band make-up

The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Barson (Monsieur Barso) on keyboards and vocals, Chris Foreman (Chrissy Boy) on guitar and Lee Thompson (Kix) on saxophone and vocals.

They later recruited John Hasler on drums and Cathal Smyth (better known as Chas Smash) on bass guitar.

Later in the year, they were joined by lead vocalist Dikron Tulane.

This six-piece line-up lasted until part way through 1977, when Graham “Suggs” McPherson took over the lead vocals.

Dikron went on to be an actor under the name Dikran Tulaine.

Smyth, who left after an argument with Mike Barson, was replaced by Gavin Rodgers, Barson’s girlfriend’s brother.

Suggs was kicked out of the band for too often choosing to watch Chelsea instead of rehearsing and Thompson left after Barson criticised his saxophone playing.

By 1978, the band had allowed Suggs to return and Thompson came back after patching things up with Barson.

Daniel Woodgate (Woody) and Mark Bedford (Bedders) also joined the band, on drums, replacing Garry Dovey, and bass guitar, replacing Gavin Rodgers, respectively.

After briefly changing their name to Morris and the Minors, the band renamed itself as Madness in 1979.

Chas Smash later rejoined.