Wings Of A Dove

Digital

Union Square Music, BMG

409996 4093193

BACKGROUND

“Wings of a Dove” (also known as “Wings of a Dove (A Celebratory Song)”) is a single released as a stand-alone single in 1983, it was later included in the American version of their studio album *Keep Moving* in 1984. The single enjoyed significant success, spending 10 weeks in the UK Singles Chart and peaking at number 2, while reaching the top spot in Ireland.

Written and performed by Suggs and Chas Smash, who share lead vocals, the song is notable for its vibrant arrangement, featuring steel drums by Creighton Steel Sounds and a gospel choir, The Inspirational Choir of the Pentecostal First Born Church of the Living God. In 1985, Madness contributed “Wings of a Dove” to the multi-artist compilation *Greenpeace – The Album*.

The music video for “Wings of a Dove” features a lively party scene on board an airplane, with all those involved in the recording, including the steel band and choir, joining in the festivities. The plane is piloted by Chas Smash, with Suggs as the co-pilot. As the party unfolds, Smash loses control of the plane, forcing everyone to bail out in a small white van. The final sequence shows the van, a first-generation Iveco Daily, gently parachuting down to earth. Notably, the back of a Ford Transit is visible on the plane before the fall.

The clips of the parachuting Iveco Daily were originally filmed for a French television advertisement for the van. Dave Robinson, founder of Stiff Records and the sole director of Madness’ music videos, had purchased the rights to this footage with the intention of using it in a Madness video. The lyrics of “Wings of a Dove” provided the perfect opportunity to incorporate it.

RELEASE DETAILS

Territory: United Kingdom

Release Date: August 23, 2024
Format: Digital
Limited Edition: No

Label: Union Square Music, BMG

Catalogue Number: 409996 4093193
Barcode: 409996 4093193

Manufactured: Digital Distribution

Disc Colour: Black
Pressing: Digital Release
Release Type: Official

TRACK LISTING

DiscPositionTrackVersionDuration
1 A1 Wings Of A Dove 2:59
1 B1 Behind The 8 Ball 3:00

CHART HISTORY

Peak Position: 2
First Chart Date: 20/08/1983
Weeks in Chart: 11
Position DatePosition
20/08/1983 19
27/08/1983 6
03/09/1983 4
10/09/1983 2
17/09/1983 8
24/09/1983 13
01/10/1983 26
08/10/1983 36
08/10/1983 55
15/10/1983 72

MUSICANS

MusicanInstrumentRoleCredit
Mike Barson Piano, Organ, Tubular Bells Band
Chris Foreman Guitar, Sitar Band
Lee Thompson Tenor Saxophone Band
Mark Bedford Bass Band
Daniel Woodgate Drums Band
Graham McPherson Vocals, Percussion Band
Cathal Smyth Trumpet Band

PRODUCTION CREDITS

RoleCreditedNotes
Producer Clive Langer
Producer, Engineer Alan Winstanley

COPYRIGHT AND Licencing

OwnershipCompanyNotes
Copyright © CTUN LLP
Phonographic Copyright ℗ CTUN LLP
Licensed To Union Square Music Ltd., a BMG Company.

Representation

RepresentationCompanyNotes
Record Label Union Square Music Ltd., a BMG Company.
Publisher CTUN LLP

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References

Extensive efforts have been made to gather factual information and knowledge on madness from various sources and document them. These sources include publicly accessible websites, books and publications, historical artefacts, and other pertinent materials. As a result, a comprehensive index of resources has been compiled and integrated into the website. These resources, if relevant to this article, are listed below.

ReferenceSource
wikipedia.org Website
discogs.com Website
officialcharts.com Website