Kasabian

Birmingham NEC

Leicester indie rockers Kasabian took Birmingham’s NEC Arena by storm.

Clearly the hottest ticket in town, fans of the boys filled the arena, eager to see the leather clad lotharios in action.

In the past they have been described as “music for the people”, and compared to Primal Scream for their electronica indie rock fusion.

But last night frontman Tom Meighan had modelled himself on Oasis’s Liam Gallagher as he swaggered and swore his way through a knock out 90 minute set in his inimitable rough vocal style.

The band were a formidable force as soon as they hit the stage to kick off proceedings with Shoot The Runner.

The catchy hit from new album Empire set the mood for the night perfectly, before they cleverly wove new and old offerings to an ecstatic crowd.

Even if you were at the very back of the arena, there was no room to hide, with Tom demanding fans’ hands in the air for every song, and telling Brum how much he loved the city. “You were with us in 2004 weren’t you”, he cried to the crowd, before they went wild to hits from their debut album.

But newer offerings Empire and Me Plus One were two of the most electrifying songs of the night.

By Fiona McCartney