AMC UK Sets Premiere for Before We Was We: Madness by Madness

AMC UK is set to launch Before We Was We: Madness by Madness, a three-part original docuseries that chronicles the rise of the British band Madness.

The docuseries traces the humble beginnings of the band that would go on to set the record for the biggest audience ever for the BBC’s live New Year’s Eve broadcast and perform on top of Buckingham Palace as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations. Throughout their career, Madness has had ten U.K. top-ten albums, 15 top-ten singles and have won a multitude of awards. Before We Was We: Madness by Madness is set to premiere on May 1 exclusively on AMC and on demand via BT TV.

Before We Was We: Madness by Madness was adapted from the band biography of the same name. The series will feature original footage and interviews with band members past and present, including Chris Foreman, Mike “Barso” Barson, Lee “Thommo” Thompson, Graham “Suggs” McPherson, Daniel “Woody” Woodgate, Mark “Bedders” Bedford and Carl “Chas Smash” Smyth. It will offer insight into a post-war Britain, alongside the band’s rise to the top of the charts, pop fame and fortune against the backdrop of the ska, punk and new wave revolution.

Suggs said: “I don’t remember ever thinking about whether it was going to last. You see this polished Madness that’s been going for years and people would think, ‘course you knew.’ But I didn’t have a clue. I wasn’t taking it the slightest bit serious. That’s why I got thrown out of the band at the start because I just thought it was a laugh and just something to do—hanging out with pretty cool geezers. The idea that I was ever going to make a career out of it was totally beyond my comprehension.”

Siena Pakington, content director for BT and EE, said: “Madness are an iconic British band with a huge dedicated following, so we’re delighted to be bringing this docuseries exclusively to our BT TV customers. Today’s announcement, alongside our wider offering and flexible TV packages, demonstrates how BT TV is the destination for customers wanting easy access to the best TV, film and sport content.”

Kevin Dickie, executive VP and managing director for AMC Networks International—UK, said: “Before We Was We: Madness by Madness offers fascinating insight into a very different London of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s that shaped one of Britain’s most iconic bands. It’s a testament to AMC’s commitment to developing content that resonates with our U.K. audiences.”