LIVE REVIEW: Skindred, SNAYX, Keele University Students Union, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, 16/10/2025

Skindred can be considered the old boys of heavy metal. Having been around for a staggering twenty-five years, they have performed in countries all around the world. It is an honour to have the privilege of seeing them in such a compact venue this evening. Tonight they play Keele University Students Union bar.

Before the metalers create carnage, it is the support band SNAYX that we first lay eyes on. Commencing with Work, SNAYX make a no-nonsense introduction. “Keele, how the fuck we doing?” are the first interactions screamed energetically by Charlie Herridge on vocals. A sizable crowd are already in attendance at Keele Students Union bar prior to Skindred’s arrival this evening. FANX continues the pulsating feel around the venue with it’s electronic rhythm and thundering bass throughout.

An immense amount of noise is present from the trio on-stage. Drummer Lainey holds down a fast-paced performance, while the bassist and lead vocalist are free to bounce vigorously round the stage. Here at Bring The Noise we are huge fans of the music that SNAYX produce, however, if there is a criticism tonight it would be the least singers vocal sounds a little more depleted then usual. An acknowledgement has to be given to a cover of Breathe by The Prodigy. With the late Keith Flint being an idol for the trio. A performance of the up most energy and passion which gets the crowd suitably prepared for this evening’s headliners Skindred. 7/10

Stand out tracks: Breathe (Prodigy Cover), Sink or swim, Fanx.

As the wait between bands begins it becomes almost impossible to depart the venue due to the sheer volume of people penned inside. The Union bar plunges into darkness, as a huge roar greats Skindred when enter onto stage. The band march on to the sound of AC/DC’s Thunderstruck in its entirety.

The audience waste no time in getting involved during the first track. Lead vocalist Benji Webbe greets the crowd screaming, “Are you ok, Keele?”. The crowd gladly reciprocate as the performance continues at thunderous pace. Skindred’s signature fusion between mental and reggae sounds exceptional performed live. Only a band with Skindred’s experience are able to perform with such ease whilst being exceptionally tight.

By time The Worlds on Fire rears its head, the crowd are in full flow. The funky reggae inspired grooves of That’s My Jam continue to delight the audience this evening. Benji Webbe outlines the fundamentals of the band when addressing the audience in the playful and joyous manner he has done all evening. “Skindred is peace, love and unity. Thanks for all coming out tonight.”

Before a surprise rendition of Happy Birthday, Benji Webbe tests the vocal talents of the audience from front to back and side to side, with a chorus of Ooh’s, Aah’s reverberating around the compact venue. He almost puppeteers the audience whilst picking out the unsuspecting Birthday victims and begins a rendition of the popular song with crowd in toe. Nonetheless, it wasn’t just a cover of Happy Birthday that impressed onlooker’s tonight. House of Pains – Jump Around literally had the crowd jumping for joy.

This playful attitude and constant interaction with the audience made for a stellar set. A masterclass in performance coupled with snippets of humour throughout the evening, have shown why Skindred continue to be relevant to an ever-growing fan base. 8/10

Stand out tracks: World’s On Fire, That’s My Jam, Gimme That Boom.

Written By: Ben Gilligan