Gut Reactions (post-gig memories and other trips): Madness, C'est La Vie 2023, OVO Hydro, Glasgow. Friday 1st December 2023

A surprise gig for me. I'd seen them last year and considered that box ticked. Then someone dropped out, and I was offered a free ticket.

During the day, knowing I was heading to the gig early, I'd been for a buffet lunch at the Beijing Banquet. Driving home afterwards, my overfull stomach gurgled and griped. Before I got the chance to take my jacket off, it informed me to head to the bathroom sharpish. I emptied faster than rainwater down a drainpipe. Afterwards, the bowl contents appeared lumpy and brown, soaked in a dark liquid, resembling a buffet tray from the Peking Purgative. Not pleasant. (I only included this bit, knowing it would turn the stomach of one of my colleagues). Anyway, my colon cleared, I felt much better for the gig.

We had a small issue getting into the venue as one of the ladies had brought a sealed bottle of water with her, which she was unwilling to surrender, having previously verified it would be okay to take inside. Security had to check with a supervisor and eventually returned with a sticker for the bottle allowing us ingress.

Our seats were great - section 57 at floor level. I hoped the seat beside me would remain empty, but the ticketholders turned up just before Madness took to the stage.

Before that, The Lightning Seeds graced our presence, serving up some pleasant pop toe-tappers. I can't say I'm a fan, but I recognised all their songs. They included a lovely nod to their fellow Liverpudlians by including lyrics to Love Me Do and Imagine within one of their numbers. They acquitted themselves admirably.

A DJ, besuited like a pub Guv'nor, kept us entertained between acts, especially with House of Pain's Jump Around.

I hadn't appreciated how popular Madness still are, with another recent number-one album under their belts. They played seven tracks from that album, "Theatre of the Absurd presents C'est La Vie", allowing some of the crowd the opportunity to exit for drinks/ toilet breaks before playing more of their older, beloved numbers.

Last year, the street set dominated the stage, with the band acting as players. This time, curtains gave the stage a more theatrical appearance, with the money seemingly spent instead on the lighting rig and screens.

It was a great performance, the new numbers justifying their place beside the classics. I think the audience would have liked more old stuff, but that isn't where the band is at the moment. They wanted to celebrate the new material.

I realised I've become a bit of a phone wanker (to quote a colleague) with my need to document the show through photos and videos. The lady beside me didn't appreciate my efforts, giving me looks whenever I raised my phone. It wasn't as if I was the only one. The bloke in front of her appeared to shoot the whole concert on his. I'm sorry if I spoiled her enjoyment.

A certain someone blamed his age for his repeat visits to the loo. I'd like to point out that Madness are all men of a certain age, and they managed to last the concert without the need to relieve themselves. Just saying.

Thank you to Margaret, Des and Evelyn for being such great company. Best work night out ever.

Ticket price: unknown.

Setlist (acc. to setlist fm - my recollection is different)

Theatre of the Absurd

The Prince

Beginners 101

My Girl

Lockdown and Frack Off

NW5

C’est la vie

Embarrassment

Baby Burglar