I was super-stoked for this show -- much more so than I had been to see the Stones last week. I told my friend Leilani that although Madness has remained an active group since returning from their late '80s hiatus, recording new material and touring the UK and Europe regularly, they tour America less often than the Dalai Lama. She smirked and asked me when Madness played their last Stateside gig. I had been curious about that myself, and had done my research. "Coachella, 2012," I told her. Something about my answer clicked with her, and she started scrolling through her phone. She got wide-eyed and yelled, "Oh my god! I saw the Dalai Lama, when he came to Seattle ... in 2013!" I'd just been saying that as hyperbole, but damn, I was right.
The band walked onto the stage to the
Star Wars theme. That seemed a bit odd, but it also seemed pretty majestic ... and it made more sense when the piped intro cut off and Suggs bellowed, "Hey, you! Don't watch that ... watch THIS!" The crowd was definitely into it, the floor turning into one big bouncy dance-fest. I'm not sure whether it was a "full house," being that the WaMu Theatre is a configurable space. It can hold from 3,000 to 7,000 people, depending on the need. Whichever way it was set up, the place looked pretty full.
From start to finish, the band sounded tight, and they definitely were into it. Six of the seven original members are on board; only Chas Smash is M.I.A. The group augmented its lineup with a percussionist and a three-piece horn section. Sound quality was great ... and as you can see below, the setlist was pretty generous. The only odd moment was when Chris Foreman set aside his guitar, the taped music started, and he led the audience through a karaoke rendition of "Highway to Hell." (Has anyone here seen Madness in recent years? Is this a regular part of their set? Can anyone shed some light?) It wasn't the worst thing they could've done, but I would've been glad for "Chrissy Boy" to forgo this diversion in favor of another of Madness' songs. "Razor Blade Alley" or "Rockin' in A♭" would've sent me through the ceiling.
Anyway! A great time overall. Suggs was in fine voice, Lee Thompson was the serious MVP on sax, and the show as a whole was outstanding. The nutty boys from Camden Town definitely lived up to my high hopes.
SETLIST:
One Step Beyond
Embarrassment
The Prince
NW5
My Girl
Taller Than You Are
The Sun and the Rain
C'est La Vie
Shut Up
Girl Why Don't You?
If I Go Mad
Bed and Breakfast Man
Run for Your Life
I Chase the Devil
Wings of a Dove
Mr. Apples
Highway to Hell
House of Fun
Baggy Trousers
Our House
It Must Be Love
ENCORE:
Madness
Night Boat to Cairo
A local septet called the Georgetown Orbits opened the show. These guys dressed sharp for the occasion, and they laid down the classic ska sound, with a pleasing hint of soul. Most of their offerings were instrumentals, including a badass rendition of Charles Mingus' "Haitian Fight Song." You can check out their material on
Bandcamp, if you're interested. My wife & I definitely will be keeping an eye out for future gigs by this band.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/24/2024 12:20AM by Delvin.
