Skindred w/ RXPTRS @ Electric Bristol, Bristol - 21/04/26

Bristol, You Got This! Skindred said so!

If you happen to be from the South West and enjoy heavy music, then there is a good chance that you are presently stood in a queue in front of Electric in Bristol, for tonight is a special night – the inventors of the “Newport Helicopter” are performing a sold-out show tonight on the back of their latest release – album number 9, titled ‘You Got This’ which is currently charting at the UK Number 1 spot at the time of this performance. Yes, Newport metallers Skindred are in Bristol tonight with support from none other than Bristol’s very own RXPTRS.

RXPTRS hit the stage at 8pm and right from the start they are chaotic, loud and impossible to ignore. From the first note, the intensity is dialled all the way up, with the band delivering a set that feels quite visceral.nThe band’s blend of metalcore, alt-rock and post-hardcore elements translates perfectly on stage. Guitars roar with thick, gritty tones while the rhythm section keeps everything locked in with punishing precision. Frontman Simon Roach is magnetic throughout, switching effortlessly between snarling aggression and melodic vulnerability. His vocals cut clean through the wall of sound, giving emotional weight to tracks that might otherwise just hit hard. 

Simon is now joined to his left by guitarist, Harley Watson, who has bassist Sam Leworthy to his left and guitarist Ian Chadderton completes the battle formation – these guys mean business! A standout moment is when they pay homage to the greats – Linkin Park’s One Step Closer and Audioslave’s Cochise make their way into the setlist which gets the crowd roaring and Simon acknowledging them with “Great to see my people!” They close their set with ‘You, Me and the Devil Make Three’ with Simon diving into the audience for a bit of crowd surfing.

Skindred will be up next and the venue is bursting at the seams – there is a chaotic yet addictive energy within tonight’s crowd, with every inch of the venue packed all the way to the railing for the cloak room queue. We are treated to a full airing of AC/DC’s ‘Thunderstruck’ and the Star Wars ‘Imperial March’ before drummer Arya Goggin appears on stage, followed by bassist Tommy Gleeson and guitarist Mikey Demus. Skindred open with ‘This Is The Sound’, the explosive single from the new album – vocalist Benji Webbe appears on stage and the entire venue erupts, shouting out the lyrics “This is the sound that makes me go crazy!”.  ‘Set Fazers’ , ‘Rat Race’ and ‘Pressure’ are next on the list and there is plenty of sampling and segue mischief tonight – Van Halen’s ‘Jump’, House Of Pain’s ‘Jump Around’, AC/DC’s ‘Back In Black’ and Skindred Radio 01633 midway through ‘That’s My Jam’ – the crowd are absolutely loving this!

Skindred deliver an absolutely electrifying performance that feels less like a concert and more like a full-body experience. Benji commands the crowd with effortless charisma, blending humour, intensity and that unmistakable ragga-metal swagger that defines the band’s sound, all whilst going through a multitude of hats and wardrobe changes. The high energy title track off the new album ‘You Got This’ is up next, followed by ‘Kill The Power’ and the infectious 3rd single from the new album ‘Can I Get A’ which gets the crowd waving their arms from left to right until Benji gets the crowd moving along to directed shuffles. They conclude the set with ‘Nobody’ from their 2003 debut album Babylon and I wonder how many others in the packed crowd here are fans of the band from when they first heard this track on the ‘Need For Speed Underground 2’ video game. It truly is a powerful tune, a true testament to their longevity and prowess.

‘Boom, shake, shake, shake the room!’ courtesy of DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince is playing on the speakers and the band are back for the encore – the crowd are well and truly prepared for what is about to kick off.  Benji, now in his 3^rd outfit of the night, launches into the high octane ‘Gimme That Boom’ followed by a lovely tribute to Ozzy in the form of ‘War Pigs’. Veteran fans are now taking off their t-shirts, in preparation, in anticipation and rightly so – Mikey’s opening riffs for ‘Warning’ kicks in and there is a sea of clothing in the air until Benji reins the crowd in and directs everyone to commence the “Newport Helicopter” on his command! And we are now cleared for take-off! What really sets Skindred apart is their connection with the audience. Benji’s constant interaction makes the venue feel intimate, even in a packed space. There is a genuine sense that everyone is part of something special together, not just watching from the sidelines.

Skindred did not just play a gig – they created an atmosphere. It was sweaty, chaotic, uplifting and unforgettable. If you ever get the chance to see them live, do not hesitate. Just be ready to move. One of the standout Skindred moments is, of course, the legendary “Newport Helicopter” – there is nothing quite like witnessing a sea of fans swinging/twirling shirts overhead in unison. It is both surreal and exhilarating, a testament to the band’s ability to create a shared moment that sticks with you long after the night ends and remains a signature move for years to come. Skindred have announced the “You Got This” UK & Ireland Tour, later in 2026, around late October and early November including a special Halloween Show at London’s Alexandra Palace including special guests Alien Ant Farm, Spineshank and Orgy. 

You do not want to miss this tour – here is your “Warning, warning, warning, warning!”