Kaiser Chiefs

Kaiser Chiefs (formed 1997, originally known as Parva)

Kaiser Chiefs are an English indie-pop band from Leeds. The line-up of the band consists of Simon Rix, Ricky Wilson, Nick Hodgson, Nick Baines (Peanut) and Andrew White (Whitey)

Kaiser Chiefs: The Early Years

Hodgson, Baines and Rix all became friends at secondary school (St. Mary's School, Menston). Simon and Peanut left school and attended university, whilst Nick Hodgson remained in Leeds, where he met Ricky and Whitey. These three formed a band named Runston Parva (after the East Yorkshire hamlet Ruston Parva). When Peanut and Simon returned from their studies, they joined the band, which changed name to simply Parva.

Parva landed a publishing deal and a contract with Mantra, an offshoot of Beggars banquet. When Mantra went under, Parva were left stranded with no deal. During their time with Mantra, they had released an album, 22, as well as three singles, 'Heavy', 'Good Bad Right Wrong' and 'Hessles'. Deciding that they needed a new name and sound, they picked the name Kaiser Chiefs. The band are dedicated Leeds United fans and chose the name from Leeds player Lucas Radebe's old team, Kaizer Chiefs.

Kaiser Chiefs: Music Career

Kaiser Chiefs' debut album, released in 2005, was entitled Employment. The album was shortlisted fir the 2005 Mercury Music Prize, along with M.I.A., Bloc Party and Coldplay but Kaiser Chiefs lost out to Antony and the Johnsons. The lead single from the album, 'Oh My God', became a huge hit for the band and was covered on Mark Ronson's Version album, with vocals by Lily Allen. The follow-up single was 'I Predict A Riot'.

In 2005, Kaiser Chiefs joined Black Eyed Peas, Will Smith, Destiny's Child and Kanye West on the Philadelphia leg of the Live 8 concert. A DVD entitled Enjoyment was released, documenting the months surrounding their debut album release.

The second album from Kaiser Chiefs was entitled Yours Truly, Angry Mob and was released in 2007.The band have stated that they were influenced by the likes of Led Zeppelin and American rock bands. The album performed well, commercially, but not as well as its predecessor. However, the lead single from the album, 'Ruby' became Kaiser Chiefs first number one single. The major follow-up singles were 'Everything is Average Nowadays' and 'The Angry Mob'. Kaiser Chiefs then released the limited edition "7, 'Love's Not a Competition (But I'm Winning)'.

Off With Their Heads was the title of Kaiser Chiefs' third album, with 'Never Miss A Beat' being the lead single. In October 2008, Kaiser Chiefs set out on a tour with The Hair and Late of the Pier as support. They performed a version of 'Never Miss A Beat' with the pop band Girls Aloud for the Christmas Day episode of Top of the Pops.

In August 2009, Kaiser Chiefs played at the Reading and Leeds festival, before the headliners Kings of Leon. They have close associations with fellow Leeds band Pigeon Detectives. Ricky Wilson was once in a fight with the actor Sam Riley, who played the role of Ian Curtis in Control.