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
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
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