Listen via: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | More platforms
In 1976, a couple of friends got together and formed a band. They called themselves the North London Invaders, but after a quick rethink of the brand, they changed their name to Madness, a reference to a Prince Buster song. Sixteen top 10 hits later, and the band is one of the most successful acts to come out of the two-tone era. this week in In defense of Ska, Madness' Suggs explores the band's journey, revisits stories from their past and dives into their 2023 album. Theater of the Absurd presents C'est la Vie. Listen above, or wherever you get your podcasts.
As a member of Madness, Suggs has had a litany of wild experiences, causing trouble and running into other rock stars (sometimes pissing them off to no end). From his meeting with Price Buster to his appearance in Saturday night liveFrom his smash hit “Our House” to hanging out with Clara Peller (of “Where's the Beef” fame), Suggs has no shortage of stories. Sometimes they have a happy ending and other times they end up with The Clash without speaking to Madness for half a decade.
“Once, we got these [police uniforms], and I discovered that The Clash were rehearsing around the corner,” he recalls. “So we kicked in the door and said, 'Nobody move, it's the pigs!' And all you could hear was the sound of doors closing and toilets flashing. And they never spoke to us for five fucking years.”
Listen to Suggs from Madness tells these stories and more about this episode of In defense of skaand be sure to like, review and follow series wherever you get your podcast. Madness is also preparing for its first US tour in 12 years; get tickets here.
Fans can also get early, ad-free episodes by joining the GONE Patreonand don't forget to check out all the Consequence Podcast Network series here. Additionally, you can support In defence host Aaron Carnes purchasing a copy of his book, In defense of ska. The second expanded edition. will be launched in October 2024.
thanks to our partners at consequence.net
