Skunk Anansie with support from Gen and the Degenerates and Holocene
at O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester, UK
photos and words by Andrew Giddings

It’s been a prolonged three years wait for hardcore rock fans to see Skunk Anansie finally make their long-awaited return to Manchester. The O2 Victoria Warehouse was the venue, the old storage warehouse had an electric buzz as the packed crowd waited for the gig to start.

The show began with two warm-up acts. Holocene was first, a two-piece act consisting of Matt Williams on drums and lead-singer/guitarist Sian Kelly whose raspy vocals provided the grungy rock sound with a uniquely authentic edge. Gen and the Degenerates followed, a hardcore rock band based in Liverpool with a no-nonsense attitude, that had the captivated audience cheering after each song.

With the starters finished it was now time for the main course, as the crowd eagerly awaited the arrival of the headline act. Once the lights went down the band - Cass Lewis, Martin ‘Ace’ Kent, Erika Footman and Mark Richardson entered the stage, a long moment passed then the charismatic Skin made her entrance, making the already charged crowd explode. She strutted to the centre of the stage adorned in a bright pink jumpsuit with a black demonic headpiece, if the audience were in any doubt of what type of show this would be the opening song ‘Yes It’s Fucking Political’ left them with no illusion. The song had Skin marching back and forth on top of the risers at the front of the stage, screaming like a military general, with the boisterous crowd eagerly joining in.

‘I Can Dream’ was the next track, and from her position on the keyboard Erika was invited to the front of the stage, both her and Skin sang energetically to each other before Skin faced the crowd and encouraged them to crouch before erupting into the air at the crescendo of the chorus. Before the conclusion of the song Skin showed another of her musical gifts by skilfully playing a Theremin, moving her fingers rhythmically then pretending to intimately lick the instrument.

The headpiece was discarded, and the high pace show continued with ‘Because of You’. Skin’s range was enchanting and showed no sign of the vocal issues she had suffered with the week earlier, which caused the cancellation of two of the band’s concerts in Germany.

All the band appeared to be having a blast, Cass wearing a red top hat smiled infectiously to the crowd, and Ace constantly hopping onto the risers to hammer out one guitar driven melody after another.

In my opinion, ‘Weak’ was the standout song of the night, the anthemic tune was raucously sang by the audience with Skin breaking out her guitar to rock out with the crowd. She continued to interact with the fans throughout the show, stopping songs for an impromptu mosh pit, or rhythmic clapping. However unfortunately due to the pandemic the effervescent lead didn’t partake in any of her previously renowned crowd surfing antics, choosing instead to orchestrate the audience from the centre of the stage or up on the risers.

The set was littered with songs that struck at social stereotypes from ‘Intellectualise My Blackness’ to ‘I Can’t Take You Anywhere’ which was dedicated to her brother who, due to being unvaccinated, “literally can’t go anywhere”. The most poignant song of the evening was ‘This Means War’ which was dedicated to anyone suffering from any form of tyranny, from the people in Ukraine and Syria to any other countries including the UK. Pointing out the hypocrisy of the government for “using Brexit to stop refugees coming to the country, then offering £350 a month to have one in your own house.”

After the band briefly left the stage the show's encore began with the highest charting hit ‘Brazen (Weep’,, which had the energetic crowd singing relentlessly with every word, arms aloft swaying from side to side. Skin took the time to introduce the band member to the crowd, each in turn was enthusiastically received before the band launched into a rendition of the AC/DC hit ‘Highway to Hell’ before completing the set with ‘Little Baby Swastika’, this show will live long in the memory!

As the band prepared to exit, Skin announced that “this one’s for Taylor” in tribute to the late Taylor Hawkins. The lights came up and the Foo Fighters hit ‘Best of you’ began to play throughout the venue. With no microphone or instruments the whole band stood on the riser, clapping and singing along to the well-known anthem. This was an emotional finale and brought a great show to an awesome conclusion.

This was a fantastic night of hard-hitting rock, celebrating a 25+ year career that shows no signs of slowing down. As live acts go, not many can compete with the polished, energetic and pure entertainment of Skunk Anansie, and I would encourage anyone to see them if you get a chance!

SKUNK ANANSIE: MANCHESTER, UK - 08.04.22

HOLOCENE

GEN AND THE DEGENERATES

SKUNK ANANSIE