TikTok: Goes to first UK number one in 25 years

After the TikTok renaissance, Skintred are on course for their first UK number one album – 25 years after they formed.

The band, from Newport, South Wales, lead the midweek race on the Official Albums Chart.

After the viral TikTok dance trend for their 2005 single 'Noyadi’, the rockers led to a generation of new fans earlier this year.

The Sherlocks and Sian Dugrod are also in contention for their first chart-topping album.

Speaking to BBC Radio Wales on Wednesday, lead singer Benjy Webb said the band „can’t take their foot off the gas yet”.

„It’s nice to have midweek, but let’s get to the weekend. When we get through that, we can start celebrating,” he said.

„It’s not like we’re miles ahead, it’s so close. So anyone who likes Skintrot or wants to help out, don’t hesitate to get that album.

„We want all our lovely Welsh Cymru people to get behind this lovely Welsh band, support us as much as they can and get us to that number one position.”

Webb spoke of his surprise after discovering that a viral social media dance trend had breathed new life into a song the band released 18 years ago.

„My daughter-in-law called me and said 'Uncle Benjy, you’re on Tiktok’. I was like, what? Then I looked and I saw millions of views,” he said.

„So I had to go through the dance. It’s not hard, but it’s trying to remember all the moves.”

Skindred supported Kiss’ last few UK shows between 3 June and 8 July.

They will tour the album in October and November this year and announce three headline shows for 2024, including one at the 10,000-capacity OVO Arena at Wembley.

Benji emphasized how much the chart-topping meant to him and the band.

„I have been an artist for 25 years and (I) represent a community of peace, love, unity and solidarity,” he said.

“I think the messaging in Skindred’s music is more important than anything that happens, because we’re all about bringing people together.

„This platform will help us build a stronger community around the world through the Skintred sound and the music we make.”

If they get the top spot? Benji said the band has big plans for „Pasty and Chips”.