Talking of O2, sort of, Madness plan to use London's new The O2 arena to full effect with a programme of events in the complex's smaller spaces leading up to their previously announced show in the main arena venue.
Among the events planned are an exhibition in the former Millennium Dome's exhibition space, a series of Madness and ska related films in the complex's cinema, and a month long ska theme at one of the Dome's bars. On the day of the 14 Dec concert, an array of related events will take place in the mall areas around the arena, aiming to give the show a real festival feel.
Confirming the plans, Madness co-manager Garry Blackburn told Music Week: "Both ourselves [Blackburn and other Madness manager Hugh Gadsdon] and the band went to have a look around in the summer and were pretty impressed and, between ourselves and [AEG Live VP] Rob Hallett, we started coming up with some ideas. This isn't just going to be Madness turning up to play a karaoke set at the Dome, it's the magnificent seven playing all-new stuff and utilising all of the opportunities the O2's facilities offer us".
Hallett adds: "Madness's management already had the idea to do a Christmas show, and when they came down we started to discuss how we could use the various facilities on offer. The building lends itself to the entirety concept. People wander around prior to the show. If someone is coming to see a specific artist, it makes sense to create the atmosphere that the artist and fans would want. The party starts as soon as you get out of the tube - and Madness are the perfect band to create that vibe".
Hallett says he is in talks with other major artists regarding similar complex wide promotions.