Esteemed U.K. ska act Madness has signed with V2, which is eyeing a July 19 North American release for an as-yet-untitled new album from the original lineup of the group. Although details are scant at deadline, the set is tipped to consist of ska, punk and reggae covers the band performed last summer when it toured as the Dangermen.
However, since the sessions began, original member Chris Foreman has exited Madness, citing "the petty, time consuming bollocks that goes on in the band" in a statement announcing his departure.
Madness will press on with a series of U.K. live dates sponsored by the Forestry Commission, beginning June 11 at Thetford Forest in Suffolk. Plans are in the works for the group to tour North America in the fall, but dates are not yet confirmed.
Madness is best known for its 1983 hit "Our House," which reached No. 7 on Billboard's pop singles chart. The band's influence has been significant in the ensuing years, particularly on such acts as the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and No Doubt.
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