Skindred Benji stays positive after glass attack

Skindred frontman Benji Webbe says he believes his glass attack drama will make him a better frontman.

The vocalist was allegedly attacked in the street last month, after leaving a party in his hometown of Newport, Wales. Two women have since been arrested in connection with the incident, which left Webbe needing 24 stitches in his neck and throat.

Although he’s been resting his voice since, Skindred are due to support Crossfaith in Koto, Japan, on Valentine’s Day – and Webbe believes he’ll be more animated than ever.

He exclusively tells TeamRock: “I’m getting there. I’m on the mend. I’m going to Japan at the weekend to play a show with Crossfaith. They’re brilliant people. It’s our first show of the year.

“I’m a little concerned about how I’m going to react. But in all honesty, I think this is gonna make me a better motivator for people. If anyone knows a Skindred show they know I’m always motivated and this will give me a reason to scream even louder.

“We’re there for one show, I’m in town to get myself a new Japanese outfit and some sushi then my fiancee and I will celebrate Valentine’s Day when we get back next week.”

The singer is trying to remain positive and notes the irony in the first single from latest album Volume being called Under Attack.

He adds: “We call the song Under Attack and then that happened. It’s crazy. I was joking with our bass player Dan the other day and I said that we should call the first song from the next album Getting A Blowjob or something, in case the trend continues.”

After the show in Japan, Skindred are due to play a handful of US dates and some European festivals.

SKINDRED TOUR DATES SO FAR 2016

Feb 14: Koto Studio Coast, Japan
Apr 21: Jacksonville Harmonious Monks, FL
Apr 22: Orlando Earth Day Birthday Kick Off Party, FL
Apr 23: Fort Lauderdale Culture Room, FL
Apr 24: St Petersburg State Theatre, FL
Jun 11: Download Festival, UK
Jun 12: Download Festival, France
Jun 18: Dessel Graspop Metal Meeting, Belgium

Stef wrote close to 5,000 stories during his time as assistant online news editor and later as online news editor between 2014-2016. An accomplished reporter and journalist, Stef has written extensively for a number of UK newspapers and also played bass with UK rock favourites Logan. His favourite bands are Pixies and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Stef left the world of rock'n'roll news behind when he moved to his beloved Canada in 2016, but he started on his next 5000 stories in 2022.