“Oh My God, I can’t believe it, I went to see Kaiser Chiefs live on stage. And Oh My God, I can’t believe it, Ricky Wilson and co were on top form.” – Yes I saw the almighty Kaiser Chiefs live at the Bournemouth International Centre and it was an awesome night.
I first saw the indie-rock five-piece from Leeds live in 2012 on the main stage at Reading Festival, where they were introduced by Chris Moyles, a month before he left BBC Radio 1. My highlight of this set was watching the lead vocalist Ricky Wilson climbing on the stage scaffolding like a maniac, all while singing.
In 2019, I saw the Kaiser Chiefs again supporting The Who at Wembley Stadium, where they did a phenomenal 40-minute set with new songs and classic tracks.
But this gig in Bournemouth was the first time I got to see Kaiser Chiefs at one of their own shows and they sure did not disappoint.
The band opened with a long alternative intro to Born to be a Dancer, which was quite suspenseful and grew anticipation as to what song they’d start with. Ricky’s entrance was spectacular (from what I could see anyway), standing on a platform with what looked like a sun rising behind him.
From there, they played hit after hit after hit – Never Miss A Beat, Heat Dies Down, Na Na Na Naa, Modern Way, Coming Home, Love’s Not A Competition (But I’m Winning), Nothern Holiday, The Factory Gates, Everyday I Love You Less And Less, Ruby, Hole in my Soul, Misery Company, I Predict A Diet and The Angry Mob – all of which sounded energetic, powerful and just damn right fun. The guitars, drums and keys were just stunning and electrifying throughout.
Also, I found it slightly amusing that The Angry Mob felt more topical that night as it was the same day as the Chancellor’s autumn statement and reflected the cost of living crisis many people are facing.
The band also performed a new track called How 2 Dance. It didn’t sound as rocky as their usual sound but reminded me of a boogie pop classic from the late 90s to early 00s, which I loved growing up.
Another funny moment was during the encore when I heard someone chanting “We’re marching on together”, which is the line Leeds football fans sing. I thought that was brave of the individual to sing that in Bournemouth after Leeds’ incredible comeback to beat Bournemouth 4-3 in the Premier League a few weeks ago.
I was elated to hear People Know How To Love One Another as the penultimate track of the night. It is the first single off their latest album Duck and just so upbeat, jolly, happy and lovely.
Kaiser Chiefs then closed the show in exceptional style with the ultimate track Oh My God. While infactictly singing the line “Oh My God, I can’t believe it, I’ve never been this far away from home”, it actually occurred to me that I’ve literally not left Hampshire since moving to my parents’ house in Waterlooville back in June 2022. Therefore, that night, I actually was the furthest from home in about four and half months.
Overall, the Kaiser Chiefs set was phenomenal – again! Not a single criticism to make and the perfect last gig of 2022 for me.
Support acts: The Sherlocks and The Fratellis
To top off an epic night, the Kaiser Chiefs included two awesome support acts. The show opened with a set by The Sherlocks, an alternative rock band from Sheffield.
They began playing as soon as I walked into the venue and my immediate thought was “they sound like Arctic Monkeys”. Then when they said they’re from Sheffield too, I thought there is definitely similarities, which were great of course.
Next Scottish trio The Fratellis took to the stage. They are best known for the songs Henrietta, Whistle for the Choir and the iconic Chelsea Dagger, all of which they performed as well as three other tracks.
What amazed me the most was they had an additional seven or eight touring members including backing singers, a trumpeter and a saxophone player.
The Fratellis also performed a great cover of Yes Sir I Can Boogie, which they recorded in 2021 to coincide with the Scottish football team competing at Euro 2020. The song – originally by Baccara – was used as Scotland’s celebration track when they qualified for the tournament.
