Madness

Based in Camden Town, Madness developed a cheeky punk style based around upbeat London characterisations of classic ska and bluebeat, which not only made them one of the biggest and most enduring British bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s but continues to see them held in affection well into the 2020s. Originally known as The North London Invaders, they re-named themselves Madness after the title of a Prince Buster track, and their first ska-flavoured single "The Prince" was also a homage to the reggae icon. Their debut album, One Step Beyond... peaked at number two on the UK Albums Chart, staying in the charts for a total of 78 weeks. Their second album Absolutely achieved similar success and produced some of their best-loved hits including "Baggy Trousers," "Embarrassment" and "The Return of the Los Palmas 7". Their third album 7 saw them change their musical direction, opting for more pop melodies over their trademark ska. In 1981, Madness released a cover of Labi Siffre's "It Must Be Love", cementing their place in popular music, followed by their biggest hit, and only number one, "House of Fun." 1983 saw the departure of keyboardist Mike Barson, with Paul Carrack filling his place for the band's US tour of 1984. The band broke away from Stiff Records, deciding to form their own record label Zarjazz. Just two years later, the band announced they would split, with musical differences growing between the members. A farewell single "(Waiting for) The Ghost Train" was released, but only managed number 18 in the charts. In 2002, a musical called Our House based on the songs of Madness began at the Cambridge Theatre in London. The band made brief, one-off appearances in the early 2000s before deciding to reunite in 2007 with a brand new record. "NW5 (I Would Give You Everything)" was released in 2008, only reaching number 24 on the Singles Chart but managing the number one spot in the UK Independent Label Chart. The band played concerts to celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2009, and in 2012 they released their tenth studio album Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da. Can't Touch Us Now was released in 2016, spawning brand new singles "Mr. Apples," "Herbert" and the title track "Can't Touch Us Now." In 2023, Madness returned with their first new album in seven years, Theatre of the Absurd Presents C’Est La Vie.

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