In the world of genre-bending, few bands do it with the swagger and conviction of Skindred.
I’ve just wrapped up a whirlwind five-day tour as a guest of Skindred, shadowing the band across England as they set venues like Portsmouth’s Guildhall and Oxford’s O2 Academy alight with their electrifying performances.
While it would be tempting to channel my inner Cameron Crowe and pen an in-depth exposé on life on the road and behind the scenes, I’m choosing instead to zero in on one show that captured the very essence of Skindred.
Raw energy, unfiltered joy, and a sweat-drenched celebration of sound.
The Welsh quartet, Benji Webbe (vocals), Mikey Demus (guitar), Daniel Pugsley (bass), and Arya Goggin (drums), have been turning venues into ecstatic battlegrounds since 1998.
And tonight was no different. As they took the stage, like warriors entering battle the energy was electric, the anticipation almost palpable.
From the first note of Set Fazers, a blistering cut from their latest album Smile, Skindred ignited a fire that would burn bright through their entire 90-minute set.
The crowd, as expected, was a blend of die-hard followers and curious newcomers, all of whom were immediately swept into the sonic cyclone that Skindred effortlessly generates.
The band’s trademark mix of Metal, Reggae, Dub, and Punk is unique in its ability to make a room feel like it’s both on the edge of chaos and pure ecstasy.
Whether it was the rhythmically charged Rat Race or the thunderous Kill the Power, Skindred managed to keep the energy high and the crowd absolutely on fire.
If anyone was still in need of a reminder that Skindred’s mission is far more about the party than the politics, it came quickly after.
Benji’s infamous wit surfaced when he cheekily quipped, I don’t like butter on my toast, so where’s my jam? The crowd erupted into laughter, a quick and necessary reset that reminded everyone why Skindred’s shows are as much about the connection between the band and its fans as they are about the music.
But what sets Skindred apart from the usual mosh-pit madness is their ability to take a moment for introspection in the midst of it all.
And that’s exactly what happened when they dove into If I Could, a heartfelt ballad inspired by the struggles of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Frontman Benji Webbe’s delivery was nothing short of powerful, his raspy voice cutting through the room with raw emotion. As the crowd sang along, there was a palpable moment of shared introspection. An opportunity to reflect on the challenges we’ve all faced.
Benji’s lyrics, stuck inside a cell where I cannot get away, we all have had enough, struck a deep chord, resonating with everyone in the room. Even for those of us from far-off little ole New Zealand we could understand Benji’s struggle as we had all experienced a similar struggle of our own. This wasn’t just a song, it was a sonic release, an anthem for all those who’d been trapped by circumstances beyond their control, wherever you were in the world.
The intimacy of The Corn Exchange, combined with Skindred’s overwhelming power, made for a truly unforgettable experience. It felt less like a concert and more like a reunion. Both for the band and for the crowd who had come to celebrate the live music we all cherish so deeply.
It was a special night for me, says Benji as he reminisced about meeting Mikey in this very venue which seemed like not too long ago. Seeing him up there, shredding like a demon, brought it all full circle.
Musically, the band has honed their craft to perfection. Tracks from their latest album, Smile, seamlessly integrated with fan favourites like Rat Race and Nobody.
The fusion of Metal riffs, Reggae rhythms, and Dub undertones created a sonic landscape that felt both familiar and exhilaratingly fresh. The chemistry between the band members was electric, with guitarist Mikey Demus unleashing intricate solos that echoed through the venue.
Skindred’s performance that night was a masterclass in how to blend ferocity with emotional depth, how to maintain an unrelenting pace while allowing space for genuine connection.
The mix of Heavy Metal riffs, Reggae undertones, and Dub rhythms was not only a sonic assault on the senses but also a reminder of how Skindred has honed their craft over the years to perfection.
In a world where genres seem to blend and blur with every passing year, Skindred remains one of the few bands that defies classification. They’re not just a band, they’re a force of nature.
As the initial set reached its climax, the band delivered a stunning rendition of Gimme That Boom, which sent the audience into a frenzied state of euphoria.
The chorus rang out as fans sang along at the top of their lungs, creating a moment that felt both intimate and monumental. It’s not just Benji’s vocals, though his banter is a masterclass in audience engagement, rallying the crowd into a unified force that dances and shouts as one.
The audience, now fully immersed in the chaos of the show, responded in kind. Hands raised, bodies moving, and voices shouting every word.
Benji, as lively as ever, begins hyping up the crowd. This is the get down, this is the get down Ipswich. You guys are amazing. Make some noise for yourselves!
The room erupts with screams and cheers.
With the energy peaking, Benji announces their final song of the night, Warning, which featured the now-iconic Newport Helicopter, leaving the crowd in more of a frenzy.
In typical Skindred fashion, they masterfully balanced moments of vulnerability with pure, unadulterated Rock ‘n’roll, reminding everyone why they remain one of the most exhilarating live acts on the scene today.
Skindred left the stage triumphant, having delivered not just a concert, but a communal experience.
Skindred isn’t just a band. They are Kings. In a world where musical boundaries are constantly being tested, they stand as a testament to the power of fusion, rebellion, and Rock ‘n’ roll spirit. If you weren’t there, you missed something special. Don’t let it happen again.
Paul Marshall
During my time on the road with the band they played at the following venues around England:
31 October – Portsmouth Guildhall, Portsmouth.
1 November – De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill on sea.
2 November – O2 Academy, Oxford.
3 November – The Corn Exchange, Ipswich.
Set list for The Corn Exchange, Ipswich
Opening music tracks:
Thunderstruck (AC/DC song)
Star Wars Imperial March Remix
- Set Fazers
- Worlds on Fire
- Doom Riff
- Rat Race (With ‘Wonderwall’ snippet)
- That’s My Jam
- Radio 01633 / Jump / Jump Around
- L.O.V.E. (Smile Please)
- This Appointed Love
- If I Could
- Kill the Power
- Nobody
- Gimme That Boom
Encore:
- 13.Electric Avenue (Eddy Grant cover)
- 14.Warning (with Elias Soriano