Madhouse (song)

For other uses, see Madhouse (disambiguation).

"Madhouse"
Single by Anthrax
from the album Spreading the Disease
B-side	"A.I.R., God Save the Queen"
Released	October 7, 1985
Recorded	1985
Genre	Thrash metal [1]
Length	4:19
Label	Megaforce, Island
Songwriter(s)	Joey Belladonna Dan Spitz Scott Ian Frank Bello Charlie Benante
Producer(s)	Carl Canedy Anthrax
Anthrax singles chronology
"Soldiers of Metal" (1984) "Madhouse" (1985) "Armed and Dangerous" (1986)
Music video
"Madhouse" on YouTube

"Madhouse" is a song by American thrash metal band Anthrax, released in 1985 on Megaforce Records and Island Records.

Background

"Madhouse" was released as the only single and third track from the group's second full album, Spreading the Disease . The song is written in an up-tempo time signature, with heavy distorted guitar riffs. The song is about going insane. ^[2]

It has become a staple of live concerts, and has also appeared on Anthrax's "best of" album, Anthrology: No Hit Wonders (1985–1991) . In 2009, the track was named the 46th best hard rock song of all time by VH1.

The 12" vinyl features a cover version of the Sex Pistols song "God Save the Queen".

Music video

A music video was produced, which features the band performing in an insane asylum with several mental patients moving along to the tune.

Appearances

• This song is featured in the 2002 video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City . It is featured on the in-game radio station "V-Rock".
• A cover version of this song was included in the 2006 rhythm game Guitar Hero II .
• This song was featured in an episode of the MTV series Nitro Circus .
• A live version of this song was available as downloadable content for the Rock Band series of rhythm games.
• This song is mentioned in the Stephen King short story Finn , first published in 2022. ^[3]

Covers

• The heavy metal band Pantera played the song live in their set in 1986-88
• Canadian thrash metal band Mortillery included a cover of the song as a bonus track on their 2013 album Origin of Extinction.

Personnel

• Joey Belladonna – lead vocals
• Dan Spitz – lead guitar, backing vocals
• Scott Ian – rhythm guitar, lead guitar (intro), backing vocals
• Frank Bello – bass, backing vocals
• Charlie Benante – drums

References

1. "Fan Poll: 5 Best Anthrax Songs". Revolver. July 21, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
2. Jamieson, Don (July 31, 2015). "Top 10 Songs About Going Crazy". Loudwire. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
3. "ANTHRAX's 'Madhouse' Gets A Mention In New STEPHEN KING Book". blabbermouth.net. Retrieved July 2, 2024.