Randy J. Klodz - Kasabian Takes on the States with the Music

Feb. 24, 2005

Kasabian Takes on the States with the Music

By Randy J. Klodz

Rock quartet Kasabian has become popular in their native UK, and the band will try to spread its success across the sea, as Kasabian will be supporting fellow UK rock band the Music on a North American tour. Kasabian will make its first Chicago appearance ever as the band takes on Metro on March 2.

Although Kasabian--which includes Tom Meighan (vocals), Sergio Pizzorno (guitar, keyboards), Chris Edwards (bass) and Christopher Karloff (guitar, keyboards)--have become one of the most popular new bands in their homeland, selling 200,000 copies of their self-titled debut, but their fame has yet to blossom in the States. This doesn’t bother the band; after all, potential U.S. fans haven’t yet had much of a taste of Kasabian.

“I’ve spent 24 years not being big, you know playing shows where nobody cares, so I’m far more used to playing to people that don’t really give a [hoot] and they’re just there on the off chance you might be good,” said Kasabian guitarist/keyboardist Sergio Pizzorno. “It has never been a problem with us. We just concentrate on rock-and-roll.”

Pizzorno also cleared up some of the controversial words that were flying around in UK music magazines directed toward Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash. Pizzorno said that often, interviews are done around bar table with “a lot of Jack Daniels,” present, as Pizzorno described.

“We definitely speak our minds and it gets us into trouble now and again,” Pizzorno said, “a lot of it is also taken wrong when it should just be taken as a laugh.” In the incident with Slash, Pizzorno said that Slash is “a lovely many,” and upon meeting, he and his bandmates apologized to the guitarist for “any wrongdoing.”

Kasabian is currently touring the States with their self-titled debut that is scheduled to hit U.S. stores on March 8. The dance-rock sound of Kasabian is demonstrated by the songs “Club Foot” and “Processed Beats,” both of which should become successful hits upon the album’s release.

Along with continuing the current tour with the Music through March 18, Kasabian is also scheduled to participate in this year’s Coachella Music & Arts Festival in Indio, Calif. on May 1.

Metro is at 3730 N. Clark St. Tickets for this all-ages show are listed for $15 each with a start time scheduled for 6:30 p.m. For more information on Kasabian log on to www.kasabian.co.uk.