" The Ghost-Train" is a one-off single by Madness

Madness (band)

In 1979, the band recorded the Lee Thompson composition "The Prince". The song, like the band's name, paid homage to their idol, Prince Buster. The song was released through 2 Tone Records, the label of The Specials founder Jerry Dammers. The song was a surprise hit, peaking in the UK music charts...

. Released in 1986 shortly after the band announced it was to split, it was their last recording of original material until they officially reformed in 1992. It spent nine weeks in the UK charts, peaking at number 18.

The song was written by Suggs

Suggs (singer)

Graham McPherson , better known as Suggs, is an English singer, actor, former radio DJ, TV personality, and most famous as the frontman of the band Madness.-Early life:...

 about apartheid in South Africa

South Africa

The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...

 with its chorus going "It's black and white, don't try to hide it." Mike Barson

Mike Barson

Michael "Mike" Barson is a British musician, best known as a founding member and keyboardist of the second wave ska band, Madness.-Biography:...

reunited with other members of the band to record this song, although he did not appear in the music video.

An alternate version was recorded specifically for the Madness fan club M.I.S., with farewells and thanks from each member of the band (minus Barson) near the end of the song.

Track listing

• 7" single

1. "(Waiting For) The Ghost-Train" - 3:45
2. "Maybe In Another Life" - 3:00

• 12" single

1. "(Waiting For) The Ghost-Train" - 3:45
2. "Maybe In Another Life" - 3:00
3. "Seven Year Scratch" - 8:39

External links

• discogs.com for artist discography