On Saturday, August 10, 2024, Madness, one of Britain’s most iconic bands, will bring their “C’est La Vie” summer tour to a close at Galway Airport as part of the Galway Summer Sessions. Joined by special guests Lightning Seeds, the event promises an unforgettable night of ska, pop, and theatrical flair. The tour’s fancy dress theme, “Theatre of the Absurd,” encourages fans to embrace the absurd with wild costumes. Photographers will capture the best-dressed attendees, with top outfits winning prizes and a spot on an official tour poster.

Fresh off their first UK Official Charts No.1 studio album, Theatre of the Absurd Presents C’est La Vie, Madness will perform tracks from the critically acclaimed record alongside classics from their 40-year career. The album, released in 2023 after a seven-year gap, is a vibrant reflection of the band’s signature sound, blending catchy pop with quirky, poignant storytelling. Standout tracks like the lead single “C’est La Vie,” Daniel “Woody” Woodgate’s “Round We Go,” and Chrissy-Boy’s “Run For Your Life” showcase their timeless brilliance. The record, bookended by Suggs’ finest compositions and featuring a prologue by Martin Freeman, was recorded in an industrial unit in Cricklewood, capturing the band’s raw, collaborative energy.

Emerging from Camden Town in the late 1970s, Madness became ska-pop legends with hits like “Baggy Trousers” and “Our House.” With 15 top-ten singles, 10 top-ten albums, and accolades including an Ivor Novello Award, their legacy is unmatched. From Buckingham Palace to record-breaking BBC New Year’s Eve broadcasts, Madness continues to captivate. Don’t miss this theatrical, absurd, and utterly brilliant night in Galway.