Widely recognised as one of the most exciting British rock bands in decades, Skindred won the award for Best Alternative Music Act at the MOBO Awards this week in Sheffield.
Reflecting on their win frontman Benji Webbe says, “To be nominated for a MOBO is such a massive deal for me and the boys in Skindred. I’ve been watching the MOBO’s since it started and always wondered why they didn’t have an alternative music category but last year that changed and was rectified with the Best Alternative Music Act added to the award ceremony. Not in my wildest dreams did I think Skindred would be at the MOBO’s but due to that new category we not only got nominated, but we actually won! As much as we were the band that’s been around the longest in this year’s nominees we weren’t guaranteed to actually win. So when the Nova Twins called our name at the ceremony we were all genuinely thrilled, buzzed and surprised. We have had so many well wishes and incredible messages of support & encouragement from all over the World. It is a great time to be in Skindred, it truly is!”
Drummer Arya Goggin adds, “We are both humbled and honoured to receive our MOBO Award. To be nominated was a dream come true, let alone actually win. I don’t think there are many bands that have won both a MOBO and a Metal Hammer award! This is what Skindred is all about.”
To get a taste of why Skindred are such worthy winners of the award, check out the brand-new video for the single ‘If I Could’, which premiered earlier today in association with Knotfest Australia. The band will be heading Down Under to perform at the legendary metal festival next month.
‘If I Could’ is taken from the band’s smash hit 2023 album Smile which entered the Official UK Album Chart at #2 in August and was garlanded with praise from critics and fans alike. The video showcases what a phenomenal live band Skindred are and features footage from various concerts and festivals last year, including their completely sold-out 2023 UK headlining tour.
Skindred play three more UK shows in March in Manchester (14th), Birmingham (16th) and London’s OVO Wembley Arena (15th), which will be their biggest UK headline show to date. Both Manchester and Birmingham are already sold out, with the final few tickets remaining for Wembley Arena.
Regarding headlining Wembley for the first time, Arya says, “We can’t wait. It’s going to be a very special night with a lot of surprises. Get your shirts ready to whip off for the biggest Helicopter yet! We are also stoked to have our friends in P.O.D and As Everything Unfolds with us at Manchester London and Birmingham. See you soon!”
Lead singer Benji Webbe commented, “Standing on that stage is a mark of sheer hard work. We have stood upon that stage supporting many truly great acts, and now it’s Skindred’s time to take the headline slot. You may think you’ve seen us, however this is our opportunity to rise, and to step up like never before! Unity, love and togetherness. Let’s ‘ave it.”
In addition to the UK shows and Knotfest Australia, Skindred will be touring across the globe throughout 2024 with their first-ever show in New Zealand at the end of March, and festival appearances already confirmed at Sick New World in Las Vegas and Pinkpop in the Netherlands, plus a headline slot at Steelhouse Festival in the UK in July. Stand by for many more live announcements to come.
PRAISE FOR SMILE BY SKINDRED
“Welsh ragga-metallers mix a potent sonic cocktail… that spans punk, metal, reggae, pop-rock, hip-hop, electronica and dancehall.”
The Guardian 4/5, Album of the Week
“Headstrong rhythms and anthemic tracks [demonstrate] their forte for catchy riffs and explosive choruses, and their exuberant showmanship.”
Financial Times 4/5
“Fusing reggae with heavy metal for the past 25 years and they have never been more popular.”
The Sun 4/5
“A record that truly mirrors the euphoric abandon of their legendary gigs… If this isn’t the banger-packed, life-affirming soundtrack to everybody’s summer, then something has gone terribly, terribly wrong.”
Classic Rock 9/10
“Skindred crank the attitude and stack up anthems on their fantastic eighth album.”
Kerrang 4/5
“Pulls in chunky breakdowns and nu-metal melodies, all the while staying true to Skindred’s iconic reggae-metal style with a dash of electronic pop mixed in for good measure.”
Daily Express 4/5
“There’s a respectable bravery throughout. [Skindred] have a vision for peace and love powerful enough to transcend the borders of metal.”
Metal Hammer
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