One Night Of Madness

Madness Live Ibiza Rocks 13/09/14

My first night in Ibiza and staying on the other side of the island i decided to get a taxi across to San Antonio after missing the last bus. Unfortunately nearly two hours later ( having no luck getting one ) and missing support act Hollie Cook i arrived in the rammed Ibiza rocks Hotel just in time for the Nutty Boys to take the stage a second time ( having played here a few years back ) They open with Night Boat To Cairo and Embarrassment. Main man Suggs afterwards saying " Sorry all those that were expecting One Direction perfume launch but we are Madness" a welcoming applause from the, up for it crowd, consisting of old faithful fan's, some with their kid's wearing ska attire and some in Arabian style head wear in respect. The younger crowd - some dancing along on the balcony's and inside their rooms shows this gig is for any age and anyone that doesn't know it is inside a hotel next to the pool. The stage now feels in a better position since the last time i was here ( Kaiser Chiefs '12).

Newer material falls a bit flat but they bring it back with My Girl which starts with a stripped back vocal and keys but then builds to full band, which includes brass section. Throughout the banter between Suggs and saxophonist Lee Thompson is hilarious, like a 80's comedian double act. More newer material but it's the classics we are here to see and they don't disappoint, Sun and the Rain is welcomed and the crowd start throwing drinks around. I spot a Coronation Street soap star who works in the Rovers and the factory in the audience enjoying the show.

We get old reggae footage on the backdrop visuals for Max Romeo cover Out of space. The gig now feeling like a Caribbean party, by this time everyone is dancing, i'm covered in beer but still smiling. Lee Thompson swaps instruments and hat's, all the time engaging with the audience in his animated style. The band empty the stage for a break leaving only the drummer Dan Woodgate ( Woody ) and guitarist Chris Foreman who fire out a raucous- stripped back cover of Beastie Boys - Fight for your right. The crowd go mental and everyone joins in.

The full band are back and fire through hit after hit House of Fun, Our House, Baggy Trousers, It must be love. Prince Buster cover's One step beyond and Madness finish the set with visuals of the Jamaican ska legend as a backdrop. The band leave to rapturous applause and the Eric Idle classic Always look on the bright side of life plays out and we all sing along. It was a real pleasure to finally see the band live especially in Ibiza. I head for the bar and watch the huge crowd slowly reluctantly leave, all still singing One step beyond bringing the end to one night of Madness.

Photo Courtesy of http://www.ibizarocks.com/