The Dublin Castle, in north-west London, received the PRS for Music Heritage Award today (Thursday 26 January), where the band played their first concert in 1979.
The plaque, placed above the entrance of the pub, was revealed by band members at a special red carpet event, as part of Independent Venue Week.
The award is given to venues that have witnessed the birth of the UK’s most famous music acts, with the plaque displaying the date of the band’s first performance.
Iconic British act
Singer Graham McPherson, known by millions as Suggs, also told Sky News: “This is the first venue where we really got a proper gig.”
Keyboardist Mike Barson also said: “We were playing a few gigs in London, but it was in the Dublin Castle where it all came together.
“We played a residency here, every week it got more and more crowded.”
He added: “The venue really helped us a lot.”
‘An honour’
Dublin Castle owner Alo Conlon said: “We feel very much part of the fabric of Madness’s history and so it’s an honour to receive this award.
“We pride ourselves on investing in emerging talent and giving bands the platform they deserve. We plan to do so for a very long time.”
PRS for Music commercial director Paul Clements said: “We’re delighted to be awarding Madness and the Dublin Castle with the PRS for Music Heritage Award.
“Independent venues play such a vital role in the development and growth of so many artists.
“From a first live gig, to a secret performance from a music legend, these independent venues are the creative spaces that help the UK music industry to flourish.”
The PRS award scheme was launched in 2009 and has been awarded to a few key music acts, such as Queen, Spandau Ballet and Blur.