How Kasabian Captured Co-Op Arena: Live Review
SERGIO, SERGIO. Those who doubt Pizzorno’s ability as a frontman are either blinded by nostalgia or simply haven’t seen him perform live. Thankfully, I was lucky enough to catch Kasabian at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on November 16th, the final night of their 2024 Happenings tour, supported by The Streets.
Upon arrival, scenes were reminiscent of an 80s football match, with casuals’ treads and threads as far as the eye could see-, I’m talking Stoney, Burberry, the lot. Chants of the frontman’s name rang around the concourse as excitement built up, until Serge entered the stage alone, to a wave of worshipping arms, like the Leicestershire Jesus.
The band opened with Call, the second single from their 2024 record Happenings, and the night was underway. Serge and co instantly had the entire floor moving with the alternative dance tune, followed by indie icon Club Foot, which had my FIFA nerd brain feeling very happy. The energy of the room was absolutely beaming as they continued to play banger after banger., Wwhether it was in an the form of wholesomeness as people rose onto their mates shoulders for You’re In Love With A Psycho, or simply pure elation in mosh pit after mosh pit.
Having such a large catalogue of hits, including tunes like L.S.F, Stevie and Bless This Acid House, spirits were sky high throughout the whole night. Every hit song by Kasabian seems perfectly written for live performance, and that was proven by the crowd’s reception to each one.
The band honestly did a fantastic job at mastering the setlist, as tunes seemed to flow into each other seamlessly, with intros, outros and interludes seeming effortless. At one point, Serge even had time to sneakily make his way over to a platform in the middle of the crowd, rising up above everyone with torches in hand, dancing like your Dad at the end of a disco. I can confidently say I have never seen a frontman have such a personal connection with a crowd before, which allowed him to have complete control over them, whether he’d ask them to get low, or go mental.
There was a genuine heartfelt connection between the band and the crowd, unlike any I’ve seen before, as Kasabian have some of the most passionate fans in the world, who showed their love and appreciation a hundred fold. The band’s diversity and adaptability when it comes to genre – ranging from heavy guitar solos to techno beats – allowed for a real party atmosphere and original feel, as the crowd were given breaks from moshing to tunes like Underdog, and could get groovy to the bands dance tunes.
As the night was approaching its end, and the band re-entered for their encore, Serge thanked everyone in attendance, for it was their final show of the tour. Closing with Fire, which was received by the best live crowd I have ever seen for any live performance of a song. The entirety of the arena, whether on the floor or in the seats, was absolutely bouncing as each chorus hit. The crowds’ voices were still ringing in my ears even as I got home.
Kasabian could not have capped off their Happenings tour in a better way, and really proved to everyone why they are widely regarded as one of the best live bands in the world.
Words by Thomas Taylor Shenton.
