Kasabian: an electric return to the U.S.
Kasabian’s new frontman debuts at the Vic Theatre, carrying on the legacy of one of the UK’s most adored rock bands.
photo by Anya Krishnan.
The atmosphere was buzzing at Chicago’s Vic Theatre as fans gathered to watch UK rock band Kasabian’s first performance in the US since 2018. The excitement in the room was palpable, with die-hard fans journeying from as far as Phoenix and Boston.
While The Vic Theatre boasts an intimate setting, Kasabian is no stranger to mainstream success. With five No. 1 albums, a Brit Award, and numerous historic Glastonbury performances, nearly anyone would recognize their catchy riffs that dominated the UK indie music scene in the early 2000’s. Described as “a mix between The Stone Roses and Primal Scream with the swagger of Oasis,” Kasabian has captivated audiences for almost seventeen years. Yet, this tour, following the release of their latest album, The Alchemists Euphoria, would redefine the Kasabian in a way fans had never seen before.
In 2020, Kasabian faced every band’s worst nightmare: the loss of their frontman. Deciding to fire their lead singer, Tom Meighan, following his assault of his then fiancée, Kasabian underwent a period of hiatus. Feeling lost under the threat that their legacy had been tainted, the remaining band members considered breaking up.
However, secondary vocalist and primary songwriter Serge Pizzorno insisted that this was not the end of their story. With Pizzorno stepping up as the new vocalist and frontman for their Alchemists of Euphoria tour, fans were uncertain of what to expect. Flooding their Instagram with comments such as, “It’s not Kasabian without Tom,” their followers seemed skeptical that the band could continue their run as one of Britain’s biggest bands without Meighan.
photo by James Currie of In The Loop Magazine.
If their visit to Chicago was any indication, Kasabian’s fans have nothing to worry about. Sporting a matching suit printed with NBA players, Pizzorno conquered the stage with the swagger and charisma of a seasoned frontman. Opening with international hit “Club Foot,” the crowd went wild as the room echoed with a chorus of voices singing along to the main riff. Pizzorno could not help smiling at the audience’s enthusiasm.
photo by Anya Krishnan.
And indeed, it was Pizzorno's interactions with audience members that made him most memorable as a performer. He conversed with both those in the pit and on the balcony, complimenting their Kasabian gear and marveling at “what a lovely crowd” they were or how far they had traveled to see him. Pizzorno even dove into the audience multiple times, joining in the mosh pit frenzy as Kasabian's signature mix of vibrant electronic riffs and gritty, UK garage-rock filled the air.
photo by James Currie of In The Loop Magazine.
While their music from the early 2000’s remains most popular, Kasabian’s new songs were a hit with the crowd. Opening with a slow acoustic refrain, their latest single “Algorithms” added an emotional touch to the set. Pizzorno offered a bittersweet performance, singing nostalgic lyrics that seemed to reflect on Kasabian’s journey to the technology-dominated world of the present. By the end of the song, the crowd was singing along to the main refrain, “I’m not here for a long time, just here for a good time.”
Kasabian ended their main set with “L.S.F.,” an energetic fan favorite with crunchy guitar and a rap-like vocal delivery. As they exited the stage, the crowd continued to sing along to the main riff, clapping in unison and demanding an encore. Finishing the night with said encore, a performance of their number one hit “Fire,” Pizzorno left the audience with no doubts about his ability as a frontman. As one fan in the crowd pointed out, “When people are singing your guitar riffs, that’s how you know you’re good.”
edited by Alex Oder.
photos by Anya Krishnan and James Currie.