The Madcap is a modern hard rock band from London, combining melodic anthems, powerful vocals, and energetic live shows.
Formed in 2015 by guitarist/songwriter Deniz Sayman and vocalist İzgi Gültekin, the band’s story began a year earlier when Deniz invited İzgi to collaborate on a YouTube project featuring hard rock covers. Their first recording was a heavy reinterpretation of Happy by Pharrell Williams.
What started as a simple cover project quickly evolved into something more. After releasing several covers and playing early shows, the band began writing their own music, eventually developing into a full-fledged touring act.
Drawing inspiration from both classic and modern hard rock, The Madcap’s sound blends the flamboyant energy of bands like Steel Panther and Airbourne with the timeless influence of legends such as Guns N’ Roses, Queen, Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe, AC/DC, Van Halen, Skid Row, Whitesnake, and Journey. Their evolving sound is also shaped by contemporary acts like Battle Beast, Beast in Black, H.E.A.T., Mammoth WVH, Jelusick, Halestorm, and The Dead Daisies.
Since forming, the band has played over 300 shows, growing from small club gigs to major festival stages in front of audiences of up to 10,000 people. They have toured across Turkey and Ukraine and performed in Croatia and the United Kingdom. Along the way, they reached the semi-finals of Rising Star Türkiye and won regional first place in Hard Rock Rising, the global battle-of-the-bands competition organized by Hard Rock Cafe.
The Madcap has also appeared multiple times at the Zeytinli Rock Festival, sharing stages with renowned artists such as Glenn Hughes, Firewind, Masterplan, Dirkschneider, and Mike Tramp’s White Lion.
Their latest album, Beat the Destiny (2024), features a collaboration with Tommy Johansson of Sabaton and Majestica, helping expand the band’s international reach.
Recognized as global talent by Arts Council England, The Madcap relocated to London under the UK Global Talent Visa to further grow their presence in Europe.
Since relocating to the UK, The Madcap has continued building momentum on the British live circuit, playing multiple sold-out shows at London’s legendary Slim Jim’s Liquor Store and taking the stage twice at Camden’s iconic Electric Ballroom. They have also headlined Cart & Horses and Signature Brew Blackhorse Road, and reached the Grand Final of the Isle of Wight Festival New Blood competition at Bush Hall.
In 2027, the band will perform at the Call of the Wild Trailblazer Final in Sheffield, taking their live show to another city as they continue expanding their reach across the UK.
With a new chapter now underway in the UK, The Madcap is focused on growing its audience through regular live performances, new releases, and an expanding presence on the British rock scene. As the band continues to develop its sound and connect with new listeners, its sights are set on major UK and European festival stages in the years ahead.
