Madness

Madness are an English band formed in Camden Town, North London, in 1976, and one of the defining acts of the late-1970s and early-1980s 2 Tone ska revival, even though they released their records independently of the 2 Tone label itself. Blending ska and reggae rhythms with music-hall humour, pub-rock energy and unmistakably London storytelling, the band built a sound that was danceable, witty and deeply working-class in its imagery — terraced houses, chip shops, school days and family life.

Their run of hit singles through the early 1980s, including «Baggy Trousers», «House of Fun», «It Must Be Love», «Driving in My Car» and «Night Boat to Cairo», made them one of the most consistently charting singles bands in UK pop history. «Our House», arguably their signature song, became an international hit and a lasting anthem of everyday domestic life, later even inspiring a stage musical built around the band's catalogue.

Madness have continued to perform and record for decades, largely with the classic seven-piece line-up, and remain a beloved live act known for their theatrical, high-energy shows and the loyalty of the Madness fanbase, the self-styled Nutty Boys following. Their influence can be heard across British pop, ska revival and indie bands that followed, and their catalogue remains a staple of UK radio.