The Newport ragga-metal titans Skindred brought their high-octane ‘You Got This’ tour to Dublin’s historic 3Olympia Theatre, turning the classic venue into an absolute party house from the opening beat to the final bow.
Local openers Cell Games kicked things off as early arrivals poured into Dame Street’s iconic theatre. Bringing a gritty, riff-heavy alternative punch, the Irish outfit had the job of warming up a crowd notoriously hard to tame early on. They delivered a fast, relentless set that set a solid baseline energy for the rest of the night.
Nostalgia hit heavy as California alt-rockers Alien Ant Farm took the main support slot. Led by frontman Dryden Mitchell, the band leaned into their late-90s/early-2000s classics. Anthems like “Movies” and “Smooth Criminal” got the entire room shouting back every word, but they quickly reminded everyone they are much more than those two mega hits. Songs like “Courage” and “These Days” show that they were masters of the ear worm melody and choruses that burrow deep into your brain. Beyond the nostalgia, their tight musicianship and laid-back charisma proved they remain an ideal pairing to warm up a crowd for Skindred’s chaos.
From the moment AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” and John Williams’ “Imperial March” faded out over the PA, frontman Benji Webbe marched onto the 3Olympia stage looking every bit the rock icon in his trademark sunglasses and studded gear.
Skindred didn’t waste a second, jumping right into the fire with high-energy cuts like “This Is The Sound” and “Set Fazers”. Benji Webbe remains unmatched as a ringmaster—demanding 100% participation from every corner of the room, whether you were down on the floor or up in the grand circle.
Mid-set, the band whipped out their signature medley incorporating snippets of classic hip-hop and metal riffs, getting the entire floor jumping to heavy basslines overlaid with reggae bounces.
Favorites like “Rat Race,” “Pressure,” and “That’s My Jam” kept the sweat pouring, showcasing guitarist Mikey Demus’ crushing tone alongside Arya Goggins’ pounding rhythm section.
“Gimme That Boom” The track off Smile proved to be one of the modern crowd-favorites, igniting massive bouncing right down to the barricade.
No Skindred show is complete without their signature ritual. As the intro to “Warning” hit, Benji commanded the crowd to take off an item of clothing, jackets, shirts, towels, or whatever was at hand. On his command, thousands of shirts spun in unison overhead to unleash the Newport Helicopter. It was a gloriously chaotic, celebratory climax to a gig that was less of a concert and more of a full-blown party.
Skindred continuously prove why they are considered one of the best live acts in the world. Blending ragga, metal, electronic, and pure showmanship, they left the 3Olympia sweaty, deafened, and completely buzzing.
Alien Ant Farm photos:
Skindred photos & set-list:
Set-list:
My People
Set Fazers
Rat Race
This is the Sound
Pressure
That’s My Jam
Big Em Up
Radio 01633
Jump (EVH)
Play Video
You Got This
Broke
Kill the Power
Can I Get A
Nobody
_______________
Gimme That Boom
Warning
Photos & Words – David McEneaney @experimentzero