Madness split! BBC morning TV Breakfast Time

[@GazBobtalks]

17 years old and i shed a few tears that day, but saw them at the comeback show in 1992 so all is well, finally got to meet Suggs on his solo tour a few years back.

[@7ourhouse]

I’ve been a fan since 1979.... they are and always will be part of my life. Was devastated when they decided to part ways although thankfully Suggs came back and did solo stuff. Best band ever .

[@declanmcdermott]

Although i knew it was over through the M.I.S mags I remember the announcement on radio that morning,, had to go home from work straight away, The first time that band made me cry like a baby, The second time..............August 8th 1992

[@Greatest1979]

Declan Mc Dermott Yes Madstock 1 was epic. I was there as well.

[@stevemorgan6366]

I wish ........... Been to a load, mut missed Madstock.

[@stevemorgan6366]

If they only knew MADNESS will tour for generations.

[@Putner]

I was working in a banana packing factory when I heard the news that Madness had split. Feels very apt now.

[@erinbardwell]

I was absolutely devastated that late afternoon / early evening in early Sept 1986 when I found out. I remember it so well. I was 13 and had just gone back to school after the holidays, and I was doing my homework in my room, and my dad came up to tell me that Madness had split. I felt like a part of me had been taken away. It was an awful feeling. But was so glad they put out Waiting For The Ghost Train and Utter Madness that autumn.

[@Putner]

Me too, Erin. I was absolutely gutted and sick of people saying they were a "kid's band' back then. They were our Beatles, our Kinks, our Slade! And we've been proved right!

[@erinbardwell]

In the 80s they were popular, but popularity can wain, and they probably needed a rest. They were very unique (which maybe wasn't realised at the time, but after a long while was) - a bit ahead of their time, and didn't conform to the music industry, and in the end EVERYONE realised their charm and modesty (which shows in this vid and other interviews) - and after all self mockery was in that mix, and is a classic winner, and went against that "rock big head" approach that still dominates the pop scene

[@stucook9587]

God I remember watching this live

[@ColinsCapers]

They never split up just put it all in a box on a shelf for a play with another day :)

[@Putner]

Colin? You were that soldier. x

[@briandavis8939]

Yeah you're right.

[@kevindoyle3664]

3:02 - The future band that Suggs spoke about were branded "The Madness". They were a quartet that comprised of himself, Chas Smash, Lee Thompson and Chris Foreman. Just one album they made before disbanding, due to lack of success.

[@bazza-e9t]

That makes sense. I was in hospital as a kid in 86 and remember reading a mag saying Madness were splitting. Didn't mean much to me back then, not as a fan at least. Divine Madness and Madstock changed all that.

[@bibolehabib]

They will never really split. Even in Paradise !

[@maddiebuyer84]

Holy Grail type video! Thank you

[@11matt11]

Love watching these videos. You learn something new each time. Wow, Suggs really did educate himself well over the 6 years. Anybody else notice his accent change? Great example to young people that education doesn't stop with schooling. No wonder why he became a better song writer. I used to be a little annoyed with Suggs accent in "My Girl", until I heard Mike speak. Suggs was just playing Mike in the song. Took me years to figure out. and how he gets into character for each song. What a brilliant band, top to bottom. Thanks for the video.

[@davidsanderson5918]

Presumably you've heard (or maybe also got) the demo version of My Girl with Mike singing. It's on one of the 12"s. Bloody funny.....so bad! Ha ha.

[@seanwallace396]

A couple of things, they are are still playing together till this day. They stood up against apartheid. I wish I could of hung out with them all back in the day, I'd of bought you all a pint.

[@Thorny5718]

Ahh remember it so well, i was in my teens & I was gutted when it happened, as were 1000’s of others. I always remember saving my pocket money to buy the Prince single in 79’. I was 9 hrs old 😂. When they spilt that was the excuse to get my Madness M tattoo done, it didn’t best please my old Dad though, I got a good hiding when I got home 😂

[@dskywalker3397]

Having a major hit, “Our House,” did seem to change things for the group. Barson taking some time off was a big change as well. Still, all they needed was some time away. Fortunately, they did return as their back catalog was so strong that they could tour for an infinite amount of time.

[@GazBobtalks]

Suggs looks like a kid here.

[@Omegaman69]

Times were so hard in 1986 that chairs were truly scarce and TV presenters had holes in their sweats and weren't afraid to show them off.

[@davidsanderson5918]

I'm amazed how little Chris holds back here. It may be semi-jokey...but still!! "Downhill" after 1981, woww!!

[@ZeldaFitz]

I would say 1983 was the bands peak.

[@ytgibbo]

@@ZeldaFitz Yes. I think 7 and The Rise and Fall are my favourite albums.

[@tarantulagirl]

Barso and Chas Smash! Both gorgeous and Barson still looks hot at 58.

[@eamonnquigley2125]

what split it lasted about 12 months they just couldnt do without each other.....................somethings where meant to be................what split

[@MarmaladeStex]

Thank God it was just an Hiatus!.

[@rickdaniels1789]

Did someone tell Steve "Right, when I say "action", you begin reading the card, and also-walk towards the camera taking giant steps. Then, when you hit this mark, have a sit down".

[@briandavis8939]

You know what I'd like to know Why they sitting on the floor getting interviewed like kids.

[@strachansdroneservices4870]

They never really split as splits go. But wings of a dove, ghost train etc was a slippery slope and the music had changed hugely. I remembe rthe split was devastated but the music had gone off the boil. Ironically their new stuff is good. Mr Apples etc. I have enjoyed it. Still great band to see live ;)

[@andrewmoylan2077]

Yes but lucky for us they keep re_forning

[@davidwhiting5630]

Not selling records, and the label will drop them. That's why they broke up.

[@mikekaraoke]

It was 20 top 20 hits Steve not 17 LMAO