GALLERY: Madness' house of fun has fans in raptures at Wolverhampton Racecourse show
Fans came from far and wide to enjoy a night of hits from one of the country’s best loved bands.
Madness were the main event of a night of racing and music at Wolverhampton Racecourse at Dunstall Park, the first in a two-day event, with Ladies Day and Jess Glynne on the Saturday.
It was the second time the band had played at the course, after appearing there in 2015 as part of their Grand Slam of Madness tour and the show was one of the last dates on their “Day at the Races and Other Places” tour, which has taken in Racecourses, stadiums and other unique venues all over the country, including the Isle of Wight Festival and the House of Commons.
It must be love! Read the review as Madness brought their show to Wolverhampton
On a clear and warm evening, fans in attendance enjoyed a full racing card before making their way to the stage at the centre of the course to get their best vantage point for the show, with many dressed in ska-themed outfits and wearing Madness branded fez’s and Dr Martin boots.
PICTURES: See highlights from the night
There were over 10,000 fans in attendance all around the field as Madness, who had 15 top ten hits in the 1980s and are celebrating 40 years as a band, made their way onto stage to a rapturous reception.
The band proceeded to put on a show that got everyone dancing, mixing classic hits such as Baggy Trousers, House of Fun and Our House with more recent songs like Mr Apples, NW5 and My Girl 2.
Madness have an international appeal, with people from all over the world coming to enjoy the show.
Rob Barker from Adelaide, Australia, had been a fan since One Step Beyond came out in 1979, but had never been able to see the band live until he was organising a trip to the UK and found out that Madness were on tour, so he was able to come and see them for the first time.
He said: “We all bought One Step Beyond and danced on the lawn back home, so I’m hoping to hear a lot of the old stuff and new stuff.
“I’ve seen a lot them on YouTube and I know they put on a fairly energetic and active show, so I’m really excited to see them for the first time live.”
A diverse mix of people were in attendance, with families enjoying the show together. Paul Saddington was part of his daughter’s Hen Party and was happy to combine that with seeing a band they’d all grown up with.
He said: “As the kids were growing up, we all liked Madness and it was always on in the car, so it was an obvious choice for her hen party.
“It’s an ideal venue for a show like this. There’s lots of entertainment and lots of food and drink and I’m looking forward to seeing my daughter enjoy herself in a great setting.”
For David Roberts, Managing Executive of the Racecourse, having Madness back again was a boost for the whole course.
He said: “It’s great to see a crowd of this scale and to do it two days running with Madness and Jess Glynne and have over 18,000 people in over those two days is phenomenal.
“Having the racing, then the gig really works for Madness. They’ve been doing racecourse tours for some years now and we know that, together, we attract a great crowd.
“Their music is timeless and fun and if you’re going out for a party, there’s nothing better to dance to.”
