I first fell in love with Skindred back in 2013 after watching their set at Reading Festival, and have always tried to catch them whenever I can since, so the fact I am blessed to shoot them tonight is a real pinch me moment.
Arriving at the venue, the line is all the way back to the Alexandra Theatre, if you know Birmingham well, you'll know that's quite a long line! Walking in the crowd are greeted to the cheesiest bangers that you wouldn't normally hear at a metal gig, such as 'Mambo No. 5' and 'YMCA'. But if you aren't new to Skindred, you'll click that this is their typical humour. It's worth noting that the night before, the band had played their biggest headliner show yet at Wembley Arena, and judging by the way the venue was packed all the way back to the bars, I think they could have easily filled the Birmingham equivalents such as Resorts World or the Utilita. As I go down into the photo pit, I notice two lovely people who would be interpreting and signing for the audience tonight. This is the type of inclusivity we love to see!
Opening the night was As Everything Unfolds, who absolutely smashed it in my books. They have a very current sound fronted by Charlie Rolfe who isn't afraid to mix up guttural screams with melodic clean vocals, as well as bringing refreshing energy to the stage.
Up next were Nu-Metal band P.O.D. They are one of those bands whose name I often hear but think I've not listened to. Turns out I was mistaken, there were actually several that I knew from 'back in the day' such as 'Youth of the Nation' and 'Alive'. It was almost easy to forget they this was not their headline show, as the crowd sang along to almost every song and lapped up the energy. A quick guest appearance from Skindred frontman Benji Webbe took the crowd by surprise!
Time for the main event! The lights dim and our ears are blessed with AC/DC's 'Thunderstruck' which merged into the Imperial March from Star Wars. The band take to the stage followed by frontman Benji Webbe waving a giant Skindred union jack, heading straight into the addictive track 'Set Fazers'.
The setlist was a carefully crafted barrage of hits that ignited the audience's fervour. The seamless transitions between heavy riffs and laid-back grooves showcased the band's versatility, while Webbe's dynamic vocals effortlessly shifted between melodic crooning and guttural roars. Tonight is really a party and celebration of life, with tracks like "That's My Jam", it's impossible not to dance and groove.
One thing I previously mentioned was the humour element that the band brings to the table. After throwing a t-shirt into the crowd Webbe shouts "that's 35 quid fuck off!". If you'd have told me that morning that I would be hearing a dub-step rendition of the Proclaimers' '500 Miles' later in the day, I don't think I would have been shocked but it still took me back when it happened (in the best way possible).
'L.O.V.E (Smile Please)' was a personal highlight as you could see the feel good vibes spread across the crowd. What truly sets Skindred apart, was their unparalleled ability to connect with the audience. Benji spoke of his personal experience loosing his parents and being raised by his brother Clifford. After seeing the band 'The Specials' on TV, he deicided that was what he wanted to do with his life, his brother however, didn't approve of the idea. "We all have Cliffords in our life" said Webbe, before stating the importance of following your creative dreams and not listening to those trying to get in your way. It was clear to see this speech touched a lot of people.
It wasn't long before the viral hit 'Nobody' filled the room, I don't think there was a single person in the audience who wasn't singing along, including the bar staff. Concluding the night was 'Warning', those who know Skindred well know of the tradition of the 'Newport Helicopter', and if you don't, I won't spoil the surprise.
As I've said through the years of seeing this band live, "you have to check them out at least once!", the band are quite prevalent during the festival circuits, if they're on the bill go check them out! Or of course better yet, next time they're in town, snap those tickets up!
Skindred played:
Set Fazers
Pressure
Rat Race
World's on Fire
That's My Jam
L.O.V.E. (Smile Please)
If I Could
Kill the Power
Life That's Free (with acoustic intro)
Nobody
Gimme That Boom
Our Religion
Warning
Yorumlar