Tonight:
5°c
Rick Pearson's rating
Kasabian didn't set the world on Fire at War Child gig
By
Rick Pearson
17 Feb 2010
Far be it from me to criticise a concert that raised money for charity but War Child’s post-Brits party was a total anticlimax.
The show has gained a reputation for enticing special guests to its stage — last year featured an encore with Bono, Gary Barlow and Chris Martin, no less. This year, we weren’t so lucky.
La Roux, who along with Calvin Harris and Kasabian completed the official line-up, kicked things off with their upbeat electro-pop. Singer Elly Jackson was joined by not-so-special guest Glenn Gregory of Heaven 17 for a rousing version of his hit Temptation.
While the stage was being set for Kasabian, Calvin Harris kept the crowd entertained with a DJ set — a commendably humble gesture from a man behind many of last year’s biggest hits.
It’s not a role that you can imagine Kasabian’s Tom Meighan playing. “Kasabian: the best band in Britain, bar none,” was his own immodest assessment of his Leicester group, who in fairness had just picked up the Brit attesting the very same.
And during the riotous riff-based rock of Club Foot and Underdog, they almost sounded like it too. However, the set dragged in the middle and was lifted only by a rousing rendition of Fire.
But it was OK: we had those special guests to look forward to. Noel Gallagher was in the audience, so it couldn’t be him. But maybe Robbie or Florence would show? No such luck. Our special guest this year was none other than … comedian Noel Fielding. Not so much the Mighty Boosh as an almighty disappointment.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (3)
Actually Kasabian were NOT a let down. On the other hand Calvin harris has lost allot of respect from me - he didn't sing or even say a word to the audience. We were all told while queing that Jedward were the special guests which to be honest would have been better than that middle aged bald man - me and my friend didn't have a clue who he was. Come on war child we were promised a immense gig next year better be good.
- Vickie, Berkhamsted, 20/02/2010 13:59
Report abuse
You publishers are wrong. KASABIAN did set the world on fire and how would you know? That concert were for fans to hear not for picky reporters who don't like anything. Kasabian are the best band in the world and the music and lyrics are exqusit. No one cares what you think (technichally speaking) but in my opinion they were amazing and serge was looking perticuraly beatiful !
thanks for reading,
Emily Mcintyre 11 years old (bet you didn't see that coming)
thanks for reading
- Emily Mc Intyre, ireland derry, 18/02/2010 19:46
Report abuse
I can't believe it?!
What the hell happened to all of the 'special guests' promised to the true fans who sold this gig out within 13 seconds!?
Kasabian fans have already been treated to a performace by Noel Fielding at their UK tour, so why on earth would they be excited to see him dancing around on stage again?!
And as for Noel... Would it have hurt to get on stage with Kasabian or at least do something for the crowd?!
What a waste, and such a shame seeing as this gig was all for charity...
Sorry Warchild, but you wont be getting my contribution for next year's gig, especially if you promise 'special guests' again 
- Aimee, London, 17/02/2010 14:56
Report abuse
