Ever wondered what makes a live gig unforgettable? Let’s break it down from the recent Madness and Lightning Seeds concert!
Madness and The Lightning Seeds – Brighton Centre 11.12.23
Madness, the legendary British band known for their iconic ska sound, took to the stage at the Brighton Centre for an exhilarating performance that left fans raving. The atmosphere was electric as the crowd eagerly awaited the arrival of their musical heroes.
Madness burst onto the stage, they arrived together as a 10 ten piece collective, Madness pulled in a splendid 3 piece brass section which played a major part in filling in with the Nutty sound. They didn’t disappoint. From the first note to the last, the band delivered a set list that pleased both die-hard fans and casual listeners alike. Their vast catalogue of hits was represented in full force, with every major hit song receiving an ecstatic response from the crowd.
We had the prologue from the new album, Mr Beckett Sir, then It all started with a rather more subdued approach in comparison to the last time I saw these guys. Theatre Of The Absurd opened up to a subdued stage lighting, followed by The Prince and then Beginners 101. The crowd just didn’t seem to slide into that party mood to start with and it seemed to be, well, a bit subdued.
The set was split into two “Acts”. The first set made up of new material from the bands latest, and Number 1 album, Theatre of The Absurd Presents C’est La Vie and some older material. We had some nine tracks in set one from this new album. Clearly many fans know this material, but also some of this new material, which is fabulous, seemed to be missed by some of the packed in crowd.
But it wasn’t just the chart-topping hits that made this performance memorable. Madness also treated the audience to some lesser-known gems from their extensive discography. These deep cuts showcased the band’s musical prowess and versatility, proving that they are more than just a nostalgia act.
The world is a better place when there is a new Madness album out. And when they release one which is as good as this, it just reinforces even more that they really are one of the best bands that Britain has ever produced. The new songs performed live were perfectly delivered.
Throughout the night, Madness showcased their impressive range of musical styles. From the upbeat and infectious ska tunes that they are known for, to soulful ballads that tugged at the heartstrings, the band demonstrated their versatility and ability to captivate audiences across different genres.
Exhilarating Performance from a Legendary Band
As the night went on, Madness continued to deliver song after song, each track transporting the audience to a different time and place as Suggs had suggested at the beginning of the night “a journey into the past, the present and the twilight zone.” The energy in the room was infectious, spreading like wildfire from person to person. Strangers became friends, united by their love for the band and their shared euphoria.
In my Street closed down Act One.
As the lights dimmed and the opening notes of “One Step Beyond” filled the air, Madness burst back into life, along with the splendid light show, with a burst of energy that instantly captivated the audience. The crowd at last erupted in cheers and applause, their excitement palpable in the air. It was clear from the start that this was going to be a night to remember, but Act 2 was a Madness tour de force. The songs we all wanted to hear, sing along with and dance!
Act 2 included One Step Beyond, House Of Fun, Baggy Trousers, Our House, and It Must Be Love. The band’s unique blend of ska, pop, and punk had the crowd on their feet from the first song of this section until the last. The infectious rhythm of their music coursed through the veins of every concert-goer, creating an electric atmosphere that was impossible to resist. Hits like “Baggy Trousers” and “House of Fun” had old and new fans alike singing along at the top of their lungs, their voices merging with the band’s in a harmonious cacophony of sound.
Frontman Suggs commanded the stage with his charismatic presence, effortlessly engaging the audience with his witty banter and infectious enthusiasm. His voice, a perfect blend of power and emotion, soared through the venue, filling every corner with its magnetic energy. The crowd hung onto his every word, laughing at the banter and the antics of his bandmates. An air Cannon appeared a couple of times firing a T Shirt into the crowd.
But it wasn’t just Suggs who stole the show. Each member of Madness showcased their incredible talent, seamlessly weaving their instruments together to create a symphony of sound that reverberated through the crowd. The saxophone wailed, the guitar riffs electrified, the drums thundered, and the bassline pulsated, all combining to form a musical experience that was nothing short of extraordinary.
And so, the legendary band carried on, their performance a testament to their enduring talent and passion. They defied the boundaries of age and time, proving that their music was as relevant and powerful as ever. The crowd, caught in a whirlwind of exhilaration, as Madness and Night Boat To Cairo were played could hardly believe that the night was coming to an end.
As the final notes of their encore faded away, Madness left the stage, to Eric Idle/Monty Python’s Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life. Leaving behind a sea of satisfied smiles and memories that would last a lifetime. The audience, still buzzing with adrenaline, slowly made their way out of the venue, their hearts full and their spirits lifted. It had been a night of pure magic.
It was a standout show that will be remembered for years to come, a testament to the enduring power of great music and the magic that happens when talented musicians take the stage.
MADNESS are on the WWW and can be found here!
The Lightning Seeds
Throughout the evening during the breaks we were treated to some marvellous music being spun by DJ Darren. He was behind a desk laden with equipment and material to play. He warmed us up admirably as the The Lightning Seeds, led by Ian Broudie then took to the stage for the guest slot.
I have never seen the Lightning Seeds before, but after seeing Ian Broudie on a morning news program I was excited to see them play. His band, The Lightning Seeds provided the Britpop years, and beyond, with some of its most memorable and joyous pop anthems.
Broudie and his band of take to the stage to delight the large crowd with songs old and new. They took to the stage with no gimmickry or special effect. But they treated us to a thirty minute wonderful set. A roar erupted as the band took to the stage and launched into Marvellous.
What struck me from the get go was just how good the band sounded tonight performing live. The Brighton Centre was packed tonight and as the first few notes of Sense filled the venue another huge cheer went up, and people were dancing to the sounds.
A set highlight for me was the song You Showed Me. This is a a beautiful song that smacks of the unique Liverpool sound. Many think that Ian Broudie has at times a Lennon sound. That was captured as the song was segued with Imagine and Love Me Do, and when Mr Broudie sang, “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one”. You showed us tonight Mr Brodie.
Tonight there was a great crowd. Full of fans for both bands playing and so cool to see them swaying along to the rhythmic beats strummed out by lead Ian Broudie.
The short but sweet set closed with three cracking songs kicking off with Lucky You and The Life Of Riley. Riley was composed by Broudie for his then unborn son. On the Brighton Centre stage, his son is up there, that son, Riley, now stands with his Dad, playing rhythm guitar with pure class.
Next up was another classic in the shape of Pure. Brodie confirmed tonight that he is not losing the energy nor that ability to create a genuine feel good factor that he and The Lightning Seeds create, that we know and love.
Three Lions wrapped things up! On a cold November evening. All together now “It’s coming home; it’s coming home….” The response to the song was incredible and looking round the venue I could see that pretty much everyone was singing it.
A pure and simple joyous set, was perfectly formed and I would love to grab my camera and go and see The Lightning Seeds again for a full set. This had been a marvellous set full of great music and so good to see the joyful reactions of the crowd.
The Lightning Seeds can be found online here!
And Finally…
Thanks to MADNESS, THE LIGHTNING SEEDS, DAWBELL and The Brighton and Hove News music team.
Words, Videos and photos for Scene Sussex by Ian Bourn.
We work hard with the artists, promotion teams, the venues and not forgetting the crowd to bring you the best photos and reviews across the area. Keep Music LIVE! Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook.
Please note all original images / video are copyright, please do not copy. If any of the featured artists/promoters/venues want copies of the images – or more if available – please just get in touch.
All original pictures / video – copyright to IANB/MEDIA WORKS/ SCENE SUSSEX – Ian “The Lens” Bourn 2023.
Got an event coming up? Need some gig photography, promo shots, previews or reviews? – please get in touch! See you down the front – come and say “hi!”