Nutty Boys brought house down with hits
Madness go one step beyond with brilliant show at Cyfarthfa Park
MADNESS’ reign as undisputed ska pop kings looks as if it has no sign of ending any time soon – thanks to a hit-packed show that celebrated the past and looked resolutely to the future.
This concert, in front of 6,000 fans in the picturesque grounds of Cyfarthfa Castle in Merthyr Tydfil, saw the band take us on an eventful trip through their back catalogue and a preview of tracks from new album Can’t Touch Us Now. Their latest collection of songs, to be released in October, is their 12th studio album in a 37year career that has seen those instantly familiar pop standards firmly woven into the consciousness of a nation and the band clutched to collective hearts as one of the most loved and enduring British groups of all time.
If the future looks bright for The Nutty Boys it looks positively iridescent for the Merthyr bands who provided such brilliant support to the main attraction.
Promoters Orchard Entertainment must be congratulated for making this show a resolutely Merthyr-centric affair by offering supports to hometown young guns Upbeat Sneakers and fast-rising rock ‘n’ roll stars Pretty Vicious.
For Upbeat Sneakers in particular this gig was an especial thrill. The Merthyr teens’ music has been directly influenced by ska and Two-Tone explosion of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s and was evident in a set that showcased their sheer zest and joy they have when it comes to playing live.
Prior to the show the group, whose ages range from 14 to 21, had expressed their delight at getting the gig to support their heroes.
Pretty Vicious, meanwhile, ably demonstrated why they are one of the