Skindred are living proof that the saying, ‘Good things come to those who wait,’ is actually true. The ragga metal pioneers formed back in 1998, then gradually built an armada of formidable, reggae-tinged anthems until they earnt a spot as heavy metal’s go-to party band. They carved a decent niche for themselves with late-afternoon slots at the likes of Download and Reading And Leeds, getting festivalgoers limber – but then Tiktok took notice of them.
In 2023, as part of a viral dance trend, Skindred went supernova, their song Nobody being heard by millions of new ears. The momentum helped thrust that year’s album, Smile, to number two in the UK charts, then get the band a coveted headline spot at Wembley Arena last week. After 25 years of graft, Newport’s heroes are finally a bona fide sensation.
