Madness (UK)
Theirs not to reason why / Theirs but to come and go wild
In the late 1970s, the British Isles were almost drowning under a sudden wave of ska enthusiasm. Tropical rhythms met the austerity of the everyday life and the general unrest of the time in the narrow alleyways of London, where such bands as Bad Manners and Madness were already tuning up their instruments. The combination of punk, ska and British rock, with some helpful support from the label 2 Tone Records, created a handful of great bands and dozens of songs that have since become evergreens. But the finest success story in this book is undoubtedly Madness. Early on, the band found its ingenious way of combining ska and British pop without ever taking itself too seriously, and has continued on that tried and tested path ever since. And yet, somewhere behind all that frolicking, they also have a more serious side to them, as Madness can simultaneously embody the class clown and the poor devil moaning for his lost youth in the corner of the pub. Madness's career is a continuation of unbeatable albums, a great deal of hits and more than an evening's worth of fantastic music that begs you to join the dancing crowds.
A lot of water has passed under the London Bridge since Madness's salad days, but they can still conquer the main stages of major European festivals as effortlessly as they have always done. Their hits – Our House, Baggy Trousers, House of Fun, Night Boat to Cairo, and many more – will make everyone in the audience go wild, even those who initially thought they'd rather stand a bit aloof and watch. But who could stay still when Madness's horn section blows away your worries in an instant?
This summer, the main stage at Laulurinne festival ground welcomes a pack of well-dressed gentlemen, neatly combining the anniversaries of the 35-year-old Madness and the 40-year-old Ilosaarirock Festival. Time to thank your lucky stars you're going to be there.
