Skunk Anansie - NX, Newcastle 11.04.2025

It doesn’t feel that long ago that I was saying “this new song 'This Means War' is gonna be a huge favourite just watch“ and here it is opening the set this tour to a huge response!

Skunk Anansie are back in our city and already taking the roof off one song in with its huge chant along chorus and stop start riffage!

No elaborate costume or headpiece tonight though, Skin comes out in a long black cloak/frock coat and immediately has the packed NX in the palm of her hand as she continually paces the stage taking in the crowd in front of her.

The stage set more than makes up for the lack of costume theatrics though with Marks drumkit surrounded by huge spikes (inflatable) making his position look like an impenetrable fortress!

Going back in time we get 'Charlie Big Potato' next another example of why Skunk Anansie stand out from the rest with the heavy rhythmic backbeat and an almost Zeppelin ish epic riff but then Skins amazing vocal both angelic and brutal at the same time.

And it’s a voice that just seems to get stronger and stronger each tour.

'Because Of You' is flawless every note hit and held leaving the crowd open mouthed in awe. Still one of the best front persons out there totally dominating the stage with her presence she says jump you jump!!

'An Artist Is An Artist' is the first of four from their upcoming album 'The Painful Truth' and it’s a belter Skin letting everyone know that age, popularity or opinions won’t stop the artist from being an artist, they’re in it for good.

There’s so many highlights in this set 'God Loves Only You', 'Twisted (Everyday Hurts)', 'I Can Dream' and more, everyone of them showcasing just how tight and great a band they are, Ace cranking the guitar and throwing shapes whilst the ultra cool Cass keeps those bass lines pounding alongside Marks powerhouse drumming.

But it’s the songs that have kept them popular all of this time.

'Weak' stands strong today thirty yes THIRTY years after its release and there’s folk in the audience tonight bellowing every word who weren’t even out of nappies then!

No crowd surfing from Skin tonight but she did venture into the crowd a few times to orchestrate some circle pits around her as she sang.

On first hearing the new songs 'Animal' and 'Cheers' I’m really looking forward to hearing the full new album as they are a fresh Skunk Anansie still full of the social commentary but not resting on past glories. Going back to 'Paranoid' and 'Sunburnt' to end the set with Little Baby Swastikka' which totally tore the place a new one with the crowd just going off it!

Returning to the stage 'Hedonism' just because you feel good) was another of those incredible moments of a band and crowd coming together.

And finishing the night on a brand new song 'Lost & Found' (first single off new album) was a genius move in my opinion with that song still ringing in peoples ears as the lights come up they’re gonna remember it despite not being out yet!

Such is the calibre of Skunk Anansies back catalogue it wasn’t until I began putting my thoughts together I realised there’d been no 'Intellectualise My Blackness', 'Selling Jesus' or 'Brazen' and I’ll be honest they weren’t missed the songs are all that good!

I don’t know how many times I’ve seen the band over the years both as a support act and headliner and I’ve never seen them give less than 100% every time.

So here’s to the new album being a success and hopefully see them again soon.

Skunk Anansie

Photos & Review - G's Gig Shots