WORDS WILL MAXWELL / IMAGES JOE JONES
Tom Meighan brings the rowdiest pre-Christmas party to Manchester’s o2 Ritz, showcasing his solo material and the very best of his former band, Kasabian.
His arrival on stage is greeted with huge cheers. Kicking things off with the Kasabian classic “Underdog” immediately has the crowd in the palm of his hands, quite literally as he aims his microphone towards us, conducting the rowdiest choir you have ever seen.
Latest release “Headcase” follows, which will feature on his second album Roadrunner, due out on January 24th 2025. “Don’t Give In” – from his debut album The Reckoning – is next, with the lyrics feeling poignant given his comeback from being cancelled continues to gather pace.
“Ill Ray (The King)” has everyone bouncing before the emotional “Better Life” is dedicated to his wife Vikki, who is in attendance tonight. This really felt like a moment of redemption for someone who is clearly in a much better place following his breakdown in 2020.
Given the nature of his conviction, his appearances will always draw controversy. Festival bookings have been met with a backlash. But a loyal fanbase has chosen to pack out decent-sized venues such as the Ritz, and rather than separating the art from the artist, they appear to have forgiven his past.
In return, they are rewarded with a performance that is still worthy of a stadium show or a Glastonbury main stage. Tom’s stage presence is immense, and his swaggering persona is lapped up by a lairy crowd. The faux-arragance is mixed with frequent thank you’s throughout the night.
“High On You” and “White Lies” are straight out of the Kasabian playbook, whilst the massive chorus on “Empire” has everyone chanting at the top of their lungs.
“Would You Mind” was recently used as part of a campaign with Andy’s Mans Club. The song is about reaching out if you are struggling, which is a service the charity provides for thousands of men every week. With meetings taking place on Monday evenings all over the country, it’s a place for Men to talk and seek support. For more information on Andy’s Mans Club please visit www.andysmansclub.co.uk
His live band do an incredible job on the Kasabian tracks, making it feel like he is the beating heart of the band, who have continued without him but many would argue not for the best. “Shoot The Runner”, “Club Foot” and “L.S.F” all sound massive in this room as a delirious crowd are loving every second.
This city knows a thing or two about Indie bands reforming. Although both he and his former band appear content with the way things currently stand, I hope one day we will see them back together. Kasabian are one of this generations greatest British indie bands, and we are all being robbed by them not being together.
Fire brings the night to a close, with the Ritz’s famous Dancefloor on springs being tested to its limits and the delirious crowd slip off into the cold Manchester night, with no doubt many finding their way to the cities various indie haunts to carry on the party.
This performance reminded everyone that Tom Meighan is indie royalty and one of the best frontmen of his generation and genre.
SET LIST
1/ Underdog
(Kasabian song)
2/ Headcase
3/ Don’t Give In
4/ Ill Ray (The King)
(Kasabian song)
5/ Better Life
6/ Where Did All the Love Go?
(Kasabian song)
7/ High on You
8/ White Lies
9/ Empire
(Kasabian song)
10/ Would You Mind
11/ We Can Do It
12/ Shoot the Runner
(Kasabian song)
13/ Exorcist
14/ Shout It Out
15/ Club Foot
(Kasabian song)
16/ L.S.F. (Lost Souls Forever)
(Kasabian song)
Encore:
17/ Movin’ On
18/ Fire
(Kasabian song)
FOLLOW TOM MEIGHAN
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
