 By 1978 , the band had allowed McPherson to return , after filling in temporarily for Hasler ( who had taken over vocals when McPherson was removed ) . Thompson returned after patching things up with Barson . Drummer Daniel Woodgate ( Woody ) and bass player Mark Bedford ( Bedders ) also joined the band , replacing Garry Dovey and Rodgers , respectively . After briefly changing their name to Morris and the Minors , the band renamed itself as Madness in 1979 , paying homage to one of their favourite songs by ska / reggae artist Prince Buster . The band remained a sextet until late 1979 , when Chas Smash rejoined and officially became the seventh member of Madness as a backing vocalist and dancer . 
