Madness Announces 'Hits Parade' UK Arena Tour for December 2025

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. A Milestone Tour: Details and Dates
4. Special Guests: Squeeze
5. A Celebration of Hits
6. Historical Context: The Legacy of Madness
7. Recent Developments: New Music and Collaborations
8. Implications for the Music Scene
9. Conclusion: A Celebration of Community and Music
10. FAQ

Key Highlights

• British musical icons Madness kick off their 'Hits Parade' UK arena tour in December 2025, beginning in Sheffield.
• The tour features thirteen concerts, concluding with a hometown show at The O2 in London.
• Squeeze, another beloved band, will be the special guest on this anticipated tour.
• The performance will celebrate Madness' extensive repertoire of hits, promising high-energy shows filled with fan favorites.

Introduction

In an era where nostalgia shapes much of our cultural landscape, few bands manage to evoke the same joyous longing as Madness. Their eclectic blend of ska, pop, and new wave has made them a captivating staple in the UK music scene for over four decades. This beloved British band has recently announced their 'Hits Parade' UK arena tour, set to launch in December 2025, with fans eagerly anticipating the chance to relive the vibrant and carefree spirit of their music. Kicking off in Sheffield and culminating in London, this tour marks a significant milestone for Madness, coming on the heels of their recent success with their first-ever UK Number 1 studio album. Herein, we delve into the details surrounding the tour, the band's remarkable history, and what fans can expect from the shows.

A Milestone Tour: Details and Dates

Madness will embark on a thirteen-date tour across the UK, starting on December 4, 2025, at the Sheffield Utilita Arena and concluding with a highly anticipated concert at The O2 in London on December 20. The full list of tour dates includes:

• Thursday 04 December: Sheffield Utilita Arena
• Friday 05 December: Manchester AO Arena
• Saturday 06 December: Glasgow OVO Hydro
• Sunday 07 December: Aberdeen P&J Live
• Tuesday 09 December: Newcastle Utilita Arena
• Wednesday 10 December: Liverpool M&S Bank Arena
• Friday 12 December: Leeds First Direct Arena
• Saturday 13 December: Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
• Sunday 14 December: Brighton Centre
• Tuesday 16 December: Bournemouth International Centre
• Thursday 18 December: Cardiff Utilita Arena
• Friday 19 December: Birmingham Utilita Arena
• Saturday 20 December: London The O2

The band, affectionately known as the Nutty Boys, is famous for their high-energy performances and engaging stage presence. Their setlist promises to feature the classics that have defined their career, including hits like “Our House,” “It Must Be Love,” and “House of Fun.”

Special Guests: Squeeze

Joining Madness on this electrifying journey are fellow British musicians Squeeze, who will act as the special guest for all tour dates. Squeeze, known for their clever lyrics and catchy melodies, have had their fair share of critical acclaim since forming in 1973. The band's member duo, Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook, have been pivotal in shaping their sound. With a repertoire that includes hits from the 1990s and successful comeback albums in the 21st century, Squeeze’s inclusion in the 'Hits Parade' tour serves not only to enhance the experience for concert-goers, but also underscores the deep camaraderie among British music talents.

A Celebration of Hits

Madness views this tour as a celebration of their rich musical history. Speaking about the upcoming tour, the band stated, “We are going to be parading through your town soon...bearing glittering hits of all shapes and sizes, everyone welcome." This statement highlights the band’s intention of not just performing, but creating an inclusive celebration for fans of all ages.

Since their formation in 1976, Madness has maintained a special connection with their audience, often reflected in their song lyrics that encapsulate everyday life, love, and nostalgia. Their ability to blend humor with poignant social commentary has made songs like “Baggy Trousers” and “One Step Beyond” enduring anthems for multiple generations.

Historical Context: The Legacy of Madness

The impact of Madness on the music industry is undeniable. With 11 UK top ten albums and 15 top ten singles to their name, they’ve become one of the quintessential British bands. Their recent album 'Theatre Of The Absurd Presents C’est La Vie', released in 2023, marked a significant achievement as it became their first-ever UK Number 1 studio album. This is indicative of their continued relevance in a rapidly changing musical landscape.

Historically, Madness carved a niche with their unique sound and theatrical visual style, cementing their identity in an era characterized by the emergence of ska and reggae influences in pop music. Their fusion of genres has not only shaped their careers but also influenced countless artists who followed. This legacy is further enriched by iconic performances such as their unforgettable appearance on the roof of Buckingham Palace during the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations and their record-setting performance for the BBC's Live New Year's Eve Broadcast in 2018.

Recent Developments: New Music and Collaborations

In addition to their upcoming tour, Madness is also actively engaging with fans through new projects. They recently announced the release of a compilation record featuring unique covers that they have recorded over the years. This special item, available exclusively on translucent red vinyl, ties into the broader phenomenon of artists celebrating their discography while appealing to collectors and audiophiles alike.

Meanwhile, Squeeze is gearing up to release ‘Trixies,’ a collection of unreleased songs penned during the band's earlier years, alongside a new album with original material set to drop over the next two years. This activity from both bands signals a vibrant creative period, ensuring that old fans and new listeners remain engaged with their journeys.

Implications for the Music Scene

The 'Hits Parade' tour not only represents a significant event for Madness and Squeeze but illustrates the continued appetite for live music in the UK. As large-scale events make a comeback post-pandemic, audiences are reconvening to celebrate their favorite artists. Historically, bands like Madness have benefited from live engagements that foster community and nostalgia; this tour is set to continue that legacy.

Live music serves as a vital cultural touchstone, particularly for a generation that found solace in the sounds of the '80s and '90s. The combination of Madness and Squeeze promises to create an unforgettable experience that could enhance local economies through ticket sales, merchandise, and reviving interest in music venues throughout the UK.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Community and Music

As anticipation builds for the 'Hits Parade' tour, it becomes clear that Madness is poised to offer an experience that transcends mere entertainment. Their unique ability to create an atmosphere of joy and nostalgia will surely resonate with fans, reinforcing the connection between the audience and the artists. Pairing this with Squeeze's rich musical offerings, the tour promises to encapsulate the spirit of British music through the ages.

With ticket sales set to launch soon and the calendar marking the dates, fans are counting down the days. The 'Hits Parade' isn't just a collection of songs — it’s a celebration of community, culture, and the enduring power of live music.

FAQ

When do tickets for the 'Hits Parade' tour go on sale?

Tickets will go on general sale at 9:30 am on Friday, March 28, 2025.

Where can I buy tickets for the concerts?

Tickets will be available through major ticketing platforms, including the band's official website and authorized sellers.

Will both Madness and Squeeze be performing at all tour dates?

Yes, Squeeze is set to join Madness for the full run of the tour across all thirteen dates.

What should I expect from Madness' setlist during the tour?

Fans can expect a nostalgic trip through Madness' extensive catalogue, featuring iconic hits as well as fan favorites.

Are there any special collaborations or releases associated with the tour?

Yes, Madness will release a compilation of unique covers on limited-edition translucent red vinyl in conjunction with this tour.