Skids

Formed in 1977 in Dunfermline, in Scotland’s Fife, Skids emerged as part of the first wave of British punk while developing a more melodic songwriting style at the crossroads of punk rock, new wave and the nascent post‑punk. Centered on Richard Jobson, Stuart Adamson, William Simpson and Tom Kellichan, the band quickly attracted attention with the EP Charles and on the UK punk scene, helped by John Peel’s support and shows with The Clash. Tracks such as The Saints Are Coming and Into the Valley established the group’s identity—taut vocals, nervy guitars and tight, dry rhythms. The albums Scared to Dance (1979), Days in Europa (1979), The Absolute Game (1980) and Joy (1981) trace Skids’ evolution from a confrontational sound toward more open arrangements while retaining their original energy. After splitting in 1982, Stuart Adamson formed Big Country and Richard Jobson pursued other projects. Reformed sporadically in 2007 and more consistently from 2016, Skids extended its discography with Burning Cities (2018), Peaceful Times (2019), Songs from a Haunted Ballroom (2021) and Destination Düsseldorf (2023), continuing to reinterpret its punk heritage with a broader, more melodic approach.