GuilFest 2005. The Guildford Music Festival on 15th, 16th and 17th July 2005

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Artist: Madness [1] [2]
Genre: Ska Pop
Performing: 5th July 2003 / Stage 1
Website Address: http://www.madness.co.uk/
Author: Anna Rooke

Mad For It!
Ever since they formed in 1978, Madness have built up a dedicated following of fans (or fanatics) prepared to go to any lengths to prove their devotion. They've followed the band to every gig, bought all the albums, copied the clothes and mimicked the band's every 'mad' style.

No surprises then that Saturday of Guilfest is awash with Madness look-alikes. Dressed in two-tone suit and tie combos, dark shades and a variety of absurd hats - porkpies, trilbies, red fezes - they're eager to see their favourite band headlining the main stage.

By the time Madness finally make their entrance and the first echo of 'One Step Beyond' reverberates through the crowd, it's just one big nutty party. The manic enthusiasm stirred up in the early 80s with the likes of Baggy Trousers, House of Fun and It Must Be Love is reincarnated, inducing vigorous swaying, energetic bouncing and animated chanting among the masses.

Suggs and the gang know how to entertain and right up until the final encore of Night Boat to Cairo, via every old, familiar and classic tune they've ever made, it's all about having a good time, being stupid, letting yourself go.

Fine, they haven't produced any decent new material in recent years and yes, they rely on the old hits to work their magic with the crowd. But frankly, with a back catalogue like that, who needs new songs? The Guilfest crowd is here to have fun and Madness dish it out in king-size doses. What better way to round off the second night of Guilfest?