split, including paranoia and substance misuse, but diversified his career by acting (in productions such as The Press Gang, The Tall Guy, and The Final Frame), performing stand-up comedy, and hosting television shows like BSB Power Station’s Suggs On Saturday. Additionally, he managed and produced for The Farm, delivering their chart-topping album Spartacus along with Top 10 singles. Suggs also lent backing vocals to Morrissey’s songs including "Picadilly Palare" and "Sing Your Life".

Throughout this interval, members stayed connected and occasionally collaborated. Thompson, Bedford, and Foreman performed with Terry Edwards's All Stars. Mike Barson, having retired in Amsterdam, continued writing and producing alongside Thompson and Suggs; many of these compositions appeared on subsequent Madness albums as well as Suggs' solo debut The Lone Ranger. Carl Smyth frequently visited Liquidator Studios during sessions for The Nutty Boys. Following modest success from compilation albums It's... Madness (1990) and It's... Madness Too (1991), conversations about releasing a greatest hits collection revived communication among members through Carl Smyth’s efforts, ultimately paving the way for their reunion.

1992–2003: Reunion and the Our House Musical Era

In February 1992, the single "It Must Be Love" was reissued and climbed to number 6 on the UK Singles Chart by March. This success was followed by the compilation album Divine Madness released in 1992, which reached the top position on the UK Albums Chart. Madness announced their reunion with a concert event named Madstock!, held at London's Finsbury Park on 8–9 August. This marked the first occasion since Barson's departure in 1984 that the original lineup performed together. The concerts attracted over 75,000 attendees, with the crowd's enthusiasm resonating through nearby structures.

After this resurgence, the band released a live album; its lead single, a rendition of Jimmy Cliff's "The Harder They Come," peaked at number 44 in the UK, while the album itself reached number 22.

Madness maintained momentum with annual Christmas tours throughout the UK and organized Madstock! festivals in 1994, 1996, and 1998. In 1998, they embarked on their first American tour since 1984. The live recording Universal Madness, captured at Los Angeles' Universal Amphitheatre, was issued in 1999. That same year saw the release of their first studio album since 1986, Wonderful, which attained number 17 on the UK Albums Chart. The lead single "Lovestruck" became their first new top 10 hit in the UK since 1983. However, following singles "Johnny the Horse" and "Drip Fed Fred" (featuring Ian Dury) did not reach the top 40.

Between October 2002 and August 2003, the musical Our House, which incorporated Madness’s songs, ran at London's Cambridge Theatre. The band acted as executive producers, with Suggs portraying the father of the lead character during part of the show's run. The production earned an Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 2003, with a recorded performance released on DVD in November 2004. Previously, another Madness-inspired musical titled One Step Beyond!, authored by Alan Gilbey, had brief engagements at Theatre Royal Stratford East in 1993 and London's Putney Arts Theatre in 2012.

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

In 2004, Madness performed under the alias Dangermen for intimate shows featuring covers of reggae and ska classics from their early career, commemorating their 25th anniversary. This project culminated in August 2005 with the release of The Dangermen Sessions Vol. 1 through V2 Records. During recording sessions, guitarist Chris Foreman departed due to internal disagreements within the group. The album achieved a peak position of number 11 on the UK Albums Chart—marking their highest studio album ranking in over two decades. Two singles were launched: "Shame & Scandal" reached number 38 in the UK and number 12 in France; "Girl Why Don't You" failed to chart. Subsequently, Madness ended their contract with V2 Records. Kevin Burdette joined as a touring guitarist and appeared in videos for "Sorry" and "NW5" released early in 2007.

The six remaining founding members then commenced work on their first original studio album in seven years. In March 2007, they independently issued "Sorry" via their own label Lucky 7 Records; it attained number 23 on UK charts and featured UK hip-hop artists Sway DaSafo and Baby Blue.

The tracks "NW5" and a newly recorded version of "It Must Be Love" appeared in the German film Neues vom Wixxer. Released as a double A-side single in Germany, both songs had accompanying videos featuring band members alongside stand-in guitarist Burdette. A re-recorded "NW5," including returning guitarist Chris Foreman, was released as a UK single on January 14, 2008, reaching number 24.

In June 2008, Madness showcased most tracks from their forthcoming album The Liberty of Norton Folgate during three consecutive nights at London's Hackney Empire. These performances were recorded and distributed on USB wristbands. Additional concerts took place in Manchester and London that December.

To celebrate their thirtieth anniversary in 2009, Madness hosted a fifth Madstock Festival at Victoria Park, London on July 17. Although The Specials did not reunite for this occasion, original Specials keyboardist Jerry Dammers supported Madness with his Spatial AKA Orchestra and later opened their Christmas tour with DJ sets.

Between March and April of that year, Madness toured Australia playing both festival appearances and headline shows. The lead single from their new album, "Dust Devil", was released on Lucky 7 Records on May 11; its video featured actors Alfie Allen and Jaime Winstone. The single peaked at number 64 on the UK Singles Chart and topped the UK Independent charts.

Released on May 18, 2009, The Liberty of Norton Folgate reached number five on the UK Albums Chart. The band performed at prominent festivals such as Pinkpop, Splendour, and Glastonbury. On September 27 they delivered a free concert on Regent Street sponsored by Absolute Radio.

On August 28, Madness stepped in to perform at Paris’s Rock en Seine festival after Oasis canceled their headline slot due to internal disputes. Both sets delivered by Madness received positive acclaim.

Continuing their tradition of holiday tours across medium-sized venues in the UK, Mark Bedford took a hiatus during this period; Graham Bush filled in as bassist for these shows.

Members of Madness appeared performing "Baggy Trousers" during the closing credits of Catherine Tate’s Nan's Christmas Carol. On January 18, 2010, they released "Forever Young," the fourth single from The Liberty of Norton Folgate, which did not chart.

In an interview conducted by RTÉ 2fm's Dave Fanning in May 2010, drummer Daniel Woodgate disclosed that Madness was completing songwriting for a follow-up album scheduled for recording later that year.

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

Throughout November and December of 2010, Madness toured extensively across the UK culminating with a performance at London's Earl's Court, where they debuted a new track from their upcoming album. Two concerts planned for Hull and Sheffield were postponed due to heavy snowfall but 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 in the Royal Festival Hall, an event curated by Ray Davies of the Kinks, who also introduced the band during their performance. This concert featured the debut of 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 palace rooftop, accompanied by animations projected onto the building’s facade. In August, they were featured as the opening act for the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony. Former bassist Bedford rejoined the group for both occasions. That same month, "Death of a Rude Boy" was issued as a complimentary preview from their tenth studio album. Released on 29 October 2012, Oui Oui, Si Si, Ja Ja, Da Da debuted at number 10 on the UK Albums Chart. Following increased radio play of the single "Never Knew Your Name," the album re-entered the charts at number 16 in January 2013.

Starting in early 2013, Bedford gradually resumed his role within Madness, ultimately returning full-time and concluding Graham Bush’s four-year period with the band.

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. Later that year, they headlined Dublin's New Year celebrations.

On 22 March 2014, Suggs announced that the band was in the process of writing a new studio album with plans to record it over the summer and release it before the end of the year.

In October 2014, Cathal Smyth (known as Chas Smash) departed from Madness to focus on a solo career; his debut solo album A Comfortable Man was launched in May 2015 through Phoenix Rising Recording Co. Although initially framed as a temporary hiatus rather than a permanent exit, Smyth has not returned since. In 2016, Suggs reflected that despite internal challenges and occasional dysfunctions, the seven members continue to uphold mutual respect and affection.

2016–2022: Can't Touch Us Now

In May 2016, Madness revealed plans for their new studio album titled Can't Touch Us Now. To support its release, they performed on Glastonbury Festival’s Pyramid Stage in June. The lead single "Mr. Apples" was accompanied by a scripted music video—their first since 2009—and secured A-list rotation on BBC Radio 2. The song "Herbert" was also released alongside an animated video. Additional singles such as "Can't Touch Us Now" and "Another Version of Me" received airplay on BBC Radio 2. Upon its November 2016 release, the album reached number five on the UK Albums Chart. The year concluded with a UK arena tour in December.

Throughout 2017, Madness toured internationally across festivals in Europe, Asia, and Australia. Their inaugural Australian performance at Fremantle Arts Centre sold out rapidly, prompting an additional show. In August, they hosted their second annual "House of Common Festival" on Clapham Common, which was their only London appearance that year.

In 2018, Madness embarked on a summer tour visiting UK stately homes followed by a Christmas arena tour. They also performed live on New Year’s Eve for "Madness Rocks Big Ben Live," broadcast on BBC One.

March 2019 marked the announcement of their official group autobiography titled Before We Was We: Madness by Madness, which was published in hardback that October. The book includes perspectives from all seven members covering their formative years through to their commercial breakthrough. In May 2021, it was adapted into a three-part television documentary on AMC, with its first episode made freely available via BT's YouTube channel.

To celebrate four decades since their debut album’s release, Madness organized special live events in 2019 including another "House of Common" festival and a concert featuring a full orchestra at Kenwood House. They also performed at Electric Ballroom in Camden on the exact anniversary of one of their earliest gigs; this show was later broadcast on Sky Arts in 2020. The year wrapped up with three performances at The Roundhouse.

In December 2019, they released "Bullingdon Boys (Don't Get Bullied by the Bully Boys)," which NME described as a sharp critique targeting Boris Johnson and his former peers from Eton. In March 2020, Madness were honored with a stone on Camden's 'Music Walk Of Fame,' attended by key band members including ex-member Cathal Smyth.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Madness created special video content and announced their first worldwide live stream event titled "The Get Up!" held in May 2021 and pre-recorded at the London Palladium. This event combined live music and comedy with guest appearances from artists such as Roland Gift, Paul Weller, and featured Mike Barson portraying Queen Elizabeth II in a cameo role. The day following this event, they announced their participation in the 2021 Ladykillers Tour alongside fellow band 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. The album's release was accompanied by a UK tour alongside the Lightning Seeds, covering key cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, and London.

The album featured lead singles "C'est La Vie" and "Baby Burglar," both inspired by youthful adventures of the band, including an incident involving breaking into singer-songwriter Lynsey de Paul's residence. A combined video showcased these singles along with a live rendition of Round We Go.

Theatre of the Absurd Presents C'est la Vie marked Madness' first studio album to reach number one on the UK charts and also charted in Ireland, Germany, and The Netherlands.

Full-length videos for "C'est La Vie" and "Baby Burglar" were released in December 2023 and January 2024, respectively. In February, "Round We Go" was announced as the subsequent single; its video premiered on February 6 and the track was added to BBC Radio 2's New Music Playlist on February 23.

In April, an expanded edition of the album was announced, featuring five additional songs and seven previously unreleased live recordings from the December tour, including a cover of The Specials' "Friday Night Saturday Morning." The track "No Reason," penned by Suggs, was made available for direct purchase.

On 17 May 2024, just prior to embarking on their first US tour in over a decade, Madness released the single "Hour Of Need," which was added to BBC Radio 2's playlist. This release coincided with the launch of the 'Hour Of Need' Award, encouraging fans to recognize unsung heroes in their lives.

In August 2025, guitarist Chris Foreman disclosed his diagnosis with myeloma, a manageable yet incurable blood cancer. After experiencing intense upper back pain earlier that year, an MRI scan revealed a tumor on his spine. Subsequent radiotherapy and a spinal tap significantly improved his kidney function from an initial 14%. Foreman announced he would be absent from tours during 2025 but expressed optimism about achieving remission and returning to performing in 2026.

The Fink Brothers

The Fink Brothers was a short-lived side project created by Madness members Suggs and Chas Smash, who adopted the pseudonyms Angel and Ratty Fink. These names 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, including two tracks.

The Madness

Active between 1988 and 1989, The Madness was a formation comprising Madness members Suggs, Chas Smash, Lee Thompson, and Chris Foreman but excluding bassist Mark Bedford, drummer Daniel Woodgate, and keyboardist Mike Barson. They appended "The" to their name to differentiate this era. After conducting a BBC Radio 1 contest to rename the group, they selected 'The Wasp Factory,' inspired by Iain Banks' novel; however, this name was already claimed.

Their self-produced album featured contributions from guest musicians such as Specials' Jerry Dammers, early Madness member John Hasler, and Earl Falconer from UB40. When reforming in 1987, they invited Barson to rejoin but he declined.

Although many discographies and The Guinness Book of British Hit Singles include this lineup under Madness, several tracks ("4BF", "Be Good Boy", "Gabriels Horn", "In Wonder") were reworked from an abandoned Madness album planned for release in 1986. Lee Thompson and Chris Foreman acknowledged this lineage on their 1990 album Crunch!, dedicating it to "the good ship Madness and all who sailed in her (1979 to 1989)".

Studio album

• 1988: The Madness

Singles

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

The Nutty Boys

Lee Thompson and Chris Foreman, both members of Madness, formed The Nutty Boys. Although their album carried the title The Nutty Boys, the duo initially went by the name "Crunch!". However, a misprinted poster at their debut gig labeled them as "The Nutty Boys," and this name ultimately became permanent. This segment focuses exclusively on Thompson and Foreman's output 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, featuring B-sides "Fight Amongst Yourselves," "Birthday Girl," and "Magic Carpet"

Studio album

• 1990: Crunch!

Crunch!

Following the initial naming confusion, Lee Thompson and Chris Foreman officially adopted the name Crunch! for their collaboration.

Single

Year	Title	UK	Notes
1996	"Magic Carpet"	–	The sole single released by Crunch!, distributed in limited commercial quantities. Included B-sides were "Danger Zone," "Hereditary," and a live rendition of "Magic Carpet"

The Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra

Established in 2011 by Lee Thompson with Mark Bedford on bass, The Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra features a fluid lineup. Initially concentrating on ska cover songs, the group later expanded to include 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 appeared as an extra track on the 12" single release. Barson highlighted that Costello's "Watching the Detectives" had influenced their track "My Girl". Although Madness opted out of Live Aid due to internal difficulties, members Suggs, Carl, and Lee took part in Fashion Aid.

On the 1999 album Wonderful, Ian Dury lent his vocals to "Drip Fed Fred," marking his last recording before passing away. Health issues prevented Dury from extensively promoting the single; subsequent live performances featured Phill Jupitus. Collaborations on stage have included artists such as UB40, Prince Buster, and members from other 2 Tone bands like The Specials, particularly during Madstock events.

In May 2008, Suggs and Carl joined Pet Shop Boys for a tribute performance titled Can You Bear It? at London's Heaven club. Soon after, Pet Shop Boys released their own version of "My Girl".

Towards the end of 2010, Madness participated in the charity single project Cage Against the Machine, which brought together various artists performing John Cage's 4′33″. The initiative aimed to prevent The X Factor winner from achieving the Christmas Number 1 spot, following a similar successful campaign 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" and "Our House") as well as minor criminal activities (such as "Shut Up" and "Deceives the Eye"). While their music is often characterized by lively melodies, numerous songs carry more somber undertones like "Grey Day" and "Tomorrow's (Just Another Day)". The band did not shy away from sensitive subjects; for instance, "Embarrassment" from Absolutely addresses teenage pregnancy and racial tensions inspired by Lee Thompson’s sister’s experience. Other tracks tackle issues such as animal testing in "Tomorrow's Dream" and critique of the National Health Service in "Mrs. Hutchinson," influenced by Mike Barson’s mother’s health struggles. Their last single before disbandment, "(Waiting For) The Ghost Train", served as commentary on 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 recognized again with an Ivor Novello for an "Outstanding Song Collection". The band also received the Mojo "Hall of Fame" Award in 2005, celebrated as "an artist's artist". A fan-driven campaign in 2007 aimed to secure a Brit Award, highlighting the sentiment that Madness had been underappreciated despite their three-decade-long career. They were awarded the 'Silver Clef' Icon Award in July 2009 and followed this with the 'Idol Award' at the 2010 Q Awards.

Members

The classic lineup members are highlighted 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 – vocals, percussion (1977, 1978–1986, 1992–present)
• Dan Woodgate – drums, percussion (1978–1986, 1992–present)
• Mark Bedford – bass (1978–1986, 1992–2009, 2012, 2013–present; absent from touring during 1995–1996, 2009–2012, and 2012–2013)

Former members

• Cathal "Chas Smash" Smyth – bass (1976–1977), vocals, trumpet, dancing (1979–1986, 1992–2014)

Touring members and frequent collaborators

• Dick Cuthell – French horn, flugel horn, cornet (1983–1985) (live and studio)
• 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) (live and studio)
• Terry Disley – keyboards (1985–1986) (live)
• Seamus Beaghan – keyboards (1985–1986, 2009, 2012, 2021) (live and studio)
• Jimmy Helms – backing vocals (1985–1986) (live and studio)
• Jimmy Thomas – backing vocals (1985–1986) (live and studio)
• Lorenza Johnson – backing vocals (1985–1986) (live)
• Bosco De Oliveira – percussion (1985–1986) (live)
• Norman Watt-Roy – bass (1995–1996) (live)
• Mike Kearsey – trombone (1999, 2004, 2005–present) (live and studio)
• Terry Edwards – saxophone, trumpet (2003) (live)
• Steve Turner – saxophone (2003, 2005 – c. 2016) (live and studio)
• John "Segs" Jennings – guitar (2005) (live and studio)
• Kevin Burdett – guitar (2005–2006, 2013, 2025–present filling in for Chris Foreman) (live and studio)
• Graham Bush – bass guitar (2005, 2009–2013) (live and studio)
• Joe Auckland – trumpet (2005–present) (live and studio)
• Steve Hamilton – saxophone (2011–2012, c. 2016 – present) (live and studio)
• Paul Fisher – trombone (2016–2017) (live)
• Mez Clough – percussion and backing vocals (2016–present), drums intermittently in 2017 and 2021) (live and studio)
• Neil Waters – trumpet player (2017–2019) (live)
• Paul Burton – trombone player (2019) (live)

North London Invaders lineup only (before adopting 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

• One Step Beyond... (1979)
• Absolutely (1980)
• 7 (1981)
• The Rise & Fall (1982)
• Keep Moving (1984)
• Mad Not Mad (1985)
• The Madness (1988)
• Wonderful (1999)
• The Dangermen Sessions Vol. 1 (2005)
• The Liberty of Norton Folgate (2009)
• Oui Oui, Si Si, Ja Ja, Da Da (2012)
• Can't Touch Us Now (2016)
• Theatre of the Absurd Presents C'est la Vie (2023)

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

• Take It or Leave It (1981 film)

External links

• Interview with The Guardian