One Step Beyond! The nutty boys returned with a triumphant performance at Newcastle Arena. The arena was absolutely crammed, fully sold out and everyone was in the early Christmas spirit and ready to party with Madness. Elaine, Jackie and I went along expecting a fun night of hits and craziness and that is exactly what the boys delivered!
First up were support The Lightning Seeds and the arena was full to see them perform. These guys also delivered playing all the hits, resulting in a great reception from the crowd and lots of singalong. I had forgotten just how many songs I knew. I recognised quite a few and highly enjoyable they were too. A great warmup for the evening from a top-class support act.
But the warmup was not finished. Between bands an excellent DJ appeared spinning some cool sounds including the original “Tainted Love” by Gloria Jones, a big northern soul favourite from a lady who went on to become Marc Bolan’s girlfriend and was driving the car during the tragic accident which led to the star’s untimely passing; Desmond Decker’s classic “the Israelites” and closing with David Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel”. The crowd were singing along and dancing to every tune. Well done Mr DJ.
Next up Madness. I swear that at least half of the crowd were wearing Fez hats as featured in their song “night Boat to Cairo”. From the word go, everyone was dancing around going completely nuts! I have never seen the floor of the arena so crammed. The set was a mixture of hits and songs from their new album Cest La Vie, which focuses on petty crime as was illustrated by the fantastic visuals on the screens above and behind the band. The visuals, actually, were amazing adding much to the experience.
We were treated to all the hits: “Our House”, “Embarrassment”, “The Prince”, “One Step Beyond”, “My Girl” and many, many more. One particular song brought back embarrassing memories. The song in question is “It Must Be Love” which was, of course, written by the great Labi Siffre. Many years ago I was out with Marie, my late wife who was at the time my girlfriend. It was a Friday night and there was no particularly exciting band appearing at Sunderland Mecca or Newcastle Mayfair so we decided to, on the off chance, drive through to Newcastle Polytechnic to see who was appearing at that venue.
When we arrived I asked at the door “Who is on tonight?” Labi Siffre they replied. “Oh no I said I have just seen him at Sunderland Empire (supporting Linda Lewis I believe) and he is so boring!” Well I turned round and facing me was none other than Labi Siffre himself. It was one of those moments when you hope the ground will open up and swallow you. I didn’t know what to say so just paid my money and we went in to the concert, which was actually very good and he was not boring at all! Looking back he was an excellent singer/songwriter and I still feel awful about my comment that evening.
People were dancing up and down the wheelchair ramp in front of us. The encores completed with the aforementioned “Night Boat to Cairo”. Elaine, Jackie and I all agreed that it was a tremendous performance by a band of consummate professionals. Magic.
Many thanks to Jackie for the images, Elaine for joining in the fun and Chris for assisting me in completing this entry.
Setlist: Theatre of the Absurd; The Prince; Beginners 101; My Girl; Lockdown and Frack Off; NW5; C’est la vie; Embarrassment; Baby Burglar; Grey Day; Run For Your Life; Shut Up; Round We Go; Bed and Breakfast Man; What On Earth Is It (You Take Me For?); Wings of a Dove; In My Street; One Step Beyond; House of Fun; Baggy Trousers; Our House; It Must Be Love.
Encore: Friday Night, Saturday Morning; Madness; Night Boat to Cairo
Update 26 March 2024. Just bought myself a copy of Ian Broudie’s book which is entitled “Tomorrow’s Here Today”. A nice signed copy courtesy of Waterstones. I thought I would add it to this blog entry (see images).
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by John on December 4, 2023 at 4:08 pm
Lovely review. I’ve not seen Madness since 1980 myself. Maybe next time! Love the Labi Sifre anecdote. I feel your pain.
Posted by vintagerock on December 5, 2023 at 3:07 pm
Hi John yes Madness are still class! Happy days Peter
Posted by bob on December 4, 2023 at 5:08 pm
Do you ever stop in?Sounds like you had another good night 👍🎸
Posted by vintagerock on December 5, 2023 at 3:06 pm
Yes it was great Best wishes Peter
Posted by ciarant1step on December 6, 2023 at 10:58 pm
Sounds like an incredible night, great to think that Madness are still so good, maybe better than ever. Nice photos too.