Madness Show at The Fox Shakes It Up

Madness
Fox Theatre, Oakland
May 23, 2024

Photos by Raymond Ahner

Having recently announced a string of US tour dates in support of their latest record Theatre of the Absurd Presents C’est la Vie, U.K ska legends Madness hit the Fox Theater in Oakland recently, and delighted their fans with a twenty three song setlist that included all the hits. Swept up in the music, the packed house responded by dancing and singing along to every song.

The band opened their set with mega-hit “One Step Beyond,” and from their played song that spanned their entire career. Showcasing their exceptional talent, highlights included “The Sun and the Rain,” “Girl Why Don’t You,” and a cover of Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer,” with guitarist Chris Foreman on vocals. It was slightly bizarre, but somehow worked.

With the connection between the band and its audience undeniable, Madness rolled out the hits as well, including “House of Fun,” “Baggy Trousers,” and of course, “Our House.”

By the time the shoe wrapped up with both “Night Boat to Cairo” and “It Must Be Love,” it was quite apparent that Madness still has what it takes to deliver a spectacular show.

Opening the evening was Save Ferris, long running Pop-Punk Ska from Southern California. With vocalist Monique Powell leading the charge, the band had the crowd dancing along early, and by the time they wrapped up the set with their cover of Dexys Midnight Runners New-Wave era classic “Come on Eileen,” the crowd was pumped, and ready for the headliners.

Here’s a slideshow with more photos of both bands by Raymond Ahner: