Formed in the heyday of punk, Madness were true originals who mixed ska and reggae rhythms with social comment and music hall humour to become a British group like no other.

Their appeal endures to this day, Madness' latter-day concerts having become fun-packed celebrations of one of the best-loved songbooks in British pop.

Like most bands Madness had their trials and tribulations, including band disputes, accusations of racism and an eventual split. But by then they had become a unique part of British pop history. John Reed tells their colourful story with a perceptive industry eye and the help of insights from many insiders and colleagues of the band.