They’re really on to something with this year’s line-up of live acts for the Adnams Newmarket Nights.
The July course was heaving with people sporting black and white bowler hats and fezzes, and braces in anticipation of Madness taking to the stage. From performances on the rooftop of Buckingham Palace to seeing out the Olympics on the back of a flatbed truck, Madness have sealed their position as national treasures.
And while the grand stage at Adnams’ Newmarket Nights might have swamped lesser acts, Suggs (pictured) and co looked right at home. As Chas Smash launched into his “Hey you! Don’t watch that, watch this” – heralding the start of a spanking soaked One Step Beyond – the crowd were instantly with them.
There is possibly no band better to play an open air summer show, the knock-kneed rhythms and pub-philosopher wit spreading a feeling of bonhomie quicker than you could say House of Fun.
And Madness prove their back catalogue can compete with any act from any age as the energy levels reach critical mass for Baggy Trousers, Our House, Never Knew Your Name, Wings of a Dove and the sing-along delirium of It Must Be Love.
Madness indeed.
Gregg Brown
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