Madness

Formed in the small district of Camden Town located in the North Western region of London, Madness came about in the year 1976. The music played by the bands specifically falls in the genre of ska music; a genre that originated from the region of Jamaica. Ska music has been derived from the roots of reggae and rock steady. Songs that fall in this genre are usually less upbeat than one would expect and also incorporate elements of blues and rhythm music and even jazz. It wasn’t until the 1960s that Ska music gained popularity and entered mainstream music in England and America. Such music was most popular amidst British mods and skinheads in the 1960s. These two were similar subcultures that emerged in the same era, mostly Jamaicans, the group consisted of shaven head or cropped-headed individuals whose behavior reflected rudeness and their attire was quite fashionable sporting motorbikes as modes of transportation. If you are a fan of the era or the music you will be pleased to know that the band that will bring this culture alive is up for an upcoming performance where you can become a part by simply purchasing Madness tickets.

Madness consists of a total of seven members that were most prominent throughout their active years which include Mike Barson, Chas Smash, Daniel Woodgate, Chris Foreman, Lee Thompson, Graham McPherson and lastly Graham Bush. Though the band has had several others performing as members as well, these seven were the permanent members with major contributions towards the success of the band. The most successful era for the band was perhaps in the 1980s when it was able to maintain the record of holding and maintaining the longest spent position on the UK Singles Chart for the entire decade. What was fascinating was that the band was able to achieve such popularity in such a short span of time.

Formed in the year 1976, the band didn’t achieve a professional name, status or member lineup until the year 1978. When the band was originally formed it consisted of just three members; Chris Foreman, Mike Barson and Lee Thompson. Three more members joined the band in the same year and the lineup count increased to six members. However, infighting and arguments caused two band members to quit while another was thrown out due to non-serious attitude towards the band, leaving the count back to three in the year 1977. By the year 1978, the band was able to gather a total of six members and renamed their band to Morris and the Minors. This name was finally changed to Madness by the end of 1978. However, it wasn’t until the beginning of the following year, that the last and final member; Cathal Smyth joined the band and completed the formation process. If you wish to see history in the making, all you need to do is buy Madness tickets.

Madness has released a total of ten studio albums and numerous other singles which have made it to the UK Singles Charts. Six out of these ten albums have been held the position of being within the top ten albums in the UK amongst which their 1979 album called “One Step Beyond” and 1980 album named “Absolutely” were able to sustain the number two spot. The band has been able to bag a couple of awards and have been awarded with numerous titles and honors as well. In the year 1983, the band won the award for Best Song for their hit single “Our House”. This award was given to the band by the “Ivor Novello Awards”. They were also given the award for Outstanding Song Collection by the same awards in the year 2000. Furthermore in the year 2005, the band was entered into the hall of fame of artists by MOJO awards. The band also won a Brit Award in the year 2007 and in 2009 was given the “Silver Clef Icon Award”.  Lastly they received the “Idol Award” in the year 2010 by Q Awards. If you wish to see your favorite Ska band perform live on stage, all you need to do is acquire Madness tickets today!