Editing Madness (band) (section)

==Career==
=== 1976–1978: 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 (saxophonist)|Lee Thompson]] (Kix) on saxophone and vocals.<ref name="madness76">{{cite web |url=http://www.madness.co.uk/time/1976/text.htm |title=The Madness Timeline: 1976 |website=Madness.co.uk |access-date=5 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928002914/http://www.madness.co.uk/time/1976/text.htm |archive-date=28 September 2007}}</ref> They later recruited [[John Hasler]] on drums and [[Chas Smash|Cathal Smyth]] (better known as [[Chas Smash]]) on bass guitar. Later in the year, they were joined by lead vocalist [[Dikran Tulaine]].<ref name="madness76" />

This six-piece line-up 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.<ref name="madness77">{{cite web |url=http://www.madness.co.uk/time/1977/text.htm |title=The Madness Timeline: 1977 |website=Madness.co.uk |access-date=5 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928002935/http://www.madness.co.uk/time/1977/text.htm|archive-date=28 September 2007}}</ref> Tulaine went on to be an actor.<ref name="DT1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0876305/|title=Dikran Tulaine|publisher=IMDb|access-date=3 October 2020}}</ref> Smyth, who left after an argument with Barson, was replaced by Gavin Rodgers, Barson's girlfriend's brother.<ref name="madness77" /> McPherson was kicked out of the band for choosing too often to watch [[Chelsea FC|Chelsea]] instead of rehearsing.<ref name="madness78">{{cite web|url= http://www.madness.co.uk/time/1978/text.htm |title=The Madness Timeline: 1978 |website=Madness.co.uk |access-date=5 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928002901/http://www.madness.co.uk/time/1978/text.htm |archive-date=28 September 2007}}</ref> Thompson left the band after Barson criticised his saxophone playing.<ref name="madness78" />

By 1978, the band had allowed McPherson to return as a vocalist after he had filled in temporarily for Hasler (who had taken over vocals when McPherson was removed).<ref name="madness78" /> Thompson returned after patching things up with Barson. Drummer [[Dan Woodgate]] (Woody) and bassist [[Mark Bedford]] (Bedders) also joined the band, replacing Garry Dovey and Rodgers, respectively.<ref name="madness78" /> After briefly changing their name to Morris and the Minors,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://reggae-steady-ska.com/the-lee-thompson-interview/ |title=The Lee Thompson Interview |publisher=Reggae Steady Ska |date=7 May 2013 |access-date=19 April 2014}}</ref> the band renamed itself as Madness in 1979, paying homage to one of their favourite songs by [[ska]] and reggae artist [[Prince Buster]].<ref name="madness79">{{cite web |url=http://www.madness.co.uk/time/1979/text.htm |title= The Madness Timeline: 1979 |website=Madness.co.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928002827/http://www.madness.co.uk/time/1979/text.htm |archive-date=28 September 2007}} Retrieved on 5 June 2007.</ref> The band remained a sextet until late 1979 when Chas Smash rejoined and officially became the seventh member of Madness as a backing vocalist and dancer.<ref name="madness79" />

===1979–1981: Early success===
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During 1979, the band began to attract a live following in London, being regulars at the [[Dublin Castle, Camden|Dublin Castle]] in Camden Town.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2009/jan/27/alo-conlon-pub-landlord-legend |title=Alo Conlon: A tribute to a rock'n'roll pub landlord |first=Morwenna |last=Ferrier |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=27 January 2009 |access-date=1 September 2015}}</ref> The band's first commercial recording was the [[Lee Thompson (saxophonist)|Lee Thompson]] composition "[[The Prince (song)|The Prince]]".<ref name="madness79" /> The song, like the band's name, paid homage to their idol, [[Prince Buster]]. The song was released through [[2 Tone Records]], the label of [[the Specials]] founder and keyboardist [[Jerry Dammers]].<ref name="madness79" /> The song was a surprise hit, peaking in the UK music charts at number 16.<ref name="madness79" /> Madness toured with fellow [[2 Tone (music genre)|2 Tone]] bands the Specials and [[the Selecter]], before recording their debut studio album.

That debut studio album, ''[[One Step Beyond...]]'' was released by [[Stiff Records]].<ref name="madness79" /> The album included a re-recording of "The Prince" and its B-side "Madness", and the band's second and third singles: "[[One Step Beyond (song)|One Step Beyond]]" and "[[My Girl (Madness song)|My Girl]]". The title song was a cover of the [[B-side]] of the 1960s Prince Buster hit "Al Capone". The ''One Step Beyond...'' album stayed in the British charts for 78 weeks, peaking at number 2.<ref name="madness79" /><ref name="osbchart">{{cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/archive/official-albums-chart/ |title=One Step Beyond Official Charts Companyrmation |publisher=[[Official Charts Company]] |access-date=30 July 2007 }}</ref> Smyth performed on the album but was not an official member of the band at the time of the album's recording or release. He would formally join Madness a few weeks after ''One Step Beyond...'' was issued in October 1979.

After the release of "My Girl", the band felt that they had exhausted the material from ''One Step Beyond...'', and did not want to release any more singles from the album.<ref name="madness80" /> However, [[Dave Robinson (music executive)|Dave Robinson]], head of Stiff Records, disagreed.<ref name="madness80" /> Eventually, a compromise was made, and the band decided to release an EP featuring one album track and three new tracks.<ref name="madness80" /> The result was the ''[[Work Rest and Play]]'' EP, which was headlined by the song "[[Night Boat to Cairo]]", from the ''One Step Beyond'' album.<ref name="madness80" /> The EP reached number 6 in the UK Singles Chart.<ref name="madness80" />

In 1980, the band's second studio album, ''[[Absolutely (Madness album)|Absolutely]]'' reached number 2 in the [[UK Albums Chart]].<ref name="madness80">{{cite web|url= http://www.madness.co.uk/time/1980/text.htm |title= The Madness Timeline: 1980 |website=Madness.co.uk |access-date=19 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928002834/http://www.madness.co.uk/time/1980/text.htm |archive-date=28 September 2007}}</ref> ''Absolutely'' spawned some of the band's biggest hits, most notably "[[Baggy Trousers]]", which peaked at number 3 in the UK Singles Chart.<ref name="madness80" /> "[[Embarrassment (song)|Embarrassment]]" reached number 4 in the charts, and the instrumental song "[[The Return of the Los Palmas 7]]" climbed to number 7.<ref name="madness80" /> Although the album reviews were generally less enthusiastic than those of ''One Step Beyond...'', they were mostly positive. [[Robert Christgau]] gave the album a favourable B− grade,<ref name="abrc">{{cite web |last=Christgau |first=Robert |url= http://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?id=861&name=Madness |title= Madness album reviews|website=Robertchristgau.com|access-date=1 August 2007}}</ref> but ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' awarded the album just one out of five stars.<ref name="abrs">{{cite magazine |last=Marcus |first=Greil |url= https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/madness/albums/album/205337/review/5946271/absolutely |magazine= Rolling Stone |title= "Absolutely" review |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080619032058/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/madness/albums/album/205337/review/5946271/absolutely |archive-date = 19 June 2008 |url-status=dead |access-date=1 August 2007}}</ref> ''Rolling Stone'' was particularly scathing of the [[ska revival]] in general, stating that "''[[The Specials (album)|The Specials]]'' wasn't very good" and Madness were simply "[[the Blues Brothers]] with English accents".<ref name="abrs" />

A drama-documentary film titled ''[[Take It or Leave It (1981 film)|Take It or Leave It]]'' was released in 1981, featuring the band members playing themselves in a re-creation of their early days to the then-current period.<ref name="theargus1">{{cite news|last=Hall |first=Duncan |url=http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/11875401.Madness_still_going_One_Step_Beyond_as_they_prepare_for_Sussex_County_Ground_gig/ |title=Madness still going One Step Beyond as they prepare for Sussex County Ground gig |newspaper=The Argus |date=24 March 2015 |access-date=2 October 2015}}</ref> Live recordings of Madness performances as well as those by other 2 Tone bands were used in the 1981 documentary film and soundtrack album ''[[Dance Craze]]''.

===1981–1983: Change of direction===
In 1981, the band's third studio album, ''[[7 (Madness album)|7]]'', reached number 5 in the UK Albums Chart and contained three hit singles: "[[Grey Day]]" (no. 4, April 1981), "[[Shut Up (Madness song)|Shut Up]]" (no. 7, September 1981), and "[[Cardiac Arrest (Madness song)|Cardiac Arrest]]" (no. 14, February 1982).<ref name="madness81">{{cite web|url= http://www.madness.co.uk/time/1981/text.htm |title= The Madness Timeline: 1981 |website=Madness.co.uk |access-date=19 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928002841/http://www.madness.co.uk/time/1981/text.htm |archive-date=28 September 2007}}</ref> In an article in 1979, [[Chris Foreman]] explained that the band's music would move with the times, and change styles as time goes on.<ref name="soundsmag">{{Cite news |title=Absolutely | last =Millar | first =Robbi | newspaper=Sounds Magazine | date =September 1979 }} (The full article was also included on the back cover of the ''Absolutely'' LP.)</ref> This was shown to be the case, as unlike the two ska-filled, fast-paced albums that preceded it, ''7'' was something of a change in direction. [[Suggs]]' vocal performance changed significantly, and his strong accent from the previous studio albums had been watered down.{{Citation needed|date=April 2013}} The album strayed from the ska-influenced sound of ''One Step Beyond...'' and ''Absolutely'' and moved towards a pop sound; a trend that continued with subsequent studio albums.

Near the end of 1981, Madness released one of their most recognised songs: a cover of [[Labi Siffre]]'s 1971 hit "[[It Must Be Love (Labi Siffre song)#Madness version|It Must Be Love]]".<ref name="madness81" /> The song climbed to number 4 in the UK, and in 1983, the song peaked at number 33 in the US charts.<ref name="madness81" /><ref name="2tone1">{{cite web|url= http://2-tone.info/artists/madness.html |title= 2 Tone Records&nbsp;– Artists|website=2-tone.info |access-date=19 June 2007}}</ref> In 1982, Madness released their only number 1 hit to date, "[[House of Fun]]"<ref name="Sony/ATV">{{Cite web | url=https://www.sonyatv.com/en/songwriters/2338/madness | title=Madness |publisher=Sony/ATV}}</ref> and also reached number 1 in the album charts with their first compilation, ''[[Complete Madness]]'' (1982).

In November 1982, they released their fourth studio album, ''[[The Rise & Fall]]'', which was well received in the UK, but did not get an American release. Instead, many of its songs were included on the US compilation ''[[Madness (Madness album)|Madness]]'' (1983), including "[[Our House (Madness song)|Our House]]", which was their most internationally successful single to date. "Our House" reached number 5 in the UK music charts and number 7 in the US charts; it was also performed on ''The Young Ones''.<ref name="madnessstory5">{{cite web|url= http://www.hilltop61.freeserve.co.uk/2tone/madness5.html |title= The Madness Story: Chapter 5 |website=hilltop61.freeserve.co.uk |access-date=19 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215040907/http://www.hilltop61.freeserve.co.uk/2tone/madness5.html |archive-date=15 December 2007}}</ref> Many reviewers compared ''The Rise & Fall'' to [[the Kinks]]' ''[[The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society|The Village Green Preservation Society]]'' (1968),<ref name="amriseandfall">{{cite web |last=Woodstra |first=Chris |url= {{AllMusic|class=album|id=r43823|pure_url=yes}} |title= The Rise & Fall overview |website=AllMusic |access-date=2 August 2007}}</ref> and it is at times retrospectively considered a [[concept album]]. The album also featured "Primrose Hill", which was more similar to [[the Beatles]] song "[[Strawberry Fields Forever]]", containing similar psychedelic imagery and a layered arrangement.<ref name="amprimrose">{{cite web|last=Mason |first=Stewart |url= {{AllMusic|class=song|id=t755207|pure_url=yes}} |title= Primrose Hill review |website=AllMusic |access-date=2 August 2007}}</ref>

===1983–1986: Decline and break-up===
{{Quote box|width=29%|align=right|quote="Britain, home of the brave new world of pop, has kept lobbing them over. One need only look at the current charts, which are flecked with such dauntless new-music wunderkinds as Eurythmics and Madness."|source=—"Anglomania: The [[Second British Invasion]]", by Parke Puterbaugh for ''[[Rolling Stone]]'', November 1983.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Anglomania: The Second British Invasion |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/anglomania-the-second-british-invasion-52016/ |access-date=29 April 2019 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref>}}
In 1983, their single "[[Wings of a Dove (Madness song)|Wings of a Dove]]" peaked at number 2 in the UK charts, followed by "[[The Sun and the Rain]]" (no. 5, November 1983).<ref name="madness83">{{cite web|url= http://www.madness.co.uk/time/1983/text.htm |title= The Madness Timeline: 1983 |website=Madness.co.uk |access-date=19 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928002853/http://www.madness.co.uk/time/1983/text.htm |archive-date=28 September 2007}}</ref> Their following studio album, ''[[Keep Moving (Madness album)|Keep Moving]]'', peaked at number 6 in the UK Albums Chart, and two singles from that album reached the top 20 in the UK Singles Chart.<ref name="madness84">{{cite web|url= http://www.madness.co.uk/time/1984/text.htm |title= The Madness Timeline: 1984 |website=Madness.co.uk |access-date=19 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928002948/http://www.madness.co.uk/time/1984/text.htm |archive-date=28 September 2007}}</ref> The album received some good reviews, with ''Rolling Stone'' magazine giving the album four out of five stars, applauding the band's changing sound.<ref name="rskm">{{cite magazine |last=Puterbraugh |first=Parke |url= https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/madness/albums/album/87156/review/5940827/keep_moving|magazine= Rolling Stone |title='Keep Moving' review |access-date=1 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930220935/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/madness/albums/album/87156/review/5940827/keep_moving |archive-date=30 September 2007}}</ref> This was an improvement as the last album reviewed by the magazine, ''Absolutely'', was heavily criticised.<ref name="abrs" />

On 5 October 1983 the band were rehearsing and discussing a possible television series, which was being written for them by [[Ben Elton]] and [[Richard Curtis]]. Barson then informed the band that he would not be able to take part, as he was tired of the music business and wanted to spend more time with his wife. They had recently relocated to Amsterdam.<ref name="madness83"/> Barson agreed to finish recording the album ''Keep Moving;'' he left after playing for the last time with the band at the [[Lyceum Ballroom]] on 21 December 1983. James Mackie<ref>Interviews with James Mackie, February 2006; November 2008</ref>{{full citation needed|date=December 2023}} took Barson's place appearing with Madness on the US television show ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' on 14 April 1984. After leaving the band, Barson returned to the UK for the filming of two music videos as he had played on the tracks, "[[Michael Caine (song)|Michael Caine]]" and "[[One Better Day]]". Barson finished live performance with the band in 1983, and officially left the band in June 1984, following the release of "One Better Day".<ref name="madness84"/> [[Paul Carrack]] took Barson's place whilst the band toured America in early 1984. The six remaining members left [[Stiff Records]] and formed their own label, [[Zarjazz Records]], which was a sub-label of [[Virgin Records]].<ref name="madness84" />

In 1985, the label released the band's sixth studio album, ''[[Mad Not Mad]]''. Barson's usual keyboard parts were filled by an emphasis on synthesisers provided by [[Steve Nieve]] of [[the Attractions]]. In later years, frontman [[Suggs]] has described the album as a "polished turd".<ref name="storychap6">{{cite web |last=Clayden |first=Andy |url=http://www.hilltop61.freeserve.co.uk/2tone/madness6.html |title=The Madness Story: Chapter 6 |website=hilltop61.freeserve.co.uk |access-date=6 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222183520/http://www.hilltop61.freeserve.co.uk/2tone/madness6.html |archive-date=22 December 2007 }}</ref> The album reached number 16 in the UK charts, which is the band's lowest position on the album charts to date. Despite the poor chart showing, the album was listed as number 55 in ''[[NME]]''{{'}}s "All Time 100 Albums".<ref name="nmelist">{{cite web|url= http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/nme_writers.htm#albums |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060106073832/http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/nme_writers.htm#albums |url-status= usurped |archive-date= 6 January 2006 |title= NME Writers All Time Albums|website=Rocklistmusic.co.uk |access-date=2 June 2007}}</ref> The singles for the album fared even worse, with "[[Yesterday's Men]]" peaking at number 18 in the UK charts. The subsequent singles, "[[Uncle Sam (song)|Uncle Sam]]" and "[[The "Sweetest Girl"#Madness version|Sweetest Girl]]", failed to make the top 20, which was a first for Madness singles.

The band then attempted to record a new studio album, and 11 [[Demo (music)|demo]] tracks were recorded.<ref name="storychap6" /> However, musical differences arose between the band members. The [[Unreleased Madness album|untitled album]] went unreleased, and in September 1986, the band announced that they were to break-up.<ref name="storychap6" /><ref name="madness86">{{cite web|url= http://www.madness.co.uk/time/1986/text.htm |website=Madness.co.uk |title= The Madness Timeline: 1986 |access-date=5 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928002907/http://www.madness.co.uk/time/1986/text.htm |archive-date=28 September 2007}}</ref> Barson rejoined the band for a farewell single, "[[(Waiting For) The Ghost Train]]", but did not appear in the music video.<ref name="madness86" /> The band officially broke up following the release of the single,<ref name="Sony/ATV"/> which reached a high of number 18 in the UK. In 1988, four members of the band&nbsp;– Suggs, [[Chas Smash]], Lee Thompson and [[Chris Foreman]]&nbsp;– continued under the name The Madness.<ref name="themadness">{{cite web |last=Cater |first=Darryl |url= {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p203566|pure_url=yes}} |title= 'The Madness' biography |website=AllMusic |access-date=20 June 2007}}</ref> After one [[The Madness (The Madness album)|self-titled]] studio album and two singles that failed to make the top 40, the band broke up.

===1992–2003: Reunion and ''Our House'' musical===
Towards the end of 1991, "It Must Be Love" was re-released and eventually reached number 6 in the UK Singles Chart in February 1992.<ref name="imblchart">{{cite web|url= https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Close%20But%20No%20Cigar |title= Chart information for "It Must Be Love (1992) |publisher= [[Official Charts Company]] |access-date=30 July 2007 }}</ref> Following that, the singles compilation album ''[[Divine Madness (Madness album)|Divine Madness]]'' (1992) was released and peaked at number 1 in the album charts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/28003/madness/|title=Madness &#124; full Official Chart History |publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=27 September 2021}}</ref> Madness then announced plans for a reunion concert, [[Madstock!]], which was held at [[Finsbury Park]], London on 8 and 9 August of that year.<ref name="totp">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/totp2/features/top5/madness.shtml |title= BBC Top of the Pops 2 Top 5|publisher=BBC }} Retrieved on 5 June 2007.</ref> The original line-up reunited, performing together for the first time since Barson left the band in 1984. Over 75,000 fans attended the weekend festival, and the dancing of the crowd caused some nearby tower blocks to shake perceptibly as they [[resonance|resonated]] with the frequency of the music.<ref name="suggsimdb" /><ref name="quake3">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/totp2/features/top5/madness.shtml |title=BBC TOTP2|publisher=BBC }} Retrieved on 24 October 2008.</ref><ref name="quake2">{{cite web |url=http://www.virtualfestivals.com/latest/interviews/3325 |title=Interviews: Madness (Suggs) |website=virtualfestivals.com |access-date=23 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080829070443/http://www.virtualfestivals.com/latest/interviews/3325 |archive-date=29 August 2008 |url-status=dead}} Retrieved on 23 October 2008.</ref><ref name="quake">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/naturaldisasters/story/0,7369,816938,00.html |title= No great shakes |work=The Guardian |first=Tim |last=Radford |date=22 October 2002 |access-date=17 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1205394722380 |title=Chemical Hazards and Poisons Report |date=January 2008 |publisher=Health Protection Agency |page=13 |access-date=31 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316114132/http://www.hpa.nhs.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1205394722380 |archive-date=16 March 2012}}</ref>

After the Finsbury Park comeback, a live album was released, and the associated single, "[[The Harder They Come (song)#Madness version|The Harder They Come]]" (a cover of [[Jimmy Cliff]]'s 1973 song) reached number 44 in the UK, with the album reaching number 22.<ref name="hardertheycome">{{cite web|url= https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Wonderful |title= The Harder They Come chart information|publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=1 August 2007 }}</ref>

The band continued to reunite for annual UK Christmas season tours and held three more Madstock! festivals; in 1994, 1996 and 1998. Also in 1998, Madness returned to America for their first tour there since 1984. The live album ''[[Universal Madness]]'' was recorded at the [[Universal Amphitheatre]] in L.A. and released the following year. In 1999, Madness released their first studio album since 1986, entitled ''[[Wonderful (Madness album)|Wonderful]]''. The album reached number 17 in the UK Albums Chart, and the lead single, "[[Lovestruck (Madness song)|Lovestruck]]", gave the band their first new top 10 hit in the UK since 1983.<ref name="lovestruckchart">{{cite web|url= https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Ain%27t%20That%20A%20Lot%20Of%20Love |title= Lovestruck chart information|publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=1 August 2007 }}</ref> Neither of the two subsequent singles from the album, "[[Johnny the Horse]]" and "[[Drip Fed Fred]]" (featuring [[Ian Dury]] on vocals), entered the top 40 of the UK chart.<ref name="jthchart">{{cite web|url= https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Keep%20The%20Home%20Fires%20Burning |title= Johnny The Horse chart information|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=1 August 2007 }}</ref><ref name="ddfchart">{{cite web|url= https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Money%20To%20Burn |title= Drip Fed Fred chart information|publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=1 August 2007 }}</ref>

From 28 October 2002 to 16 August 2003, a musical based on Madness songs, ''[[Our House (musical)|Our House]]'', ran at the [[Cambridge Theatre]] in London. Madness played a role in the executive production of the show, and Suggs played a role in the production for a period, playing the central character's father.<ref name="ourhousebbc">{{cite web |last=Shenton |first=Mark |url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/entertainment/theatre/ourhouse_180303.shtml |title= Our House with Suggs, a first night review |publisher=BBC |access-date=20 June 2007}}</ref> It won an [[Olivier Award]] for best new musical of 2003,<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/awards/winners#Musical |title= Laurence Olivier Awards&nbsp;– Chronological list of winning musicals |website=officiallondontheatre.co.uk |access-date=6 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070812192708/http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/awards/winners |archive-date=12 August 2007}}</ref> and the performance was released on DVD on 1 November 2004.<ref>{{cite web|title=Our House: A Musical Love Story|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4276530/|publisher=IMDb|access-date=2020-01-16}}</ref> There was also a previous musical based on Madness songs, ''One Step Beyond!'', written by Alan Gilbey.<ref name="onestepbeyond93">"Theatre Review", ''[[The Guardian]]'', 13 April 1993.</ref><ref name="gilbyOSB">{{cite web|url= http://www.alangilbey.com/page5.htm |title= Alan Gilbey C.V. |website=alangilbey.com |access-date=7 July 2007}}</ref> The musical had a brief run at the [[Theatre Royal Stratford East]] in 1993<ref name="onestepbeyond93" /><ref name="gilbyOSB" /> and a run at [[Putney Arts Theatre]], London in 2012.

=== 2004–2010: The Dangermen and ''The Liberty of Norton Folgate'' {{anchor|dangermen}} ===
[[File:Madness at Bimbos.jpg|thumb|Madness performing live at Bimbos in 2005]]
In 2004, the band played a series of low-key concerts as the Dangermen, performing covers of classic reggae and ska songs. A lot of the songs were those played by the band when they were first forming,<ref name="suggsbbc04">Long, Chris. {{cite web|url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/music/2004/06/17/suggs_interview.shtml |title= Interview with Suggs of Madness |date=17 June 2004 |publisher=BBC |access-date=20 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319112924/http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/music/2004/06/17/suggs_interview.shtml |archive-date=19 March 2008}}</ref> and the band performed the songs as a celebration of their 25th anniversary.<ref name="suggsbbc04" />

This led to the release of the cover album ''[[The Dangermen Sessions Vol. 1]]'' in August 2005 by [[V2 Records]]. During the sessions which produced the album, in mid-2005, guitarist Chris Foreman announced his departure, citing "the petty, time consuming bollocks that goes on in the band" as his reason for leaving.<ref name="foremandeparture">Cohen, Jonathan. {{cite magazine|url= http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/62830/madness-inks-with-v2-new-album-in-works |title= Madness Inks With V2, New Album In Works |magazine= [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=12 July 2007}}</ref> The band completed the album without him, and on release, it peaked at no. 11 in the UK Albums Chart, which was the band's highest studio album chart position in 21 years. Although two singles were released, neither was a major success in the UK. The more successful of the two, "[[Shame & Scandal]]", reached number 38, but was more successful in France where it peaked at number 12.<ref name="shamecharts">{{cite web|url= http://www.musicsquare.net/charts/song/2187 |title= Madness&nbsp;– Shame & Scandal: Charts |publisher=MusicSquare |access-date=1 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929120445/http://www.musicsquare.net/charts/song/2187 |archive-date=29 September 2007}}</ref> "[[Girl Why Don't You]]" did not chart and the band left the V2 record label shortly after. At this time, Kevin Burdette joined as the band's guitarist for live appearances and also appeared in the videos for both "Sorry" and "NW5" in early 2007.

The six remaining original members of Madness began working on their first original studio album in seven years. In March 2007, the non-LP single [[Sorry (Madness song)|"Sorry"]] was released on the band's own record label [[Lucky 7 Records]], peaking in the UK charts at number 23. The single included a version featuring UK [[hip hop]] artists [[Sway DaSafo]] and [[Baby Blue (rapper)|Baby Blue]].

The new Madness song "[[NW5]]" (then still titled "NW5 (I Would Give You Everything)") and a re-recorded version of "It Must Be Love" were featured in the German film ''{{ill|Neues vom Wixxer|de}}''. The two songs were released in Germany as a [[double A-side]], and both of them were turned into music videos, which&nbsp;– besides members of the film's cast&nbsp;– featured Suggs, Chas Smash, Woody and stand-in guitarist Burdette. A re-recorded version of "NW5" was released as a single on 14 January 2008 in the UK reaching no. 24&nbsp;– this recording featured original Madness guitarist Chris Foreman, who had rejoined the band in time for the 2006 Christmas tour but had not participated in the original recording of the song.

In June 2008, Madness played the majority of their new studio album ''[[The Liberty of Norton Folgate]]'' at London's [[Hackney Empire]] for three nights. The Hackney Empire performances were recorded and sold to fans on [[USB]] wristbands as they left the show. Madness played two dates in December 2008, firstly in Manchester on 18 December, and secondly a return gig to The O2 in London on the 19th.

In December 2008 the band also announced that for their thirtieth anniversary in 2009, they would be staging a fifth Madstock Festival in London's Victoria Park on 17 July, 11 years after the last Madstock concert. It was originally rumoured that the newly reformed [[the Specials]] would make an appearance after finishing their reunion tour. However, this did not occur, although original Specials keyboardist Jerry Dammers&nbsp;– who was not part of the reunion line-up&nbsp;– was announced as a support act with [[the Spatial AKA Orchestra]] shortly before the festival. Dammers supported Madness again during their 2009 Christmas tour when he opened each night with a DJ set.

Through late March and early April 2009, the band played a series of festival and separate headlining dates across Australia. The lead-up single from their latest studio album, titled [[Dust Devil (song)|"Dust Devil]]", was released on 11 May on Lucky 7 Records. Actors [[Alfie Allen]] and [[Jaime Winstone]] co-starred in the music video. The single charted at No.&nbsp;64 on the UK Singles Chart and at No.&nbsp;1 on the UK Independent charts on 17 May 2009.

The new studio  album, entitled ''[[The Liberty of Norton Folgate]]'', was released a week later, on 18 May 2009. It charted at No.&nbsp;5 in the UK Albums Chart. The band continued to play various festivals, including [[Pinkpop]], [[Splendour in Nottingham|Splendour]], and [[Glastonbury Festival|Glastonbury]].<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/glastonbury/5626086/Glastonbury-2009-Suggs-interview.html |work=The Telegraph |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/glastonbury/5626086/Glastonbury-2009-Suggs-interview.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live | title=Glastonbury 2009: Suggs interview| date=24 June 2009| last1=Perry| first1=Andrew}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On 27 September 2009, the band also played a free concert on a closed-off [[Regent Street]] in association with [[Absolute Radio]].

On 28 August, Madness played the [[Rock en Seine]] festival near Paris, on the same night where [[Oasis (band)|Oasis]] brothers [[Noel Gallagher|Noel]] and [[Liam Gallagher]] engaged in a physical altercation, resulting in the break-up of the band. As Oasis cancelled their headlining slot, Madness, even though having played earlier in the evening, were asked to replace them. They accepted the invitation and both of their sets during the festival were said to have been well received.{{Citation needed|date=April 2013}}

As in previous years, the band embarked on a Christmas tour of the UK (also playing one concert in [[Dublin]]), playing at various medium-sized venues. Mark Bedford took a break from the band and was replaced by Graham Bush for the tour.

Some members of the band appeared in [[Catherine Tate]]'s ''Nan's Christmas Carol''. They first posed as carol singers, then played "Baggy Trousers" over the credits. On 18 January 2010, Madness released a fourth single, "[[Forever Young (Madness song)|Forever Young]]", from ''The Liberty of Norton Folgate''. The single failed to chart.

During an interview with [[RTÉ 2fm]] radio host [[Dave Fanning]] on 24 May 2010, drummer [[Daniel Woodgate]] stated that the members of the band were in the final stages of preparing songs for the follow-up to ''The Liberty of Norton Folgate''. The band hoped to be able to start recording the album later on in 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/podcasts/2010/pc/pod-v-2505109m03sdavefanningshow.mp3|title=RTÉ 2fm: Dave Fanning Interview with Woody of Madness (24 May 2010) |format=MP3 | publisher=RTÉ News |access-date=26 May 2010}}</ref>

In September 2010, Madness were awarded the Idol Award at the [[Q Awards]] in London. Guitarist Chris Foreman stated in his acceptance speech that Madness were recording a new album.

Madness toured the UK throughout November and December 2010 with their final show at London's [[Earl's Court]], where they played a new song from their upcoming album. However, two concerts, in [[Kingston upon Hull|Hull]] and [[Sheffield]], were cancelled due to heavy snowfall, although they were later rescheduled for 5 and 6 February 2011 respectively.

===2011–2015: ''Oui Oui, Si Si, Ja Ja, Da Da''===
In June 2011, the band performed at [[Meltdown (festival)|Meltdown]] Festival at the [[Royal Festival Hall]], curated by inspiration [[Ray Davies]] of [[the Kinks]], who also introduced the band on stage. The concert served as the premiere of three new songs&nbsp;– "1978", "Can't Keep a Good Thing Down" and "Death of a Rude Boy".

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The summer of 2012 saw two notable performances. In June, the band performed at the [[Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Queen's Diamond Jubilee]] concert at [[Buckingham Palace]]. The band performed "Our House" and "It Must Be Love" from the roof of the palace with accompanying animations projected onto the palace front. In August, the band was the first to perform at the [[2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony|closing ceremony]] of the [[2012 Summer Olympics|London Olympic Games]]. Departed bassist Bedford rejoined the band for both performances.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/9617366/Madness-Suggs-on-30-years-as-musics-most-dysfunctional-family.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/9617366/Madness-Suggs-on-30-years-as-musics-most-dysfunctional-family.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Madness: Suggs on 30 years as music's most dysfunctional family|first=Sheryl|last=Garratt|date=22 October 2012|website=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In August 2012, Madness released "Death of a Rude Boy" as a free teaser track from their new studio album. Madness' tenth studio album ''[[Oui Oui, Si Si, Ja Ja, Da Da]]'' was released on 29 October 2012 and entered the UK Albums Chart at no.10.<ref name="telegraph20120912">{{cite news|title=Madness uses Sgt Pepper artist|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/9538760/Madness-uses-Sgt-Pepper-artist.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/9538760/Madness-uses-Sgt-Pepper-artist.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=13 September 2012|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=12 September 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In January 2013 the album re-entered the chart at no. 16 on the back of the airplay success of the single "Never Knew Your Name".

From the start of 2013, Bedford increased his performances with the band building to his full-time return to the group, which meant a close to the four years Graham Bush had spent with the band.<ref name="linkedin.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.linkedin.com/pub/graham-bush-bushers/52/43/470 |title=Graham Bush (Bushers) |publisher=LinkedIn.com |access-date=19 April 2014}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=November 2020}}

On 22 March 2013, the band performed outside the [[BBC]] [[Television Centre, London|Television Centre]] in a live broadcast for [[BBC Four]]. This was followed by ''Goodbye Television Centre'', a celebration of 50 years of the television centre, marking the closure of the building and the last show to be broadcast from it.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-21903603|title=Madness perform Television Centre gig|work=BBC News|access-date=27 September 2014}}</ref> Following that the band was the closing act to the new year celebration of 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.

On 22 March 2014, Suggs confirmed that Madness were writing a new studio album which he stated "the band plan to record in the summer and release by the end of 2014".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.music-news.com/ShowNews.asp?nItemID=77558 |title=Suggs writing new Madness album |publisher=Music News |access-date=19 April 2014}}</ref>

In October 2014, Cathal Smyth, aka Chas Smash, left Madness to pursue a solo career. His debut solo studio album, ''[[A Comfortable Man]]'', was released on 11 May 2015 by Phoenix Rising Recording Co. Although Smyth's departure was characterized at the time as a 'break' to concentrate on his solo career and not necessarily a permanent departure, Smyth has not rejoined Madness in the years since the break was announced. Madness has continued as a six-piece.

===2016–2022: ''Can't Touch Us Now''===
The band announced their new studio album ''[[Can't Touch Us Now]]'' in May 2016. In support of the album, the band played the Pyramid Stage at the [[Glastonbury Festival]] in June.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife/glastonbury-2016-madness-bring-noise-24391|title=Glastonbury 2016: Madness bring the noise|website=Somerset Live|first=Laura|last=Linham|date=25 June 2016|access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref> Lead single "Mr. Apples" was accompanied by a scripted video (first one since 2009) and A-listed by [[BBC Radio 2]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/9148185|title=Madness – Mr. Apples|website=Discogs|date=7 September 2016 |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref> The song "Herbert" was released as a taster accompanied by an animation video.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Madness-Herbert/release/9215402|title=Madness – Herbert|website=Discogs|date=14 October 2016 |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref> Further singles "Can't Touch Us Now" and "Another Version of Me" were also playlisted by BBC Radio 2. The album itself entered the UK Albums Chart at number 5 in November 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/20161104/7502/|title=Official Albums Chart Top 100: 04 November 2016 – 10 November 2016|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=16 April 2016}}</ref> The band finished the year on a UK arena tour in December.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.expressandstar.com/entertainment/2016/12/18/madness-barclaycard-arena-birmingham-review/|title=Madness, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham – Review|newspaper=Express & Star|first=Rebecca|last=Stanley|date=18 December 2016|access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>

Throughout 2017, the band played at several festivals and concerts worldwide including mainland Europe, Asia, and Australia.  In April their first Australian gig at the Fremantle Arts Centre in Western Australia sold out, necessitating a second gig the following night.  In August, the band hosted their own "House of Common Festival" for the second year on [[Clapham Common]]. This was the band's only London gig of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/madness/2017/clapham-common-london-england-5be2874c.html|title=Madness Setlist at Clapham Common, London, England|website=Setlist.fm|access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>

In 2018, the band embarked on a summer tour of stately homes in the UK before a Christmas arena tour in December.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/whats-on/music/review-madness-lightning-seeds-the-tailormade-alnwick-castle-saturday-july-14-1-9252256|title=REVIEW: Madness, Lightning Seeds, The Tailormade – Alnwick Castle, Saturday, July 14|newspaper=Northumberland Gazette|first=Paul|last=Larkin|date=15 July 2018|access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/dec/07/madness-review-first-direct-arena-leeds-suggs|title=Madness review – baggy bangers with a British pop institution|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Dave|last=Simpson|date=7 December 2018|access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref> Madness performed on New Year's Eve through to New Year's Day at "Madness Rocks Big Ben Live". The entire performance was shown on [[BBC One]] before and after that year's fireworks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46725268|title=New Year celebrations: UK welcomes in 2019|work=BBC News|date=1 January 2019|access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>

In March 2019, Madness announced the release of their group autobiography, ''Before We Was We: Madness by Madness'', to be released on hardback that October.<ref>{{cite web |title=Before We Was We |url=https://www.madness.co.uk/2019/03/08/before-we-was-we/ |website=Madness.co.uk |access-date=2 May 2021 |date=8 March 2019}}</ref> The book includes commentary from all seven members telling the story of their early days and childhoods up until their breakthrough as a group. In May 2021, the book was adapted as a three-part TV documentary on [[AMC (European TV channel)|AMC]], with the first part free on [[BT Group|BT]]'s [[YouTube]] channel.<ref>{{cite web |title=Before We Was We: Madness by Madness |url=https://www.madness.co.uk/2021/03/11/before-we-was-we-madness-by-madness/ |website=Madness.co.uk |access-date=2 May 2021 |date=11 March 2021}}</ref>

The band celebrated 40 years since their debut studio album release with several special live appearances throughout 2019. The band performed at their own "House of Common" festival in August and held a special concert with a full orchestra at [[Kenwood House]]. In November they played at [[Electric Ballroom]] in Camden; forty years to the day since one of their first appearances there. The performance was broadcast on [[Sky Arts]] in 2020. The band saw the year out with three concerts at [[The Roundhouse]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.withguitars.com/madness-announce-three-intimate-shows-at-londons-roundhouse-this-december/|title=Madness announce three intimate shows at London's Roundhouse this December |website=Withguitars.com|access-date=3 October 2020}}</ref>

In December 2019, the band released a new single, "Bullingdon Boys (Don't Get Bullied by the Bully Boys)". The ''[[NME]]'' described the song as a 'barbed swipe at [[Boris Johnson]] and his [[Eton College|Eton]] cohorts'.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/madness-barbed-swipe-boris-johnson-new-song-2582129|title=Madness take barbed swipe at Boris Johnson on first new song in three years|website=NME|date=29 November 2019|access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref>

In April 2021, following some special videos created during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Madness announced their first global live stream, titled "The Get Up!", to be held the next month. It featured live music and comedy from the group and [[Charlie Higson]], pre-recorded at the [[London Palladium]].<ref>{{cite web |title="The Get Up!" Global Livestream |url=https://www.madness.co.uk/2021/04/19/the-get-up-global-livestream/ |website=Madness.co.uk |access-date=2 May 2021 |date=19 April 2021}}</ref> During the live stream, the band was accompanied by [[Roland Gift]] of [[Fine Young Cannibals]] and [[Paul Weller]] of [[the Jam]] and had a cameo by [[Queen Elizabeth II]], played by [[Mike Barson]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Madness takes entertainment to the next level with a one-time live stream |url=https://maxazine.com/2021/05/14/madness-takes-entertainment-to-the-next-level-with-a-one-time-live-stream |website=Maxazine |access-date=15 May 2021 |date=15 May 2021}}</ref> They announced their 2021 tour, The Ladykillers Tour, the next day, to be held alongside [[Squeeze (band)|Squeeze]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Madness & Special Guests Squeeze – The Ladykillers Tour 2021 |url=https://www.madness.co.uk/2021/05/15/madness-special-guests-squeeze-the-ladykillers-tour-2021/ |website=Madness.co.uk |access-date=15 May 2021 |date=15 May 2021}}</ref>

=== 2023–present: ''Theatre of the Absurd Presents C'est la Vie''===
In September 2023, the band announced their thirteenth studio album ''[[Theatre of the Absurd Presents C'est la Vie]]'', which was released on 17 November 2023. It was followed by a UK tour with the [[Lightning Seeds]], including stops in Liverpool, Manchester and London.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2023/09/madness-theatre-of-the-absurd-presents-cest-la-vie/|title=Madness Announce New Album, Share Three Songs: Stream|date=28 September 2023|website=consequence.net}}</ref>

[[File:Graham "Suggs" McPherson.jpg|thumb|left|Graham "Suggs" McPherson performs with Madness at MGM Fenway in Boston on the Theatre of the Absurd Presents C'est la Vie tour on May 29, 2024.]]

The album was preceded by the single "C'est La Vie" and "Baby Burglar", a song inspired by the antics of band members in their youth, including breaking into singer-songwriter [[Lynsey de Paul]]'s house.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Needham |first=Lucy |date=2021-04-15 |title=Madness' criminal pasts as Suggs admits band could have been jailbirds |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/madness-wild-past-suggs-admits-23916949 |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=The Mirror |language=en}}</ref> A new video featured these two singles plus a performances of ''Round We Go''.

It would become Madness' first ever number one studio album in the UK.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-24 |title=Madness earn first Number 1 studio album with Theatre of the Absurd Presents C'est La Vie |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/madness-third-uk-number-1-album-theatre-of-the-absurd-pts-cest-la-vie/ |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=Official Charts |language=en}}</ref> The album also made the album charts in Ireland, Germany<ref>{{Cite web |title=Offizielle Deutsche Charts |url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/album-details-527218 |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=www.offiziellecharts.de}}</ref> and The Netherlands.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hung |first=Steffen |title=Madness – Theatre Of The Absurd Presents C'est La Vie |url=http://hitparade.ch/showitem.asp?interpret=Madness&titel=Theatre+Of+The+Absurd+Presents+C%27est+La+Vie&cat=a |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=hitparade.ch}}</ref>

On 11 December a full version of the "C'est La Vie" video was released. Follow by "Baby Burglar" on 23 January 2024. 

In February it was announced that "Round We Go" would be released as the official new single. A full video was released on 6 February, followed by a single edit on February 16. On February 23 the song was added to BBC Radio 2's New Music Playlist.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC – Radio 2 New Music Playlist |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2qNJsnjYFvbLrK9CZ0CfYfM/radio-2-new-music-playlist |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In April the enhanced version of ''Theatre Of The Absurd Presents C'est La Vie'' was announced, featuring 5 new songs and 7 unreleased live songs from the December tour, including the band's version of The Specials's "Friday Night Saturday Morning". "No Reason" – written by Suggs – was made available directly.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-30 |title=Madness / Theatre of the Absurd presents C'est La Vie deluxe reissue – SuperDeluxeEdition |url=https://superdeluxeedition.com/news/madness-theatre-of-the-absurd-presents-cest-la-vie-deluxe-reissue/ |access-date=2024-08-09 |language=en-US}}</ref> 

On 17 May – just before the band would go on their first US tour in 12 years – "Hour Of Need" was released as a single and went straight to the BBC Radio 2 playlist.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC – Radio 2 New Music Playlist |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2qNJsnjYFvbLrK9CZ0CfYfM/radio-2-new-music-playlist |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}}</ref> The release was accompanied by the announcement of the 'Hour Of Need' Award, for which fans could honour an unsung hero in their lives.<ref> {{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Damian |date=2024-05-16 |title=Madness launch 'Hour Of Need' award to honour "an unsung hero in your life" |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/madness-launch-hour-of-need-award-for-an-unsung-hero-in-your-life-3756940 |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref>