We’re in a celebratory mood at Madhen, as this year marks our 18th Anniversary!
A lot has changed since we performed for the first time as Blondie Tribute Band ‘Bleach’ in July 2000. But remarkably the band is still the same line up. Matthew joined Helen, Paul, Andy and Martyn two years later to form ‘So 80’s’ – the next step in the ‘evolution’ of Madhen. After this came ‘Scizzor Sisterz’ and the rest is party-band history!
It’s now a little over 10 years since Madhen became the band it is today. We’ve performed in excess of 1500 gigs for thousands of people across the globe and thanks to many of our fantastic clients we’re as busy as ever!
To celebrate our ‘18th’ we thought we would take a vote on our Top 10 events and share the results with you. If you’ve played any part in the continued success of Madhen we’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support. Perhaps you’ve heard of our reputation but you’ve yet to experience what Madhen bring to a party? If so please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you!
10 – Wedding – Petra, Jordan
Without a doubt THE hottest stage we’ve ever been on. We sound-checked at the peak of the afternoon heat, on a black carpeted stage that had the local crew smiling to themselves as they sheltered by the rocks of a bedouin site. But when the Bride insists on a full moon for the night of their wedding without checking the calendar a clever lighting designer steps in and assists by illuminating the desert rocks with her very own moon! Alongside florists flown in from Japan and chefs from around the world, you can pretty much get anything you want!
9 – Old Billingsgate supporting DJ Producer Calvin Harris
When a client informs you that you’ll be performing ahead of International superstar DJ Clavin Harris then we’re happy to oblige with our own brand of mash-ups!
No pressure….
8 – Cannes Lions – Google-Beach 2017
Madhen loves the French Riviera…who doesn’t? Playing at Google Beach, part of Cannes Lions annual event for their LGBTQ Pride event put us in front of one of our most responsive audiences ever on one of the worlds most famous beaches.
7 – Grosvenor House – Brian O’Driscoll Testimonial
We’ve had the pleasure of playing at many ‘Rugby’ events over the years, including testimonials for Jonny Wilkinson, Dylan Hartley and Doddie Weir. So it seems a little unfair to highlight Brian O’Driscoll’s testimonial event in the Great Room at the Grosvenor House Hotel. But then it’s not every day U2’s Bono walks into your dressing room looking for a toilet!! This was Madhen at our most star-struck. Helen casually invited him to join us for a Gin & Tonic and the international Rock God duly obliged!
6 – Tonbridge Castle – Festival July 2017
Most of our work is either performing at corporate events, weddings or private parties. So the chance to play in front of a ticket-buying public feels a little different – somehow more ‘rock’n’roll’! Playing to a sold-out festival crowd is a real thrill, and Tonbridge Castle was our Pyramid stage moment!
5 – Goodwood Revival – 2011-18
OK, we’re cheating here. This isn’t one event. It’s six! We’ve been delighted to return as Lord March’s band of choice for this annual prestigious event. Each year the venue is themed to within an inch of it’s life by the very talented team at Starlight Design. From The Rocky Horror Show, to the Wild West. From Waterloo to Havana, via the Russian Revolution, Helen has outdone herself making costumes for the band. It’s always a highlight for us, and each year the audience (some of whom are now friends) never let us down!
4 – Koko – ‘Switch’ – September 2015
This one is unusual, in as much as we hosted this event to launch ‘SWITCH’. We showcased our investment in high tech with multiple video screens, synced with LED costumes and bespoke lighting design to an invited audience and were thrilled (and relieved) to see the place full! Madhen has always tried to push the boundaries of what a band can bring to an event. Our accompanying visual production has helped Madhen build a reputation for delivering excellence and KOKO, one of our favourite London venues was the perfect place to host the showcase.
3 – Virgin Holidays – Barbados
Four days at a Beach resort in Barbados, with a performance on the beach itself. Our overseas trips aren’t normally as relaxed as this. We made the most of our client’s hospitality, performing alongside Fearne Cotton. This was also the beginning of a long association with Travel Counsellors, where we’ve gone on to perform at their annual awards for the past 5 years. 2018 will be our 6th!
2 – The other ‘Royal Wedding’ – Zara & Mike Tindall -July 2011
This really was one of the most important days in our 18 year history. It was such an honour to be asked by Zara & Mike to play at Holyrood Palace. It was probably the start of a long association of playing at events for the RFU. But to perform for members of the Royal Family was something we’ll never forget! This event certainly didn’t hurt our reputation either!
1 – O2 Arena. January 2018 supporting Take That
Our most recent, and one of our most memorable performances took place for a prestigious auto company at one of the UK’s finest concert arenas. In most instances when we share the bill with a headline act we get to follow their performance. In this instance we were indeed the warm-up! Amazing production all-round. A real thrill to see MADHEN’s name literally projected around the arena, and to top it all we were chauffeur driven door to door courtesy of our client!
There have been literally so many memorable events. We hope that if your’s didn’t make the Top 10 you won’t be offended! We’re looking forward to adding to an ever growing list in the coming year.
If you need a band for your event then please contact us, we’d love to hear from you.
