WORDS HARRY K / IMAGES MATTY BEZ
Friday, October 25th, 2024, Skindred, the Welsh powerhouse, descended upon the stage of Olympia Liverpool for a night of genre-bending rock. Joined by special guest As December Falls, the venue buzzed with anticipation for an evening that promised to be pure entertainment.
But before Skindred we were treated to As December Falls who delivered a high-energy performance, blending pop-punk melodies with raw emotional intensity. The crowd was instantly hooked as the band opened with their anthemic track “Ride” setting the tone for a night full of sing-alongs and mosh pits. Lead singer Bethany Curtis’ powerful vocals soared effortlessly over driving guitar riffs, while the band’s tight musicianship kept the momentum pulsing through every song.
With a legacy spanning over two decades, Skindred has solidified their reputation as sonic pioneers, blending heavy metal, punk, reggae, and electronic elements into a potent concoction that defies classification. Led by the enigmatic frontman Benji Webbe, their setlist was a testament to their diverse influences and unrelenting energy. As fans packed the venue, their excitement was palpable, a tangible energy that seemed to course through the air like electricity. But it was the sight of the extensive queue snaking its way towards the merch stall that truly underscored the depth of Skindred’s connection with their audience.
From the moment Skindred burst onto the stage to the thunderous strains of “Thunderstruck”, it was clear that this was no ordinary rock concert.
As the set kicked into high gear with “Set Fazers,” the crowd erupted into a frenzy of movement and noise, setting the tone for the night ahead. But it was during “That’s My Jam” that the true magic unfolded, as the room was divided into sections, each belting out their own rendition of the chorus in a display of unity and camaraderie.
In a cheeky nod to rock nostalgia, lead singer Benji Webbe teased the audience with the opening lines of Oasis’ “Wonderwall” which didnt go down to well in Liverpool, to be honest, a quick “Fuck Dat” from Benji and seamlessly transitioning into the band’s heavier repertoire, much to the delight of the crowd.
Throughout the night, the venue pulsated with the rhythm, mosh pits came and went in the crowd during the infectious “L.O.V.E. (Smile Please).” It was a sight to behold as fans of all ages joined in the fun.
Amidst the raucous cheers and thunderous applause, it was easy to see why Skindred has cultivated such a dedicated following over the years. Their music serves as a rallying cry. And as the band left the stage and the final notes of Carly Simon’s ‘nobody does it better’ faded into the night, it was hard to disagree with this statement. Nobody does do this blend of genres, better than Skindred.
SET LIST:
1/ Set Fazers
2/ World’s on Fire
3/ Doom Riff
4/ Rat Race / Wonderwall
5/ That’s My Jam
6/ Radio 01633 / Jump / Jump Around
7/ L.O.V.E. (Smile Please)
8/ This Appointed Love
9/ If I Could
10/ Kill the Power
11/ Nobody
12/ Gimme That Boom
Encore:
13/ Electric Avenue
(Eddy Grant cover)
14/ Warning
15/ Nobody Does It Better
FOLLOW SKINDRED
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
