The Great British R&B Festival 2025

And talk about a dramatic debut: Mackie’s very first performance with Madness took place live on Saturday Night Live in New York. “It was frightening, to say the least,” he recalls. “But it was something I’ll never forget.” He had to learn the entire Madness back catalogue in just days after being told they’d play “any four songs” on the night - no pressure! Following his time with Madness, Mackie ventured into composing for radio, theatre, film, and TV. Notably, he wrote the full soundtrack for one of the first theatre productions of The Hobbit. But the call of live performance never left him - and now, with The Out & Out Blues Band, he’s come full circle, returning to his roots in blues and boogie. Speaking ahead of the festival, Mackie shared his excitement: “The whole culture in that area is amazing. It’s a nationally important festival. If you like your blues with energy, you’ll get a lot of it… the place will be absolutely rocking by the time we’ve finished.” Artistic Director of the festival, Simon Shackleton, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to have James and The Out & Out Blues Band at this year’s festival. Their performances are electric - get there early!”

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