Welcome to the House of Fun - Cardiff Edition
Photos: Chloe Michelle
Words: Ceirios Bebb
On a cold, dark and wet December night, Cardiff’s Utilita Arena was anything but bleak; a joyful abundance of black and red tasseled fez hats piled in, buzzing with energy and excitement. This lively crowd, here to witness one of the most iconic bands of the eighties, Madness. Concealing Madness’ stage set up was a glittering silver curtain which provided a theatrical backdrop for squeeze and their classic British sound.
Squeeze took to the stage in brightly coloured suits and jumped straight into their energy packed set having the crowd jumping along to the music. They invited everyone to clap along for ‘Up The Junction’ keeping the crowd lively. Squeeze kept the set interesting with a set filled with both nostalgia and freshness, playing the occasional unreleased track from their upcoming album ‘Trixies’ into the set between the better known fan favourites. ‘Goodbye Girl’, saw the addition of an accordion on stage, briefly giving the arena and almost summery feeling even in mid winter. Before launching into ‘Cool for Cats’, one of Squeeze’s most popular tracks. The arena sang along to their final song ‘Take Me I’m Yours’. The band came forward for one final bow to finish their set coming together, each in a different colour suit and stood in the order of the rainbow.
As the silver drapes finally lowered, Madness’ stage was revealed. Screens displaying blue velvet curtains overlooking four platforms. The band entered in matching monochromatic suits, joined by three brass players in sparkling gold. Immediately the arena came to life under the bright lights cheering and clapping for the band. The first notes of ‘One Step Beyond’ were enough to send the crowd bouncing with the tribute to Jamaican Ska musician Prince Buster.
“It’s Christmas, it’s Cardiff, that means only one thing… Madness,” said lead singer Suggs before the screen slowly transitioned to reveal the band’s name glowing in red.
Photo: Chloe Michelle / Cardiff 2024
Throughout the performance, Madness displayed a huge array of animated visuals played across the screens, this alongside the entertaining antics of the band left it impossible to look away. Even having a quick costume change for ‘Shut Up’ in which members of the band left the stage only to return dressed as a criminal and police officers, acting out a police chase on stage adding an element of slapstick theatre to the performance.
Saxophone solos were met with enthusiastic air-sax performances from the audience, one fan even pulling out an umbrella during the song ‘Rain’. Nearing the end of their set, Madness pulled out all their greatest hits including ‘Baggy Trousers’, ‘House of Fun’, ’It Must Be Love’, ‘Our House’ and dedicated ‘Mr Apples’ to their support, Squeeze. A thrilling encore gave fans a groovy cover of ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’ from Wizzard before wrapping up the show with ‘Night Boat to Cairo’, a perfectly festive ending for a very merry show.
Madness proved that after so many years they still remain not just a band, but an exuberantly entertaining experience.