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{{Short description|English singer-songwriter}}
{{unreferenced|article|date=June 2007}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2016}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| image = Madness (band) 2008.06.20 006.jpg
| landscape = yes
| alt = Smash standing onstage, playing a trumpet
| caption = Smash performing live in 2009
| birth_name = Cathal Joseph Smyth
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1959|1|14}}
| birth_place = ], ], England<ref>{{cite web |url= http://search.findmypast.co.uk/results/world-records/england-and-wales-births-1837-2006?firstname=cathal&lastname=smyth&eventyear=1959&eventyear_offset=2 |title=Results for England & Wales Births 1837–2006 |work=search.findmypast.co.uk |year=2015|access-date=2 June 2015}}</ref>
| genre = {{hlist|]|]|]}} ]
| occupation = {{hlist|Singer-songwriter|multi-instrumentalist}}<!--Please do not add to this list without first discussing your proposal on the talk page. -->
| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|trumpet|bass}}<!--- If you think an instrument should be listed or removed, a discussion to reach consensus is needed first per: https://en.wikipedia.org/Template:Infobox_musical_artist#instrument--->
| years_active = 1978–present
| label = Rolled Gold
| associated_acts = ]
}}


'''Cathal Joseph''' "'''Carl'''" '''Smyth''' (born 14 January 1959), also known as '''Chas Smash''', is an English singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He was the secondary vocalist, trumpet player and dancer for the English band ] from their inception in the late 1970s until 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url={{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p4819/biography|pure_url=yes}} |title=Biography: Madness |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |website=] |access-date=27 May 2010}}</ref>
'''Carl Smyth''', also known as '''Chas Smash''' (born Cathal Joseph Patrick Smyth, ] ], in ], ], ]), is an ] musician, best known as a ] and ] in the ] ]/] band ]. He also plays ], ] and various ]. He also occasionally performs ].


In addition to trumpet, Smyth plays the ] (having initially joined Madness as a bassist), ] and various ]s. He performs lead vocals on some Madness tracks, such as "]", "]", "]" and "]". Initially an occasional ], he became a more frequent contributor and was credited as co-writer on the band's international hit "]".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jun06/articles/classictracks_0606.htm |first=Richard |last=Buskin |title=Classic Tracks: 'Our House' by Madness |work=] |date=June 2006 |access-date=2 June 2015}}</ref>
In late 1979, Smyth became the last of the seven original Madness members to join the band. Prior to that he was a friend of the band members and danced onstage at concerts. After Madness broke up in 1986, he formed a new shortlinved band, The Madness, with ] (Suggs), ] and ]. In the early 1990s, Smyth became an executive for ] and was responsible for reforming the original Madness in 1992 for Madstock. During the late 1980s, he became good friends with former ]' vocalist ], who once asked him to be his manager. Smyth declined, claiming "I didn't fancy having to iron his socks". He provided backing vocals on Morrissey's version of ]'s "]". Smyth had a small part in Suggs' solo career, co-writing the song "Green Eyes" and appearing in the video for "]". Smyth led the folk-influenced band Velvet Ghost, which was most active in the early 2000.


==Early years==
⚫ In 2002, Smyth started up his own ], RGR Music, at an office in ]. He released a debut single, "We're Coming Over", with The England Supporters Band (billed as Mr. Smash & Friends), and it reached #74 in the ]. RGR released an album and three singles by ] ], ]. The label also released material by dance and rap artists ] and ], but none of the releases charted. In 2004, after briefly moving his office to ], Smyth closed RGR and started to concentrate more on his Madness projects. In summer 2006, Madness toured Europe and Japan in support of ''].'' Following those tours, Madness began recording their first original album since 1999's '']''. Smyth currently lives in ] with his family.
Cathal Joseph Smyth was born on 14 January 1959, in ], ], London, England, and grew up in ]. As a child he went by the name of Carl. His parents were Irish immigrants. His father worked in the oil business and moved the family from Ireland to England, then to the Middle East because of his work. Smyth has said he was bullied at school in both Northern Ireland and London.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/madness-star-cathal-smyths-misery-over-childhood-bullying-in-coleraine-38608481.html|title = Madness star Cathal Smyth's misery over childhood bullying in Coleraine|newspaper = Belfasttelegraph}}</ref> The Smyths were competitive Irish dancers, and Cathal grew up around dance, but never took much of an interest until he began to dance as a performer.<ref name=Ska>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bUba45txcJ8C&q=chas+smash+born&pg=PA155|title=Ska: An Oral History|author=Augustyn, Heather|date=2010|publisher=McFarland |isbn=9780786461974}}</ref>

In 1976, the ] recruited Smyth to play the bass guitar with them when he was 17, but he was replaced the following year by Gavin Rogers. During the late 1970s, he returned to the band - which by this time had been renamed Madness - and performed as a dancer on stage at their concerts.

==Music career==
{{Main|Madness (band)}}
In 1980, Smyth became the last of the seven original Madness members to join the band. He soon moved on to playing other instruments instead of bass.<ref name=Ska /> After Madness broke up in 1986, he formed a new short-lived band ] in 1988 along with ], ] and ].<ref name="theguardian.com">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/may/17/madness-new-album-norton-folegate-liberty |first=Simon |last=Garfield |title=Madness has released a new concept album about London and it may be their masterpiece |newspaper=The Guardian |date=17 May 2009 |access-date=2 June 2015}}</ref>

In 1990, Smyth became an executive for ], where, at his suggestion, the label signed ]. He was also responsible for reforming Madness in 1992 for ], and left Go! Discs to reform the band.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.seetickets.com/news/cathal-smyth-aka-chas-from-/1548|title=Cathal Smyth aka Chas from Madness |work=See Tickets |date=11 September 2014 |access-date=2 June 2015}}</ref> In 1989/1990, he became friends with former Smiths singer ], who had once asked him to be his ]. Smyth declined, claiming "I didn't fancy having to iron his socks."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://madness7.comuv.com/bio_chas.html |title=Chas Smash |work=Camden Town, Home of Madness |access-date=2 June 2015}}</ref> Smyth introduced Morrissey to ], who went on to work with him from 1991 onwards.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://true-to-you.net/questions_with_answers_from_morrissey |title=Questions with answers from Morrissey |work=True To You |date=19 June 2007 |access-date=2 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626114539/http://true-to-you.net/questions_with_answers_from_morrissey |archive-date=26 June 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Cathal is also the subject of the 1992 Morrissey single, "]".<ref>{{cite book|last=Goddard |first=Simon |title=Mozipedia: The Encyclopedia of Morrissey and The Smiths |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O3pEsVdZWUoC&q=youre+the+one+for+me+fatty+carl+smyth&pg=PA507 |access-date=2 June 2015 |date=6 September 2012 |publisher=Ebury |isbn=978-0-09-192710-3 |page=507}}</ref>

He also provided backing vocals on Morrissey's version of ]'s "]".<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.discogs.com/Morrissey-Sing-Your-Life/release/573163 |title=Morrissey – Sing Your Life |publisher=discogs |year=2015 |access-date=2 June 2015}}</ref> Cathal also had a small part in Suggs' solo career, co-writing the song "Green Eyes,"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-lone-ranger-mw0000463580 |title=The Lone Ranger – Graham "Suggs" McPherson |first=Evan |last=Cater |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=2 June 2015}}</ref> and he also performed backing vocals on '']'' album. In 1999, Smyth formed and fronted the ]-influenced band The Velvet Ghost, which played at the ] festival in 2000.

⚫ In 2002, Smyth started his own ], Rolled Gold Records (RGR Music), at an office in ]. He released a debut single, "We're Coming Over", with The England Supporters Band (billed as Mr. Smash & Friends) and it reached number 67 in the ]. RGR released an album and three singles by London rapper, ]. The label also released material by dance and rap artists Autamata and Border Crossing.<ref>{{citation |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jgk9BAAAQBAJ&q=cathal+smyth+closed+rgr&pg=PT426|title=House of Fun: The Story of Madness|author=Reed, John|date=2014|publisher=Omnibus Press |isbn=9781783233342|access-date=12 September 2015}}</ref> In 2004, after briefly moving his office to ], he closed RGR.

In 2009, Madness released their first album of new material in ten years, '']''. At the time, Smyth was rumoured to be working on several solo projects, including a dubstep album, according to '']''. In 2012 Madness followed up "Norton Folgate" with '']''.

Smyth announced that he was leaving Madness in October 2014. His departure was characterized at the time as a break to concentrate on his solo career and not necessarily a permanent departure, but he has not rejoined the band.

Smyth's debut solo album, '']'', was released in May 2015 and reached No. 68 in the ].<ref name=guardian2014/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qthemusic.com/9873/listen-to-cathal-smyths-a-comfortable-man-plus-read-his-guide-to-the-record/ |title=Listen to Cathal Smyth's A Comfortable Man – plus read his guide to the album |work=Q |date=6 May 2015 |access-date=12 September 2015}}</ref> In 2016, Madness released '']'', the first Madness album since '']'', to be recorded without Smyth being credited as a member of the band.

==Personal life==
Smyth became a ] in 1994.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://zani.co.uk/archive/music-archive/item/343-carl-smyth-of-madness-talks-to-zani |title = Carl Smyth of Madness Talks to ZANI |publisher = Zani.co.uk |access-date = 18 November 2018 }}</ref>

After being a couple since their teen years, Smyth and his wife of 28 years, Joanna Brown, separated in 2005.<ref name=guardian2014/> He has three grown-up children from the marriage: Caspar, Milo, and ]. He appeared with Eloise at the 2012 ] ceremony.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.contactmusic.com/pictures/79487898/chas-smash-from-madness-with-his-daughter-the-q-awards-2012-held-at_4138554 |title=Chas Smash from Madness with his daughter |publisher=Contactmusic.com |date=22 October 2012 |access-date=2 June 2015}}</ref>

After his marriage ended, Smyth started to practise ].<ref name=guardian2014>{{cite news |last=Duerden |first=Nick |title=Chas Smash: After the madness, going solo |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/oct/04/chas-smash-after-the-madness-going-solo |newspaper=] |access-date=24 October 2014 |date=4 October 2014}}</ref> He also spent time in rehab in Arizona,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.irishpost.com/entertainment/ten-minutes-with-cathal-smyth-of-madness-50821|title=Ten minutes with… Cathal Smyth of Madness|newspaper=]|access-date=20 May 2020}}</ref> and moved to Ibiza in 2008.<ref name="theguardian.com"/><ref name=guardian2014/>

==Solo discography==
{{For|Smash's albums and singles with Madness, The Madness and The Fink Brothers|Madness discography}}

'''Studio albums'''
*'']'' (2015)

==References==
{{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
*{{discogs artist}}
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*{{Allmusic|class=artist|id=mn0000085078|title=Chas Smash|access-date=7 May 2016}}
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{{Madness}} {{Madness}}


{{Authority control}}
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Latest revision as of 11:47, 20 December 2024

English singer-songwriter

Chas Smash
Smash standing onstage, playing a trumpetSmash performing live in 2009
Background information
Birth nameCathal Joseph Smyth
Born (1959-01-14) 14 January 1959 (age 65)
Fitzrovia, London, England
Genres 2-tone
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • multi-instrumentalist
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • trumpet
  • bass
Years active1978–present
LabelsRolled Gold
Musical artist

Cathal Joseph "Carl" Smyth (born 14 January 1959), also known as Chas Smash, is an English singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He was the secondary vocalist, trumpet player and dancer for the English band Madness from their inception in the late 1970s until 2014.

In addition to trumpet, Smyth plays the bass guitar (having initially joined Madness as a bassist), acoustic guitar and various percussion instruments. He performs lead vocals on some Madness tracks, such as "Michael Caine", "Wings of a Dove", "One Step Beyond" and "Madness (Is All in the Mind)". Initially an occasional songwriter, he became a more frequent contributor and was credited as co-writer on the band's international hit "Our House".

Early years

Cathal Joseph Smyth was born on 14 January 1959, in Middlesex Hospital, Fitzrovia, London, England, and grew up in Marylebone. As a child he went by the name of Carl. His parents were Irish immigrants. His father worked in the oil business and moved the family from Ireland to England, then to the Middle East because of his work. Smyth has said he was bullied at school in both Northern Ireland and London. The Smyths were competitive Irish dancers, and Cathal grew up around dance, but never took much of an interest until he began to dance as a performer.

In 1976, the North London Invaders recruited Smyth to play the bass guitar with them when he was 17, but he was replaced the following year by Gavin Rogers. During the late 1970s, he returned to the band - which by this time had been renamed Madness - and performed as a dancer on stage at their concerts.

Music career

Main article: Madness (band)

In 1980, Smyth became the last of the seven original Madness members to join the band. He soon moved on to playing other instruments instead of bass. After Madness broke up in 1986, he formed a new short-lived band The Madness in 1988 along with Suggs, Lee Thompson and Chris Foreman.

In 1990, Smyth became an executive for Go! Discs, where, at his suggestion, the label signed The Stairs. He was also responsible for reforming Madness in 1992 for Madstock!, and left Go! Discs to reform the band. In 1989/1990, he became friends with former Smiths singer Morrissey, who had once asked him to be his manager. Smyth declined, claiming "I didn't fancy having to iron his socks." Smyth introduced Morrissey to Boz Boorer, who went on to work with him from 1991 onwards. Cathal is also the subject of the 1992 Morrissey single, "You're the One for Me, Fatty".

He also provided backing vocals on Morrissey's version of the Jam's "That's Entertainment". Cathal also had a small part in Suggs' solo career, co-writing the song "Green Eyes," and he also performed backing vocals on The Lone Ranger album. In 1999, Smyth formed and fronted the folk-influenced band The Velvet Ghost, which played at the Fleadh festival in 2000.

In 2002, Smyth started his own record label, Rolled Gold Records (RGR Music), at an office in Camden Town. He released a debut single, "We're Coming Over", with The England Supporters Band (billed as Mr. Smash & Friends) and it reached number 67 in the UK Singles Charts. RGR released an album and three singles by London rapper, Just Jack. The label also released material by dance and rap artists Autamata and Border Crossing. In 2004, after briefly moving his office to Islington, he closed RGR.

In 2009, Madness released their first album of new material in ten years, The Liberty of Norton Folgate. At the time, Smyth was rumoured to be working on several solo projects, including a dubstep album, according to Mojo. In 2012 Madness followed up "Norton Folgate" with Oui Oui, Si Si, Ja Ja, Da Da.

Smyth announced that he was leaving Madness in October 2014. His departure was characterized at the time as a break to concentrate on his solo career and not necessarily a permanent departure, but he has not rejoined the band.

Smyth's debut solo album, A Comfortable Man, was released in May 2015 and reached No. 68 in the UK Albums Chart. In 2016, Madness released Can't Touch Us Now, the first Madness album since One Step Beyond, to be recorded without Smyth being credited as a member of the band.

Personal life

Smyth became a Freemason in 1994.

After being a couple since their teen years, Smyth and his wife of 28 years, Joanna Brown, separated in 2005. He has three grown-up children from the marriage: Caspar, Milo, and Eloise. He appeared with Eloise at the 2012 Q Awards ceremony.

After his marriage ended, Smyth started to practise transcendental meditation. He also spent time in rehab in Arizona, and moved to Ibiza in 2008.

Solo discography

For Smash's albums and singles with Madness, The Madness and The Fink Brothers, see Madness discography.

Studio albums

References

  1. "Results for England & Wales Births 1837–2006". search.findmypast.co.uk. 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  2. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Biography: Madness". AllMusic. Retrieved 27 May 2010.
  3. Buskin, Richard (June 2006). "Classic Tracks: 'Our House' by Madness". Sound on Sound. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  4. "Madness star Cathal Smyth's misery over childhood bullying in Coleraine". Belfasttelegraph.
  5. ^ Augustyn, Heather (2010). Ska: An Oral History. McFarland. ISBN 9780786461974.
  6. ^ Garfield, Simon (17 May 2009). "Madness has released a new concept album about London and it may be their masterpiece". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  7. "Cathal Smyth aka Chas from Madness". See Tickets. 11 September 2014. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  8. "Chas Smash". Camden Town, Home of Madness. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  9. "Questions with answers from Morrissey". True To You. 19 June 2007. Archived from the original on 26 June 2010. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  10. Goddard, Simon (6 September 2012). Mozipedia: The Encyclopedia of Morrissey and The Smiths. Ebury. p. 507. ISBN 978-0-09-192710-3. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  11. "Morrissey – Sing Your Life". discogs. 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  12. Cater, Evan. "The Lone Ranger – Graham "Suggs" McPherson". AllMusic. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  13. Reed, John (2014), House of Fun: The Story of Madness, Omnibus Press, ISBN 9781783233342, retrieved 12 September 2015
  14. ^ Duerden, Nick (4 October 2014). "Chas Smash: After the madness, going solo". The Guardian. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  15. "Listen to Cathal Smyth's A Comfortable Man – plus read his guide to the album". Q. 6 May 2015. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
  16. "Carl Smyth of Madness Talks to ZANI". Zani.co.uk. Retrieved 18 November 2018.
  17. "Chas Smash from Madness with his daughter". Contactmusic.com. 22 October 2012. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  18. "Ten minutes with… Cathal Smyth of Madness". The Irish Post. Retrieved 20 May 2020.

External links

Madness
Studio albums
Compilation albums
Live albums
Box sets
Extended plays
Singles
Related articles
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