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Sunday saw a sell-out crowd for the Skunk Anansie gig. The band’s reputation for putting on a great show preceded them, and the crowd built early. The evening started with two excellent warm up slots from Holocene and Shelf Lives.

First up were Holocene. Hailing from London and with origins as a young jazz singer, the grunge feel was far more evident! A great voice and a great variety of music were on show. Whether on the keys or the guitar, this was a polished performance. The band even threw in a cover to slow the set down before the big finish.

Second up were Shelf Lives. After some microphone troubles when the Jonny, the guitarist, took to the stage, the show began. His energetic opening and some interesting guitar sounds to set the stage for the entrance of Sabrina. She was clearly going to enjoy her set and was smiling from the start. A full-on energetic set followed to warm the crowd for the main event.

The anticipation built and, while waiting to take these photos, I was chatting with a fan in the front row of the crowd who told me it was going to be a great show. I asked if he’s seen the band before, he informed me this was the sixteenth gig of this tour that he’d seen! An obviously loyal fan base!

After a few last-minute instrument checks, then the lights lowered, and the noise level began to rise. The band took to the stage and sounds from the start of the opening song “Political” began. Then “Skin” entered! What an entrance.

With the trademark snarl, she was dressed in black and wore a four-horn head-dress. She left no one in any doubt that they were in for a treat.

After the first song she decided it was time for a mosh, and when the audience didn’t quite do it well enough, Skin decided to show them how. She stepped across the photographer’s pit with the help of the fans and security team. The crowd parted and she stepped down among them. The band were well versed as she parted the crowd, until the music hit and the entire room was jumping!

Returning to the stage, with the help of the photographers and Security team, the smile was obvious. The crowd were fully on board for the ride. After the head dress came off, that well known look returned, and an evening of amazing music followed. The energy was endless and the quality of the seasoned musicians on stage was obvious, the stagecraft of the entire band was built on experience and talent. The interaction between the band members may have been well-rehearsed, but it gave the impression of a spontaneity, and left you in no doubt about the band’s utter enjoyment in performing. I look forward to seeing this amazing band play again.

 Photos and Review by: Peter Nicholson

(Photos: Copyright Peter Nicholson Photography 2022)

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