Summer Sessions 2024: Madness

Derby Summer Sessions:

After the blistering success of Bedford Summer Sessions, it was now time for us to head to Derby and see what they had to offer. Concert settings don't come much more stunning than Markeaton Park, and with the erection of the 'Big Top' tent, it meant a party could happen whatever the weather. On a day that was very much oriented around the evening's Euro final, music still stole the show. Summer Sessions are fast gaining a reputation for their incredibly stacked line- ups, and they certainly don't come much bigger than Sunday's line-up. Local superstars Deco started the day off with their exciting twist on synth-based indie, before Britpop icons The Lightning Seeds brought the 90's sing-alongs these were then followed by Rick Astley, a man who himself could have easily headlined, showing just how stellar the Summer Sessions line-ups are. Finally, it was time for "The Nuttiest Sound Around", as Madness took to the stage for their
headline set.

Madness:

Headline sets don't get much bigger than the "Rockin'est, Rock-Steady Beat of Madness" and as they approach their 50th anniversary as
a group, they are still as good as ever. Their most recent album 'Theatre of the Absurd Presents C'est La Vie' skyrocketed to number 1 in the charts, and after seeing the songs live it is no shock as to why. Offerings from the record such as 'Hour of Need' and 'Run for Your Life' were raucously received by the adoring Derby crowd. Despite their incredible new music, Madness were more than happy to delve into their back catalogue, playing all the hits that have made them such a legendary name in the British music scene. Everyone in attendance was singing and dancing from the get-go, getting increasingly louder as the night went on. 

There may not have ever been a better string of songs to close a main-set with. Baggy Trousers' and 'House of Fun' were immedlately followed by 'Our House' and 'It Must Be Love'. It was then time for the encore, which somehow shifted the audience into an even higher gear, as the night Was brought to a close with a sea of skanking. This was perfection.

Rick Astley:

The afternoon's final special guest was the ever-iconic Rick Astley, who delivered a headline worthy set crammed full of his biggest hits and offerings from his most recent record 'Are We There Yet?'. Taking to the stage in his now signature pink suit, Astley received a rapturous reception which continued the whole way through opening song 'Never Gonna Stop'. However, it was the set's second song 'Together Forever' which really saw the energy skyrocket, and from that point onwards Markeaton Park was turned into one big dance floor, with Rick Astley at the helm.

Rick Astley is a must-see performer, with his incredible vocals, quick wit, self-deprecating humour wowing audiences around the globe,
and Sunday was no difference. However, despite being a solo artist, this is so much more than a one man show. Rick performs with two backing singers, both of whom had an abundance of time centre stage, as did the world class band behind them. This turns the performance into an even more infectious experience, watching everyone have the time of their lives on stage

The Lightning Seeds:

It was a stroke of genius booking The Lightning Seeds on the day of the Euros final. The singalong for 'Three Lions` was unlike anything I have ever heard, as a hopeful audience came together in fine voice to celebrate what could be. However, The Lightning Seeds offered so much more than just football sing-alongs.

Bringing Britpop to the Big-Top they immediately had all of Markeaton Park in their hands. Huge hits like ' Pure' and 'Lucky You went down a treat, feeling rejuvenated by the youthfully backed line-up that the modern Lightning Seeds play with. Despite a number of line-up changes across their career, frontman Ian Broudie remains the heartbeat of the group. He is the epitome of swagger, commanding the stage like the seasoned veteran he is, but still sounding as good as they day he started.

Despite all the success this band has garnered over the years, Broudie & co still cut grateful figures on stage, looking like they are living through every single note being played. I described their set last summer as a Tour de Force of 90's brilliance' and that is arguably truer now than it ever has been

Deco:

Starting the day off was local hotshots Deco, who brought their unique blend of Sax and Synth-based indie to the Big Top. This is music you cannot help but dance along to, but with catchy lyrics and a brilliant frontman in Max, it wasn't long until the crowd were singing along too. Deco curated a perfect setlist for the occasion, mixing some of their most infectious songs like 'Photograph' and 'Everybody Wants To Be Somebody', with a sprinkling of crowd-pleasing covers. Their viral cover of The Verve's ' Bitter Sweet Symphony' gave the adoring audience their first big singalong of the night, but it was the transition into New Order's 'World In Motion' later in the set that really set the crowd alight on this football- themed day. 

Deco's covers are sensational, but they most certainly don't rely on them, nor do they need to. Nothing proved this more than set closer 'Rain', whose catchy hook brought the loudest singalongs of their performance, and deservedly so. Deco have been on a rapid rise in the last few years, and there is no way that slows down anytime soon