Madness celebrate five decades of hits at Halifax Piece Hall
After a very wet first night at the Piece Hall, the Nutty Boys once again graced the Yorkshire stage but in bright sunshine but all the same energy.
People of all ages were out for the second night of Madness’ 50th anniversary celebrations and it was one hell of a party.
But first up we had The Skints who with their high energy performance got the crowd going before the soulful voice of Hollie Cook took to the stage with her band.
Then came Madness.. As they opened with ‘One Step Beyond’ the sold out crowd erupted into song and dance and it was only the beginning. The energy from the front to the back, from the young to the old this night felt special to many and it was a true showing of just how important Madness are to the uk SKA scene and just how legendary this band is.
Hit after hit including ‘Embarrassment’ ‘My Girl’ the very appropriately titled ‘The Sun and the Rain’ as well as the big hitters ‘Baggy Trousers’ ‘Our House’ and ‘It Must Be Love’
Lead singer ’Suggs’ made light of the contrast in weather as he declared “This is more like summer” and before a warm welcome and cheer for the return of Chris Foreman after his recent health issues and his personality was on full display as he joked about a “few unhappy ex wives” before continuing showing how great a guitarist he is.
Madness were never one of my go to or favourite bands growing up, but I’ve always had a lot of respect for what they do and have done. They’re a bouncy brass driven ska band with a distinct British character full of feel good, danceable rhythms and witty story telling.
They truly are a one of a kind act. It’s clear to see how they’ve managed to stay so relevant for 50 years when they put on shows like this.