On June 16, 2024, Madness transformed Southampton’s Guildhall Square into a ska-soaked party during the TK Maxx Southampton Summer Sessions. The Camden legends, headlining the second night, delivered a performance bursting with energy, nostalgia, and their signature north London wit, captivating a diverse crowd from babies to seasoned nutty boys.

Kicking off with the Thunderbirds theme and comic visuals, Madness launched into “One Step Beyond,” “The Prince,” and “Embarrassment,” setting a frenetic pace. The setlist masterfully mixed classics like “Baggy Trousers,” “Our House,” and “House of Fun” with tracks from their 2023 album C’est La Vie, which held up well live. A cheeky cover of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell,” led by guitarist Chris Foreman, injected extra mischief, while “Night Boat to Cairo” sparked a fez-fueled finale. Suggs’ banter and Lee Thompson’s sax antics kept the vibe playful, with fans dancing non-stop.

Support act Kid Kapichi warmed up the sunny afternoon with punk-rock energy, their anthem “It’s Coming Home” igniting early singalongs. Despite some crowd complaints about slow entry queues, the atmosphere in the transformed Cultural Quarter was electric, with Guildhall Square’s open-air setup enhancing the festival feel.

Madness’ enduring chemistry—bolstered by Mike Barson’s keyboards and the band’s six original members—proved why they’ve charmed audiences for over four decades. While some newer songs drew mixed reactions elsewhere, Southampton embraced them wholeheartedly. The night was a joyous reminder not to take life too seriously, leaving fans buzzing with gladness under the summer sky