Madness Concert Reviews and Ratings

Review 1 for Madness

5 / 5

Wow, They still have it !!!!

Humphries @

- San Diego @

Favorite moment: "Los Palmas", their Fans and kids, dancing to the music, dressed in Madness, was cool to see. Great family event of loyal fans Madness has created. @

Setlist: Everything was awesome. @

Posted 04/06/2013

by R1o2b3e4r5t6

Location:So. Cal.

First concert I saw as an adult in the UK and 26 years later, they still have it.. I hope this isn't the last time they are at (awesome) Humphries, or So. Cal period, but if they are, I had the chance to see one of the coolest, nuttiest bands around, before going out in style..

To Madness and through all their changes over the years, thank you for coming back to S.D. and giving us real fans, another chance to see the music we grew up with, worked out with, danced to, hiked with, etc.. one more chance to enjoy it live.. God Bless and much continued success... "..........Waiter!!!!"

May I add, maybe a after signing, autograph session with the group. Could be used as a great "inexpensive" fund raiser and give those who would like a bit of the band's (personal not just commercial) memorbelia..

Humphries @

- San Diego @

Favorite moment: "Los Palmas", their Fans and kids, dancing to the music, dressed in Madness, was cool to see. Great family event of loyal fans Madness has created. @

Setlist: Everything was awesome. @

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Review 2 for Madness

5 / 5

IT WAS UTTER MADNESS!

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Mon, Apr 16, 2012 @

Favorite moment: ALL OF IT! @

Opening act(s): IF THERE WAS ONE I MISSED THEM. @

Posted 05/25/2012

by ARCHEMIDES

Location:BEAUTIFUL DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON

I HAD SEEN THIS BAND THREE TIMES PRIOR TO THIS SHOW- ONCE IN 1980 AT THE COUNTRY CLUB IN RESEDA; IN 1983 WITH DAVID BOWIE AND THE GO-GO'S AT ANGEL STADIUM AND THEN A WEEK LATER AT THE PALLADIUM WITH MINISTRY. AS GREAT AS THOSE SHOWS WERE, I TRULY HAVE TO SAY THAT THEIR PERFORMANCE AT CLUB NOKIA WAS THE BEST EVER! I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO THE COACHELLA FESTIVAL,NOR WILL I EVER GO TO THE COACHELLA FESTIVAL- BUT I MUST SAY THAT I LOVE THE COACHELLA FESTIVAL BECAUSE EACH YEAR THEY GET GREAT BANDS FROM THE PAST TO RE-UNITE AND TOUR! WILL WE EVER SEE MADNESS AGAIN? WHO KNOW'S. WE CAN ONLY HOPE. BUT IF YOU MISSED THEIR SHOW AT CLUB NOKIA YOU TRULY DID MISS A VERY SPECIAL EVENT!

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Mon, Apr 16, 2012 @

Favorite moment: ALL OF IT! @

Opening act(s): IF THERE WAS ONE I MISSED THEM. @

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Review 3 for Madness

5 / 5

Still Skankin' with style!

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Mon, Apr 16, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Opening the show with "One Step Beyond...."
and playing Swan Lake to begin their encore. @

Setlist: One Step Beyond, Embarrasment, The Prince, NW5, My Girl, Sun and The Rain, Take it or leave it, Taller than you, Iron Shirt, Clerkenwell Polka, Shut Up, Grey Day, Bed and Breakfast, Forever Young, House of Fun, Baggy Trousers, Our House, It Must be Love, Encore: Swan Lake, Madness, NIght Boat to Cairo. @

Opening act(s): Chris Murray Combo, nice local band. I will definitely seek them out and see them again. @

Posted 05/03/2012

by AndyKofHB

Location:Orange County

Some of us have waited almost 30 years to see Madness live again. This show at Club Nokia made it worth the wait. Although a little older, 6 of the original 7 members took the stage and put on a 90 minute show that left everyone on the dancefloor tired and out of breath. Dressed in dapper, 3-button suits, Suggs, Chaz, Chris, Woody, Lee and Mike put on an incredible show consisting of almost every fan favorite. When Chaz took the mic and began the show with his trademark yell, "Hey You, don't watch that, watch this....." you knew his order had to be heeded. The show ended as energetic as it began, the band played "Night Boat to Cairo" while a dozen young ladies invaded the stage and danced. Earlier in the show, Suggs made light of their age and longevity by saying, "For those of you that just wandered into the wrong part of the casino, we're Madness."
In support of their 2 shows at the Coachella Festival, the band played several shows on the West Coast; including Vegas, San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles. Hopefully they realize they still have a lot of fans out there and come back soon.

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Mon, Apr 16, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Opening the show with "One Step Beyond...."
and playing Swan Lake to begin their encore. @

Setlist: One Step Beyond, Embarrasment, The Prince, NW5, My Girl, Sun and The Rain, Take it or leave it, Taller than you, Iron Shirt, Clerkenwell Polka, Shut Up, Grey Day, Bed and Breakfast, Forever Young, House of Fun, Baggy Trousers, Our House, It Must be Love, Encore: Swan Lake, Madness, NIght Boat to Cairo. @

Opening act(s): Chris Murray Combo, nice local band. I will definitely seek them out and see them again. @

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Review 4 for Madness

5 / 5

One Step Beyond to a Divine Madness evening

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: My 15 year old son being invited on stage by Mrs Thompson, wife of Lee to join the band in the final song, Night Boat to Cairo. @

Posted 04/21/2012

by Toffeeman

Seeing the Nutty Boys perform in San Diego was fantastic, great set, venue made it more personal.

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: My 15 year old son being invited on stage by Mrs Thompson, wife of Lee to join the band in the final song, Night Boat to Cairo. @

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Review 5 for Madness

5 / 5

Madness was Awesome!!!

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: When they pulled fans onto the stage for the closing songs. @

Posted 04/21/2012

by Anonymous

Location:Encinitas, CA

Madness sounded better than ever, entertained, and kept the audience dancing all night.

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: When they pulled fans onto the stage for the closing songs. @

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Review 6 for Madness

5 / 5

Madness was Awesome!!

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Opening up with "One Step Beyond". @

Posted 04/21/2012

by smokeyjav

Location:Southern California

Madness put on one of the best shows I have ever seen. They were very energetic and sounded awesome. Great entertainers!

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Opening up with "One Step Beyond". @

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Review 7 for Madness

5 / 5

Brought me back to my British roots

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Posted 04/19/2012

by Anonymous

The were one of the most awesome groups i have seen and sounded just as great as they did 30 years ago! Dont miss it!

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

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Review 8 for Madness

5 / 5

Great fun

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: The last song they let the front row go on stage to dance with the band! That was the best! @

Setlist: A good arrangement of old and new songs. @

Opening act(s): None, show was to start at 8:00 but did not start till 8:45. @

Posted 04/19/2012

by Turning40inSD

Location:San Diego

Dinner was great, the menu was limited but all the choices were wonderful. The venue was small so all seats were good seats. Madness was awesome, it was a night of energy and good times.

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: The last song they let the front row go on stage to dance with the band! That was the best! @

Setlist: A good arrangement of old and new songs. @

Opening act(s): None, show was to start at 8:00 but did not start till 8:45. @

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Review 9 for Madness

4 / 5

Mad Not Mad

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Grey Day! @

Setlist: Everything you'd expect, plus "Forever Young" from Folgate. @

Opening act(s): None! @

Posted 04/19/2012

by auralfiend

Great band. Great show. Minor quibble: The show started at 8:30 (30 minutes late) and lasted only one hour. Still worth every penny!

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Grey Day! @

Setlist: Everything you'd expect, plus "Forever Young" from Folgate. @

Opening act(s): None! @

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Review 10 for Madness

5 / 5

Madness kept the Rude Boys going the whole show.

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Night Boat to Cairo encore. @

Posted 04/19/2012

by LuckyP

Madness still has it! Havent skipped a beat in 30 years.. Loved the horn section. Wish the show could have gone on longer...

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Night Boat to Cairo encore. @

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Review 11 for Madness

5 / 5

An Up-Close Party with a Longtime Favorite!

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: When they opened with "One Step Beyond" to pump up the crowd, and when half the audience ended up in front of/on the stage for the encore! @

Setlist: Can't remember them all in order, but about 15 old songs & 3 - 4 I'd never heard. Don't have time right now to type them all out. I think one ska song was a cover . . . not sure but would like to find out. Unexpected highlight songs for me were "Bed & Breakfast Man" and "Shut Up". @

Posted 04/19/2012

by NuttyGirl

Location:Orange County, CA

Madness proved that even 30 years after the hits they could still get the crowd jumping! They looked and sounded fabulous, had lots of fun rapport with the audience, and played old greats and a few new surprises. I was ecstatic to have front row tickets, but by the end it didn't matter; much of the audience ended up skanking/twisting/jumping around right in front of or on the stage anyway! It was my first time at Humphreys, which was a fantastic opportunity to see a band in a beautiful setting and up close. We stayed the night there at the hotel and ended up chatting with Suggs and Woody by the pool the next day - what a treat! I'm so happy to have had a chance to see them play something smaller than Coachella, especially with how rare they play live stateside. People were there from all over the U.S./world! This show will stick in my memory forever! Long live the Nutty Boys!

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: When they opened with "One Step Beyond" to pump up the crowd, and when half the audience ended up in front of/on the stage for the encore! @

Setlist: Can't remember them all in order, but about 15 old songs & 3 - 4 I'd never heard. Don't have time right now to type them all out. I think one ska song was a cover . . . not sure but would like to find out. Unexpected highlight songs for me were "Bed & Breakfast Man" and "Shut Up". @

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Review 12 for Madness

5 / 5

Insane Madness at Humphreys

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Posted 04/19/2012

by Boneyknee

Location:Poway, CA

What a complete blast from the not too distant past...

This brought back a lot of memories of when I was living in London in the early 80's.

From the opening cry of "One Step Beyond", the crowd were on their feet. During the encore audience members were on stage dancing and hugging the band members until the last chords of "Night Boat to Cairo" faded into the night.

A memorable night with the band and the audience having FUN.

Thanks mates!

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

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Review 13 for Madness

5 / 5

Madness still sounding great after 30 years!

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: When, in the middle of the show, my 17 y/o son and 16 y/o daughter told me how great it was and thanked me for bringing them. @

Setlist: All their top song including, Our House, My Girl, House of Fun, Night Boat to Cairo, Shut Up, Embarrassment, Baggy Trousers @

Opening act(s): None, just pure Madness @

Posted 04/19/2012

by jlh219

Location:SoCal

The show was awesome. From start to finish everyone was up of their chairs, dancing and moving with the music. The venue was small so there was not a bad seat in the house. Final verdict, the classic showmen like qualities of Madness makes this a top-rate show!

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: When, in the middle of the show, my 17 y/o son and 16 y/o daughter told me how great it was and thanked me for bringing them. @

Setlist: All their top song including, Our House, My Girl, House of Fun, Night Boat to Cairo, Shut Up, Embarrassment, Baggy Trousers @

Opening act(s): None, just pure Madness @

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Review 14 for Madness

5 / 5

OUTSTANDING!

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: The entire show! From One Step Beyond to Night Boat to Cairo @

Setlist: One Step Beyond
Embarrassment
The Prince
NW5
My Girl
Sun and The Rain
Take it or Leave it
Taller than you
Iron shirt
Clerkenwell Polka
Shut Up
Grey Day
Bed and Breakfast Man
Forever Young
House of Fun
Baggy Trousers
Our House
It Must Be Love
Encore:
Swan Lake
Madness
Night Boat to Cairo @

Opening act(s): None @

Posted 04/19/2012

by HomerJdb

2 hours of total non-stop Madness. Band is very tight and an excellent set list.
Had front row, got set list and words to "Take or Leave It" off the stage.
After show, guys hung around for quite a while...Lee, Suggs and Smash.
Unforgettable experience for this nutty boy

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: The entire show! From One Step Beyond to Night Boat to Cairo @

Setlist: One Step Beyond
Embarrassment
The Prince
NW5
My Girl
Sun and The Rain
Take it or Leave it
Taller than you
Iron shirt
Clerkenwell Polka
Shut Up
Grey Day
Bed and Breakfast Man
Forever Young
House of Fun
Baggy Trousers
Our House
It Must Be Love
Encore:
Swan Lake
Madness
Night Boat to Cairo @

Opening act(s): None @

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Review 15 for Madness

5 / 5

Great early summer show

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Opening act(s): None @

Posted 04/19/2012

by AaMaddie

Venue was amazing and Madness still bring it! Easy to get to and staff are great.

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Opening act(s): None @

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Review 16 for Madness

5 / 5

Still Skanking After All These Years!

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Had to be when they played "My Girl." @

Setlist: One Step Beyond (Prince Buster cover), Embarrassment, The Prince, NW5, My Girl, The Sun and the Rain, Take It or Leave It, Taller Than You Are (California Girls snippet), I Chase The Devil A.K.A. Ironshirt (Max Romeo cover), Clerkenwell Polka, Shut Up, Grey Day
Bed & Breakfast Man, Forever Young, (Chris Foreman rap), House of Fun, Baggy Trousers
Our House, It Must Be Love (Labi Siffre cover), Encore:Madness (Prince Buster cover), Night Boat to Cairo @

Opening act(s): None @

Posted 04/19/2012

by Bartleby90

Location:Los Angeles

So I have been listening to Madness since the early 80s. I did not get into them when the song "Our House" became so popular, I had been listening to them for years by that time. Recently I was gifted their latest record THE LIBERTY OF NORTON FOLGATE and loved it. It is the best record they have released since ABSOLUTELY. I was so excited when Richard Blade announced that Madness would be playing Cochella. I was even more excited when I discovered they would be playing at Humphrey's.

The show was great. The band still sounds so tight. Suggs and Chaz sound great on vocals, and the rest of the band still play the songs as if the show were happening 30 years ago. Without a doubt the best part of Madness is the pianist Mike Barson. He is the heart and soul of this band and his piano defines the band. He did not disappoint.

My only complaint is that they did not play enough off of Norton Folgate. I know, weird right? The record is that good. buy it today! But for all of you who have loved this band for decades, you will love the setlist which includes all of the classics.

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Had to be when they played "My Girl." @

Setlist: One Step Beyond (Prince Buster cover), Embarrassment, The Prince, NW5, My Girl, The Sun and the Rain, Take It or Leave It, Taller Than You Are (California Girls snippet), I Chase The Devil A.K.A. Ironshirt (Max Romeo cover), Clerkenwell Polka, Shut Up, Grey Day
Bed & Breakfast Man, Forever Young, (Chris Foreman rap), House of Fun, Baggy Trousers
Our House, It Must Be Love (Labi Siffre cover), Encore:Madness (Prince Buster cover), Night Boat to Cairo @

Opening act(s): None @

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Review 17 for Madness

5 / 5

Mighty Madness!

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Shut up! I love this song and it was superb!! @

Posted 04/19/2012

by Anonymous

The whole experience was fantastic! Have loved them all my life and to see them on my 40th was amazing, as were they!!

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Favorite moment: Shut up! I love this song and it was superb!! @

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Review 18 for Madness

3 / 5

Madness not so Mad any more

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

Posted 04/19/2012

by PattyDop

Location:San Diego

The music was good but the entire event felt like it was going in reverse. The band didn't engage with the audience at all. I felt like there was no "umf" to it. I saw Madness at least 5 times back in the day and I always loved the energy they brought to the stage but it was definitely not there this time. I was pretty bummed because I was looking foward to the concert and considering the price of the tickets I thought it was going to be a great show.

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay @

- San Diego @

, CA @

- Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @

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Review 19 for Madness

5 / 5

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Mon, Apr 16, 2012 @

Posted 04/18/2012

by goofiesurfer

Madness always puts on a good show. I have seen them in the states and also over seas was ways a good show.

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Mon, Apr 16, 2012 @

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Review 20 for Madness

5 / 5

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Mon, Apr 16, 2012 @

Favorite moment: The whole night @

Setlist: Excelllent @

Opening act(s): Good @

Posted 04/18/2012

by Freeway5

Amazing amazing AMAZING show!!! Definitely go see them when they come to town again.

Club Nokia @

- Los Angeles @

, CA @

- Mon, Apr 16, 2012 @

Favorite moment: The whole night @

Setlist: Excelllent @

Opening act(s): Good @

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Customer Reviews for Madness

Madness

Wow, They still have it !!!!

IT WAS UTTER MADNESS!

Still Skankin' with style!

One Step Beyond to a Divine Madness evening

Madness was Awesome!!!

Madness was Awesome!!

Brought me back to my British roots

Great fun

Mad Not Mad

Madness kept the Rude Boys going the whole show.

An Up-Close Party with a Longtime Favorite!

Insane Madness at Humphreys

Madness still sounding great after 30 years!

OUTSTANDING!

Great early summer show

Still Skanking After All These Years!

Mighty Madness!

Madness not so Mad any more