Heritage Live 2024: Madness

Heritage Live:

Following on from an epic Thursday night spent in the safe hands of Britpop icons Suede, I was lucky enough to return to Audley End Estate on Friday for another of Heritage Live's epic concerts. The night was headlined by the legendary ska-pop band Madness, who delivered a barnstorming set of iconic hits mixed with several songs from their #1 new album. Before them, special guests Lightning Seeds and Old Time Sailors each had their moment centre stage. The 20-piece sea shanty group 0ld Time Sailors opened the night with a
set crammed full of classic folk and shanty songs, having the audience up dlancing from the get-go. Next up was Liverpudlian icons The Lightning Seeds who brought singalongs in abundance, as they delivered a headline worthy set. It was then time for the night's hea liners, as Madness took to the stage in front of an anticipating audience.

Madness:

A capacity crowd flooded the stunning grounds of Audley End Estate ready to watch the Nutty Boys in action. It has only been a matter of weeks since was last given the chance to review Madness, yet somehow this deep into their mammoth summer tour, they seem more energised than ever. A career-spanning setlist wowed all in attendance, whilst plenty of hilarious on-stage antics filled the space between songs. This was live entertainment at its finest

The band were welcomed to the stage with a reception that only the highest of legends in the industry could get. As Suggs took the mic to belt out the opening of 'One Step Beyond' the energy began to skyrocket, meaning the moment Lee 'Kix' Thompson's saxophone kicked in, pandemonium ensued. This was one of the more joyous crowds I have had the pleasure to be a part of, with the skanking being in full flow from start to finish. The set opener was followed quickly by classics 'Embarrassment' and 'The Prince' making it clear that Madness weren't here to mess about

The night proved to be a relentless attack of musical brilliance, with a perfectly crafted setlist weaving several offerings from Madness newest album amongst their biggest and best hits. It is a testament to how good 'Theatre of the Absurd Presents C'est La Vie' is as an
album, given how seamlessly songs like 'Round We Go' and 'Run for Your Life' fit amongst timeless tunes such as 'My Girl' and 'Wings of a Dove'. So much of this is down to the impressive level of musicality each member of Madness brings.  As impressive a set of musicians as they are, as it wouldn't be a Madness show without fun and games between the songs, and very often during them too. The most memorable example of this is Suggs and Thompson subtly swapping a giant sticker labelled Tw*t onto each other's backs.

'Night Boat to Cairo' brought an end to proceedings in the most enthralling of ways, closing a show which emphasised Madness impact on so many people. They put on a show as good as anyone, whilst an audience of all ages screamed along to every word. Madness may be nearly 50 years into their career, but they are showing no signs of slowing.