Review: Skindred – Rock City – 24 January 2014

As a long time fan of Skindred it is fair to say I was rather looking forward to catching the gang live for the first time, and they certainly didn’t disappoint with a blistering set that had a packed out Rock City pounding.

Unfortunately I missed opening act VIZA, however I was in time to catch fellow support act SOIL, a band that, though I have heard of, I knew little about. The band did a great job of getting the crowd pumped up with a top set – with a few crowd surfers even spotted. The band opened with “Loaded Gun” and “Breaking Me” and lead singer Ryan McCombs certainly knew how to get the crowd going.

Soil

Soil

The band also threw in a couple of covers, including 37 Stiches from US rockers Drowning Pool, for who McCombs had been lead singer between 2004-11, and Ram Jam’s Black Betty – a personal  favourite of mine – that had the crowd singing alone.

After a short break it was time for SKINDRED to take to the stage, doing so to AC/DC hit Thunderstruck, and, in what was a real geek out moment for me – the Imperial March from Star Wars.

The band kicked off with “Rat Race” from 2007 album “Roots Rock Riot” which got the set off to a fantastic start.

This latest tour was, of course, in support of the bands fifth, and latest, album “Kill the Power” and the band the crowd went wild for the album’s title track, while “Ninja” was another highlight from the album.

Skindred

Skindred

Benji interacted brilliantly throughout, engaging the crowd and challenging them to sing and cheer louder at certain points.

The band also made clear their love for Nottingham, talking about the many venues in the city they have played over the years, including the, now long gone , Junction 7, The Old Angel and Rescue Rooms, and while you can be sure all bands will say how much they love the city they are in it felt, to this reviewer at least, that these guys really meant every word.

Midway through the set we were treated to an enjoyable medley of tracks such as Babylon, Intergalactic, Jump Around, Don’t Stop Me Now, Omen and We Will Rock You, which made for an enjoyable change of pace and kept the crowd entertained. And of course the Newport Helicopter made an appearance, seeing nearly 2000 people do this was pretty cool to see.

Skindred

Skindred

All in all this was a great gig, Rock City was buzzing and the band were on top form, clearly enjoying the fact that so many people love their music.

To quote Benji “Music starts with you and ends with you”, This was said as he introduced the last song “We Live” where he told everyone in the crowd to be them elves and not to let anyone tell them what they can and can’t do.

Well tonight music started and ended with Skindred and I for one loved every minute.

Review and pictures by Geri Patterson

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