Skunk Anansie - O2 Academy Birmingham - 5th April 2025

The walls of the O2 Academy Birmingham don’t know what’s about to hit them, but I can tell you now it will be the raw power and political punch of Skunk Anansie. Returning to the city as part of their long-awaited tour, the iconic British rock outfit delivered a set that was as fierce and fearless as ever, led by the magnetic presence of frontwoman Skin. From the opening riff to the final roar, this was a night of unrelenting energy, blistering emotion, and a reminder of why Skunk Anansie still matter in 2025.

Opening the night were a band whose name fits exactly what I said at the end of their set, So Good. Their sound is often described as ‘Brat Punk’, which hits the nail right on the head, combining the aesthetics of the late 90’s/early 2000’s Legally Blonde/Clueless vibe and hard-hitting perfectly political lyrics, So Good are brilliant and different and not something you see every day, yet somehow given the band they are supporting, it makes sense. Songs such as ‘I Rewrote The Fucking Bible’ was such a standout and important with everything that is happening in the world, go check them out!

Some gigs entertain, and then there are gigs that detonate. Skunk Anansie’s return to the O2 Academy Birmingham was undeniably the latter. An explosive, politically charged masterclass in rock rebellion that left the crowd breathless, sweat-drenched, and utterly electrified.

Opening with the thunderous 'This Means War' the band wasted no time declaring their intent. Skin, a force of nature in her own right, stormed the stage with a magnetic presence that instantly took command. Her voice equal parts velvet and venom, soared through 'Because of You' and the anthemic 'God Loves Only You,' which succeeded a short speech by Skin explaining the meaning of the song, how Christian nationalism contradicted the message of loving everyone and instead people pick and choose depending on if they agree with a person's race, religion and other identity factors. 

Of course, the moment that was always going to erupt was when 'Weak' was performed, with the crowd almost being louder than the band. Just as you thought Skin would give her all on stage, she takes it to the next level, getting down into the crowd to join in during 'I Can Dream'.

A personal highlight for me was 'Twisted” (Everyday Hurts)', 'Yes It’s Fucking Political' and the band's debut single 'Little Baby Swastikkka', proving again that this is the band we need in 2025.

The encore was pure chaos and catharsis. A soulful rendition of 'Hedonism (Just Because You Feel Good)' brought a bittersweet pause, before the band tore into a blistering cover of Led Zeppelin’s 'Whole Lotta Love,' and finally ended with the chaotic energy of  an all-female mosh pit (including Skin) for 'The Skank Heads (Get Off Me)' and 'Lost and Found'.

By the time the lights came up, the O2 Academy felt transformed, shaken to its foundations by a band that continues to evolve without ever compromising who they are. Skunk Anansie aren’t just still relevant, they’re still essential. And in Birmingham, they proved why.

Full Gallery coming soon...

Skunk Anansie will release their new album 'The Painful Truth' on the 23rd May.