There’s always a mix of excitement and nostalgia when going to see a band you first watched over forty years ago. The Skids were one of the most explosive and unforgettable live acts I saw in my youth, back when punk and new wave were at their peak. The memories of their gigs at Middlesbrough Rock Garden in 1979 and Newcastle City Hall later that year are still burned into my mind—packed venues, wild pogoing crowds, and anthemic singalongs to “Into the Valley” and “The Saints Are Coming”. It was raw, chaotic, and thrilling.
Fast forward to 2024, and The Skids, now fronted only by Richard Jobson, after the sad passing of guitarist Stuart Adamson were back, sharing a bill with Spear of Destiny at Wylam Brewery. Would they still have the same fire, or would this be a gentle nod to the past? The answer became clear as soon as they hit the stage: The Skids may be older, but they’ve lost none of their energy.
Before The Skids took the stage, we were treated to a short but intense set from Spear of Destiny. Led by the ever-charismatic Kirk Brandon, who I last saw as front man for his previous band, Theatre of Hate, their sound was just as grand and dramatic as I remembered seeing Kirk in his previous band. They worked through a tight selection of tracks, including “Rainmaker”, “Liberator”, “Mickey”, and “World Service”. Though it was a short set, it was enough to remind everyone why they were such a force in the 80s post-punk scene.
Richard Jobson took to the stage with all the energy of a frontman half his age, delivering a performance that was both nostalgic and full of life. His voice still carries that unique Scottish edge, and his stage presence remains as boisterous and animated as ever. They opened with “Animation”, immediately setting the tone for the night. As the first chords of “Thanatos” rang out, it became clear that this wouldn’t be a polite run-through of old hits—it was going to be a proper Skids gig.
Hearing tracks from Days in Europa, which was celebrating its 45th anniversary, was a highlight. “A Day in Europa” and “Dulce Et Decorum Est (Pro Patria Mori)” were performed with all the theatrical intensity and pounding rhythms that made the original album such a standout. “Masquerade” and “Charade” still sounded fresh, and “The Olympian” was a reminder of just how forward-thinking their sound was at the time.
Then came the big anthems, the ones everyone had been waiting for. “The Saints Are Coming” was an absolute standout, and “Into the Valley” turned Wylam Brewery into a massive, bouncing singalong. There was a real sense of community in the crowd, everyone revelling in the nostalgia of a song that, decades later, still feels like a battle cry.
They rounded off the set with “TV Stars”, a song that used to be a chaotic highlight of their early gigs, with the crowd chanting the now-famous roll call of “Albert Tatlock!”. It was rowdy, fun, and exactly what a Skids gig should be.For the encore, they returned with “A Woman in Winter”, a beautifully melancholic contrast to the power of the rest of the set. It was a perfect way to close the night.
There’s something incredibly special about seeing a band like The Skids in a small, intimate venue like Wylam Brewery. It brought me right back to those wild late-70s gigs, but with the added appreciation of just how well these songs have held up. Richard Jobson may be the only original member left, but his passion for these songs hasn’t faded one bit. The Skids are still a band worth seeing, not just for the nostalgia, but because they remain a genuinely great live act.
As I walked out into the Newcastle night, I couldn’t help but think back to Middlesbrough Rock Garden in 1979, when the gig was so packed we could barely move, and fights were breaking out all around us. Things were a little more civilised at Wylam Brewery, but the spirit of The Skids was still there, loud and defiant, 45 years later.
Treated myself to a copy of the lyrics to “Charade” signed by Richard Jobson himself (see image). Many thanks to Jackie for the photographs and to Laura and Natalie for helping me create the blog entry.
Setlist: Animation, Thanatos, Charade, Pros and Cons, Working for the Yankee Dollar, The Olympian, Masquerade, A Day in Europa, The Saints Are Coming, Into the Valley, Circus Games, TV Stars, Dulce Et Decorum Est (Pro Patria Mori), Grey Parade, Hurry On Boys.
Encore: A Woman in Winter
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by TerriersFan on February 20, 2025 at 7:39 pm
Sadly, too punk for me, but I’m glad that you enjoyed them, Peter.
Roger 🤘👍
Posted by vintagerock on February 21, 2025 at 12:41 pm
You can’t beat a great punk band. Roger. Best wishes Peter
Posted by ciarant1step on February 20, 2025 at 9:56 pm
Super review – I really enjoyed it. What a good night, what a great band.
Posted by vintagerock on February 21, 2025 at 12:38 pm
Yes the Skids are still great fun. A great punk rock band Peter
Posted by Stu on February 21, 2025 at 3:31 pm
How did the guitar sound? I can’t imagine anyone but Stuart Adamson playing those riffs!
Posted by vintagerock on February 21, 2025 at 3:57 pm
The guitar player did not try and emulate Stuart Adamson. However, the power of Richard Jobson’s vocal carried the band into a very strong punk rock force. I had the same concerns but I greatly enjoyed the performance. Actually, thinking back the guitar on the opening to “into The Valley” was pretty authentic Peter