Skindred’s Benji Webbe: “What do I put longevity down to? I can’t get that magic anywhere else…”
From Dub War to Skindred, the always-honest Benji Webbe reflects on a whirlwind career of famous fans, “sleeper” records and forever doing things his way…
Words: James Hickie
The moment that kick-started Benji Webbe’s life changing for the better didn’t seem positive at the time. It happened at Reading Festival 2018, following a triumphant main stage set from Skindred, a band with a distinguished pedigree when it comes to live performances. Moments after leading 40,000 fans through closing track Warning, complete with the T‑shirts-over-the-head revelry of trademark move ‘The Newport Helicopter’, the frontman was greeted by his hulking son, Barrington, whose words of praise were tempered by a rather sobering observation.
Peace in the stillness: Riz Ahmed s character Ruben loses his hearing
Credit: Film Stills
It’s a normal day for Ruben Stone when the sound goes off. Going about his business at a show with his band Blackgammon, in which he plays drums, Ruben’s world is suddenly flipped when, without warning or incident, his hearing almost completely disappears. As the noise of the world vanishes down to an indistinct hum, the effect is immense. Having spent the past four years touring around America in an RV with his girlfriend and bandmate Lou, the band has been a lifeline in his recovery from heroin addiction, as well as a strong root for their relationship.
Skindred frontman Benji Webbe celebrates birthday with signing of new record contract at Newport s Le Pub
Benji Webbe signed Skindred s new worldwide four-album contract at Le Pub, Newport, where there was a specially-made birthday cake waiting for him
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Skindred s Benji Webbe has long been a champion of Newport s music scene (Image: Benji Webbe)
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