On September 20, 2024, British ska-pop icons Madness brought their infectious “Nutty Sound” to Köln’s Palladium, delivering a high-energy show that lived up to their name. Celebrating over 40 years of global stage domination, the band showcased their new self-produced album, C’est La Vie, released November 17, 2023, alongside timeless classics. Produced with sound engineer Matt Galsbey, known for his work with Ed Sheeran and Rag’n’Bone Man, the album’s fresh, harmonic vibe resonated with fans, blending seamlessly with hits like “House of Fun” and “Our House.”

The Palladium, a vibrant 4,000-capacity venue, transformed into a “gigantic bouncing castle” for 90 minutes, as described by GA.de. Kicking off at 8 PM, Madness opened with “Thunderbirds: Main Title” before tearing through a setlist featuring “One Step Beyond,” “Embarrassment,” and new tracks like “C’est La Vie.” The band’s signature groovy drum melodies and relentless basslines, paired with dominant brass, swept the audience into a frenzy of dancing and singalongs. Fans, some donning retro black-and-white checkered gear, reveled in the ska-punk-pop fusion that defined the late ’70s 2 Tone revival.

Madness’s recent albums, including The Liberty of Norton Folgate and Can’t Touch Us Now, have earned critical acclaim, and their Köln performance proved their musical uniqueness endures. The tour’s mantra, “Let the madness be madness,” was embodied in every note, making this a must-see event. Though not at E-Werk, the Palladium gig was a triumphant stop on their C’est La Vie Summer 2024 Tour, leaving Köln buzzing with unforgettable energy.