Kasabian proved why they are worthy of their Glastonbury headline slot by performing a triumphant career-spanning set in Leicester at the weekend.
The band – made up of Tom Meighan, Serge Pizzorno, Chris Edwards and Ian Matthews – took to the stage at Victoria Park on Saturday (21.06.14) and played for 50,000 fans, which Serge insists "made my f***ing year".
The ‘Fire’ hitmakers, whose latest album ’48:13′ hit the top spot this month, celebrated 10 years since the release of their debut album kicked off the gig with ‘Bumblebee’ a fan favourite from the new record.
Dressed in a ‘Les-tah’ t-shirt, paying tribute to their hometown, guitarist Serge put in a passionate performance as Tom bounded about the stage in a huge pair of sunglasses and black blazer, black t-shirt and jeans.
Kasabian’s 20-song set, which was a taster of things to come at Worthy Farm, featured hits such as ‘Shoot The Runner’, ‘Underdog’, ‘Fire’ and anthems from their latest record, including ‘Eez-eh’ and ‘L.S.F’.
The band had the crowd in the palm of their hands as they jumped up and down, chanted ‘Eez-eh’, threw beer and ripped off their shirts in the heat.
Tom got emotional and told the audience: "We started this band in 1997, me, Serge and Chris, and now we’re here and playing Glastonbury next week. Thank you."
He added: "Ten years ago we were playing sh*tholes … and here we are now with you lot."
An extended version of ‘Treat’ was a highlight from the new material and fans went wild for ‘Fire’ before the band exited the stage and came back on for a four-song encore made up of ‘Switchblade Smiles’, ‘Vlad The Impaler’, ‘Praise You’ by Fatboy Slim and ‘L.S.F [Lost Souls Forever]’.
Serge appeared to be in his element as they closed the set and he pulled off his t-shirt and threw it into the crowd, along with the band’s set list.
The band members put their arms around each other and guitarist Chris grabbed the mic for a rare moment to tell the audience: "I never get a chance on the mic. So thanks Leicester. You’ve made my f***ing year."
Kasabian will headline Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage on Sunday, June 29.
Kasabian triumph at homecoming gig
