Gig review: SKINDRED – O2 Academy, Oxford, April 17 2026

April 18th, 2026 by jason

Skindred released their new album, ‘You Got This’, and their ninth overall, on the same day as they played this sold out gig in Oxford. So good to see that for once at a gig I was at the older end of scale, as the ages ranged from eight to sixty plus. Skindred’s music transcends age and any other barriers thrown in their path, as their music is like sunshine and happiness all in one, with serious messages scattered throughout their lyrics.

Support band Arimea hail from just down the road in Wantage and are fronted by Whitney Cooper, who varied between melodic metal singing through to some growling vocals – Arch Enemy spring to mind. The guitarist looked like he had dropped out of Rush in their 70′s pomp but boy he was proper metal shredder when needed!

Back when the likes of Slipknot and Linkin Park first appeared on the scene they never caught my attention much, however, now Linkin Park are a regular on the playlists and Arimea reminded me of a updated nu metal with screamo bits! Impressed by tonight’s set and already signed up for their mailing list and following them on their socials. Worth a listen and look into.

Not been to many gigs in my forty plus years of gigging that has the crowd singing out and bouncing around to Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ before the headliner has even set foot on the stage. Indeed, it takes a band confident in both themselves and their fans, to start their set with a full airing of the AC/DC classic ‘Thunderstruck’ and ‘The Imperial March’ (from ‘Star Wars’).

Benji Webbe is a whirlwind of energy, getting the crowd going at every opportunity right from the off with ‘This is the Sound’ of their new album. This leads neatly into ‘Set Fazers’, and ‘Rat Race’, which includes an a cappella section of Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’. It sounds on paper like a strange mix but it works! Further proof is when the band break into a bit of ‘Back in Black’ during ‘Pressure’. Needless to say the packed crowd were loving every minute of it!

What’s not to love about ‘That’s My Jam’? A perfect example of Skindred’s ragga metal sound. Benji even segues into Skindred Radio 01633 midway through the song into Van Halen’s ‘ Jump’ (complete with him on a mini-keyboard held by a roadie) and House of Pain’s ‘Jump Around’.

Benji must go though more hats and wardrobe changes than a panto dame and he never missed a cue. Credit to the rest of the band, namely guitarist Mikey Demus, drummer Arya Goggin and bassist Tommy Gleeson (last seen in fellow Newport band Feeder), who help to create the Skindred sound.

The set fair gallops along with the title track of the new album, ‘You Got This’, closely followed by ‘Kill the Power’, which lifts the crowd to another level. A powerful song when performed live.

The new album’s feelgood single ‘Can I Get A’ should by rights be topping charts worldwide as the chorus is so damn catchy and puts a big smile on your face.

The intense ‘Nobody’ sees the set finish on a high. One of the band’s defining songs and a perfect way to finish the main set.

Skindred come back onto the stage and launch into ‘Gimme That Boom’, and yes, Benji had time for another change of coat and headwear! He then led the crowd into a heartfelt Ozzy tribute getting the crowd to sing ‘War Pigs’.

Seems there is only one way to finish a Skindred set and that is with ‘Warning’, or has it become, the Newport helicopter theme! The Newport helicopter sees the crowd twirl items of clothing around their heads, but only when Benji gives the say so!

Honestly one of the best gigs I have ever been to, as Skindred brought the tunes, the fans brought their energy and it was good times all around. Benji has always said he wants people to come to have the best possible time at a Skindred show and mission accomplished in Oxford tonight.

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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Power Plays w/c 13 April 2026

DOGMA Fate Unblinds (MNRK Heavy)
SEVENDUST Threshold (Napalm Records)
OH HIROSHIMA Broken Sunlight (Pelagic Records)
HARSH Back To Life (Fireflash Records)
KING KRAKEN Call To War (indie)
HIGHWAY QUEEN Bring Me Home Tonight (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 13 April 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)

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