Madness was founded in 1976 by some friends who shared their love for ska, reggae and Motown. By the late seventies, the band began to use the name Madness. The name comes from a song by one of their Idols, Prince Buster. Their first album One Step Beyond immediately was a big success. Later on, hits like "Baggy Trousers", “Embarrassment”, "Our House" and “House of Fun” followed. Also, thanks to the outfits and funny video clips, the 'heavy heavy monster sound’ of the band became very popular.

Along with contemporaries like The Specials and The Beat, Madness were the opening shot for an entirely new movement in British music. But for Madness it was all about having fun. This is a band known for its party music.

Last year the group celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of their debut album and famous breakthrough. With the album The Liberty of Norton Folgate, a concept album about their home city London, they released their ninth studio disc. The album leans a little more on pop influences than the ska sound from their early days. Furthermore we hear some rock, psychedelica and some World Music. This is a versatile record which searches out new musical directions. It may all sound a little more serious than their first album but after three decades they do not rest on any tricks from the early days. On stage Madness still guarantees a solid chunk of energy and vibrant celebration.