“It really is a fairytale of Newport”: Skindred celebrate first-ever Number One album

They did it! Following an agonising charts battle in 2023 with Smile (which ultimately peaked at Number Two), Skindred have officially now scored their first-ever UK Number One album with awesome follow-up You Got This.

The trio – Benji Webbe, Mikey Demus and Arya Goggin – have beaten Jessie Ware to the top spot following what the Official Charts have confirmed was a ‘neck-and-neck’ race all week, and they’ve also hit Number One on the Official Vinyl Albums Chart as well.

“All of us in the band are absolutely blown away by the amazing reaction and support to our new album,” they say. “We want to say thank you to everyone that came out this week to buy a copy, especially all of those in our extended family in the rock and metal communities.

“The moment we decided to call the album You Got This after I was at the gym doing a spin class. I saw a PT helping a person I know who was recovering from a stroke, and I heard them say these three magical words: You Got This.

“It’s a positive message to everyone going through a tough time, or suffering with their mental health. It’s a message also of belief, to hopefully help empower every young band or artist, and to help them to keep going and push on through. So to be the first Welsh ragga metal punk band from Newport to hit Number One really is a special moment. It really is a fairytale of Newport. You Got This!

“We would also like to send our congratulations to Jessie Ware on her amazing new album, from all of us in Skindred.”

Check out a video message from Benji below:

For more from the ’Dred, watch the band’s incredible new performance in The K! Pit:

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• Dub War: “No matter the colour of your skin or your sexuality, you’re welcome to this party”