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Suggs gets into his stride on stage

Madness at Thetford Forest

The Nutty Boys stormed the forest, but did they still sound fresh after all this time? We sent Lee Allen along to find out.

Madness are no longer a band, they are an institution, a Great British tradition.

Lee Allen gives the gig 5 out of 5 stars.

So when Thetford Forest announced the date, it was no wonder that it sold out so quickly.

Arriving at High Lodge, it was incredible to see the difference in the audience compared to the crowds at other gigs they have hosted.

Gone are the picnic baskets, replaced by crates of beer - there are no Scotch eggs tonight, only pork pie hats.

Like the Beautiful South the night before, Madness are very much a band of the people and tonight the people are out to party.

Warm-up band

Before the Nutty Boys take to the stage we are treated to a set by North London’s latest rising stars Jag. They're a three-piece band playing pop-punk not too dissimilar to the Ordinary Boys or early Supergrass.

Judging by the screams as they came on, they have built up a following already and if they continue to knock out sets of this quality it won't be long until they have an even bigger band of fans.

At times they dance dangerously on the thin line between cheeky and crude, which isn’t a bad thing as it makes the girls swoon and the boys roar with approval.

This was an unexpected treat and a cracking start to the evening. With performances like this one, there's no reason why Jag won't go on to headline gigs of this size too.

Time for Madness

Danny from Jag

Let’s face it though, it didn’t really matter who was playing before Madness - a crowd who has come to party doesn’t need warming up, and from the moment the group steps on the stage they own Thetford Forest.

Opening with One Step Beyond, the band tear through a set that is laden with classics.

Time hasn't been kind to one or two members of the band, but Suggs and Chas Smash look great in their grey suits as they hurtle around the stage.

The Prince and Shut Up go by in a blur as the gig turns into one huge party. With 6,000 people all jumping and skanking in unison, I'm proud to say I was right in the middle.

Dressed for the occasion

Some people had dressed up for the day in their finest suits - I spotted a jaunty red and green check number - while others danced with their lights sabres and someone even launched a large fluffy deer onto the stage.

It didn’t matter if you couldn’t see all of this as Chas and Suggs chatted with the crowd throughout the gig and made sure that some of the ladies at the front weren't getting too "squished."

Imagine going to the best pub knees-up in the world and you would be getting close to the gig's atmosphere.

The set was a near perfect greatest hits mix with songs like Bed And Breakfast Man sitting comfortably next to newer tracks like Love Struck.

Fresh sound

I was impressed by how fresh everything sounded - bearing in mind some of these songs are coming up to 30 years old, they sound just as good today as they did back then.

According to the band, it’s nearly a year since they last played together and it's a testament to their professionalism and friendship that they still sound so tight.

As the set progressed it was the final batch of songs that sent the crowd over the top: Wings Of A Dove led into a fantastic rendition of Baggy Trousers, which was followed by a mass sing-a-long of It Must Be Love.

The band came back for an encore of Madness and then the night's highlight - a break-neck version of Night Boat To Cairo.

This is one of the most fun-filled gigs I have been to and it will live in my memory for a long time. I've waited 18 years to see Madness live and, boy, they did not disappoint.

Madness and Jag played Thetford Forest on Saturday 11 June 2005.

^{Picture credits: Lee Allen.}

last updated: 16/06/05

Have Your Say

What did you think of the gig - tell us here.

James
lets have it right, JAG's frontman is ee thompson of madness's son, thats the only real reason why they were up on a stage at a gig of that size, im not saying they aint talented or a good band. But theyve had it easy and even bands who we all love dont get to play to large crowds but they do cos daddy ets them!!
Tue Dec 13 14:17:08 2005

Sarah
Has anyone got any ideas where i can find out some more information about Jag? I am a friend of one of the band members but I am tryin to do some independent research on them. Your help would be appreciated.
Mon Nov 7 15:08:50 2005

Raj
i could use an expletive to describe Thetford....****'n fantastic. The support bands were great - look out for the stiff naked fools - I definitely will...
Sat Sep 3 20:23:40 2005

Henry
This was the best gig I have ever been to. Both the support bands were amazing, Stiff Naked Fools and Jag - but Madness could not have been better. Other bands are going to have to do well to put on a better performance!
Fri Jun 24 21:27:49 2005

Kath Havers
Excellent gig. I've seen 'em three times. Each time, got to the front. Can't wait for the next one!
Fri Jun 24 20:13:16 2005

Paul
I first saw Madness live in 1981, and they are still just as great as they ever were. The atmosphere was perfect, everyone sweatily dancing and singing along to the brilliantly performed songs. Best gig ever!
Thu Jun 16 19:32:25 2005

penelopie porkie
jag were lovely
Thu Jun 16 15:55:17 2005

Manc, Gum and Mr Button
Even though we've seen Madness before, they blew us away this time. Best gig ever, coupled with missing trilbies, missing shoes, killer swans, man-fire and a campervan, it was the best weekend ever. Cheers boys. PS. Don't mention the walk!
Thu Jun 16 14:35:18 2005

Lee
Millsey - thanks for making our night. you and your mate were a great laugh! plus you look like Jack Black :)
Thu Jun 16 12:13:50 2005

JAG Fan No 1
WOW! This band were rocking!I danced for their whole set. They have really catchy tunes and after visiting their website I am pleased to say I have downloaded the song lyrics and their tunes. I'm hooked - watch this space, these boys are gonna go far!
Thu Jun 16 09:37:20 2005

Michelle & Michael Allen
We were right at the front and Madness was brillant as ever. We were very impressed with the support group Jag and hope to hear much about them in the future. An outstanding concert and I don't think Madness ever age. They were great - can't wait to see them again.
Thu Jun 16 00:11:19 2005

Rick Hatton
Madness were great but most impressed by Jag.One for the future!
Wed Jun 15 22:51:34 2005

Dani
Jag are an amazing band and are gonna go far! Excellent! The best gig ever!
Wed Jun 15 20:22:31 2005

kerri
I was disappointed to find my friends were having the odd can of beer taken off them for 'safety reasons' then when we get into the venue theres at least 1000 deckchairs strategically placed in front of the stage! And this is safe? If the chairs were left at home surely more fans would've been able to get into the venue! Chairs + moshpits don't mix. Maybe next time these people should grab a Saga brochure? Coach trip to Eastbourne anyone??
Wed Jun 15 17:30:17 2005

LOUISE COULTRUP
I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO MADNESS BUT JAG WAS A FANTASTIC SURPRISE. I HAVE VISITED THEIR WEB SITE AND WILL DEFINITELY BE GOING TO THEIR GIGS AS A BIG FAN.
Wed Jun 15 14:09:29 2005

Matt B - Jag's manager
It was a very cool night, and to see madness play for like the 15th time, it was a smasher!
Wed Jun 15 13:58:54 2005

Anonymus tasty bird
I thought the drummer from jag was particularly hansome!
Wed Jun 15 09:13:09 2005

The Pooles
One of the best gigs I've been to! Madness are true stars. The crowd and atmosphere was electric. The unsigned band JAG - really got the gig off to a roaring start - a band of true talent- when will they release their first album!!!
Wed Jun 15 08:59:36 2005

Millsey
Madnes what can we say on here but ! just excellent, It was me and my best mate with the light sabers. The best night ever.
Tue Jun 14 23:38:38 2005

Kelly
MADNESS! Gotta say this was the best live band performance I have ever seen. Can't believe how FUN it was to be at this gig! If you don't dance to live Madness, then you just don't dance. Great to see from the flyers at the gig that they have a new album coming out 01 August called The Dangermen Sessions Volume 1 and a new single in July. After this experience, I am completely converted - If you do one thing before you die, go see Madness live and get up the front - you won't be able to take the smile off your face and you WILL dance!
Tue Jun 14 20:25:13 2005

Nick Pool
Jag rocked! Go on da boys! Rock 'n' roll! Madness pukka!
Tue Jun 14 17:30:59 2005

marky
Jag were blinding - the best unsigned band in england. They were rockin' and rollin' and got the crowd well ready for Madness who as always showed dat madness is still alive and well. Well done jag, keep up the good work!
Tue Jun 14 16:45:37 2005

Amy
Jag are the most amazing band ive ever heard in my life. I couldn't believe my ears. Hope someone snaps them up soon, they need recognition. Thanks for a fantastic day. Madness weren't bad either!
Tue Jun 14 16:29:52 2005

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Madness at Thetford Forest

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