Based in Camden Town, Madness developed a cheeky punk style based around upbeat
London characterisations of classic ska and bluebeat, which not only made them
one of the biggest and most enduring British bands of the late 1970s and early
1980s but continues to see them held in affection well into the 2020s.
Originally known as The North London Invaders, they re-named themselves Madness
after the title of a Prince Buster track, and their first ska-flavoured single
"The Prince" was also a homage to the reggae icon. Their debut album, One Step
Beyond... peaked at number two on the U...