With Summer Sessions less than 6 weeks away, we here at musomuso wanted to share some fascinating facts about the acts performing over the 4 shows that will be taking place at Plymouth’s Hoe between 13th - 16th June.
MADNESS will be headlining on Saturday 15th June, they’ll be joined by THE ZUTONS, LIGHTNING SEEDS and HARDWICKE CIRCUS.
Here’s ten fabulous facts about MADNESS that you may not know.
The Nutty Train Line: Madness once had a train line named after them. In 2016, Southeastern Trains in the UK temporarily renamed the London-to-Hastings line the "Madness Line" in honor of the band's 40th anniversary.
Hidden London Underground Gig: In 2012, Madness held a secret gig on the London Underground's Bakerloo line platform at London's Waterloo station. Fans were surprised when the band started playing impromptu songs.
Invasion of Buckingham Palace: In 2012, as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Madness performed on the roof of Buckingham Palace, surprising Her Majesty the Queen and the audience below with an unexpected rendition of "Our House."
Madness Museum: The band opened a pop-up museum called "The House of Fun Weekender Exhibition" in 2012, showcasing memorabilia, photos, and interactive exhibits related to their career.
Madness Ale: In collaboration with the brewery Portobello Brewing Company, Madness created their own beer called "Gladness Ale." It was launched in 2018 and was described as a hoppy golden ale with citrus and tropical fruit notes.
Cartoon Cameo: Madness made a cameo appearance in an episode of the British animated TV show "Danger Mouse" in the 1980s. They performed their hit song "House of Fun" in the episode titled "The Hickory Dickory Dock Dilemma."
Madness Musical: In 2012, the musical "Our House," featuring the music of Madness, premiered in London's West End. The show, which tells the story of a young man facing moral dilemmas, won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
Suggs' One-Man Show: Lead singer Suggs embarked on a solo career and also starred in a one-man show called "My Life Story" in 2012. The show combines storytelling, music, and comedy to recount Suggs' life and career.
Madness Day: Since 2009, fans of the band have celebrated "Madness Day" on September 5th. It's a day for fans to come together, listen to their favorite Madness songs, and celebrate the band's legacy.
Suggs' Record Breaking Marathon: In 2018, Suggs completed a record-breaking charity marathon, running 26.2 miles across the UK's capital, London, in under five hours. He raised funds for the mental health charity "Heads Together" while dressed in a gorilla costume.
I guess I’d best include ten facts for THE ZUTONS too.
Band Origin: The Zutons formed in Liverpool, England, in 2001. The band's name is derived from the word "zut," which is French slang for "damn" or "curses," reflecting the band's eclectic and slightly offbeat style.
Unconventional Instruments: The Zutons are known for incorporating unconventional instruments into their music, including the saxophone and the Hammond organ. These instruments add a unique and distinctive sound to their songs.
Festival Favorites: The Zutons gained popularity for their energetic live performances and became a favorite at music festivals across the UK, including Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds, and T in the Park.
Hit Song Inspiration: The band's breakout single "Valerie" was inspired by a Liverpool woman named Valerie Star, whom lead singer Dave McCabe met while working at a bar. The song's catchy melody and upbeat rhythm propelled it to the top of the charts.
Covered by Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson: The Zutons' song "Valerie" gained even more popularity when it was covered by Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson in 2007. Their version reached number two on the UK Singles Chart and became a worldwide hit.
Album Artwork: The artwork for The Zutons' debut album, "Who Killed...... The Zutons?", features a distinctive illustration of a grinning chimp holding a smoking gun. The image reflects the band's playful and irreverent attitude.
Musical Influences: The Zutons' music is influenced by a wide range of genres, including rock, funk, soul, and psychedelia. Their eclectic sound draws inspiration from artists such as The Beatles, Sly and the Family Stone, and Captain Beefheart.
Extended Hiatus: After releasing their third album, "You Can Do Anything," in 2008, The Zutons went on an extended hiatus in 2009. During this time, band members pursued solo projects and other musical endeavors.
Reunion and Farewell Tour: In 2016, The Zutons reunited for a series of live shows, including a farewell tour to commemorate the band's legacy and thank their loyal fans for their support over the years.
Continued Influence: Despite their hiatus, The Zutons' music continues to strike a nerve with fans and influence new generations of musicians. Their catchy hooks, infectious rhythms, and quirky lyrics have secured their place in the annals of indie rock.
Let’s see what we can dig up about LIGHTNING SEEDS.
Bedroom Origins: The Lightning Seeds started as a solo project by Ian Broudie in his home studio in Liverpool. Broudie initially recorded demos of his songs alone before expanding into a full band.
Band Name Origin: The name "The Lightning Seeds" was inspired by a misinterpretation of a misheard lyric from the Prince song "Raspberry Beret." Broudie thought Prince was singing "lightning seeds" instead of "lightning scene," and the name stuck.
Football Anthem: The Lightning Seeds achieved widespread fame with their song "Three Lions," which became the unofficial anthem for the England national football team during the 1996 UEFA European Championship. The song has since been re-released multiple times for subsequent football tournaments.
Collaboration with Frank Skinner and David Baddiel: "Three Lions" was a collaboration between The Lightning Seeds and comedians Frank Skinner and David Baddiel. Skinner and Baddiel wrote the lyrics, while Broudie composed the music.
Bizarre Chart Success: The Lightning Seeds had an unexpected chart hit in 1997 with a re-release of their song "You Showed Me," originally recorded in 1996. The song reached number 8 on the UK Singles Chart after being featured in a Volkswagen commercial.
Famous Music Video Director Connection: Several music videos for The Lightning Seeds' songs were directed by renowned filmmaker Michel Gondry, known for his distinctive visual style. Gondry directed videos for songs like "Pure," "Lucky You," and "Sugar Coated Iceberg."
Ian Broudie's Production Work: Ian Broudie, the frontman and primary songwriter for The Lightning Seeds, is also a successful record producer. He has worked with numerous artists, including The Coral, Echo & the Bunnymen, and The Zutons.
Euro '96 Performance: The Lightning Seeds performed "Three Lions" live at the closing ceremony of the 1996 UEFA European Championship at Wembley Stadium in London. The performance added to the song's iconic status in English football culture.
Secret Collaborations: Ian Broudie has collaborated with various artists outside of The Lightning Seeds, often under pseudonyms or anonymously. He has contributed guitar and production work to albums by artists such as The Fall and Dodgy.
Virtual Band Member: The Lightning Seeds' lineup has changed over the years, but one constant member has been Ian Broudie. However, the band's official website once listed a fictional character named "Tony" as a band member, adding a humorous touch to their online presence.