MADNESS - MADNESS' STREET SUCCESS

MADNESS' STREET SUCCESS

London's Regent Street was closed to traffic on Sunday (27.09.09) so that Madness could perform a concert there.

Madness became the first band to have London's Regent Street closed for a concert on Sunday (27.09.09).

The 'Baggy Trousers' hitmakers were delighted to have "outdone The Beatles" with the feat, which saw competition winners enjoy a 45-minute set of some of the group's biggest hits including 'Out House', 'One Step Beyond' and 'It Must Be Love'.

Speaking ahead of the show, singer Suggs told Absolute Radio DJ Geoff Lloyd: "Playing Regent Street is all about outdoing The Beatles. The Beatles played their most famous gig on Saville Row but we've got the whole of Regent Street to play on. Have that!

Also on the bill at the concert, which was held in conjunction with the Regent Street Festival to mark Absolute Radio's first birthday, were Suggs' daughters Scarlett and Viva.

Despite being a hit with the crowd, the singer admitted he insists his children put their music second.

He added: "This is the biggest gig they've ever done.

"I try to keep them out of the showbiz world. They aren't part of the famous kids set. They all have degrees and proper jobs. I've made them do the music in their spare time."

The concert is available to view online at www.absoluteradio.co.uk.