Skunk Anansie is a name everyone that seems to know no matter the age. They’re a band who feel like they’ve never lost their cause, their fight and their sheer determination to put on a live show to remember. Touring in support of their 25th anniversary and album 25live@25 the band have rightly so sold out the Great Hall.
Tonight is the last date on their UK tour and The Prodigy blasts over the stereo moments before they take to the stage one by one to glorified cheers. Dim red lights backed with strobes illuminate Skin as she strides back and forth across the stage in some custom costume made from foil sheets. It’s a fearless entrance.
It only took until song three (All in the Name of Pity) for Skin to launch herself into a slightly weary crowd. Wearing golden docs she takes a firm step onto shoulders before trusting the crowd to catch her.
It’s not all about singer Skin though as guitarist Ace and bassist Cass get a look in whether they’re leading central stage or being praised by Skin herself, Throughout there’s a closeness onstage that only comes from years of touring together.
As the set progresses it’s hard not to keep your eyes off Skin. She’s got this unique charm to her stage presence – there’s this soft side that seduces the crowd with genuine affection and gratitude and then there’s this punk rock tenacity that sees her command the hall. Either way you follow her every word, believe it and want to get involved. Even though the demographic in the hall tonight is older than the average gig goer it doesn’t hinder them from participating.
Later in the set sees a brave Highway To Hell cover before ending on Little Baby Swastika, a bold (and unfortunately relevant) song to end the night on.
It’s an inspiring set. To keep their momentum and sound notable until the end of a twenty two song show, after a twenty year career is quite something. They actually put the younger bands to shame.
9/10
