RIP: Jeff Baynes: Visionary Filmmaker And Photographer Of The Madness Universe
It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of another creative spirit from the world of Madness. Jeff Baynes, a visionary photographer and filmmaker, was an integral part of capturing the energy, humor, and unique character of the band, leaving behind a visual legacy that will endure for years to come.
The Donut That Spies On Fans
Recently, two new 12” vinyl bootlegs, titled “Rare Madness Vol. I” and “Rare Madness Vol. II,” have surfaced on the marketplace. These unofficial releases feature a mix of rare tracks, album cuts, B-sides, and singles from the 1979-1982 period. The bootlegs are being distributed by Nutty Business Italy and are currently available for purchase through Juno Records.
RIP: Andrew “Chalky” Chalk: A Friendship Cherished
Andrew “Chalky” Chalk, lifelong best friend and confidant of Suggs from Madness, was a pivotal figure in Suggs’ life, from childhood mischief to being his best man at his wedding. Known for his wit and loyalty, Chalky passed away on December 21, 2024, at 64, after a battle with terminal cancer. His enduring friendship with Suggs remains a testament to love and camaraderie.
Madness: Frilly Knickers and Rubber Stamps
Chris “Zoom Boy” Foreman’s decision to use a rubber stamp in place of his autograph on limited-edition Madness albums has sparked a backlash among devoted fans who feel cheated out of a promised personal touch. Intended to curb resales, the stamped autographs—often smudged—have left supporters disappointed, raising concerns over consumer rights and potentially risking Foreman’s reputation among the band’s long-standing followers.
Madness: Fight The Hands That Feed You
Madness, a band known for their criminal past, is hypocritical in accusing fans of theft. Their documented history includes breaking and entering, theft, and burglary, targeting laundromats, cinemas, and individuals. Despite their criminal actions, the band expresses annoyance at fan infringement, highlighting their hypocrisy. So we decided to take a serious and critical look at Madness, unwind the fairytale of their now-celebrated behaviour from song, film and book and return them to the reality of life and hold them to the same standards they hold us.
Madness: Work Rest and Play
In 1980 Madness reached an essential juncture by releasing their Work Rest and Play EP. This EP played a vital role in their rising popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s solidifying their position as a powerhouse in the music industry.
Madness: Don’t Quote Me On That
Let me transport you back to the early 1980s, a truly captivating era when Dont Quote Me On That existed in not just one but three compelling versions. History has concealed the knowledge of these mixes, leaving them shrouded in obscurity for over four decades.
Madness: Chrissy Boy interviewed on Talking to Mod
In this interview Chrissy Boy from Madness shares a wealth of information about his experiences in the band his upbringing in the 70s, his musical influences and the upcoming release of the new Madness album later this year.
Madness: Dave Robinson Co-Founder of Stiff Records
It is hard to imagine where we would be without Stiff Records. This label, founded by Dave Robinson and Jake Riviera in 1976, brought us some of the most iconic artists of our time, including Elvis Costello, Madness, Ian Dury, Graham Parker, the Damned, the Pogues, and Nick Lowe.
Madness: Missing Number as the Crosswords Nearly Done…
The Madness 1982 hit, Cardiac Arrest, boosted their UK chart presence. Two different sleeves exist for the 12-inch single, with a notable misprint on one. Fans and collectors have taken notice.
Madness: I Do Like To Be B-Side The A-Side
Fans of Madness had requested a vinyl release of their B-sides for two or more decades. In 2018, 2021, and 2023, Madness granted their wish and unleashed three compelling Limited Edition compilation albums entitled “I Do Like To Be B-Side The A-Side.”
Madness: Shut Up – Long, Short and Single
This song, Shut Up has a catchy opening chord that brings to mind The Beatles A Hard Days Night. As the song progresses, the piano joins in, creating a fun pub-pop sound. The inspiration for the song came from the issue of petty crime. Initially, the song was 10 minutes long but shortened to a more radio-friendly length.
Madness: Ladykillers Tour Review
Like everyone during that post-Covid period of weirdness last year, I was really looking forward to getting out and doing the things I loved again. Most of all, that meant going to gigs and out of those gigs, seeing Madness play live again was still the one that excited me the most.
Madness: One… Too… It’s… Madness
Well, it was 1990, and the fans were in the emotional moments of the madness break-up, having split four years earlier in 1986; with that Nutty Sound now passé and nothing new to be heard from Madness, we were just left with time and then like Jones… along came the Pickwick distribution deal and Virgin released the first “It’s… Madness” album.