Glasgow’s O2 Academy was packed out for the return of Skunk Anansie, as they continue their UK tour promoting the new album The Painful Truth. Before the main event, the crowd were introduced to So Good, a genre-bending act making their Glasgow debut.
So Good call their sound “ignorant brat pop,” but the set leaned heavily into punk and rap influences. Fronted by a female vocalist who bounced between aggressive rapping and melodic lines, the group brought serious energy to the stage. She was flanked by two dancers and backing singers in tartan skirts who added to the overall defiant attitude of the performance.
There was no easing the audience in. From the start the set was confrontational, provocative, and politically charged. One track was dedicated to Donald Trump, with a clear call for the crowd to raise their middle fingers, and a later track, their new single, “I Revoke the F***ing Bible”, pushed further into themes of resistance and sexuality. Lyrically, there was commentary on toxic masculinity, power, and control, with plenty of bold visuals and performance choices to match.
Whether or not everyone in the crowd was won over, they certainly left an impression.
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Once the lights dimmed again, Skunk Anansie wasted no time launching into a set that balanced material from The Painful Truth with older fan favourites from across their back catalogue. Skin arrived onstage, immediately commanding attention.
Her vocal range was on full display throughout the set and, from the pit as a photographer, being able to see the emotion, power and intensity in her performance up close added a whole other layer. Her facial expressions, delivery, and physical connection to the songs made every word feel immediate and charged.
Before “God Loves Only You”, Skin addressed the crowd with a message about empathy and kindness, a call to look after one another, regardless of the noise around us. It landed well in a room full of people who were already emotionally dialled in. Throughout the set, she moved through the crowd, stood among fans while singing, and later surfed overhead. There was never a disconnect, the band felt fully present with their audience, and the atmosphere reflected that.
Skunk Anansie continue to hold their place as one of the most emotionally honest and politically relevant live bands in the UK. The show had weight, urgency, and moments of reflection, all backed by a tight, powerful sound and a frontwoman who never held back.
Paired with the chaos and colour of So Good’s slot, it made for a night that had both edge and substance, and one that will stick with those who were there.
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Photos by Skull Lens Photography
