Kasabian

Kasabian (formed 1999)

Kasabian is an alternative rock band, originally from Leicester, England. The original line-up of the band consisted of Tom Meighan on vocals, Sergio Pizzorno on guitar and vocals, Chris Edwards on bass, Chris Karloff on keyboards and guitar and Ash Hannis on drums. Hannis left after the debut album was released. He was replaced by Ian Matthews. Chris Karloff was also asked to leave the band around this time. Jay Mehler was his replacement.

Kasabian: Formation & Early Years

The members of Kasabian met whilst they were attending Leysland High School and Countesthorpe Community College in Leicestershire.

The band's name comes from Linda Kasabian. She was the girl who drove the getaway car in the Charles Bronson Tate / LaBianca murders. The original name chosen for the band was Saracuse. It was with that name that the band started recording material at Leicester's Bedrock Studios.

The band's debut album was self-titled and was released in September 2004 on Arista Records. Kasabian's first two single releases, 'Processed Beats' and 'Reason is Treason' achieved moderate success. It was not until the release of 'Club Foot', though, that they achieved chart success. The track reached number 21 in the UK charts.

Kasabian: Success

Following a performance on the 'Other Stage' at Glastonbury 2005, Kasabian began writing and recording their second album. Empire was released in August 2006 and by the time of its release, the band had seen two lineup changes. The title track from the album was released as the lead single and reached number nine in the UK singles charts. The next two singles were 'Shoot The Runner' and 'Me Plus One'. In October 2006, Kasabian recorded Live From Abbey Road at the infamous London studios that became famous when The Beatles recorded there.

At the 2007, NME Awards, Kasabian won the award for Best Live Act. That same year, they played the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, as well as performing as part of the Live Earth event, at Wembley Stadium. When they played at Edinburgh's Hogmany party, Oasis' Noel Gallagher joined them on guitar for the last three songs.

For their third album, Kasabian noted that Pink Floyd and particularly Syd Barrett had influenced the sound of the recordings. It was during these recordings that Jay Mehler joined as a permanent member. The title for the album was announced as West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum. Dan the Automator, best known for his work with Gorillaz, was chosen to produce the album. The video for 'Vlad the Impaler' featured Noel Fielding of The Mighty Boosh as a vampire slayer.