Madness
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Madness are a Popular English pop/ska band who rose to fame via their hit single, "The Prince".
Contents |
[edit] Members
Suggs
Mike Barson
Lee Thompson
Chris Foreman
Mark Bedford
Daniel Woodgate
Chas Smash
[edit] About
Madness was formed in London, England in 1976 by "Mike Barson" on keyboards and vocals, "Chris Foreman" on guitar and "Lee Thompson" on saxophone and vocals under the name The North London Invaders. They were joined in 1978 by front-man "Graham McPherson" on vocals, "Mark Bedford" on bass (Bedders) and "Danniel Woodgate" on drums. After performing for a while as the Invaders changed their name to Madness and the classic line-up fell into place in late 1979 with the recruitment of "Carl Smyth" on trumpet.
The band's first single, "The Prince" was released in September 1979. The success of "The Prince" earned Madness a contract with one of the most prominent labels of the British New Wave, Stiff Records. Their second album, Absolutely was released in 1980 which landed #2 on the UK Album Charts. The album features the singles, "Baggy Trousers" which chartered at #3 on the UK Singles Chart and "Embarassment" which peaked at #4 on the Charts and "Return of The Los Palmas".
Their next album, Seven was released in 1981 which chartered at #5 on the UK Albums Chart. It features the hit singles, "Grey Day" and "Shut Up". In the later part of 1981, the band released another hit single, "It Must Be Love" which peaked at #4 on the UK Singles Chart. They released their only number one hit single, "House of Fun" in 1982. The band's other 20 singles all made it into the UK top 20.
Their fifth album, Keep Moving was released in 1984. From 1979 through 1986, the band released 25 singles and eight albums. The group split in 1986, following the departure of the main songwriter Mike Barson. Seventeen months later, Graham, Carl, Lee and Chris reunited as a four-piece under the name "The Madness", but failed to emulate previous successes.
Following further Madstock concerts, the original line-up returned to the studio in the late 90s to record new material. The band were reformed in 1999 withe Mike. They released their first reuniting hit single, "Lovestruck" which entered into the UK Top 10. They also released their album, Wonderful in that same year.
Seven years later they release the wonderful cover versions album, The Dangermen Sessions Volume One, following which Chris announced his departure from the band. Chris left the band in mid-2005. The album ipeaked at number 11 in the UK album charts, which was the band's highest studio album chart position in 21 years. Their next album was due to be released this year.
The band's first notable musical award came in 1983 when they won an "Ivor Novello Award" for Best Song for the international hit "Our House".[6][20] They received another "Ivor Novello Award" 17 years later for an "Outstanding Song Collection.
[edit] Awards & Certifications
| Year | Award | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Ivor Novello Award | Best Song for "Our House" |
| 2000 | Ivor Novello Award | Outstanding Song Collection |
[edit] Chart Toppers
| Year | Title | UK Chart | Aus Chart | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | The Prince | 16 | - | One Step Beyond |
| 1979 | One Step Beyond | 7 | - | One Step Beyond |
| 1979 | My Girl | 3 | - | One Step Beyond |
| 1980 | Baggy Trousers | 3 | 30 | Absolutely |
[edit] News
[edit] Tours & Concerts
Apr 25, 2008 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival Indio, California, United States
[edit] Announcements
There are no announcements as of this time
[edit] Discography
[edit] Albums
 September 1980 Stiff |
 Ocotber 1981 Stiff |
 Fbruary 1984 Geffen |
 1985 Geffen |
 December 14, 1999 Virgin |
 Augsut 16, 2005 V2 |
[edit] Singles
| Date | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Baggy Trousers | Stiff |
| 1981 | The Return of The Los Palmas | Stiff |
| 1984 | Michael Caine | Geffen |
| 1985 | Uncle Sam | Geffen |
| 1999 | Lovestruck | Virgin |
| 1999 | Johnny The Horse | Virgin |
[edit] Compilations & Live Releases
 April 23, 1982 Stiff |
 November 1986 Zarjazz |
 August 1990 Virgin |
 October 1991 Virgin |
 February 24, 1992 Virgin |
 1992 Alex |
 April 4, 1997 Geffen |
|
 October 21, 2002 V2 |
[edit] Other artists
[edit] Similar artists
[edit] Contemporaries
[edit] Influences
[edit] Trivia
- In 2005, Madness were awarded the Mojo Magazine "Hall Of Fame" award, notably for being 'an artist's artist'.
