THE nutty boys will be back when Madness return to The NEC Arena, Birmingham, on Thursday, December 18.

The seven-piece Camden Town band promise a show jam-packed with original nutty sounds.

In 1978 Madness sprang to prominence, alongside ska bands such as the Specials and the Beat.

From the beginning, the band embraced the brash, energetic dance rhythms of classic Motown and the three-minute melodies of 1960s pop.

Madness cemented their status in the 80s, becoming an outstanding British group.

The band's fourth album, House of Fun, gave the group their first British number one single.

Last year saw the original nutty boys become co-producers of West End musical Our House.

The show is a 21st Century London love story woven around the greatest hits of Madness.

It opened to rave reviews and won Best New Musical at The Olivier Awards 2003.

The NEC Arena concert is guaranteed to be bursting with energy, featuring Madness classics such as Baggy Trousers and Shut Up.

Reggae group Aswad will also feature at the concert as special guests.

Tickets are priced £24.50 plus booking fee and can be purchased from The NEC Arena box office on 0870 909 4133.