The Skids

The Skids formed in Dunfermline, Fife in 1977, Richard Jobson, Stuart Adamson, Bill Simpson, and Tom Kellichan developing a sound rooted in post-punk and new wave that was immediately anthemic and melodic. Jobson's vocals were powerful and expressive, and Adamson's guitar playing — already showing the melodic gifts that would define Big Country — gave the band a distinctive sound within the late-1970s Scottish post-punk scene.

They were signed to Virgin Records and released 'Scared to Dance' (1979) — a melodically energetic post-punk record that produced 'Into the Valley', one of the great Scottish singles. The song's anthemic energy and Adamson's distinctive guitar work made it an immediate classic, and the band's combination of post-punk energy and melodic directness established them as one of the most important new Scottish acts.

The Skids dissolved in 1982 following Adamson's departure to form Big Country. They reformed in 2007 and have continued to perform. They are remembered as one of the most important acts of the late-1970s Scottish post-punk scene — a band whose combination of anthemic energy, melodic gifts, and the Jobson-Adamson partnership produced music of lasting importance. ⚠ Flag: current status — verify post-2007 reformation activity.