The Madness European Vacation Tour 2017 was a vibrant celebration of the band’s enduring legacy, coupled with their continued musical evolution. Timed to follow the release of their 2016 album Can’t Touch Us Now, the tour took Madness across Europe, performing in major cities such as Berlin, Paris, and Amsterdam. These shows marked a joyful reunion with fans, some of whom had been following the band since their ska-pop explosion in the late 1970s. The tour was part of a broader wave of performances that confirmed Madness’s position as one of the UK’s most beloved bands. With nearly four decades in the music industry, their unique blend of catchy tunes, witty lyrics, and playful stage presence ensured that every show was full of energy and nostalgia.

Each concert offered a dynamic setlist that perfectly blended classic hits with material from their newer album, Can’t Touch Us Now. Songs like “Baggy Trousers,” “Our House,” and “It Must Be Love” were staples, evoking the band’s heyday, while fresh tracks like “Mr. Apples” and the title song “Can’t Touch Us Now” showcased their continued relevance. Performing around 20 songs per night, Madness thrilled both long-time followers and newer fans alike. Their live shows were filled with high-energy performances and lively crowd interactions, with Suggs, the band’s charismatic frontman, frequently engaging the audience. This kept the atmosphere lighthearted and communal, making each performance feel like a shared experience rather than just a show.

The reception of the tour across Europe was overwhelmingly positive. Long-time fans praised the band’s ability to still deliver tight, vibrant performances, proving that their appeal hadn’t faded with time. The energetic stage presence and strong musicianship of Madness, combined with their ability to blend humor into their performances, allowed them to connect deeply with audiences. Critics commended their balance of honoring the past while pushing forward with new material. This tour was a testament to their staying power, bridging generations of fans, from those who danced to “One Step Beyond” in the 1980s to younger listeners discovering their music. Madness demonstrated that they were not just a band of the past but still very much alive and evolving.