There’s something rather loveable about Kasabian. Perhaps not the most hotly anticipated headliner of the weekend thanks to all the fuss about Metallica, they nevertheless conjured the most electric of atmospheres to round off a memorable weekend.
Unashamedly appealing to those who enjoy dancing whilst holding pints of beer on top of their heads, Kasabian nevertheless have an uncanny ear for a great tune and a banging beat.
Vocalist Tom Meighan appeared resplendent in a white jacket and bow tie, looking for all the world like guitarist (and all round cool guy) Sergio Pizzorno’s slightly uncool uncle. Pizzorno, meanwhile strode the stage looking like he had been born rocking a pair of leather trousers.
Yet, despite all the bluster, Kasabian also produced one of the most thoughtful and surprising sets of the weekend, as indie-cowboy Sergio Pizzorno played an Ennio Morricone-tinged version of Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy”. It was quite breathtakingly brilliant.
The set consisted of one great tune after another. Opener “Bumblebee” segued into “Shoot The Runner”, then “Underdog”, at which point the Pyramid arena lit up with flares. “Fast Fuse” saw the emergence of skeleton-costume-wearing backing singers, and “Days Are Forgotten” and new single “Eez-Eh” kept up a relentless pace. Fireworks flew skywards from the crowd.
“Processed Beats” saw Pizzorno do his finest Bez impression – all maracas and boggle eyed stare.
Following the “Crazy” cover, however, it was Meighan’s turn to take centre stage. With a simple chant of “Mosh Pit!” he lit up Glastonbury’s main arena with the opening notes of “Club Foot”. Beer went flying in the air, flares lit the arena and everywhere you looked the Sunday Glastonbury crowd became a grinning, bouncing seething mass of energy.
The feat was repeated just a few songs later as “Fire” saw so many flares lit, that briefly, night became day.
Kasabian’s indie-Spinal-Tap tendencies came to the fore as Noel Fielding joined them onstage for “Vlad The Impaler”, but the best was saved for last: another inspired cover – Fat Boy Slim’s “Praise You” which segued into L.S.F. (Lost Souls Forever). A visibly moved Tom Meighan thanked the crowd – recalling his first Glastonbury ten years previously as a younger man of just 23.
It was a magical show. Kasabian have just announced five nights at Brixton Academy. They were amazing last night – the Brixton shows will be too.
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