Skindred are riding high. With their album You Got This hitting Number One in the UK Albums Chart, the band kicked off their latest tour last night with an additional date at Nottingham’s Rock City. They are back for a second show there tonight, before moving on to Birmingham, Dublin, Belfast and Glasgow, with a special Halloween show at London’s Alexandra Palace, and if there is one thing Skindred have built their reputation on, it is delivering an unforgettable live performance.
So, what better time to put drummer Arya Goggin through The MetalTalk Lowdown?
From headlining Wembley Arena to battling food poisoning behind the drum kit, Arya shares some memorable moments from life with Skindred. Along the way, there’s tennis with Whitfield Crane and Pat Cash, a rather unusual fear of creamy mushrooms, and the extraordinary experience of being asked to introduce someone to the drummer.
What’s the most Metal thing you’ve ever done off stage?
I played tennis in full tennis whites at Queen’s Club in London with Whitfield Crane (Ugly Kid Joe) and Pat Cash. We were going to form a side project called The Rackets.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played, and why?
Helsinki in 2009. I had awful flu/food poisoning and had zero energy to pick up the sticks. I was using a bucket in-between songs next to the kit. The sound man had to crank the drums out front that night.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever played, and why?
Headlining Wembley Arena in 2024 is my favourite. It was such a moment and was extremely humbling. While we were on stage, I thought about the journey of the band and how we had played every venue in the country for the last 25 years, and that it felt like it all led to that one show.
Would you choose a platinum record or one perfect, legendary live show?
I’ll take a platinum record. We’ve been blessed to have lots of legendary live shows. Well, they have been legendary to us anyway.
What’s your greatest fear?
Creamy Mushrooms.
What’s the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I try to fix things, sometimes to my detriment. Some things don’t want or need to be fixed.
What’s the trait you most deplore in other musicians?
Musical Snobbery.
Describe yourself in three words.
Loyal Cat Lover.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Dove Shower Gel. Expensive.
What does a great riff feel like to write?
Jameshetfield@mac.com
What’s the worst thing a fan has ever said to you?
Can you introduce me to the drummer.
What’s the worst thing a critic has ever said to you?
Well, they never said it to my face, but I heard through the grapevine that someone at a famous magazine said we sounded like Zig and Zag. Maybe not the worst, but certainly original.
If you were not in music, what would you be doing?
Trying to be in music.
What’s one album outside your genre you secretly love?
The great thing about Skindred is we do not sit in one genre, so we don’t have guilty pleasures. Everything is on the menu. Today I am loving The Stranger by Billy Joel.
When did you last cry, and why?
Last night. I was cutting onions for my dinner.
What keeps you awake at night?
Heartburn from onions.
Riffs, royalties or recognition, if you had to choose?
We’ve had riffs. Some would say we’ve had recognition. Would love to know what Royalties feel like.
How do you want to be remembered?
Someone that you enjoyed being around.
What’s the most important lesson the road has taught you?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Everything is heightened on the road.
What happens when the music stops?
You flip the record over and start again.
With their album You Got This hitting Number One in the UK Albums Chart, the band are preparing to take their explosive live show back on the road, kicking off tonight at Nottingham’s Rock City. Tickets and much more are available on the band’s website, skindred.net.
Enjoyed this Lowdown? Explore more from the series, featuring Toby Jepson, Zorn of Zornheym, Vanessa Warwick, Baz Mills, BAEST, Krusher Joule and Howard H Smith, among others.
Same questions. Very different people. Read more MetalTalk Lowdowns here.
