Kasabian
Tom Meighan's departure was a shock. Kasabian's music has always been bigger than any one member.
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Kasabian
Kasabian formed in Leicester in 1997, Serge Pizzorno's songwriting and the band's electronic rock sound giving them a quality that was immediately distinctive. They signed to RCA Records and released their debut album 'Kasabian' (2004) — one of the most acclaimed British debuts of the year. The combination of rock guitars and electronic production was unusual and effective.
'Club Foot', 'L.S.F.', and 'Processed Beats' were all excellent singles. 'Empire' (2006) was the commercial breakthrough — 'Empire' and 'Shoot the Runner' were both top ten hits. 'West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum' (2009) reached number one. Kasabian were briefly one of the biggest rock bands in Britain.
Tom Meighan's departure in 2020 was a significant blow, but Pizzorno has continued to lead the band with Meighan's replacement. 'The Alchemist's Euphoria' (2022) was a strong album. Kasabian's live shows remain among the most spectacular in British rock.
My love for Kasabian goes way back to L.S.F. I got to see them in Boston with Mew and One Thousand Pictures opening. One Thousand Pictures were from San Diego and were friends of mine on Facebook — so getting to see them open for one of my all-time favourite bands, back when Tom Meighan was still out front, was something special. Some of the new stuff is great, but I like the band with Tom much more.
The Albums
West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
2009RCA Records
Number one album. Vlad the Impaler and Fire are among their finest songs.
Velociraptor!
2011RCA Records
Switchblade Smiles and Days Are Forgotten are career highlights.
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