Post by Admin on Dec 3, 2012 22:32:54 GMT
Review: Madness rocks Minehead stage
5:28pm Monday 3rd December 2012 in Somerset
AS soon as we strolled into the auditorium at Butlins for the House of Fun Weekender it felt like we’d stumbled upon a surreal adults’ playground, a Roald Dahl world populated by all manner of Madness characters, from fezzed Saharan types and fans in classic monochrome TwoTone attire to garish clowns and scary monsters.
It was clear that the common theme was fun, and that was reinforced by the arrival of Madness on stage, the band members brandishing umbrellas to connect with the audience instantly in the wake of Saturday’s atrocious downpours.
Straightaway they kicked off with One Step Beyond, and the wit and whimsy continued for two hours as they tore through a set which included all their hits (there are surprisingly many) and a sprinkling of modern material.
It wasn’t long before I realised it’s only by seeing these Camden boys live that you get it. They’re no novelty act, despite their image over the past 30 years. They’re the genuine article.
That image belies a high level of musicianship coupled with any performer's holy grail, consummate stagecraft, frontman Suggs being the epitome of a man born for the part. This band are not, and never have been, a flash in the pan.
Their songs display that rarest of qualities, namely melodic beauty, and it’s far too easy to label them Ska revivalists as there are clearly discerned pockets of pure pop and nuances of New Wave in their sound.
The Madness back catalogue is woven into the fabric of modern culture. In other words it’s brimming with classics in the true sense of the word.
The long list includes Nightboat to Cairo, Madness, Embarrassment, Baggy Trousers (the audience erupted at this point), Our House, House of Fun and My Girl, and while It Must Be Love might have been penned by Labi Siffre, Madness have made it their own.
About 20 years ago I saw Status Quo’s anniversary gig at the same venue. Not being a huge fan, I had been cynical beforehand, but I was swept away on a tide of brilliant showmanship and energy.
With Madness it was exactly the same. In all honesty they have never been my favourite cup of char, and I was unsure at the outset, though the Quo experience gave me a sneaking suspicion that I was about to have a rollicking good time.
It was actually better than that. I defy anyone not to be happy at a Madness gig. If it can’t put a smile on your face then you’re simply not breathing.
n With a capacity of 2,000 to 3,000 (I’m guessing, but I’d say it’s comparable to Bristol’s Colston Hall), Butlin’s is a great venue for major acts to play in Somerset (the holiday season excluded, perhaps).
It would be great for Somerset, and West Somerset in particular, if it could attract big names like Madness on a more regular basis.
Best regards
Jim
5:28pm Monday 3rd December 2012 in Somerset
AS soon as we strolled into the auditorium at Butlins for the House of Fun Weekender it felt like we’d stumbled upon a surreal adults’ playground, a Roald Dahl world populated by all manner of Madness characters, from fezzed Saharan types and fans in classic monochrome TwoTone attire to garish clowns and scary monsters.
It was clear that the common theme was fun, and that was reinforced by the arrival of Madness on stage, the band members brandishing umbrellas to connect with the audience instantly in the wake of Saturday’s atrocious downpours.
Straightaway they kicked off with One Step Beyond, and the wit and whimsy continued for two hours as they tore through a set which included all their hits (there are surprisingly many) and a sprinkling of modern material.
It wasn’t long before I realised it’s only by seeing these Camden boys live that you get it. They’re no novelty act, despite their image over the past 30 years. They’re the genuine article.
That image belies a high level of musicianship coupled with any performer's holy grail, consummate stagecraft, frontman Suggs being the epitome of a man born for the part. This band are not, and never have been, a flash in the pan.
Their songs display that rarest of qualities, namely melodic beauty, and it’s far too easy to label them Ska revivalists as there are clearly discerned pockets of pure pop and nuances of New Wave in their sound.
The Madness back catalogue is woven into the fabric of modern culture. In other words it’s brimming with classics in the true sense of the word.
The long list includes Nightboat to Cairo, Madness, Embarrassment, Baggy Trousers (the audience erupted at this point), Our House, House of Fun and My Girl, and while It Must Be Love might have been penned by Labi Siffre, Madness have made it their own.
About 20 years ago I saw Status Quo’s anniversary gig at the same venue. Not being a huge fan, I had been cynical beforehand, but I was swept away on a tide of brilliant showmanship and energy.
With Madness it was exactly the same. In all honesty they have never been my favourite cup of char, and I was unsure at the outset, though the Quo experience gave me a sneaking suspicion that I was about to have a rollicking good time.
It was actually better than that. I defy anyone not to be happy at a Madness gig. If it can’t put a smile on your face then you’re simply not breathing.
n With a capacity of 2,000 to 3,000 (I’m guessing, but I’d say it’s comparable to Bristol’s Colston Hall), Butlin’s is a great venue for major acts to play in Somerset (the holiday season excluded, perhaps).
It would be great for Somerset, and West Somerset in particular, if it could attract big names like Madness on a more regular basis.
Best regards
Jim
