Mad 2 Tone roots

Madness M logo T

Madness is a bit of fringe band, or dare we say a novelty, in North America. But in the UK they’re an institution. In 1979, Madness and 2 Tone label mates the Specials, the Selector and the English Beat reinvented ska by infusing it with a healthy dose of punk. Of all the 2 Tone bands, Madness were the ones who were able, and had the desire, to appeal one step beyond ska. Did you see what we did there? Madness is also the only band of the lot who are touring with the original line up after all these years. Which is pretty amazing when you think that the line up has 7 members.

The band’s 2 Tone roots can be seen in the M logo T. The feet forming the M is all 2 Tone. Along with news of a summer open-air tour in the UK, new Madness merch has dropped on madness.co.uk. You’ll find Ts, hoodies, hats and beer. That’s right beer. Hey with everybody stealing music a band’s gotta find ways to supplement their  income.

It’s going to be a big summer for 2 Tone alumni. Both the Specials and the Selector are hitting the road this year in forms that vaguely resemble their original selves. The Grandslam Madness open air tour runs from May 29 to September 26. So as Mr. Turner suggests, ‘Get on you dancing shoes.’