The legendary ska bands returned to NYC with energetic & nostalgic sets
Last week, legendary and pioneering ska bands Madness and Fishbone came through Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City and delivered a hell of a party for a packed crowd in attendance. For Madness, it was the final date of their C’est La Vie Tour, their first US tour since 2012, supporting their 2023 album Theatre of Absurd Presents C’est La Vie. The group raced through a stacked setlist that included new tracks, all-time greatest hits, and a smattering of covers, including Labi Siffe’s “It Must Be Love,” AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell,” and more.
Earlier in the night, Los Angeles ska punk icons Fishbone delivered an energetic set of their own. The band conjured a tight 45-minute opening set, their first show in New York featuring their new lineup. Frontman Angelo Moore chanted “Guilty!” while dedicating “Ugly” to Trump, who had just been found guilty in NYC on 34 counts just hours earlier. They also covered “Brick House” by The Commodores, splicing in lyrics from Experience Unlimited’s “Da Butt” and “Fishbone (Is Red Hot)” in the process. “I grew up listening to these motherfuckers coming up next. MADNESS!” Moore declared while introducing Madness before Fishbone left the stage.
It was a night high on energy and nostalgia. You can scroll through below for all the highlights.
All Photos By Edwina Hay
Madness
Fishbone
