Skunk Anansie Reclaim Their Crown At Glastonbury Festival 2022 With A Ferocious, Fearless Set

by | Jul 4, 2022

More than two decades since their last appearance, Skunk Anansie returned to Glastonbury Festival in June 2022 with a set that was as politically charged, sonically explosive, and emotionally resonant as ever. Playing the Other Stage on Saturday afternoon, the British alt-rock legends delivered a performance that proved why their voice is not just still needed — it’s absolutely vital.

Skunk Anansie @ Glastonbury Festival 2022

Skunk Anansie
Skunk Anansie

From the moment frontwoman Skin strutted onto the stage in a neon green bodysuit with “CLIT ROCK” blazoned across the back and a silver, spiked mohawk crown perched on her head, it was clear this was not going to be a gentle reunion. The outfit, punk in attitude and arresting in presence, mirrored the music: confrontational, defiant, and utterly commanding.

They opened with Yes It’s Fucking Political, a blistering reintroduction that set the tone for a performance that was as much about catharsis and community as it was about the music. “We’re Skunk Anansie, and we’re back!” Skin shouted, to roaring applause from a crowd that stretched far beyond the stage. The setlist was a well-balanced journey through the band’s formidable discography. Early hits like I Can Dream, Weak, and Hedonism (Just Because You Feel Good) drew euphoric sing-alongs, their potency undimmed by time. These were anthems for outsiders and rebels, and the crowd — a mix of long-time fans and curious newcomers — responded with fierce devotion.

But this was no exercise in nostalgia. Skunk Anansie’s newer material packed just as much punch, particularly their 2022 single Piggy, a searing indictment of political greed and gaslighting. “This song is about liars. We all know one,” Skin smirked before launching into the track. Can’t Take You Anywhere, another recent offering, was similarly sharp, swaggering with metallic riffs and dripping attitude. What made this performance transcend a typical festival set, though, was Skin’s undeniable presence — not just as a singer but as a leader and provocateur. Midway through the show, she waded deep into the crowd, barefoot and fearlessly singing from within the mass of festival-goers. It wasn’t a gimmick; it was a statement. She blurred the line between artist and audience, becoming one with the people whose stories she’s been telling for nearly 30 years.

Between songs, the frontwoman used her platform with purpose. In one particularly raw moment, she addressed the then-recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Her message was blunt and heartfelt: “A woman should never be told what to do with her body. Never.” The crowd roared in support — this was Glastonbury as it should be: defiant, inclusive, and unafraid to take a stand. Backed by original members Martin “Ace” Kent (guitar) and Richard “Cass” Lewis (bass), and powerhouse drummer Mark Richardson, the band sounded tighter than ever. The musicianship was impeccable, yet always in service to the emotion and message behind the songs. Every note felt urgent, every lyric deeply lived in.

The set closed with the industrial stomp of Charlie Big Potato, as Skin thrashed across the stage under clouds of smoke and strobes, the crowd’s energy peaking in ecstatic release. By the end, it was clear that Skunk Anansie hadn’t just returned to Glastonbury — they had reclaimed it. In a year where legends like Paul McCartney and Diana Ross made headlines, it was Skunk Anansie who offered one of the festival’s most searing, relevant, and alive performances. It was a reminder that rock music still has teeth, still has a voice, and still has Skin — and thank god for that.

Live review and photography of Skunk Anansie at Glastonbury Festival 2022 by Kalpesh Patel

Wolf Alice Conquer Glastonbury Festival 2022 With Grit, Grace, And A Genre-Blending Masterclass

Good Charlotte (Jen Rosenstein)

Good Charlotte Unveil Empowering New Single ‘Stepper’ Ahead Of Eighth Album ‘Motel Du Cap’

Genre-blurring pop-punk icons Good Charlotte continue their triumphant return with the release of the official video for latest single Stepper. Marking another taste of their highly anticipated eighth studio album Motel Du Cap, due out on 8th August, the track is an infectious anthem of perseverance, underscored by the band’s signature mix of honest lyricism, swaggering hooks, and high-octane rock energy.

Dylan Gossett (Tanner Johnson)

Dylan Gossett Rides ‘Westward’ With Self-Produced Debut Album

Emerging as one of country music’s most compelling breakout artists, Dylan Gossett has officially released his long-awaited debut album Westward, a bold 17-track journey that showcases the Texas native’s deeply personal storytelling, genre-blurring style, and self-made ethos. Released via Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records, Westward marks a significant milestone for the multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer—who wrote and self-produced the entire album.

Hannah McFarland (Chris Ashlee)

Hannah McFarland Joins Riley Green’s UK Tour This September Following Breakout Year And Acclaimed EP ‘Broken Hearts’

Fast-rising Alabama-born country artist Hannah McFarland is set to make her UK live debut this September as the official support act for Riley Green’s UK and Ireland tour. The announcement marks a milestone moment for the Broken Hearts singer-songwriter, who has spent 2025 building unstoppable momentum with her emotionally candid music and compelling live performances.

Idlewild (Euan Robertson)

Idlewild Announce Self-Titled Album & Share Stirring New Single ‘It’s Not The First Time’

Scottish alternative rock stalwarts Idlewild have followed up the announcement of their first album in six years with...
Tim Wheeler of Ash @ Wembley Arena (Kalpesh Patel)

Ash Announce Ninth Studio Album ‘Ad Astra’ Alongside New Single ‘Give Me Back My World’

Northern Ireland’s enduring power-pop trio Ash have announced their hotly anticipated ninth studio album, Ad Astra,...
Madi Diaz (Allister Ann)

Madi Diaz Announces Haunting New Album ‘Fatal Optimist’, Shares Raw Lead Single ‘Feel Something’

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Madi Diaz has announced her much-anticipated new album, Fatal Optimist, set for release on...
For Those I Love (Hugh Quberzk)

For Those I Love Announces Second Album ‘Carving The Stone’, Shares Ferocious New Single ‘Mirror’

Dublin-based poet, producer, and musical agitator David Balfe — better known as For Those I Love — is charging back into the spotlight with the announcement of his much-anticipated second album Carving The Stone, set for release on 8th August via September Recordings.

The Nocturnal Affair (Press)

The Nocturnal Affair Bring Their Brooding Brand Of Dark Rock Back To The UK And Into Europe For The First Time

Las Vegas dark rockers The Nocturnal Affair are set to make their long-awaited return to the UK — and for the first...

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing