Skindred, the reggae-metal band from Newport, are enjoying a remarkable year. After a chart battle with Jessie Ware, they secured their first Official UK Number 1 Album with You Got This, alongside a top spot on the Official Vinyl Albums Chart. They have spent the summer dominating festivals, including a secret set at Download.
Headlining RADAR Festival
The band are set to headline Manchester's RADAR Festival on August 1, closing Saturday night in a slot previously held by Sleep Token, The Midnight, and Periphery. They will also appear at Boomtown and Beautiful Days. Frontman Benji Webbe told The Daily Express: "It's an honour for us to be headlining RADAR festival, there's some terrific bands on the bill as well."
Keeping Shows Fresh
Webbe explained how the band maintain energy: "I come from a dance hall culture so even though we're a rock band I take all the elements of the dance hall: the pull-ups, the rewinds, all that stuff, and I bring it to the rock world." He added: "When I go to most shows, by the third song, I know they're not going to do nothing else... but with Skindred, you've got to wait for the end to get to the Newport helicopter."
UK Tour and Halloween Show
The band will take their chart-topping album on a UK tour, culminating in a Halloween show at London's Alexandra Palace with special guests Alien Ant Farm, Spineshank, and Orgy. Webbe said: "I can't believe we're playing Ally Pally, Halloween... It's going to be the biggest party ever."
Connection with Fans
Webbe emphasised the importance of connection: "A Skindred show - it ain't just a rock and roll show, it's a therapy class... You come alone, but when you're there, you definitely will not feel alone." He noted that fans often meet at gigs: "The amount of people who've said to me, I met my husband at the Skindred gig."
No Plans to Slow Down
When asked about giving up, Webbe replied: "Give up what? What are you talking about? It's only just begun as far as I'm concerned."
