Kasabian – live at Hull University Union 2004 – BBC Radio 1 In Concert Series –
Kasabian to start the week. A band that got started in 1997 and haven’t let up since. Variously described in the British press as “The Best Act In The World Today” and recipient of Best Live Act in 2007 and 2014, Kasabian have racked up a pretty good track record for a band heading into their 20th year of touring and recording.
Considered by many to be one of the best Indie Bands on the scene, Kasabian, guitarist and vocalist Sergio Pizzorno has bristled at the notion the band is considered Indie. Not only does he hate the term, but thinks the band is anything but Indie. To which you have to ask yourself “compared to what?” – I think they have stuck with Alternative Rock as a more apt designation for the band’s style.
They have been responsible for a string of hits over the past 20 years, as well as personnel changes early on. But the core of the band has remained intact and this concert, recorded in 2004 at Hull University, comes on the heels of their self-titled debut album; one which initially received mixed reviews, but which went on to be the game changer for the band.
This concert, as well as the debut album, also marked the departure of founding member/lead guitarist/lead songwriter Christopher Karloff, who lef the band shortly after this album was released.
With a music described on occasion as a link between Stone Roses, Primal Scream with the swagger of Oasis, Kasabian have managed to capture a large and loyal following in their 20 years of being together. They are also in the middle of a major tour, taking them all over the world, including a gig in Los Angeles this coming September.
Listening to this gig from 2004, it makes perfect sense they would be regarded as one of the best live bands to come along in a while. Sheer energy and committed playing point up to a band certainly planning on sticking around for a while.
Crank it up.
