Kasabian, headliners of Friday night at this year’s Isle of Wight Festival, were formed in Leicester in 1997 when known as Saracuse. They are classed as an Indie Rock/Electronica/Electric Rock band – a title disliked by band member Sergio Pizzorno.
Band members comprise of Tom Meighan (vocals), Sergio Pizzorno (guitar/vocals), Chris Edwards (bass) and Ian Matthews (drums). Prior to Ian Matthews joining the band as drummer they used a number of session drummers following the departure of Chris Karioff in 2006.
In 2010 and 2014 they won the title of ‘Best Act in the World Today’ from ‘Q’ Awards plus ‘Best Live Act’ at the 2014 ‘Q’ Awards. Other awards include ‘Best Live Act’ at the Brit Awards in 2007 and 2008 and ‘Best British Group’ 2010 at the NME Awards. They were nominated for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize for the multi- platinum selling ‘West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum’.
Over the years they have produced six studio albums – Kasabian 2004, Empire 2006, West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum 2009, Velociraptor 2011, 48.13 in 2014 and the latest, in 2017, For Crying Out Loud.
They last played the Isle of Wight Festival in 2011 when they closed the Sunday night.
The Isle of Wight Festival takes place from 21st-24th June at Seaclose Park, Newport. This year will also mark the 50th Anniversary of the Isle of Wight Festival. The first event in 1968 put the festival on the map as it then grew to become world renowned for iconic performances from artists such as The Doors, The Who and Jimi Hendrix in his last ever UK show.
