On Sunday night in front of a packed house at YouTube Theater, rude boys and rude girls from all over Southern California paid homage to ska legends Madness with hometown heroes Berlin and The Untouchables. The sold-out venue was electric from start to finish, with fans skanking to classic tracks all night long. With perfect acoustics and an incredibly lively fan base, the evening proved to be an unforgettable celebration of music that won’t soon be forgotten. Madness and their long-awaited C’est La Vie Tour was truly one for the ages.
The evening’s festivities kicked off with The Untouchables who immediately set the tone for the night with their unique blend of ska and soul. Their hometown performance was a high-energy spectacle that engaged the audience right from the start. Original vocalist Chuck Askerneese was on fire from the start and had the crowd skanking to hits like “I Spy (For the FBI),” “Mandingo,” and “Be Alright.” All these classics showcased their musical versatility and were incredible to catch live. However, it was “Free Yourself” that truly captivated everyone, with its powerful lyrics and infectious rhythm. The audience responded with enthusiastic dancing and loud cheers, setting an incredibly positive mood for what was to come next.
Following The Untouchables, Berlin took the stage and transported the audience back to the ’80s for a 9-song set of their classics—and it didn’t disappoint. Starting with back-to-back hits like “Masquerade” and No More Words,” the crowd was immediately captivated. Their rendition of “The Metro” (my favorite Berlin song) was a nostalgic trip down memory lane, and the live performance of “Sex (I’m A)” was both provocative and captivating. However, my favorite track of the evening was their cover of The Cult’s “She Sells Sanctuary.” Wow. Berlin’s charismatic stage presence (courtesy of original members Terri Nunn, John Crawford, and David Diamond) was incredible and kept fans fully engaged from start to finish. And a special shout out to Carlton Bost. This guy’s guitar work is second to none and was so amazing to watch on Sunday night.
And now on to the main attraction, Madness. After a ton of anticipation stemming from their cancelled covid shows back in 2020, the boys from Camden Town didn’t disappoint. Their entry into YouTube was met with roaring applause and anticipation and the energy didn’t diminish throughout a 23-song set. Madness kicked off their show with “One Step Beyond,” (a Prince Buster cover) and instantly energized the crowd. From that point, they transitioned into a litany of covers and classics that had even the pickiest of fans screaming “yes” all night long. My favorites included “Baggy Trousers” and one of their most recognizable songs, “Our House.” Transitions between songs were seamless, and the audience’s reaction to this treasure trove of hits was nothing short of euphoric.
Throughout the evening, lead vocalist Graham “Suggs” McPherson captivated the faithful with fans singing along to every word, creating a sense of unity and shared joy within the tight-knit ska community. The high point of Sunday’s performance was “Madness” (another Prince Buster cover) and “Night Boat to Cairo.” These two songs (which I considered the encore) had everyone on their feet, dancing and cheering, which exemplified (in spades) why this band is so loved by so many all around the world. Since 1979, Madness’s ability to connect with their fans with sonic perfection and out-of-this-world stage presence solidifies their reputation as one of the most entertaining bands on the planet—and to this day it’s really not even close.
And I’d be remiss not to give a warm shout out to The YouTube Theater. This place is one of the premier concert halls in Southern California and once again proved to be an ideal venue for such an electrifying show. The acoustics were incredible, the food and beverage offerings were top-notch, and the staff across all levels was second to none. I wish all venues I work in were like this, but few come close to what YouTube is cooking up in Inglewood. Thanks again to Quinn Kim for your consistent and much appreciated hospitality, it’s greatly appreciated.
Bottom line, Sunday’s C’est La Vie Tour featuring Madness, Berlin, and The Untouchables at YouTube Theater was truly an extraordinary experience. The combination of talented performances, an incredible audience, and what I consider a perfect venue made for a night to remember. If you ever have the chance to see these bands live, don’t hesitate—it’s an experience worth every penny and memories like this will last you a lifetime.
BERLIN
THE UNTOUCHABLES
