Madness Set for a Radio 2 In Concert Debut
London’s Camden legends Madness are preparing for a rare, intimate television and radio moment as they headline BBC Radio 2 In Concert. The band will take to the stage for a specially recorded set at the BBC Radio Theatre in London’s New Broadcasting House, delivering an eagerly anticipated performance of their most iconic hits in a close, club-like ambiance.
What makes this In Concert stand out
Unlike large arena gigs, the BBC Radio Theatre environment offers a unique, up-close connection between performer and audience. Madness themselves describe the experience as a source of “vibe and energy,” a setting that invites spontaneity and warmth. The intimate venue choice underscores a broader aim for this broadcast: to capture the band’s infectious energy and timeless melodies in a space that lets every hook breathe.
Broadcast details you won’t want to miss
The performance will be recorded on Wednesday, 26 November, with fans lucky enough to secure a tiny audience in attendance. The recording will air as part of Jo Whiley’s Radio 2 show on 7–9pm, providing a live-to-tape experience that fans can relive on BBC Sounds on Thursday, 11 December. A TV and streaming extension follows in December, with the concert broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer, giving a broader audience a chance to tune into Madness’ set and the band’s conversations behind the music.
Jo Whiley and BBC’s love for Madness
Jo Whiley has long been a champion of Madness and the wider UK indie scene, describing the upcoming event as a chance to capture the band’s “fun, stories, and tunes.” Her conversations with the group are expected to add a personal layer to the performance, offering listeners an insight into the songs that shaped generations of fans.
What to expect from the setlist
While the exact tracklist remains under wraps, fans can anticipate a mix of the band’s biggest hits alongside some cherished deep cuts. Madness’ catalogue—built on soaring choruses, ska-infused rhythms, and witty storytelling—lends itself perfectly to the compact Radio Theatre stage. Expect crowd-pleasers that have become part of the fabric of British pop culture, performed with the band’s unmistakable energy and London-bred charisma.
Ticket ballots and how to attend
For those hoping to witness the show in person, Radio 2 has opened a free listener ballot. Registrations run from Tuesday, 28 October at 8:10am until Tuesday, 4 November at 11:59pm. While the intimate venue can’t accommodate a huge crowd, the ballot gives dedicated listeners a chance to be part of a rare live recording, while the wider public can still catch the broadcast across BBC Sounds, TV, and iPlayer later in December.
Why this matters for Madness and Radio 2
Madness remains one of the UK’s most beloved bands, renowned for a back catalogue that spans generations. A BBC Radio 2 In Concert appearance not only reintroduces classic hits to new audiences but also reinforces the enduring relationship between the band and the station. For Radio 2, it’s another milestone event—an opportunity to showcase the enduring appeal of Britain’s homegrown pop legends in an intimate, high-quality format that listeners remember long after the final note.
Looking ahead
With recent Radio 2 in Concert lineups including Pulp, Blur, and The Cure, Madness joins a prestigious slate of artists celebrated by the station for delivering standout live performances. The event is a BBC Audio Production for Radio 2, underscoring the BBC’s commitment to high-caliber, intimate music experiences that blend great music with engaging storytelling.
Tickets and more information are available on the BBC Shows and Tours website. This broadcast promises to be a signature night for Madness and a highlight of Radio 2’s In Concert series.
