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1) Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it’s varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music.
Madness achieved most of their success in the 80s. Madness spent exactly 214 weeks on the UK singles charts from 1980-89, thereby sharing the record for most weeks spent by a group in the 80s UK singles charts, with UB40.
Formation
The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Barson (Monsieur Barso) on keyboards and vocals, Chris Foreman (Chrissy Boy) on guitar and Lee Thompson (Kix) on saxophone and vocals. They later recruited John Hasler on drums and Cathal Smyth (better known as Chas Smash) on bass guitar. Later in the year, they were joined by lead vocalist “Dikron”. This six-piece lineup lasted until part way through 1977, when Graham McPherson (better known as Suggs) took over the lead vocals after seeing the band perform in a friend’s garden. Smyth, who was poor on bass guitar, was replaced by Gavin Rogers, an acquaintance of Barson. McPherson was kicked out of the band for too often choosing to watch football instead of rehearsing. Thompson left the band after Barson criticised his saxophone playing.
By 1978, the band had allowed McPherson to return, after filling in temporarily for Hasler (who had taken over vocals when McPherson was removed).
Madness achieved most of their success in the 80s. Madness spent exactly 214 weeks on the UK singles charts from 1980-89, thereby sharing the record for most weeks spent by a group in the 80s UK singles charts, with UB40.
Formation
The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Barson (Monsieur Barso) on keyboards and vocals, Chris Foreman (Chrissy Boy) on guitar and Lee Thompson (Kix) on saxophone and vocals. They later recruited John Hasler on drums and Cathal Smyth (better known as Chas Smash) on bass guitar. Later in the year, they were joined by lead vocalist “Dikron”. This six-piece lineup lasted until part way through 1977, when Graham McPherson (better known as Suggs) took over the lead vocals after seeing the band perform in a friend’s garden. Smyth, who was poor on bass guitar, was replaced by Gavin Rogers, an acquaintance of Barson. McPherson was kicked out of the band for too often choosing to watch football instead of rehearsing. Thompson left the band after Barson criticised his saxophone playing.
By 1978, the band had allowed McPherson to return, after filling in temporarily for Hasler (who had taken over vocals when McPherson was removed).
Top Albums
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Divine Madness
Madness
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Complete Madness
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Utter Madness
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One Step Beyond...
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Shoutbox
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SkinCore One of the legend of ska!!!
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lyle_catcliffe Cardiac Arrest should be higher! Love that song. Great band still going strong.
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Derek00 killer-ska! absolute madness, lads!
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aginggirl Truly awesome!
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Dr-Doctor If you can't keep your eyes on the change, then the only road you'll walk is that bloody road my friend.
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Annivey Our House!!!
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Lunnetapaletta :D :D :D :D :D :D :D!!! vL12 :)
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edhuizar Estuvieron geniales en su primera presentación en tierras mexicanas. Ojalá vuelvan pronto
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Events
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Jun
4
The Diamond Jubilee Concert
Buckingham Palace, London, United Kingdom
7 going
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Jun
16
Indian Summer Festival
recreatiegebied Geesterambacht, Broek op Langedijk, Netherlands
26 going
2 shouts
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Jun
22
Adnams Newmarket Nights
Newmarket Racecourse, Newmarket, United Kingdom
2 going
News
- '7' & 'Absolutely' Re-Issues... 12 Apr 2010 | from www.12w3.com/
- MADBLOG NUMBER 124 - '7' & 'ABSOLUTELY' RE-ISSUES 12 Apr 2010 | from blog.myspace.com/madnessofficial
- MADBLOG NUMBER 124 - '7' & 'ABSOLUTELY' RE-ISSUES 12 Apr 2010 | from blog.myspace.com/madnessofficial
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