Kasabian at the O2 Arena

In the London leg of their arena tour, Kasabian took to the stage with a high-spirited show that balanced the tracks and vibrant themes of their latest album, Happenings, with their well-loved back catalogue. Fronted by Sergio Pizzorno, the band began their set with the genre-blending Call, performed against a sprawling, psychedelic design featuring their new album’s concept in rainbow hues and an old-school melting font. The stage design remained suitably simple for the members to make full use of the space, but the lights immediately captured the album’s aesthetic, with shifting colours and strobes creating an electrifying backdrop that complemented the setlist without overwhelming it. While the colours appeared sporadic, the flashing red lights, paired with Pizzorno’s black-and-white thickly striped T-shirt, lent the bass-driven performance of Italian Horror from Happenings the drama and flair of a cult B-horror film, especially during its punchy chorus.

As a staple of the 00s British music scene, Kasabian’s seasoned tenure was evident in the members’ swift, fluid transitions. New releases like the dancefloor-appropriate Coming Back to Me Good sat naturally alongside classics such as Shoot the Runner and Club Foot, and the hip-hop-tinged Hell of It was played live for the first time since its debut this year. For those accustomed to concerts by newer artists, it might be surprising that Pizzorno doesn’t introduce the tracks, but the crowd singing along to each chorus proves he has no need to. The four-piece band maintained an effortless flow through their older favourites, while newer material resonated just as strongly with the audience. The songs spoke for themselves, but Pizzorno’s infectious energy and his encouragement for fans to climb onto shoulders sparked waves of enthusiasm, with many eagerly taking part and bringing the atmosphere of a summer music festival to the wintertime indoor concert.

The encore brought the evening to a fitting close, with Fire delivering a particularly anthemic finale. Proving once again that their remarkable longevity isn’t merely the result of luck or nostalgia, Kasabian filled the O2’s vast expanse not only with a colossal turnout but also with the confident presence of seasoned musicians who know their talents and how to wield them.

Christina Yang
Photos: Mike Garnell

For further information and future events visit Kasabian’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Coming Back to Me Good here: