"(Waiting For) The Ghost-Train" is a one-off single by Madness. 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 about apartheid in South Africa with its chorus going "It's black and white, don't try to hide it." Mike Barson 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.
Contents[]
Track listing[edit][]
- 7" single
- "(Waiting For) The Ghost-Train" - 3:45
- "Maybe In Another Life" - 3:00
- 12" single
- "(Waiting For) The Ghost-Train" - 3:45
- "Maybe In Another Life" - 3:00
- "Seven Year Scratch" - 8:39
Chart performance[edit][]
| Chart (1986) | Peak
position |
Total
weeks |
|---|---|---|
| UK Singles Chart[1] | 18 | 8 |