Madness are an English ska band from Camden Town, London, that formed in 1976. One of the most prominent bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s 2 Tone ska revival, they continue to perform with their most recognised line-up of seven members.
The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders included Mike Barson (Monsieur Barso) on keyboards and vocals, Chris Foreman (Chrissy Boy) on guitar and Lee Thompson (Kix) on saxophone and vocals. They later recruited John Hasler on drums, Cathal Smyth (better known as Chas Smash) on bass guitar and Graham McPherson (better known as Suggs).
Madness achieved most of their success in the early to mid-1980s. Both Madness and UB40 spent 214 weeks on the UK singles charts over the course of the decade, holding the record for most weeks spent by a group in the 1980s UK singles charts. However, Madness achieved this in a shorter time period (1980–1986)
Frequent themes in Madness' songs included childhood memories (e.g., "Baggy Trousers", and "Our House") and petty crime (e.g., "Shut Up", and "Deceives the Eye"). Although Madness were seen by some as somewhat of a humorous band with catchy, bouncy songs, many of their songs took a darker tone (such as the singles "Grey Day" and "Tomorrow's (Just Another Day)") and they sometimes tackled what were, at the time, controversial issues in their lyrics.
This shoot of Madness in New York City in February 1980 was for Issue No.1 of a new magazine that developed cult status, The Face.
On the 'Our House' video shoot, Lee Thompson, the saxophonist always liked dressing-up as a woman and flying by the 'Kirby Wire' - fearless!
Madness performing in Boston, USA in 1983 photographed by Michael Grecco.
Limited edition of Morgan Howell's original painting of the cover of Madness Baggy Trousers vinyl single
Limited edition giant vintage pin badge for The Madness by artist Tony Dennis AKA Tape Deck Art
Madness captured by Jill Furmanovsky whilst mucking about outside a Chock Full O'Nuts coffee shop in New York in February 1980.
Madness photographed by Jill Furmanovsky at her studio in London in 1984.
Led Zeppelin performing at Madison Square Garden, New York, USA 1977.
Stunning image of Amy Winehouse taken in a North London launderette during a photo shoot in winter 2004.
Relaxing backstage at Abbey Road Studios during the recording of debut album 'The Piper at the Gates of Dawn'
Contact sheet of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers photographed at Hyde Park, London in 1991
Bob Marley was a Jamaican reggae singer, songwriter, musician, & guitarist who achieved international fame & acclaim.
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Björk Guðmundsdóttir, (born 21 November 1965), known mononymously as Björk is an Icelandic singer-songwriter.
Here are the very latest prints we have added to our collection. We hope you love them as much as we do.
Jill Furmanovsky is one of the greatest ever rock & roll photographers with a huge archive of iconic shots of the world's best music artists
During his 30 year career Jake Chessum has shot defining images of musicians such as Amy Winehouse, Jay Z, The Beastie Boys & David Bowie.
The USA has given us many of the world's greatest music artists - we celebrate the best of the best
