Madness Deliver Mixed Opening Night at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena
Madness opened their latest UK Christmas tour at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, but the performance drew mixed reactions after frontman Suggs appeared to struggle during parts of the 23-song set.
The show, supporting the band’s new 45-track compilation Hit Parade, began strongly with crowd favourites including “One Step Beyond”. Fans in the 13,000-strong audience, many wearing the band’s signature red fezzes, responded enthusiastically early on.
However, the performance was described as under-rehearsed overall, despite solid musicianship from long-time members Mike Barson and Lee Thompson. Suggs, 64, seemed overwhelmed by the size of the stage at times, and reviewers noted that his vocals were often overshadowed by the band’s instrumentation.
The pace dipped midway through the night, though energy returned during a strong run of hits including “House of Fun”, “Baggy Trousers”, “Our House” and “It Must Be Love”, which helped lift the atmosphere.
The show closed with a ska-style version of Wizzard’s “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday” as the band continues its UK tour throughout December.
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