THE Skids, the last of the classic punk generation to reform, are still filled with the fire and rage of rebellion.

“I was in abject terror of us becoming a tribute band when we decided to go out on the road again this year,” said Skids leader Richard Jobson, who brings the band’s 40th anniversary tour to the Grand Theatre, Clitheroe, next Saturday.

“But it has been awesome, a wonderful experience, and just so warm a reaction to both the old and the new songs.

“The Skids music is incredibly physical, I think.

“When I go on stage I’m definitely 16 again.”

Jobson, who formed the band in 1977, added: “I think we’ve surprised a few people with the music and the energy of the crowds, because the last few months has been something else.

“Many of us are defined by the first records we buy – especially the generation of the 1970s - and it is great watching people re-living a moment in their own lives that was very important to them when we play Into The Valley, The Saints are Coming and Working for the Yankee Dollar.

“Then when we disappeared and people thought they would never get the chance to see us again.

“Well this has just re-lit the fuse and we are very much looking forward to our show in Clitheroe.”

Jobson always had an engaging and powerful presence, and The Skids new album, Burning Cities, their first for 35 years and produced by Killing Joke bassist Youth, could start atomic shudders.

“A lot of the songs, A World on Fire for example, are about a world collapsing on itself and what can come out of that and the anger behind the songs is as relevant now as it was then,” said Jobson.

“The songs are heavy in atmosphere and do feel part of the modern world.

“Certainly, we are living in absolutely extraordinary times where the values we’ve held have been deposited in the bin and replaced by these terrifying views of the world.”

Skids guitarist Bruce Watson, though, also acknowledges the influence of the late Stuart Adamson on the band’s music.

Adamson, who died in 2001, was the talented songwriter whose innovative style gave the band an original edge and then went on to have a similar influence with Big Country.

Bruce, who still plays in Big Country, said: “Stuart’s guitar style was based around a bit of Jimmy Page, a bit of Nils Lofgren, a bit of Be-Bop Deluxe.

“There is a lot of drone things that Page does and part of the Skids guitar sound is based on that as well.

“Stuart was a tremendous talent and a true pioneer.”

The Skids, Grand Theatre, Clitheroe, Saturday, October 7.Details from 01200 421599 or www.thegrandvenue.co.uk