Kaiser Chiefs

Kaiser Chiefs

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Biography

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.



Biography by Contactmusic.com

Time For A Fresh Start? Here's Our Ultimate New Year Playlist


Ariana Grande Oasis U2 Kaiser Chiefs Taylor Swift Kelly Clarkson Yungblud

The New Year is almost here, and we've never been more relieved or felt the need to celebrate more. Of course, our celebrations will be dampened by social distancing regulations, but we reckon a good playlist is all we need to ring in a very welcome 2021.

Photo Credit: PixabayPhoto Credit: Pixabay

1. Thank U, Next - Ariana Grande

Continue reading: Time For A Fresh Start? Here's Our Ultimate New Year Playlist

Kaiser Chiefs - The Brighton Centre, Brighton 30.01.2020 Live Review


In support of their seventh studio album 'Duck', Kaiser Chiefs packed out The Brighton Centre to delight the lively crowd with their anthemic tunes. Joining them on tour, a rejuvenated Razorlight taking the 'very special guest' slot. Neither band disappointed with their mix of older and newer material that was skewed, with just the right balance, towards their noughties triumphs.

Kaiser Chiefs - The Brighton Centre, Brighton 30.01.2020 Live Review

Razorlight were the second act onto the East Sussex stage (Sadly I missed Life due to the horrendous M25 traffic) to play to the four and a half thousand crowd gathered before them. Johnny Borrell was not in a particularly chatty mood but he and his band were clearly focused throughout their thirteen track set. Aptly they began with 'Back To The Start' from their eponymous 2006 album. The next song, that album's opening track, 'In The Morning', set the room alight and was the first track to properly connect with the audience. 'Stumble And Fall' built on the momentum before Razorlight raised the ante with infectious sing-a-long party pleaser 'Golden Touch'. 

Johnny and his band chose to perform only one track from their last album 'Olympus Sleeping', perhaps appreciating the expectations of the crowd. 'Carry Yourself', the 2018 Vampire Weekend-flavoured single release from the album, actually stood up very well against their better known material. Johnny's vocal was crisp and clear as he belted out the song with great gusto. He gave a similarly impassioned and energised performance on an extended 6m30s light-show enhanced 'In The City'. Two more tracks from the 'Razorlight' album were, however, more crowd pleasing big hitters. 'Before I Fall To Pieces', with its jangly guitars and breakneck speed, got the audience buzzing before finally Razorlight's behemoth. "I'd just like to make a small announcement, well a big announcement" Johnny said, "F**k Rupert Murdoch, f**k Fox News, f**k Donald Trump, this is America". The guitar chimed in and Razorlight played out 'America' with Johnny's emotive voice capturing the song's message brilliantly.

Continue reading: Kaiser Chiefs - The Brighton Centre, Brighton 30.01.2020 Live Review

Upcoming Releases: What To Look Forward To In July 2019


Ed Sheeran Chance the Rapper Kaiser Chiefs

It's going to be an indie heavy month, plus a couple of stand-out releases from Ed Sheeran and Chance the Rapper, but it certainly feels like we're going to be basking in some more uplifting pop vibes this summer. Here are our seven most anticipated album releases for the month of July.

Ed Sheeran - No.6 Collaborations Project

(July 12)

Continue reading: Upcoming Releases: What To Look Forward To In July 2019

The Kaiser Chiefs Visit Music Therapy Centre In Newcastle


Kaiser Chiefs

The Kaiser Chiefs recently visited a music therapy centre in Newcastle that is set up to help children in need.

The 'Ruby' hitmakers recently took a trip to the city, which saw band mebers Ricky Wilson and Nick Baines dress up as workmen to mark the formal opening of the Nordoff Robins Music Therapy Centre, which is set to open in March 2019, the Chroniclelive.co.uk reported.

The centre has received backing from businessman Graham Wylie, as well as Nordoff Robbins charity, which the band have worked closely with for a ''long, long time''.

Continue reading: The Kaiser Chiefs Visit Music Therapy Centre In Newcastle

Ricky Wilson and the rest of Kaiser Chiefs perform live at the SSE Hydro as part of the Clyde 1 Live event. - SECC, Glasgow, Scotland - Sunday 18th December 2016

Ricky Wilson and Kaiser Chiefs
Ricky Wilson and Kaiser Chiefs
Ricky Wilson and Kaiser Chiefs
Ricky Wilson and Kaiser Chiefs
Ricky Wilson and Kaiser Chiefs
Ricky Wilson and Kaiser Chiefs

Ricky Wilson and the rest of Kaiser Chiefs headline the O2 ABC in Glasgow as part of their 'Stay Together' tour. Scotland - Tuesday 11th October 2016

Kaiser Chiefs and Glasgow
Kaiser Chiefs and Glasgow
Kaiser Chiefs and Glasgow
Kaiser Chiefs and Glasgow
Kaiser Chiefs and Glasgow
Kaiser Chiefs and Glasgow

Nick Baines of Kaiser Chiefs perform at Boardmasters Festival - Day 4 - Newquay, United Kingdom - Saturday 13th August 2016

Kaiser Chiefs and Nick Baines

Ricky Wilson Confirms Split From Girlfriend Of Five Years


Ricky Wilson Kaiser Chiefs

Ricky Wilson has split up from his girlfriend of five years, Lesley Williams. The 37-year-old Kaiser Chiefs frontman confirmed their separation in an interview with a British tabloid, published on Saturday (14th March). The former couple have decided to go their separate ways after they struggled to adjust to Wilson's new found levels of fame, as a result of his judging position on The Voice.

Ricky Wilson
Ricky Wilson has confirmed his split from Lesley Williams.

Read More: Ricky Wilson's Week Goes From Bad To Worse: Punched By The Voice Contestant & Reportedly Ejected From Brits.

Continue reading: Ricky Wilson Confirms Split From Girlfriend Of Five Years

Ricky Wilson's Week Goes From Bad To Worse: Punched By 'The Voice' Contestant & Reportedly Ejected From Brits


Ricky Wilson Kaiser Chiefs Brit Awards

It's not been a good week for Ricky Wilson. The Kaiser Chief frontman was ejected from the Brits on Wednesday (25th February) and was accidently punched in the face whilst filming The Voice, the episode of which aired on Saturday (18th February). 37-year-old Wilson attended the Brit Awards on Wednesday and a source, speaking to The Mirror, claim his night ended in a less glamorous fashion than the majority of his counterparts. Wilson was allegedly rowing with a female companion outside the O2 Arena in London and, when he attempted to re-enter the arena, was refused entry by security.

Ricky Wilson
Ricky Wilson at the 2015 Brit Awards.

Read More: Is Ricky Wilson Really Getting His Own TV Quiz Show?

Continue reading: Ricky Wilson's Week Goes From Bad To Worse: Punched By 'The Voice' Contestant & Reportedly Ejected From Brits

So, Who's Playing ‘Secret Sets’ At Reading And Leeds 2014?


Foo Fighters Leeds & Reading Festival Kaiser Chiefs The Libertines Green Day

Every year, festival campsites buzz with rumours of ‘favourite bands playing secret slots’ and unlikely artists playing impromptu performances. As an event with a rich history of putting on secret shows, this month’s Reading and Leeds festival proves to be no exception.

Leeds Reading Festival

Last week, one Reading and Leeds organiser revealed he’d been approached by several artists (some of whom he described as ‘arena acts’) all wanting to play at the festival. To the delight and frustration of many fans, he confirmed that one big-name act has since been confirmed to perform a secret slot - but wouldn’t reveal who.

Continue reading: So, Who's Playing ‘Secret Sets’ At Reading And Leeds 2014?

The 14 Best Beards At The Glastonbury Festival [Pictures]


Glastonbury Festival Kaiser Chiefs Arcade Fire Lily Allen

Thousands of Glastonbury Festival revellers turned out to watch the Kaiser Chiefs launch the first full day of music at the event, on the Other Stage early on Friday morning. "Glastonbury sing along if you know the words," yelled frontman Ricky Wilson before launching into 'Every Day I Love You Less and Less'.

Glastonbury FestivalLarge beard, larger hat [Photo: Getty Images, credit: Matt Cardy]

With rain persistent all morning, the fans have already begun navigating the muddy fields and paths but appeared in high spirits for the Kaiser Chiefs.

Continue reading: The 14 Best Beards At The Glastonbury Festival [Pictures]

The Great Escape Festival 2014: Which Bands Shone Brightest?


The Great Escape Klaxons Kaiser Chiefs George Ezra MNEK Gorgon City

The Great Escape 2014 Logo

Brighton's Great Escape Festival took place over the weekend and, as the UK's largest street festival, gave music fans a very enjoyable weekend as it does every year. Over 400 acts played, giving the punters chance to see plenty of acts; be it established acts such as Example, These New Puritans, Pulled Apart By Horses and Twin Atlantic, or newer artists such as Gnarwolves, Big Ups, Circa Waves, Prides, MØ and Brawlers. This gave the festival goers a chance to see some old favourites, as well as check out the new talent. 

Nu-rave heroes Klaxons played a secret show on Thursday at midnight in The Warren, a 400 capacity venue, giving their fans a chance to see them in a smaller setting than usual. Klaxons expressed their love of the festival, saying that they enjoyed coming as fans just to see bands. They're especially keen on the intimacy of the festival: 'They've got people right in front of your face; it's brilliant, the connection. You can look people in the eye and they're not miles away'. The band played a mixture of both old songs and new ones that they haven't had chance to play live yet. Co-vocalist and keyboardist James Righton showed his enthusiasm for the new songs saying he couldn't wait to play 'Show Me A Miracle'.

Continue reading: The Great Escape Festival 2014: Which Bands Shone Brightest?

Kaiser Chiefs - The Great Escape Festival 2014 Live Review


Kaiser Chiefs exploded onto the stage in Brighton last Friday as fiery and energetic as ever. This time, however, with what seemed to be a little vengeance on their sleeve. Challenged by a 1pm stage-time, it seems the Kaiser Chiefs were more than prepared to shake-up the Thursday night hangovers, with doctor's orders for various stage aerobics and a number of crowd-pleasing sing-alongs.

Kaiser Chiefs - The Great Escape Festival 2014 Live Review

Walking on to Bowie's 'Heroes' then proceeding into a chequered balance of the old and the new, made for an eventful setlist. From the off, commencing with 2005 hit 'Everyday I Love You Less And Less', then new track 'Ruffians on Parade', then second album classic 'Never miss a beat', the Chiefs were out to demonstrate how the new material holds up against their host of already established festival anthems. Live, this worked a treat, however on the record and despite 'Education, Education, Education & War''s No.1 chart success, the new, more theatrical approach to songwriting doesn't seem to be winning over much of an audience as much as Ricky Wilson's 'The Voice' has been.

With the Chiefs' founding member and drummer Nick Hodgson departing the line-up after more than 10 years' service, it's been all but cool runnings for the group to maintain the steady pace that Hodgson possessed both onstage and on record. Their new album 'began out of frustration', states the band. With Hodgson being replaced by former Club Smith drummer Vijay Mistry, the band's live dynamic has altered dramatically, taking to the stage on Friday with a much heavier feel than ever before, perhaps even a little racy and fast at times, although winning much appreciation from the early bird crowd. Of course, when one goes to a Chiefs gig, it is not expected to have your mood lighting at the ready, or your Baileys on the bar. Friday's Concorde 2 saw rafts of beer, crowd surfing cross-dressers and of course, Ricky Wilson's famous stage antics. 

Continue reading: Kaiser Chiefs - The Great Escape Festival 2014 Live Review

Chris Moyles, Kaiser Chiefs and Leeds & Reading Festival - Chris Moyles introduces The Kaiser Chiefs. According to an eyewitness, Moyles stated that he used to be the Radio 1 Breakfast Show Presenter whilst making a vulgar hand gesture aimed at the BBC Sunday 26th August 2012 Reading Festival 2012 - Performances - Day Three

Chris Moyles, Kaiser Chiefs and Leeds & Reading Festival

Ricky Wilson and Kaiser Chiefs - Ricky Wilson of the 'Kaiser Chiefs' London, England - Hard Rock Calling held at Hyde Park - Day 1. Friday 24th June 2011

Ricky Wilson and Kaiser Chiefs
Kaiser Chiefs

Kaiser Chiefs Quick Links

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