6 Reformed Criminals Formed a Band…Had 30 Hits Including This BIG 1983 #1 Song! | Professor of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: Who is your pick for the greatest British band of the 80s?

[@freezer8530]

I'll nominate Duran Duran and Culture Club.

[@catherine6653]

I like Sqeeze. Plenty of sing alongs in their catalog. Glen Tillbrook is an amazing guitar player. The vocal harmony with Chris Difford is great too.

[@TheSlowoldman]

Duran Duran has to be up there.

[@Ganja-jh6iy]

The Cult

[@nedhorner]

Can we count U2? If not, then Tears for Fears or Police. Almost forgot Queen!!!!

[@charliebadger]

Can't tell you how proud I am as a Brit to hear you talk about Madness :) they are a British Institution. Instantly recognisable, and even better, they are still together, and in fact released new songs today on KZbin :)

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I will be heading over to their channel now! Thanks!

[@marktait2371]

cool have bbc music seen few clips here and there pop up have to open up. think one was glasto.or isle of wight

[@stephenbrown4211]

New album coming out son as well. Their first in seven years

[@rhinox0110]

WHOA! I'm gonna check that out!! Thanks for the heads up!

[@Mortthemoose]

​@@stephenbrown4211 Woohoo! 👍

[@kevinfisher5492]

This band was featured TWICE on the iconic Brit comedy, "The Young Ones." That show had a lot of damn fine acts on it like Nine Below Zero, The Damned and even a 19 year old Neneh Cherry. And I believe Motorhead's first time on TV was on this show.

[@bigal1863]

That was a damn fine show. Loved it.

[@ryanreeves8931]

Neil : Vyvyan, will you shut up? You're giving me tunnel vision! Rick : STOP SHOUTING, NEIL! Neil : Stop shouting, yourself! Rick : I AM NOT - SHOUTING! Neil : Yes you are! Rick : I BLOODY WELL AM NOT! If you want to hear shouting, matey, this is it. [screams like a baby] Vyvyan : [lighting a Molotov cocktail] You know, it's funny, but being ill makes me lose my ususal tolerant, and easy going approach to communal living. [tosses the cocktail between Rick and Neil's rooms]

[@bigal1863]

@@ryanreeves8931 LMAO

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I heard about this show.

[@simonfea2]

What happened to Nine Below Zero? I couldn't really find anything when I did a Google search. I love their sound.

[@abbeykroeter]

The story of your son singing “Our House” in class was just epic. Made my day.

[@beenaplumber8379]

Adam's son is autistic? Go figure! That was a beautiful story, and it made me smile too. (If you're wondering, I'm also autistic, and I've always thought Adam looks and acts like one of us. I say that in an affectionate way.)

[@willswalkingwest7267]

I was in England in 80-81-82, Madness was HUGE then. We went and saw them 3 times and their live stuff was just electrifying. The recordings are slick but musically, their live shows were like nothing else. They should have been much bigger here in the USA.

[@cattymajiv]

It just goes to show you how shallow and appallingly bad the taste of average Americans is. For some mysterious reason, unlike every other country, they fall hook line and sinker for the BS handed to them by Big Business, and actually like the garbage pushed on them by the commercial interests (in all areas of media), even though it's mostly unlistenable.

[@myview5840]

Before auto tune, we had talent. Madness I know

[@psmith6852]

Yes they were awesome ❤

[@JimmyRamone-jc2ou]

Our house is one of those songs that take me back to the 80's. I'm happy they had more success in their hometown.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Me too. They are very underrated at least stateside.

[@lawrencenjawe9875]

Madness along with other bands (like 2-toners, the Specials and New Wavers, Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet) really broadened pop music's horizons back in the days with their fresh new sounds.... Exciting times..Oh how I miss those times.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The two-tone and ska bands were a delight!

[@marktait2371]

yeu was telling other viewer records rush to keep.from.ruined flooding is a two tone dj sampler promo 79.or 80 has a promo sheet also have to give a listen once ttbale set up promo page has all the bands on the label.and contact info to order any records and other samplers old school had mail.order hard to believe by todays standards

[@trinaq]

Yes, Madness are my favourite British bands. I remember innocently singing along with "House of Fun", completely unaware that it's about a boy trying to buy condoms on his 16th birthday, only to be repeatedly misunderstood by the shop clerk. You'd never guess, thanks to the deceptively bouncy tune!

[@mournblade1066]

I've always loved that song, but I never really thought about its meaning.

[@daveautzen9089]

A few years ago, I finally figured out the meaning. I was shocked to learn the truth! I cannot believe it took me so long.

[@jamesbarbour8400]

Lol, we knew alright, but the song covered it up so well.

[@paulnolan6527]

That’s like when I found out that, Dancing With My Self, and Turning Japanese were both about Wanking! 😳😂

[@paulnolan6527]

Many memories flood back about, dancing to Madness in the local disco in town. They gave you a wonderful workout!

[@douglaswilliams1680]

As one of the oldest members of Gen X, I appreciate each of your videos so much. But I have to say a special thanks for the story of your son and his class and this absolutely iconic song. All the love to you and your son.

[@maxshea1829]

"It Must Be Love" did reach #33 on the Billboard Charts in the wake of "Our House." Madness is one of those bands I wish I had explored more as a teen. Fun and exciting lads. As a Monty Python fan, I absolutely adored the video with the drag and silliness. And thanks for sharing that heartwarming story about your son!

[@mitchellbaker9434]

No doubt both Python and Benny Hill had their influence on Madness,

[@Dirt-Diggler]

My favourite Madness song 😎 although I also love the original but they are so different I can love both versions.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

One of the most fun videos of the 80s!

[@marktait2371]

yeh they had the best videos back then funny also.

[@fizzyridertoo]

@@Dirt-Diggler It was classy of them to include Labi Siffre in the video.

[@barneypaws4883]

Madness was a staple of my childhood growing up in the UK. They really were a big band in the 80's with SO many great songs. I was lucky enough to see them live a few years ago, really good

[@sariahut1]

I was lucky to have grown up in a state with an amazing New Wave radio station. They played more than just Our House on a frequent basis and I came to recognize Madness as an 80 new wave essential. Thanks so much for spotlighting this fantastic group of artists.

[@mikentosh]

I was in high school in California, when Our House came out…Good times!

[@myview5840]

I still wear Baggy Trousers

[@wilfig]

Hearing about your son, I had to say that this was BEAUTIFUL. I'm a jazz musician, and I've always loved Ska and Madness' "Our House." I've always believed that music has that power to heal people. And I hope and believe that music will help him deal with his autism. Music may not cure Autism, but I believe Music will give him an outlet to keep it at bay.

[@raigrant680]

Do you think we should "cure" left handedness, too? After all, society is not designed for left handed people, so we should just "cure" them? Or here's an idea, try listening to us, try understanding our needs and differences and have a little tolerance? After all, we have to tolerate neurotypicals every day.

[@kissmygrits1977]

​@raigrant680 Well Said!! Sincerely, a disadvantaged Left Hander with an awesome Autistic Adult Son! Lived on #PlanetAutism for over 2 decades and "at bay" is not something we recognize 😂😊

[@beenaplumber8379]

@@raigrant680 I think it helps us to be kind and patient with the NT's. We talk about things all the time that they've never heard before. Gentle nudges during teachable moments can have a great effect. 🙂 They're more often ignorant than malicious. What's most effective?

[@Irridia]

I saw Madness in a club in Houston after Our House hit. I was part of a group that had loads of Brits and even before that had fallen in love with this band. About half of the crowd was there because it was Madness and the other half was there because of Our House which was really outside the box for this band. That half of the crowd was befuddled. Our half was bouncing through the whole show! When we left the show I wrung my shirt our as if it had been dipped in water... all sweat! I will never ever forget that show!

[@gutz323]

Grew up in the early 80's hearing this music on the radio and TV. Everyone in the UK knows this band and have heard their music. Just great fun pop music, no negative vibes in their music. Everyone from little kids to old age pensioners can enjoy their music. No sex drugs and rock and roll, just pure positive fun! Legends!

[@hollyhoman1625]

I got into Two Tone in 82 when I was a young adult. Madness is still one of my favorite bands of all time. I know they still do fests, but they don't ever come to the States. I was going to see them at Punk Rock Bowling in Vegas but that's the year covid hit so the entire event got canceled. I really want to see them live before I leave this mortal coil. I visited London for the first time a year ago and I went to Camden and saw all the places they played. It was so cool.

[@TheJeep1967]

For me, it is impossible to pick one British band from the 80's. There were far too many great British bands. The Police, The Cure, The Cult, Duran Duran, The Smiths, Squeeze, U2, Big Country, Madness, The Clash, Depeche Mode, Tears for Fears, Simple Minds, Psychedelic Furs, UB40, New Order, The English Beat, and on and on.

[@paulqueripel3493]

Take U2 off the list, they're Irish. Add the Eurythmics though.

[@Jungleland33]

Sweet Jesus, U2.....British???? I'm amazed you didn't include Thin Lizzy too.

[@michaellorenzen8200]

Buzzcocks

[@TheNightBadger]

_"Take U2 off the list, they're Irish."_ _"Sweet Jesus, U2.....British???? I'm amazed you didn't include Thin Lizzy too."_ Music from the British Isles? (Geographic - not political). It is worth pointing out that U2 were being heavily influenced by the New Wave scene in the UK at the time. Hard to quarantine what they did when everyone was swimming in the same musical streams. I think they would be the first to admit that. Punk opened a lot of doors. I'll add 'Blancmange', 'Altered Images', 'Human League', 'Soft Cell', 'Adam & the Ants', and 'China Crisis' (off the top of my head) to the above list.

[@davidmellish3295]

Take Squeeze off the list as they started in the 70s not the 80s unless you're including bands that were about in the 80s no matter when they formed. In that case you can include, The Stones, The Who , Pink Floyd , The Kinks etc etc the list just goes on

[@bartbluemusic]

I remember when "Our House" by Madness came out ... my Dad jokingly said, "Why in the world would someone build a house in the middle of the street? Wouldn't cars have a hard time driving around it?" LOL - This song brings back so many good memories. One of my favorites.

[@floepiejane]

Yeah, Americans would say halfway down the street.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha! Love it. Did you ever get into their other stuff?

[@wisecoconut5]

So litteral! I am litteral too. 😊

[@bartbluemusic]

Oh yeah! One step beyond is one of my favorite songs by them.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I thought the same thing when I was younger! “Wouldn’t that be a safety hazard?”

[@LivioSoaresDeMedeiros]

The story of your son is amazing, and so is your job. Besides, it's kinda glorious to the band to have a song by them sung by children.

[@ZioGiovanni]

I discovered Madness in 1986 when I was a 16 year old exchange student in Italy. Music Box, the European equivalent to MTV at the time, was playing all their videos after the band broke up. I remember thinking to myself, “Why am I only discovering this band after they break up?!” I’ve been a fan of theirs for almost 40 years. I never thought I’d get to see them live until they came to town to support the Dangermen album. What a show! All original members (I think Foreman had returned by that point), small venue, standing room only, and just feet from the stage. Some 15 years later and I still feel like I can die happy now I saw them live. :-)

[@paulharland2238]

Top notch, 👍. Over the years, I've been lucky enough to see all the bands mentioned here. 1st Madness gig I went to, Gaumont Theatre Southampton, think it was December 80? Must mention Madness Finsbury Park & The Specials 30th anniversary @ Brixton Academy. Great memories. Still my go-to tunes, along with Rancid and Mighty mighty bosstones to name but a few.

[@julia393n]

As an Aussie, I am shocked they only had one hit in America. So unfair for such a talented group.

[@iainsmith2434]

You shouldn’t be too shocked, there were so many of our Aussie bands that should have been smash hits in America that couldn’t get airplay.

[@trevormissen734]

They were even on the Young Ones twice

[@Buckseed]

"It Must Be Love" was #33 on the Top 100.

[@Chigger]

As an American, I'm also confused as to why so much non-American stuff doesn't get played despite it being great.

[@trevormissen734]

@@Chigger it’s about promoters & record labels picking the best of the UK & a lot of the time they stuff up

[@tanjaloesch6629]

Thats an awesome story about your son, I've got tears in my eyes. Music can have such a very deep impact. I love your show!!!👍🇮🇪🍀🤗

[@SirSneakerPimp]

That is a BRILLIANT story about your son. I hope the band watches this video and beams with pride about your son.

[@NotSuitableForMum]

The Nutty boys. Sheer 80's brilliance. Loved their videos too. So much fun.

[@ElChingonFPV]

My wife is a special education teacher, and your story about your son's classroom experience was touching. Just wonderful. Thank you.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I agree. This is amazing.

[@marktait2371]

yeh was nice my late dad nephew my brother and i a few times but was special.olympics involved with kids our there having fun a dj played music also during the events

[@williamdezynski7342]

Thanks you!!!!!! Finally!!!! My favorite band!!!!!!!

[@tedfabiano]

Thanks for the spotlight on an under appreciated band. A greatest hits album from the UK I had as a teenager seemed like a gold mine. Keep Moving is one of my favorites.

[@1percentpinoy]

That is such an awesome story about your son and his classmates! Thank you I needed that.

[@marisa5359]

I have 2 on the autism spectrum. Love, love that story! My daughter is 17 now, but she still does a lot of random singing, too. She has a big love of 80s. She probably would've jumped right in with your son. Also, thanks for further education on Madness. Always had a special place in my heart for "Our House" but didn't know much about the band. Looks like I have some music to catch up on!

[@leokerr9162]

Niiiiighht Booooaaattt Toooooo Caaaaiiiirrrrooooo .... My absolute favorite, can't sit still no matter where I am when I just think about Madness.

[@hepcat-bob]

I'm in the US and I love Madness. I was listening to them long before 'Our House'. I saw them in concert in Daytona in '83. It was a free concert and I was about 2 feet from the stage.

[@rudeboyjohn3483]

2Tone was so FORWARD

[@simonadams5073]

17:11 Excellent channel - so glad the algorithm suggested it to me. Love Madness (I’m a British ex-pat) but please - just an FYI - if you must use Top of the Pops clips it’s probably best not to use any with this monster in. Hard to do because he was in loads of them but there’s a reason why they won’t show him on the BBC anymore.

[@b5maddog]

Loved Our House and Madness ❤ I think I first got into them with the One Step Beyond video on MTV. Getting my first taste of hearing SKA, their clothing style, their antics and dance moves was something I never experienced before. I shaved my head and was planning on changing up my wardrobe. I got so much backlash from the haircut alone, I was too intimidated to change my clothes. I look back now and shouldn’t have been so intimidated. Thanks for your take on this awesome 😎 band Professor

[@elizabethp2395]

That story about your little boy (not so little now sounds like!) is one of your best ever, and that's really saying something. Way to go, Dad!!!!! Thank you. xo

[@davidlotspeich5547]

Absolutely loved the story about your son and his class! It put a smile on my face!

[@ericachilds5744]

Love the story about your son and his classmates! The power of music, indeed! Would have loved to have been that teacher! This is one of my favs from the 80s!

[@mattstiadle5625]

I can’t believe they didn’t have another hit in America. I remember watching so many of their videos on MTV in the 1980s and wondering why they weren’t bigger over here. Great video, Professor. You’ve done it again.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They had just one other Top 40 hit!

[@ocsteve3]

Love the story of your little guy! What a great era of music! Thank you.

[@adampentz6011]

I grew up in the 80's in Portland, so I was only familiar with "Our House" until the ska revival in '97, when Madness put out a collection. I snatched it up, and I've been hooked ever since. "Baggy Trousers" and "Sun and Rain" have gotten me through many tough days.

[@staceykelly4211]

I adore Madness!! Thank you for covering them!! Loved One Step Beyond!

[@johnmccann5104]

Totally agree.....truly great band that really bring memories of my old school days flooding back 😂🇬🇧

[@TheManFromUNCLEIllya]

Finally!!! Finally you have brought Madness to your show. They are my favourite band. Always have been. And great that you acknowledge how prolific the band are across the pond, and in many other countries across the globe. They are huge. They have influenced more than you can realise, including your own No Doubt. So thank you thank you for finally recognising them. They deserve a place on your KZbin site. The only mistake you made was that your photo of Chas was not a picture of Chas. That is Breno Smythe, Cathal’s younger brother. But respect finally for bringing the legends to the fore. Kudos to you 😎🙏 PS. Just a point to note that you missed bringing up. Madness finally reformed in the late 90’s. And their first big concert Madstock was so huge that it actually registered as a suspected earthquake. And the band are still performing to this day with a new studio album about to released.

[@raigrant680]

I was there, second day, Morrisey wouldn't perform cos he'd had Doc Martens boots thrown at him the evening before 😬 Ian Dury and the Blockheads were second to last to perform, then MADNESS!! It was amazing... Happy happy days...

[@davideccles2122]

Great and epic song, and a real Prof presenting this blast from the the past. Chapeau and keep on rocking. Awesome memories.

[@rogerdeahl9629]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Love Madness! Our House is a fun little song........ that stays with you all the time. 30 top 40 hits but only one here? That's nuts! Thanks for this one Professor. Great shirt! And I beat the dreaded Matrix. 😅

[@LazyIRanch]

I'm surprised that "One Step Beyond!" didn't chart in the states. I love that song, and I heard it before I heard "Our House". When my roommate and I had a house party, we would play "One Step Beyond" once the party was well-lubricated with alcohol. First we would announce, "THIS is the time when we Bat Dance!" And frenetic twisting and shouting, and doing the peace sign with our fingers over the eyes would ensue. I just learned that the dance has a newer name; the "Batusi".🦇

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I think they had one other Top 40 hit

[@KMVNZ23]

I loved Madness. In New Zealand we grew up with mainly British music. Great decade for us. Thank you for this. You rock. Made me follow you.

[@cycobern]

Thanks Adam for this episode. Now, I remember having basic cable and one TV set in the eighties and watching MTV every morning right before to school and one of the videos playing all the time was "Our House". Great song. Also, on local TV programing there was a Colgate advertising with "Baggy Trousers" with kids singing it and doing all Madness troupe. Oh man, the eighties! ♥️

[@stephenbrown4211]

And the cries of: Hey you, don't watch that, watch this This is the heavy heavy monster sound The nuttiest sound around So if you've come in off the street And you're beginning to feel the heat Well, listen buster You better start to move your feet To the rockinest, rock-steady beat Of madness One step beyond. Wonderful intro from the Nutty Boys

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Is that commercial online? I want to see it!

[@cycobern]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Local TV ran the ad in Spanish, luckily there’s the english version too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2LciaZ5ZbGtebssi=OLcgAOwMcQ620PAa

[@sie4431]

​@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980It's on KZbin. It's actually a British ad so very unusual it was broadcast in the US. Of course to British viewers the ad is a clear Madness tribute, something that would have been lost on US viewers

[@dutch6277]

Thank you for that story about your son. My son is also autistic and music is his center. I too help him to coral his desire to break out into song when it isn’t exactly appropriate, but I have relearned from him the power of great music to calm us, to focus us. Keep the faith brother.

[@glennanderson7795]

What a well-told story about a band that sang life-stories! I was a teen when madness rose to the top, I loved their catchy musicality and zany films, inc. the one where the sax player is hoisted over a swimming pool (must be 'Our House'?) Very few bands last this long and Suggs is ever present. I thank you for increasing my knowledge of this most famous UK group. VBW x

[@JasonCliftJones]

Think the flying sax player is the vid for Baggy Trousers.

[@glennanderson7795]

Could well be & if so, happy memories! VBW x

[@kellybarthel8060]

Loved our house, was a young teen when came out loved it then and still listen to it often now. Reminds me of my family mom dad and six kids in a small 3 bedroom apt over our automotive garage in deadwood South Dakota. Certainly all the noise and chaos and the love brought it all together!!

[@georgeharris6851]

I remember seeing them on American Bandstand. I'm pretty sure that they did One Step Beyond and Our House. Unlike other artists, they stayed past their performance, and did some stepping together. They found a place in my ❤ with that appearance.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Their performances were cute!

[@megano2000]

They did One Step Beyond in 1980 and The Sun and The Rain in 1984!

[@elench257]

Story of your son is brilliant! I love the class started singing it with him 💜💜🦇

[@carolyncasner4806]

Did not know they only had 1 US hit. I listened to all of their songs. Absolutely love them

[@j.munday7913]

My hubby is English and they're his favorite band. He jams out to them all the time. e: he heard the song and ran out to see what I was watching with them in it. lol!

[@eriksonofander]

I was 12 or 13 when Our House was a hit here in the US. They were my introduction to Two Tone Ska. I still love ska.

[@craigjones7111]

Had the pleasure of watching Madness live last year, and they haven't missed a beat, although a little older. But they had the audience in the palm of their hands.

[@Silkyfur]

Thank you for a great video. I am so happy that you're doing a video on Madness! One of the most impressive things with Madness is the complexity of their compositions, already on their second and third albums. To think of that a band with members as young as they were at the time, could come up with all the intricate parts of some of those songs is impressive. Another really great thing with Madness is their masterful arrangements. The instruments never get in the way of each other, and all the instruments compliment each other. After many years of thinking that the best days of Madness were over, they surprise us in 2009 and deliver their absolute best album, the masterpiece The Liberty of Norton Folgate, and album that I just can't stop listening to, and it's still frequently being played in my CD-player, and all the songs live rent free in my head. Do yourself a favour and check out The Liberty of Norton Folgate from 2009. Absolutely fantastic album!

[@bbrian2389]

Great story about your kid. Your kid is lucky to have you as a father. Music is our common language and our common emotional support when we need it. Your son, I’m sure, will have an exponentially happier life, having been exposed to the best of music.

[@theskintexpat-themightygreegor]

Yeah, agreed, you can't call these boys a one-hit-wonder. I never paid attention to the charts at all, but tons of their videos were shown on MTV all the time. House of Fun was my favorite, with those discordant notes and chords and intentionally out-of-tune calliope music, and what a great beat and tight rhythm section (of course, those last two were common to most of their music). I loved this one, Prof.

[@Buckseed]

It Must Be Love was #33.

[@MrVittoriomischi]

I have been watching you for years. Your story about your son moved me to tears. You are a treasure to him, to his friends and to us watching how passionately you provide context to music that warmed, warms and shall keep on warming our hearts forever. Thank you!!!

[@bicyclist2]

I love Madness. I went to my local independent music shop in Michigan and asked if they had it. They didn't even know who they were. I had them order this album for me on CD. I didn't know any of this interesting history. Thank you.

[@georgemathie8123]

Madness are so much fun and brought their bouncy and hilarious British humor to north america you can't help but busy a gut at their classic videos my favorite is it must be love the pool sequence makes me laugh everytime

[@RC32Smiths01]

Now that is such a powerful statement right then and there. Music really has a way of finding people. Love Madness and what they did for Ska, a really fun genre I enjoy

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Ska is awesome!

[@joneejonee]

Your story on your kid in The class brought a tear of joy to me. All of them singing in the class is beautiful.

[@stephenderry9488]

Baggy Trousers was probably their biggest UK hit at the time, the video (with the flying sax player) becoming an immediate cultural touchstone. It Must Be Love is their hit that has best stood the test of time and appeared on most movie soundtracks. But they are one of those bands where (in the UK at least) any average person could probably reel off about 10 of their hits - or at least hum them when asked!

[@mossygreen2790]

Ditto that. Don't forget that "pep" talk at the beginning of the video for "It must be love" & seeing Labi Siffre actually in the video as well. I remember his original version too!

[@stevenschofield3908]

Going to see Madness in December. They still fill big venues. Still a class act. Thanks for talking about them.

[@garymcbrearty5845]

Back before I became a rocker Madness was my 1 band above all others. One Step Beyond was the 1st album I bought with my own money, so Our House was several years into me following their career. Since '92 when they did the Madstock gig in a London park they have done many small UK tours, often outside gigs and it's also common place that they do 2 shows in a day where you get a matinee performance in the afternoon and an evening show at the same venue and they still ROCK

[@debbie4503]

I remember that song. My niece and nephews used to sing that constantly. I couldn't help but grin everytime I heard it.

[@davidbindert]

Our House may have been their biggest hit but somehow I remember hearing so much of their music throughout my youth in the 80’s. Madness, to me at least, is synonymous with growing up in the 80’s.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I feel the same way.

[@paulmartin6195]

Madness is unpretentious music at its best. Great band. Loved it a lot back in the eighties when I was in high school.

[@DG-uh8uv]

One Step Beyond is one of my absolute favorite songs. I remember a lot of their songs being played here in the states. Maybe it was just in New York.

[@starrbeach]

OMG! I love Madness. I was plastered to the TV whenever MTV played them. House of Fun, One Step Beyond, Our House and so many more. Such memories.

[@dkimuk]

I really don't love the title of the video but it's great to see one of our great bands getting a great tribute with your words. The whole Ska era of the late 70s/early 80s was such a great time in British Music. Lovely to see mentions of The Beat (one of my personal favourites), The Selecter and The Specials too. Terry Hall of the Specials passed away last year and it was so bittersweet to go over his amazing career. So many great songs. Also, my Mum and Dad first met in the Blue Angel so that was special for me too. My Dad was in the house band so he may even have backed Suggs's mum!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The Beat is one of my favorite British bands of this era.

[@dkimuk]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 massively underappreciated

[@johnbuyers8095]

Love that finale comment, your son needs the biggest hug👍👍👍👍

[@lindamcfarland9656]

Madness has one of my favorite early 80's songs and it's part of the era when I started developing my own tastes. Our House was fun and optimistic and that very much represented how I looked at the world so it was a natural fit for me 😊. I never knew much about the band and I'm really surprised to hear any of them had a criminal background ground, but the poor childhood makes a lot of sense and you can hear that aspect of their lives in the song. I grew up in poor to lower middle class in a large family and I had a blast as a kid. I always identifies with the picture this song painted.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

This song definitely says a lot about their childhoods!

[@sherrybirchall8677]

Thank you for featuring this group! I think I'll have to listen to all their songs.

[@vincentini1]

Fall of 1981 when I entered my sophomore year of high school, somehow, I heard the tape "Dance Craze" and to say it changed my life was an understatement. I ended up being the sound tech for a Ska band end of HS and first few years of college. This song was more of a "Madness went top 40" for me. Nothing wrong with that, it didn't speak to me like "Night Boat to Cairo", "Baggy Trousers" or "One Step Beyond." Was happy that this song got them a new audience in the US to discover their earlier songs and some of the other British Ska bands of the time (The Beat was at their peak when "Our House" came out). Great stuff as usual @ProfessorofRock!

[@Jonathan-rp8tq]

Huge fan since 1979! I remember seeing them live in 79 at the country club in Reseda, CA Wow, what a great show! It was so hot inside as everyone was slam dancing. Since my wife and I married we use the ring tone It must be love. I have their entire catalog and remixes. The new album Ces’t La Vie is coming out soon. There are many full live shows on KZbin for those who are interested. Thanks Adam for the featuring them.

[@robster7316]

Interesting how success in one country doesn't always translate to success in others. Cultural differences are a factor, but the early 80s were still dominated by local radio. MTV changed the game by offering broader exposure and in today's internet world, music can come from anywhere and take hold globally very quickly. Our House was certainly a catchy tune that deserved its due. Thanks, Adam!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Good call. Robbie Williams is an example...

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It is also much easier to make ‘music’ now than it was back then.

[@moodyblues1273]

@@ProfessorofRock I agree. I have been a fan of Robbie Williams for years but it's difficult to get his albums. I love his songs - 'Feel', 'Supreme', 'Road to Mandalay', 'Eternity', 'Come Undone'. Please do an interview with him, Professor.

[@roberste]

Thanks for this video. This song was among my favorites, whether heard on the radio or seeing the video. It still is an 80s favorite.

[@RJHart1214]

"The workingman's Pink Floyd" Interesting description but any band that could encompass the stylistic and conceptual range of Michael Caine, Embarrassment, Grey Day, House of Fun, and the wonderful Our House deserves the accolade. Thanks, Adam. Edit. Loved the story about your son, taste runs in the family! One more thing, the clip of the host introducing the band on the TV show Top of the Pops, split second tho it might be is a bit creepy. Look up "Jimmy Savile" or, better, don't you will be horrified. Just a head's up. 😯

[@mossygreen2790]

Yes, I recall another comparison to Pink Floyd, when Suggs said he wrote "baggy trousers" in response to Floyd's The Wall, & Roger Walters' morbid descriptions of school life! Sugg's thought, "well it wasnt that bad, we had laughs & good times", it wasnt doom & gloom like Roger's (posh) school days. So definitely, Madness were the blue collar, working class version of Pink Floyd! By the way, I love both bands. Have had the pleasure of seeing them play back in the day, along with so many other great bands & musicians.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That’s a pretty apt comparison!

[@michaellorenzen8200]

Baggy Trousers

[@michaellorenzen8200]

Baggy Trousers

[@christianmurray3579]

Thanks for bringing Madness...love them!

[@1oolabob]

Madness had a sound all their own and explored a lot of different parts of it. Ska was obviously a main basis of their music, but with a lot of originality. Also, they were as much punk as anything else, but with great musicianship and without being angry toward thier listeners. A thing that impresses me the most about Madness is that the song that was a U.S. hit for them wasn't a watered-down version of their sound. I liked Our House and when I found more of their music, it was still in the same style that drew me to them. That's artistic integrity as far as I know. And the madness of letting the music say "Yes, this is who we really are."

[@airingcupboard]

A history of mischief - a perfect phrase. Why I'm here. Quality storytelling.

[@rafmin73]

My first memory is watching their video for One Step Beyond. They were big in Mexico and had a lot of airplay. My dad bought their Greatest Hits record and it had so many cool songs. Later came Our House. I still have both records on my vinyl collection. Such a cool band!

[@danriordan719]

My favourite band. Saw them on a video 1979 doing one step beyond and it changed my life forever. Danny Riordan, Vancouver BC

[@seanchris8290]

A Madness concert caused two earthquakes in 1992 that saw residents evacuated. A Madness pop concert in the nearby Finsbury Park area of London.35,000 people turned up and when they started One Step Beyond they started jumping up and down in unison. And as it said there they had to evacuate flats.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Oof! 😮

[@smacwhinnie]

An earthquake is erupting down on Orange Street…

[@Bogie6588]

LOVE the story about your son! My son is also on the spectrum. What a treasure!!

[@jonesyboy69]

Another great video from you Adam. Loved Madness growing up. The album One Step Beyond is the first record I ever had and I still possess their first five studio albums. They were probably too British for the US market, which is probably why they didn’t have more hits?

[@leonardfairground5937]

So cool, that you GET IT. I was and still am a Madness fan from my school days in the early 80s and the story about your kid is adorable. I saw them a few years back at an arena in Sheffield and when that fog horn blasted the intro to Night Boat to Cairo the hairs stood up on my arms. I appreciate your appreciation. ❤

[@SpikeMatthews]

Madness got back together on a part-time basis in 1999, and have since recorded about as many studio LPs as before the split. Most of them are decent enough, but you'll really like The Liberty of Norton Folgate. If Rise and Fall was a semi-concept album, TLoNF is most definitely a full-on concept album. Also check out the track Drip Fed Fred - it's the very last single Ian Dury was on before his death. It's Charles Dickens meets music hall meets The Krays. Oh, and bold choice on the Top of the Pops clip, by the way - featuring Jimmy Saville is going to raise a few eyebrows.

[@gerrimilner9448]

i dont think our US cousins know who he is, luckely for them! i will certainaly check out thier new stuff

[@jimherbert007]

Another vote here for The Liberty of Norton Folgate. I ended up working in Norton Folgate about a year after buying the album 🤣

[@roberttruman8444]

I first went to see them in Finsbury Park when I was 16. Pre-internet, I didn’t know they had come together for this, their ‘Goodbye’ concert until a few weeks before and didn’t think I’d ever get to see them again so it felt all the more incredible. Anyway I saw them for my 30th (or possibly more) time in July. It’s hard to believe they’ve had more studio albums now I believe than they did pre-split/hiatus, and far more famous.

[@KevinJones-ye3vw]

Madness . The band i grew up listening to , and still do 40 years later , & love it ...

[@josephmythosian5432]

I moved to England with my family in 1980. As a teenager, My brother and I became the only two Americans in an English school. Luckily for me, my form mates embraced me and introduced me to everything great about Britain. The Absolutely album had just dropped and they made sure I heard it. The heavy accent on many of the songs was a challenge for me, but I couldn't deny the energy and craziness of the Nutty Boys. Of all of their hits, Our House is probably my least favorite. I get how it became a hit in America, but I've always been like "yeah, but have you heard this?" I've even recorded two parodies of 'One Step Beyond' myself. Knight them all, I say.

[@rolandowagner7775]

I hear you. I made a Madness playlist some years ago, 20+ songs and Our House was never even considered on my list. They have 30 better songs easy. Not a bad song, just no where near the rest of their songs.

[@DEVASRS]

Madness was my shelter in the 80's......love them for that

[@hambeastdelicioso1600]

I loved Madness in the 80s even though my ska heart belongs to The Specials. I was in the USAF back then and while stationed in Italy, a friend of mine introduced me to a bunch of UK bands and even made me a tape with mostly Madness and The Specials on it. I played that tape until it broke in the late 90s when the only place I could play it was in my car because I had no other cassette players anymore.

[@petewilson2314]

Loved the story of your son breaking out in song in the class and everyone joining in. Priceless!

[@knutfarbu984]

The Good News is: 44 years after One step beyond they will release a new album in november. Looking forward to new music from my old favorite band😊

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They’re still going!

[@marktait2371]

yeh same a local dj mentioned that sunday

[@DeExcidio]

Touring the UK in December as well. Should be great

[@TheMancMod01]

As an English man growing up in the late 70s and 80s, I loved listening to madness, and I have many fond memories of those times. I can especially relate to "our house" as i grew up in a large working class family. Thanks for bringing some of those memories back

[@Monitorreiniger]

My most beloved 80s band was "Talk Talk". I like their work. It is interesting that the sound gets more and more "reduced" from release to release but stays very interesting. Extremly influential bands form the 80s (till today) are "Pet Shop Boys" and "Depeche Mode".

[@fizzyridertoo]

I think Gwen Stefani's cover of "It's My Life" was nearly as good as the Talk Talk original.

[@erik_griswold]

⁠@@fizzyridertooSpeakimg of Madness and No Doubt… kzbin.info/www/bejne/oH2tpmiticemkKM

[@michaellorenzen8200]

other than the first record Talk Talk were in a universe all their own phenomenal band and a vocalist like no other Mark Hollis who packed it all in to be a father (respect and RIP)

[@OathTaker3]

I love Madness! I love their videos too! I can't believe they only had one hit in America especially since I'm from America & can name off at least a dozen songs that I thought were hits & absolutely were to me!🎷🎺

[@babygerald4645]

Madness! Thanks for this detailed history of this phenomenal band. I only discovered them too late, for all the reasons you mention. 'Our House' was just a taste of their talent and abilities and it was just barely on the radio just as my 10-year-old self was discovering music beyond what my parents listened to. Thanks to YT I've been able to pick up on their deep catalog via music videos that never aired on MTV. Like Simple Minds, A-ha, and OMD, their catalogue was criminally underexposed on this side of the Atlantic until college radio became a thing. I'm feeling that frequent compulsion after POR vids to seek out The Rise and Fall on permanent media. Any other recommendations from longtime Madness fans?

[@ryanreeves8931]

One Step Beyond debut is essential

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Early 80s British new wave, post punk, ska, and two-tone did not catch the attention of a lot of Americans. I’m glad we are changing that nowadays.

[@davidhinkson8856]

"Embarrassment", "Grey Day", "It Must be Love", "House of Fun" and "Baggy Trousers" about the school experience are some other great Madness songs.