Review: Madness at Eden Sessions 2025
It’s hard to think of a better setting for a summer gig than the Eden Project.
With its striking biomes, lush greenery, and natural amphitheatre feel, it offers a unique backdrop – part science fiction, part festival field. On a warm Saturday night in July, British institution Madness returned to this spectacular venue and delivered a performance that reminded everyone why they remain one of Britain’s most enduring live acts.
Madness’s second gig at the Eden Sessions was a dynamic showcase of their enduring energy and classic sound, perfectly suited to the unique outdoor setting. The band captivated the crowd with a tight setlist featuring hits from their extensive catalog alongside newer material, demonstrating their ability to engage both longtime fans and newcomers. The atmosphere was electric, with the backdrop of the Eden Project’s iconic biomes enhancing the visual and auditory experience. This performance reaffirmed Madness's reputation as a compelling live act capable of delivering memorable shows in diverse venues.
Madness saxophonist Lee Thompson image: Ian Mayou
Lee Thompson, also known as "Kix," is the saxophonist for the British ska band Madness, contributing significantly to their distinctive sound and success since their formation in 1976.
Madness saxophonist Lee Thompson image: Ian Mayou
The keyboard player of Madness is key to the band's unique sound, mixing ska, pop, and new wave with catchy tunes and lively shows. His skill with keyboards and synthesizers adds depth and energy, shaping the band's upbeat style that fans love. His work in concerts and recordings is crucial to Madness's lasting popularity. Image by Ian Mayou
The moment they stepped on stage, the atmosphere shifted to a heady mix of anticipation, affection, and unmistakable ska-fuelled energy. The show was a well-balanced mix of classics and crowd favourites, with every track met by enthusiastic cheers and mass singalongs. Anyone who claims that Madness don’t have at least a handful of bangers in their repertoire is, in our unbiased opinion, a cold-blooded liar. Baggy Trousers, House Of Fun, Embarrassment, and the omnipresent One Step Beyond all sounded glorious amidst the great Cornish landscape, with the energy of the band barely eclipsed by the 6000-or-so more-than-up-for-it fans in attendance at the show.
Image by Ian Mayou
What made the night special, though, wasn’t just the setting or the songs – it was the mood.
There was a real sense of joy in the air. Madness have always had a gift for bringing people together through music that’s celebratory without being superficial. Even the quieter moments landed with emotional weight, reminding everyone that beneath the humour and bounce is a band with real heart.
In short, this was Madness doing what they do best: playing to a devoted crowd, in a stunning setting, with warmth, precision, and spirit. We’ll be damned if anyone in attendance at this, the penultimate night of The Eden Sessions 2025, could have asked for a better time.
Image by Ian Mayou
It’s also worth noting that frontman Suggs remains one of the coolest characters in British music.
Suggs Madness captures the frenetic energy and unyielding creativity of the British musician Suggs, best known as the frontman of the band Madness. This phrase symbolizes the dynamic blend of ska, pop, and punk influences that Suggs helped popularize, creating a distinctive sound that remains influential. In photography and visual storytelling, Suggs Madness can refer to the vibrant, chaotic scenes that embody the spirit of the era and the artist's work—full of motion, emotion, and raw authenticity. This concept encourages capturing moments that feel alive and unpredictable, much like Suggs' music itself.