The iconic British band Madness is gearing up for their first U.S. tour in a decade, with the pandemic having delayed their plans to visit earlier. The group’s singer, Graham ‘Suggs’ McPherson, reflects on the long wait and the excitement of finally performing in America again, despite never achieving massive success there. The upcoming tour coincides with the release of Madness’s latest album, Theatre of Absurd Presents C’est la Vie, which reached number one on the British chart.
The making of Theatre of the Absurd proved challenging for Madness, as the band struggled to work remotely during the early days of the pandemic. However, once they were able to reunite in person, the music began to flow. The album’s conceptual focus on the absurdities of society stems from the band’s differing views on lockdown measures, which created a unique perspective on current issues. The record infuses a theatrical, English music hall vibe, drawing from the band’s influences and experiences.
Despite the evolution of their sound, Madness’s ska roots are still evident in tracks like “C’est la Vie,” which tackles the realities of society with both realism and optimism. Semi-autobiographical tracks like “Baby Burglar” and “In My Street” continue Madness’s tradition of blending happy and sad elements into their music, showcasing the band’s ability to evoke a range of emotions. “Set Me Free” reflects bandmate Chris Foreman’s personal experience during lockdown, adding a sense of melancholy to the album’s ebullient sound.
As Madness prepares for their U.S. tour, they plan to incorporate both new tracks from Theatre of the Absurd and classic hits into their setlist. The band, which formed in 1976 during the British punk era, has since evolved their sound while staying true to their ska roots. Their breakthrough U.S. hit, “Our House,” marked a turning point in their American success and connected them to the Second British Invasion of the U.S. music scene.
As the band celebrates the 45th anniversary of their debut record, One Step Beyond…, they reflect on their enduring career and the passion they still have for performing. With six of the seven original members still together, Madness continues to captivate audiences with their infectious energy and unique sound. The upcoming tour dates in the U.S. mark a special moment for the band as they look forward to reconnecting with fans and delivering their signature brand of music and entertainment.
