Kasabian came to the O2 City Hall Newcastle and with the heat of the gig this was one event that was certainly on fire!!
Invited| Review by Aaron Whittington
Photo credit: Dave Weddle Photography (Music Monthly Magazine)
Kasabian, formed in Leicester in 1997, broke into the mainstream with their self-titled debut in 2004, blending indie rock with electronic swagger. Over the years, they’ve become festival favourites, known for explosive anthems like “Club Foot,” “Fire,” and “Empire.” Founding frontman Tom Meighan departed in 2020, with guitarist Sergio Pizzorno stepping up as lead vocalist—a bold move that’s since redefined the band’s live dynamic. In 2024, they released Happenings, a psychedelic-pop record that hit No.1 and marked a new creative high. Now, as they gear up for key 2025 festival slots they have started to warm up with headline shows here last night in Newcastle and later in Edinburgh.
The outdoor temperature was warm, but you certainly felt the heat as you walked into the main hall for this standing event. Jumpers off and tied around waists, a range of different ages coming together. The excitement palpable.
The Royston Club supported, and their fan base turned up also. Normally you’ll get a lot of people waiting in the bar area while the support is on, but for The Royston Club they had a pretty much full house to look out at from the stage. A good solid showing in advance of their headline gig here at O2 City Hall later this year.
Kasabian came after a short break and from the off, the audience went for it. Lads and lasses on the shoulders of others, beer cups flying, and an audience bouncing enough to test the foundations this venue sits on! (Just see the O2 academy’s instagram to see it!)
It’s been 5 years now since Sergio Pizzorno took the reins as lead singer, stepping out after Tom Meighans departure, and wow does this man oooze stage presence. He knows how to draw the attention of the crowd and manipulate it. Some say it’s the Serge show, but this is just Kasabian 2.0 – he worked every inch of this stage side to side, up and down.
The Alchemist’s Euphoria (2022) marked the shifting style anns dynamic to a more introspective, trippy, and expansive style, showcasing a new balance of electronic production and guitar grit. Tonight was a mix of the classic that still hit hard along with the new.
Opening with Call and following on with Club Foot just set the tone for the night. This gig was full of energy. Mixes in intros from Dr Dre, Stardust, The dobermans just elevated the audience throughout Continuing with songs Shoot The Runner the noise level heightened, Your In Love With A Psycho, Stuntman climaxing with L.S.F.
The lads left the stage for a brief intermission before coming back to absolutely top it off with Underdog (my personal favourite) as well as Bless This Acid House… to end Sergio declared we were all to make the next one the biggest and best song to ever be played at O2 City Hall Newcastle, and they absolutely raised the roof for Fire! Every single member of the audience bounced.
Kasabian are just as relevant and impactful as they were back when they broke through with their 2004 album. The crowd sing back, these are iconic anthems now. It’s easy to see why they are festival favourites. Tonight was what a gig is all about. Losing yourself in the music.