Madness delivered a brilliant performance at the Utilita Arena in Cardiff last night, which was as slick and as polished as any I have seen from them over the decades.
It Must Be Love? Absolutely. There was love in spades among a sold-out crowd as Madness went through their incredible back catalogue, underlining their enduring appeal as one of Britain’s most beloved bands.
From the very first notes of One Step Beyond, the atmosphere was party-like and joyful. While this version did seem slower it worked.
Madness played with the confidence of seasoned performers who know their nostalgic audience. But their production continues to move with the times with impressive video backrops.
Suggs, in charismatic control, guided the audience through a set that felt celebratory without ever slipping into mere retrospection.
Standout moments came early and often. Embarrassment and The Prince maintained the band’s signature blend of infectious energy and sharp social commentary, while My Girl and Cardiac Arrest showcased their knack for crafting pop songs with genuine emotional resonance.
As the set unfolded, tracks like Return of the Los Palmas 7 and Wings of a Dove reminded the crowd that Madness have always been more versatile and ambitious than their ska label might suggest.
Songs such as Grey Day, Bed and Breakfast Man and Shut Up added texture to the evening, shifting dynamics and keeping the audience fully engaged. The horns were crisp, the rhythm tight, and each instrumental break delivered with panache – a clear testament to the band’s professionalism and cohesion.
In the closing stretch before the encore, the band leaned into their most universally beloved material. House of Fun, Baggy Trousers, Our House and It Must Be Love transformed the arena into a communal sing-along, every chorus met with uproarious participation.
The encore was a triumphant finish. A festive, Madness-esque I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday tapped into the seasonal spirit, paving the way for a double punch of Madness and the raucous Night Boat to Cairo.
Squeeze sparkled as a first-rate support act
Opening the evening with equal flair were Squeeze, whose performance demonstrated why they remain one of of Britain’s most enduring songwriters.
Their classes such as Pulling Mussels (From the Shell), Is That Love, Up the Junction, and Tempted, came quickly and fast, before the band delved into newer material which had the room bouncing. As ‘warm ups’ go this was as good as any, and Squeeze could have easily headlined this brilliant night in their own right.
Glen Tilbrook’s vocals were warm and assured, and the interplay between guitar and keys brought out the best in their sophisticated, lyrically rich catalogue. Rather than merely warming up the crowd, Squeeze actively engaged it, offering a perfect palette cleanser before Madness’s exuberant set.
Following their brilliant show in Cardiff last night, Madness are down to just two performances left on this run. They head to Birmingham’s Utilita Arena tonight (19 December) before wrapping things up at The O2 in London on Saturday (20 December).
