One Step Beyond by Madness

Album: One Step Beyond (1979)

Charted: 7

Get the Sheet Music License This Song

This was originally recorded by Jamaican Ska singer Prince Buster as the b-side for his 1967 single "Al Capone." Having recorded another Prince Buster tune "The Prince," for their debut single, Madness covered this as their follow-up. The Nutty Boys even named themselves after a Buster song, "Madness."
Whilst Buster's original version was in the main instrumental, apart from the song title being shouted for a few times, Madness' rendition featured a spoken intro by the band's MC, Chas Smith.
In this song's music video the band unveiled their Nutty Train dance. The live performance was shot at the North London pub, The Hope & Anchor.
Frontman Suggs recalled to The Daily Mirror September 18, 2009: "We used to play the Hawaii 5-0 theme as a novelty cover version to start our shows. When we got bored we did this track instead, but the original recording was only 45 seconds long. We didn't even think it would get on the album. Our record company boss heard it and got our producers to loop it. We still start every gig with it. We've tried other songs but that's the one we always come back to. Cathal's introduction is a clarion call."

Please sign in or register to post comments.

Comments: 2

Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn April 19, 1980, Madness performed "One Step Beyond" on the Dick Clark ABC-TV Saturday-afternoon program, 'American Bandstand'...
The song reached #76 on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play chart...
In the group's native England it peaked at #7 {for 1 week} on December 2nd, 1979 on the United Kingdom's Singles chart.
Robin from Seattle, WaSeattle-based rock/ska/reggae band MOON used to close their sets with their version of Madness' version of 'One Step Beyond.' The song appears on their 2010 EP The MOON Ep and can be seen on YouTube here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Fnezdn6Diw

see more comments

John ParrSongwriter Interviews

John tells the "St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion)" story and explains why he disappeared for so long.

The 10 Bands Most Like Spinal TapSong Writing

Based on criteria like girlfriend tension, stage mishaps and drummer turnover, these are the 10 bands most like Spinal Tap.

Tommy JamesSongwriter Interviews

"Mony Mony." "Crimson and Clover." "Draggin' The Line." The hits kept coming for Tommy James, and in a plot line fit for a movie, his record company was controlled by the mafia.

Maria MuldaurSongwriter Interviews

The "Midnight At The Oasis" singer is an Old Time gal. She talks about her jug band beginnings and shares a Dylan story.

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.