There IS a fine line between genius and madness.
Scientists have proved it..
But if we ever need further confirmation of the old saying, it was laid bare in front of us at Aintree Racecourse, where Madness are now into their fifth decade of performing.
The Nutty Boys are genuine bona fide geniuses of putting smiles on people's faces. And have been doing so for almost half a century.
They did it again at Aintree Racecourse tonight.
Such was their remarkable run of 21 Top 20 hits between 1979 and 1986 they could hit the ground running with a five song sprint of showstoppers like One Step Beyond, Embarrassment, The Prince, NW5 and My Girl without diluting a barnstorming finale of House of Fun, Baggy Trousers, Our House and It Must Be Love.
The 90 minute set never lulls, interspersed with Suggs' wistfully nostalgic observations of English social history ... "Did anyone have any winners tonight? My old mum said you never see an undertaker or a bookmaker riding home on a bike."
Liverpool hasn't seen so many fezs bouncing around since the Reds came back from Istanbul 14 years ago.
A fun-filled night from a British pop institution.
Opening song
As soon as Suggs says "Hey you!” you know exactly what's coming next.
"Don’t watch that, watch this! This is the heavy, heavy monster sound of .. One step beyond.” Lee Thompson’s sax tears into the intro of the Prince Buster cover of the same name and the tone is set for a bouncy, fun-filled evening.
Euromillions results - Winning numbers for Friday May 17 and Thunderball results
Backing band
The full complement of Nutty Boys were joined in the encore by four children dressed in pork pie hats, braces and spats. The next generation of Nutty Boys is alive and well.
Best moment
Several. But It Must Be Love was the undeniable high point. Arms aloft the crowd joined in with every word.
Outfit change
Does Suggs pulling a towel over his head in the encore for Night Boat to Cairo count?
Did they mention Liverpool?
Frequently. Red Rum got a mention, as did Becher's Brook. Well we were at Aintree Racecourse after all. And Suggs seemed genuinely appreciative of the reception the band received.
Huge Royal Navy warship headed for Liverpool after shadowing Russian missile destroyer
Compulsory Beatles cover?
No. But Suggs did end It Must Be Love with a chorus of "All You Need Is Love."
Last song
It must be Madness was followed by a rousing rendition of one of their earliest classics. Night Boat to Cairo first charted in 1979 and 40 years later it's still got people bouncing at an outside gig in Liverpool.
Long live the Nutty Boys.
