MADNESS

Madness are a British pop and ska group who were originally formed in 1976 as the North London Invaders, then Invaders, before settling on Madness after a Prince Buster song. Madness’ classic line-up consists of keyboardist and songwriter Mike Barson (born London, April 21, 1958), guitarist and songwriter Chris Foreman (born London, August 8, 1958) saxophonist and songwriter Lee Thompson (born London, October 5, 1957), drummer Dan Woodgate (born London, October 19, 1960), singer, songwriter and horn player Chas Smash (born Cathal Smyth, London, January 14, 1959), bassist Mark Bedford (born London, August 24, 1961) and completed by vocalist and songwriter Suggs (born Graham McPherson in Hastings on January 13, 1961). Madness’ debut song The Prince was originally released on The Specials’ label Two Tone, becoming the band’s first chart success in 1979. Madness became one of the most charted British groups during the 1980s, with songs such as My Girl, Embarrassment, Our House and their one UK Official Singles Chart Number 1 single House Of Fun. Madness have also scored two UK Official Album Chart Number 1s with the compilations Complete in 1982 and Divine in 1992. Madness originally split in 1988, with some members (Suggs, Chas Smash, Lee Thompson and Chris Foreman) continuing as The Madness. Madness reformed in full for the Madstock event in 1992 and properly reformed in 1999. Madness have had their own musical, formed offshoots Fink Brothers and Nutty Boys, won two Ivors for Our House in 1983, and for Outstanding Song Collection in 2000. Madness were also the subject of a campaign in 2007 to award them a long-overdue BRIT Award.