Madman at the Screens Background?

[Elizabeth "The Phish"]

There was a rumour I've heard of "Madman at the Screens" being the unreleased part of the "We Can Fly From Here" of The Buggles, which would mean that the song is also from the '80s (just like "We Can Fly" and "Sad Night at the Airfield"). The writing credits for the song does kinda support that claim because it's just credited to Horn and Downes, like the other tracks we know are from the '80s, but I've not really a seen a direct confirmation for "Madman at the Screens" also being a demo from The Buggles. If y'all know a definite answer to this or something, please reply with the source.

[Ceasar’s Palace]

I always assumed it was indeed from ca 1980/1981. Maybe someone could ask Geoff on one of those Ask Yes things?

[JMKUSA]

I recall reading that it dated back to that period, but I’m not sure where I would have read that (potentially in Steve’s memoir). It might not have been as developed as We Can Fly and Sad Night, but that’s speculation. As far as I know, it wasn’t previously released unlike the other Horn/Downes songs on the album.

[soundchaser09]

I think Geoff answered a question about Madman at the Screens in a recent interview actually:

at 12:10- it was a demo from the second buggles album apparently.

[Elizabeth "The Phish"]

I think Geoff answered a question about Madman at the Screens in a recent interview actually:

at 12:10- it was a demo from the second buggles album apparently.

Oh my God. Thank you so much!!

[Skankindead]

Thank you for answering this question, random person I just met! I've been wondering this question for a while, and was even thinking of tweeting Geoff myself about it haha. Good to know!

Upon listening to the interview, the wording of his question sounds incredibly familiar. I vaguely remember submitting a question that sounded exactly like that to someplace, so I actually think that might be my question that the interviewer asked Geoff. If that's the case, then that's incredibly cool! And a very fitting and fun way to figure that out after so long.