Live Review: Madness, Caravana Sun

With the lights of the port shining bright in the background behind the stage, Caravana Sun kicked off the evening's proceedings to a sizeable early crowd that was already stretching back up the hill at the picturesque Fremantle Arts Centre. Following what was, by all accounts, a torturous, delayed flight to Perth that saw them arrive only half an hour before the gig and without their drummer, equipment or luggage the well-travelled Sydneysiders delivered an admirable set of soulful, reggae-inspired songs performed with borrowed gear. 

Then it was time for the main event and the outdoor venue appeared to be a sea of red fez-wearing heads as the stage lights dimmed and Madness made their way out onto the stage to loud applause. Opening up with Can't Touch Us Now from their 2016 album of the same name, Madness showed that — unlike many bands from the 1980s that continually tour and perform what amount to be no more than greatest hits shows with perhaps one or two original members — they are still capable of producing fresh, new material with a line-up that has remained largely unchanged for close to 40 years.

"We're not One Direction, Take That or Kylie Minogue," dapper frontman Graham "Suggs" McPherson pointed out, just in case the crowd needed any reminding, before the band's name lit up in huge letters at the rear of the stage and they launched into another new track, NW5. With Suggs in fine, witty form and the band playing as tight as ever, Madness continued on with their appreciative audience skanking and singing along to older favourites as well as new tracks such as Mumbo Jumbo that proved to be equally popular with the crowd.

The band briefly left the stage as guitarist Chris Foreman told everyone a story about how he had visited Bon Scott's statue in Fremantle earlier in the day, which led to him delivering a rather unique performance of AC/DC's Highway To Hell to a backing track. Thankfully, the band quickly returned with Suggs announcing, "Let's get on with this shambles," before they launched into One Step Beyond from their 1979 debut album, which well and truly got the crowd pumping.

From there on in it was hit after hit. House Of Fun, Baggy Trousers, Our House, It Must Be Love — songs that, even if you weren't around when they were released, are indelibly burnt into your memory so you can't help but sing along, as most of the crowd did. 

The band once again left the stage but returned shortly after to rapturous applause for an encore that Suggs dedicated to the smattering of fans that he had noticed leaving through It Must Be Love. Mr Apples, from the new album, was followed by Madness and Night Boat To Cairo, which saw the band joined on stage by some children who were dancing and wearing the, by now, ubiquitous red fezzes.   

After thanking the crowd one last time, Madness took their leave and left the appreciative crowd to happily make their way out of the venue to the strains of Monty Python's Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life.