Madness

Madness at Wembley Arena
Baggy Trousers was one of the first pop songs that really made an impact on me back in 1980 or so. I learnt all the words from Smash Hits (or maybe Number One). But I don’t think I’ve seen Madness live before… until last night. Wembley Arena was a heaving throng (far fewer seats than at Springsteen a few weeks ago), with lots of moshing up front.
I managed to smuggle my camera in – well actually it was spotted in my bag and I was told to deposit it with reception. I seemed to get lost on the way. I also inadvertantly brought in a hip flask (dropped into the lining of my coat at the last moment), and the worst thing you can take to a gig – the single thing that all concert venues ban. Yes – a bottle of water brazenly sitting there on display on the side of my bag. I think the security guard was more worried about the camera.
Anyway, more samizdat photos on Flickr.


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3 responses to “Madness”

  1. Kevin Spencer avatar

    Ok, I’m really rather jealous. I didn’t ever get the chance to see Madness before I left the shores of Blighty. Unless they make a sudden surprise stop in Phoenix AZ (highly bloody unlikely) I don’t think I’ll get ever get to see them live.
    Did they play ‘Night Boat To Cairo’?

  2. Adam Bowie avatar

    They certainly did play Night Boat To Cairo – it was the final encore and they brought on all their various extended sets of families and kids.
    I think you’re right – it’s a tad unlikely that they reach Phoenix AZ on their next tour. However, if I don my work cap for the moment, you can hear Suggs from Monday – Friday 2pm-4pm from the New Year (7am-9am Phoenix time I think) at Virgin Radio.

  3. Kevin Spencer avatar

    Yeah, Madness aren’t exactly *that* popular over here in the US so my only chance to see them would be back in the UK. Thanks for the tip about Suggs on Virgin Radio.
    Nice one.