Madness

Madness Live at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham!

Get ready to ‘One Step Beyond’ into a night of pure, unadulterated ska-pop brilliance as the legendary Madness descends upon Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena on Saturday, 13 December 2025. This isn’t just another concert; it’s a joyous, energetic celebration of a band that has soundtracked generations with their unique brand of witty lyrics, infectious rhythms, and unforgettable stage presence. Prepare for a guaranteed knees-up, a healthy dose of nostalgia, and a vibrant explosion of classic hits that will have you dancing the night away.

About Madness

For over four decades, Madness have remained an iconic and beloved force in British music. Emerging from the vibrant ska revival scene of the late 1970s, the London-based septet quickly carved out a distinct identity, blending the upstrokes of ska with the urgency of punk and a healthy dose of theatricality. Their early days were marked by a whirlwind of chart success and an instantly recognisable image, complete with sharp suits and inimitable dance moves. This was a band that didn’t take themselves too seriously, but they took their music incredibly seriously, crafting songs that were both fun and profoundly insightful, often touching on everyday life, social commentary, and the absurdities of modern Britain.

Their breakthrough came with their debut album, One Step Beyond…, released in 1979, which spawned the title track and the iconic “My Girl”. The early 1980s were a golden era for Madness, with a string of Top 10 singles that cemented their status as national treasures. Anthemic tracks like “Baggy Trousers” captured the spirit of youthful exuberance and school-day memories, while “It Must Be Love” showcased their softer, more romantic side, becoming a perennial wedding reception favourite. Their magnum opus, however, arrived in 1982 with the concept album The Rise & Fall, featuring the chart-topping single “Our House,” a nostalgic and poignant portrayal of domestic life that remains one of their most enduring and recognisable songs worldwide. Despite periods of hiatus and lineup changes, Madness have consistently reunited, proving their enduring appeal and their ability to connect with audiences across the generations. Their live performances are legendary, a testament to their enduring energy and their unwavering commitment to delivering a top-tier entertainment experience.

Venue Information

The Motorpoint Arena Nottingham is the city’s premier entertainment destination, boasting a state-of-the-art facility capable of hosting world-class artists and spectacular live events. Situated in the heart of the city, the arena offers excellent accessibility and a vibrant atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out for all attendees. With a capacity designed for both intimacy and grandeur, it provides the perfect backdrop for the electrifying energy that Madness are renowned for. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Prepare for an evening that’s less a concert and more a jubilant carnival, a true testament to Madness’s enduring power as live performers. The band are renowned for their electrifying stage presence, a vibrant spectacle that embodies their ska roots with an irresistible energy. Expect a relentless barrage of their most beloved hits, meticulously curated to create a seamless flow of singalong anthems and pure, unadulterated fun. From the moment they stride onto the stage, clad in their signature stylish attire, the atmosphere will be electric.

The setlist is guaranteed to be a glorious journey through their extensive back catalogue. You can anticipate the infectious rhythms of “One Step Beyond” to kick things off with a bang, immediately getting the crowd on their feet. The crowd-pleasing charm of “Baggy Trousers” will undoubtedly evoke widespread nostalgia and joyous swaying, while the heartfelt ode to domestic bliss, “Our House,” will have everyone singing in unison, creating a truly communal experience. Get ready for the jaunty, instantly recognisable melodies of “Our House” to fill the arena, prompting spontaneous dancing from every corner. Expect to be serenaded by the romantic charm of “It Must Be Love,” a timeless ballad that always resonates deeply.

Beyond the chart-toppers, the band often delve into deeper cuts and fan favourites, adding layers to their performance that delight long-time devotees. Their performance style is characterised by a dazzling display of musicianship, with each member bringing their unique personality and talent to the fore. Suggs’ charismatic lead vocals are as compelling as ever, commanding the stage with his distinctive swagger. The instrumental prowess of the band, particularly the tight horn section and the driving rhythm section, is a masterclass in ska precision.

Madness are not just about playing songs; they are about creating an experience. Expect visual flair, engaging banter, and a genuine sense of joy radiating from the stage. Their sets typically span around two hours, packed with an array of hits and encores, ensuring that you get your fill of classic Madness magic. This is a performance designed to uplift, to entertain, and to leave you with a smile on your face and a spring in your step. So, polish your dancing shoes, prepare your best vocal cords, and get ready for a night that epitomises the spirit of British pop music at its finest.

FAQs

Q1: Will Madness be performing their classic hits? Absolutely! Madness are renowned for delivering electrifying performances packed with their most iconic and beloved chart-toppers. Expect to hear anthems like “One Step Beyond,” “Baggy Trousers,” “Our House,” and “It Must Be Love,” among many other fan favourites. Their setlists are carefully crafted to be a joyous celebration of their extensive and successful career, ensuring that you’ll be singing along to all the hits you know and love.

Q2: What is Madness’s typical performance style like? Madness are legendary for their high-energy, incredibly entertaining live shows. Their performance style is a vibrant spectacle that combines their ska roots with punk urgency and a healthy dose of theatrical flair. Expect Suggs’ charismatic stage presence, the band’s tight musicianship, and a whole lot of dancing. They create a party atmosphere that is infectious and guarantees to get the audience on their feet from the very first note.

Q3: How long does a typical Madness concert last? A typical Madness concert usually runs for approximately two hours, often including a thrilling encore. They pack their performances with a fantastic array of their greatest hits, ensuring a full and satisfying evening of entertainment for all attendees.

Q4: Will there be any support acts for Madness? Information regarding support acts is usually announced closer to the event date. Please keep an eye on the official Motorpoint Arena Nottingham website and Madness’s official channels for any updates on supporting artists.

Q5: Can I request specific songs during the concert? While Madness are known to play a comprehensive selection of their hits, spontaneous song requests from the audience are rarely accommodated in large arena shows. The band’s setlist is carefully planned to deliver the best possible experience for the majority of their fans, focusing on their most popular and well-known tracks.

Q6: Is there anything I need to know about accessibility at the venue for this event? The Motorpoint Arena Nottingham is committed to providing an accessible experience for all its patrons. Information regarding wheelchair access, seating for individuals with mobility issues, and other accessibility services can be found on the venue’s official website. It’s advisable to contact the venue directly in advance if you have specific accessibility requirements to ensure arrangements can be made.