On Wednesday 5th November 2025, punk fans packed The Limelight in Belfast for a night to remember as The Skids kicked off their 45th anniversary tour celebrating the release of their iconic album The Absolute Game. The gig, brimming with energy, was a blend of nostalgia, crowd interaction, and raucous performances.
The evening was kicked off by The Membranes, a pioneering punk band formed in 1977 in Blackpool. Fronted by John Robb, the bassist and singer, they were in fine form, delivering an intense and engaging set. Robb, known for his wit as much as his music, captivated the crowd with his commanding stage presence and bass-playing prowess. The highlight was the announcement that The Membranes are recording a new album, much to the crowd’s delight. Robb’s banter and sharp humour made it clear that they were thoroughly enjoying the Belfast atmosphere.
After a brief stage reorganisation, The Skids stormed the stage, with frontman Richard Jobson leading the charge. With his trademark grin, Jobson exuded confidence, launching straight into The Bell Jar, followed by Happy to be With You. Jobson’s famous dance routines had the crowd in raptures, and his infectious energy set the tone for what would be an unforgettable night.
The setlist focused on The Absolute Game, with songs like Out of Town and One Decree getting the crowd in full swing. Jobson also shared heartfelt memories of the band’s early days in Belfast, acknowledging the city’s influence on their music. When reminiscing about his first Belfast gig in 1980, the crowd roared in recognition, proving the special connection between The Skids and their fans.
Jobson, never one to shy away from a bit of cheeky banter, teased the crowd about their singing abilities, noting that audiences in Hong Kong had sung better during a recent tour. However, the fans redeemed themselves with loud, enthusiastic choruses of Hurry on Boys, A Woman in Winter, and Goodbye Civilian. Jobson’s playful interaction with the crowd felt genuine, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared history between the band and their loyal followers.
The second half of the gig continued with more classics, including the ever-popular Arena, showcasing the band’s full lineup. Guitarist Connor Whyte, whose resemblance to Stuart Adamson was uncanny, delivered impeccable guitar work, while drummer Nick Hernandez provided the powerful backbone to the sound, playing with effortless precision.
As the night drew to a close, The Skids treated the crowd to a raucous encore. Jobson, visibly moved by the applause, introduced Masquerade as his favourite track they’d ever recorded. The crowd sang along at full volume, and it was clear that this was a moment that both the band and the audience would cherish. The night culminated in a thunderous performance of Into the Valley, which sent the crowd into a frenzy, with fans shouting “Ahoy, Ahoy!” in unison.
The evening wrapped up with a light-hearted tribute to the band’s early TV appearances, as Jobson recalled performing Working for the Yankee Dollar on Top of the Pops. The crowd, exhausted but elated, left the venue buzzing, knowing they’d witnessed one of the finest punk gigs Belfast has seen in years.
As always, Richard, we need to talk about that dancing – but the rest of the show was nothing short of brilliant!