Best known for their smash hits Baggy Trousers and Our House, Madness originally formed in Camden London, playing in the ska style. The band formed in 1976 during the 1970s/1980s ska revival. The band reached the UK single chart's top 10 with a staggering 15 singles during the first wave of their career, and continues to delight audiences around the world with their seven member lineup and stage musical Our House. Don't miss out; get your Madness tickets today at StubHub.com.
Madness background information
Madness began life as a band called The North London Invaders in 1976, and originally consisted of members three members: Lee Thompson, Mike Barson and Chris Foreman. They were later joined by John Hasler (drums) and Cathal Smyth (bass guitar). Over the course of the next two years, much role switching and name changing took place which resulted in in the seven piece lineup that is known as the band Madness. >
Starting to build their following around Camden during 1979, the band soon released their first record, The Prince, composed by band member Lee Thompson. Madness' debut album One Step Beyond followed that same year, and made it into Channel 4's Top 100 albums of all time in 2005. One Step Beyond stayed in the British charts for a whopping 78 weeks, peaking at number 2. 1982 saw Madness' peak success with their number 1 single House of Fun, before splitting up 4 years later. Following a break of 6 years, the band reunited in 1992 for Madstock at Finsbury Park, London. Thus began the band's comeback era and new wave of success through the medium of theatre.
Madness' big achievements
Following the band's 1992 revival and reunion, Madness embarked on several tours over the coming years, and 2002 saw the highly successful introduction of a new entertainment venture for the band and fans: the stage musical! Our House opened at the Cambridge Theatre, London, in October 2002, starring some original band members. The musical went on to win a 2003 Olivier award for Best new musical.
Madness' hits continue to be regarded as classics across generations. The band notably performed at the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, and their 2016 album Can't touch us now reached number 5 in the UK album charts. The band certainly shows no signs of slowing down their decades-spanning career. Buy your Madness tickets now!
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