Hit Parade: Madness Celebrates 45 Years with New Album, Reflects on Journey & Concerns for New BandsMadness, the iconic North London ska band, is marking their forty-five-year music journey with a new collection called Hit Parade, featuring forty-five tracks from their career. The album, set to release on November twenty-first, includes twenty-seven top forty hits like It Must Be Love and their number one single, House of Fun.Frontman Suggs explained that Hit Parade is a playful nod to old music charts, chosen instead of a generic Greatest Hits title. He shared that the band has been enjoying a fantastic few years, even scoring a number one album recently. This collection is their way of having a big celebration of their journey and all their accomplishments.Suggs reflected on their unique beginnings, describing Madness as standing apart from the serious crowd, much like a quirky parade. He feels their music transcends trends, always sounding distinctly like Madness, whether its calypso, jazz, or ska. He believes this unique quality is a big part of their lasting appeal.However, Suggs also expressed concern for new bands today, noting how difficult it is to get started. He remembers a time when Camden Town had many pubs offering gigs, a stark contrast to the few available now. He doubts a band like Madness, with six or seven members, would make it past the first round of modern talent shows. He hopes that initiatives to protect grassroots venues will help future artists.Despite the challenges, Madness continues to thrive. Suggs mentioned their recent intimate gigs and the upcoming tour, promising some theatrical elements and audience participation. He humorously noted that the band isnt allowed to retire, and hes grateful that after forty-five years, theyre still performing and fans are still showing up.

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