This Is Madness In London.

Madness are an English band from Camden Town, North London, formed in 1976. They’ve spent 214 weeks on the UK singles chart over the course of the decade, holding the record for most weeks spent by a group in the 1980s UK singles charts. Altogether Madness have had 15 singles reach the UK top ten, which included their classics, One Step Beyond, Baggy Trousers and It Must Be Love. Then in 2000 the band received the Ivor Novello Award from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors for Outstanding Song Collection.

Madness is a band that I have listened to growing up. My parents playing their songs round the house or in the car. The sound of their music was always filling my ears when I was little. So, when I heard they were coming on tour, of course I had to get tickets and for my whole family.

The night was incredible. The crowd was so varied, from elders to middle aged to young people, spread all around the arena. The many tipsy or drunk adults singing and dancing their hearts out. Not caring about what anyone was thinking. Everyone knowing the words of every song, enjoying the show Madness was putting on for everyone. Many had come dressed just like them with Ska Two Tone outfits and hats, which was a sight to see.

The whole room connected together, old generation with young. Singing echoed throughout the arena and dancing could be seen everywhere. Madness sung like it was their first concert and involved the crowd in every song, making everyone feel apart of something bigger, better. Madness’ voices hadn’t changed much over the years, sounding exactly like the record was playing. Graham McPherson, known by the stage name Suggs if you’re a Madness fan, brought his grandchildren on stage at the end of the show, letting them dance and wave, saying goodnight to London themselves. This brought more of a family feeling to the show then it had before.

The atmosphere in the room was something I have always loved and a reason I go to concerts. The love, peace and together-ness of people makes the whole night incredible. And a band like Madness managed to bring it all together.