Madness have been well served by compilation albums in the past. Their 1982 release ‘Complete Madness’ brought together a complete run of the band’s hits up to that point, making ‘House of Fun’ and the single version of ‘Return of The Las Palmas 7’ (with extra sax during the final section) available on a full length release for the first time, and also threw in a random b-side ‘In The City’ for good measure. The later ‘Divine Madness’ was a little more purist in its approach, but gave pride of place to the later hits ‘Michael Caine’, ‘The Sun & The Rain’, ‘Wings of A Dove’ and ‘One Better Day’, showing how much the Camden Nutty Boys had matured as musicians and songwriters in the short time since the release of ‘Complete Madness’ and the band’s split just a few years later.
On November 21st, another Madness retrospective is set to hit the shelves. ‘Hit Parade’ – available on a variety of formats – but perhaps at its most accessible on a comprehensive 2CD set – brings together all of the band’s hits to date, from 1979 to the present. This, of course, provides an opportunity to shine a light upon more recent, critically acclaimed works from ‘The Liberty of Norton Folgate’ and 2023’s ‘Theatre of The Absurd Presents C’est La Vie’.
Although the release contains no unreleased nuggets, a few tracks from the full selection are represented by their original 7” edits. At the time of the first announcement, it is not yet known whether the original 7” version of ‘House of Fun’ will be present – recognisable due to its hard, piano ending as opposed to the more widely circulated “fade” – or the original single version of ‘…Las Palmas 7’ (as per ‘Complete Madness’, with extra sax during the final bars) will be featured.
Full details of the release, along with a list of formats, can be found below.
Madness will also hit the road in December. All confirmed dates can be found at the bottom of the press release.
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OUT 21ST NOVEMBER 2025 – PRE ORDER HERE
1st October – Camden, London: With 15 UK Top 10 singles, global smashes including Our House, and unforgettable appearances everywhere from Top of the Pops to the roof of Buckingham Palace, Madness remain the original Nutty Boys of Camden. The band who became a British institution and soundtracked a nation, have today announced their return with new album ‘Hit Parade’, a journey through the band’s greatest hits. Out on 21st November via West Village Music Management. Pre order here.
Formed in North London, Madness have grown into one of Britain’s most successful and best-loved bands, selling millions of records worldwide and inspiring generations of artists. More than four decades on, their music, spirit, and style are woven into the fabric of British culture.
Hit Parade celebrates that remarkable legacy, a career-spanning anthology, the band have chosen 45 singles from 45 years from 1979 through to 2024, capturing every era of their story. The collection features 27 Top 40 hits, including the timeless It Must Be Love, the cheeky chaos of Baggy Trousers, the anthemic Lovestruck, and their chart-topping No.1 House of Fun.
Talking about the album, Madness said: “From the early days to the latest tracks… we’ve packed up the lot and brought them all together in ‘Hit Parade’. It’s a proper nutty collection of our biggest and best. Press play, turn it up, and enjoy the ride.”
Fans will be spoiled for choice with a wide range of special formats. The line-up includes a 45-track 2CD set (available in both standard and exclusive HMV artwork editions), plus two stunning 2LP volumes: Volume 1 (1979–1986) on translucent red vinyl and Volume 2 (1992–2024) on translucent blue. Vinyl enthusiasts can also look forward to the deluxe 4LP box set, with an exclusive Townsend edition featuring a bonus 7″ single of Bed & Breakfast Man and Madness (The Singles That Never Were).
Highlights from across the decades are further showcased on curated 15-track 1LP editions, available in a range of exclusive coloured vinyl variants as well as a striking picture disc. For collectors in the US, a special opaque silver LP for Black Friday adds something truly unique, featuring rare live recordings and standout cover versions.
Hit Parade is a must-have celebration of one of the most iconic bands of all time, bringing together their best-loved hits alongside gems from every stage of their story.
Hit Parade also includes a treasure trove of rarities and first-time appearances, making it a must-have for collectors and completists. Fans can look forward to a number of firsts, including Drip Fed Fred (The Conspiracy Mix), Sorry (Radio Edit), Forever Young (Melt Music Radio Edit) and Mr. Apples (Toerag Mix) all appearing on a compilation and vinyl for the very first time. In addition, Bullingdon Boys and Round We Go (Single Version) are making their debut not only on a compilation and vinyl, but also on CD. These rare versions and mixes offer a fresh way to experience some of Madness’s later-era gems alongside their classic hits.
Madness released their latest record ‘Theatre Of The Absurd Presents C’est La Vie’ in 2023, which soared triumphantly to claim the band’s first ever No.1 studio album in their 45 year career. The band have had one no.1 UK Official Charts album, two no.1 compilation albums, 10 UK top ten albums, 15 top ten singles and have won a multitude of awards including a prestigious Ivor Novello. They’ve performed on the top of Buckingham Palace as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations and set the record for the biggest ever audience for the BBC’s Live New Year’s Eve Broadcast – the most watched TV music event of 2018.
Madness will take the record on the road in December for their ‘Hit Parade’ UK arena tour. Kicking things off at Sheffield Utilita Arena on 4th December the Nutty Boys will perform thirteen dates across the country, culminating with a special hometown show at London’s The O2 on Saturday 20th December. Madness will also be joined by very special guest Squeeze. Tickets are available from https://www.madness.co.
RELEASE FORMATS:
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Hit Parade – 2CD (Standard Version)
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Hit Parade – 2CD (HMV Exclusive artwork) – O-card with exclusive artwork
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Hit Parade – Volume 1 1979–1986. 2LP – Translucent red vinyl, gatefold sleeve
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Hit Parade – Volume 2 1992–2024. 2LP – Translucent blue vinyl, gatefold sleeve
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Hit Parade – 4LP – Contains both red and blue 2LP sets
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Hit Parade – 4LP + bonus 7” single (Exclusive to Townsend) – Includes Bed & Breakfast Man / Madness (The Singles That Never Were)
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Hit Parade – 1LP (Standard Black Vinyl)
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Hit Parade – 1LP (HMV Exclusive Ultra Clear vinyl)
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Hit Parade – 1LP (Amazon Exclusive Opaque Gold vinyl)
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Hit Parade – 1LP (Exclusive TBC Translucent Yellow vinyl)
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Hit Parade – 1LP Picture Disc (Exclusive to Townsend)
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Hit Parade – 1LP (US Black Friday Exclusive Opaque Silver vinyl)
TRACK LISTINGS:
CD1 : 1979 – 1986 / Also 2LP Hit Parade Volume 1 1979-1986
23 tracks:
The Prince
One Step Beyond
My Girl
Night Boat To Cairo
Baggy Trousers
Embarrassment
The Return Of The Los Palmas 7
Grey Day
Shut Up *
It Must Be Love
Cardiac Arrest
House Of Fun
Driving In My Car
Our House
Tomorrow’s Just Another Day
Wings Of A Dove
The Sun And The Rain
Michael Caine
One Better Day
Yesterday’s Men *
Uncle Sam *
Sweetest Girl *
(Waiting For) The Ghost Train
CD2 : 1992 -2024 / / Also 2LP Hit Parade Volume 1 1979-1986
22 tracks:
The Harder They Come *
Lovestruck
Johnny the Horse
Drip Fed Fred *
Shame and Scandal
Girl Why Don’t You
Sorry *
NW5 *
Dust Devil
Sugar and Spice
Forever Young *
My Girl 2
Never Knew Your Name
How Can I Tell You
Misery
La Luna
Mr.Apples *
Can’t Touch Us Now
Bullingdon Boys
C’est La Vie
Baby Burglar
Round We Go
(Note: *= single edit/mix)
1LP
Baggy Trousers
Our House
It Must Be Love
One Step Beyond
House Of Fun
Night Boat To Cairo
My Girl
Embarrassment
Wings Of A Dove
Mr.Apples *
Michael Caine
Driving In My Car
Never Knew Your Name
Lovestruck
NW5 *
TOUR DATES:
December
Thu 4 Sheffield Utilita Arena
Fri 5 Manchester AO Arena
Sat 6 Glasgow OVO Hydro
Sun 7 Aberdeen P&J Live
Tue 9 Newcastle Utilita Arena
Wed 10 Liverpool M&S Bank Arena
Fri 12 Leeds First Direct Arena
Sat 13 Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
Sun 14 Brighton Centre
Tue 16 Bournemouth International Centre
Thu 18 Cardiff Utilita Arena
Fri 19 Birmingham Utilita Arena
Sat 20 London The O2