Kasabian Frontman Tom Meighan Talks About the Band’s Evolution and Breaking Into America

Stephanie Hernandez

The eclectic rock band Kasabian has been a huge force in the British music scene since the debut of their self-titled album in 2004. Their unique and ever-changing take on rock, psychedelia and electronica helps to keep the band’s sound fresh, and they seamlessly merge into new and exciting territories with every album. And after 10 years in the industry, the band has garnered a reputation for consistently producing the best live performances this side of the pond. Five albums and dozens of international music awards recently led Kasabian to a headlining spot at this year’s Glastonbury Festival, cementing their position in Brit rock history as one of the best bands of the 21st century.

On the eve of launching Kasabian’s largest North American tour, lead singer Tom Meighan sat down with Entertainment Voice to share his thoughts on the band’s evolution, plans for live shows, and his desire to conquer the United States.

Your latest album 48:13 has been wildly successful. How has your creative process changed over the years since your debut album in 2004?

We’ve been through a lot together. Take four or five albums out of it, we’ve been together since we were 17 or 18. I’d say we’ve grown up, gotten a little grayer. We’ve had children you know! [Laughs] But, you know, we’ve come miles since we did our first album. 48:13, you know, it’s a coming of age really. Musically we are doing things much better than we used to.

Is there anything in regards to songwriting or putting together arrangements musically that you find really works for you or that you wouldn’t change?

When you make a record, no matter what you do, I believe there are things that are there for a reason and that should be left alone. I don’t know, but I believe once it’s done, it’s done. It’s there to stay. It’s like painting someone. Once it’s done it’s done.

Your bandmate Sergio Pizzorno mentioned that he doesn’t like Kasabian to be classified as an “indie rock” band. What do you classify yourself as and why?

We’re alternative rock, aren’t we? Indie band is an old term from the ’90s. Indie was like its own thing. We’re a rock and roll band. The label indie [comes] with a scene. We’re different from that. We’re a rock and roll band at heart. We are rock and rollers. Yeah, we’re rebels.

Where did the concept for the “Bumblebee” video come from? Was it intended to feel like you’re watching Kasabian live?

It was intentional, very intentional. A big bulldozer of dogs mixing with all these humans! It’s a great video, man. I’ve not seen anything quite like that video actually. It definitely matches the vibe of our shows.

Were all of the audience extras for the video cast from your fanbase?

They were actual fans in the video. We filmed it in Paris and it was about a 19-hour video shoot, a long day. And I had to jump, you know, like a stunt! Doing it all Hollywood and that shit, jumping off a platform, and, yeah, it was a monster. I had to jump from really high, and use these cables! But it turned out okay, you know! At least you knew the fans would catch you!

Your Glastonbury performance was mind-blowing. Did you do anything special to prepare to headline such a legendary festival?

No, not really. I think we’d been building up to it for a long time. It was a prime moment. To headline the pyramid is an honor, and Glastonbury is so special to the world. We knew the world was watching. I think it was looming on us, like a boxing match at Madison Square Garden. You’re waiting and before you know it, it’s there, getting nearer, closer. The band wasn’t petrified by it or felt uncomfortable with it, we just knew it was coming and it was our time and we just went there and we did it and enjoyed it. I said, “Man, look, we’re making history, and before you know it it’ll be gone; [and] it’ll be talked about for years.” It was a moment and it’s gone now. But there are still a few places I want to perform in the world. I want to do Wembley Stadium, I want to do Madison Square Garden, I want to do the Budokan in Japan, and I want to play in L.A. at the Hollywood Bowl. Then I think I’d be pretty much okay.

Can you describe your thought process behind your live shows? Is it influenced by the material being performed or the venues? What are your current inspirations for this tour?

As a band, as a show, it’s very full-on. There’s a lot of thought, live energy, a lot of emotion, and we give it everything because that’s where we are. We feel safe on the stage, safer than I feel on the phone with you. The stage is where I belong. Ever since I was a young child, I wanted to be a singer. [From] when I was 3 or 4, well before I met Serge. The stage is where I coordinate with people best.

You start the U.S. leg of your tour in Boston. What can fans expect from this tour that they haven’t seen before?

We got a new guitarist. Technically we play differently. It’s fantastic. I just think we’re at a really good point now both in our lives and musically. We’re just enjoying it. All of the worries are gone. With your first album, you really don’t give a shit. The world could end tomorrow and I might not be doing rock ‘n’ roll for the rest of my life. Second album is, “Well, fuck it now! I’ve got to make something of it if I want to stay in it.” Third album, it’s getting serious. Fourth album, you’ve got to make a number-one hit. Fifth album, now you mean something to people. So, now we just enjoy it. We love playing, the feeling of it. It’s just what we are supposed to do.

Are you doing anything to commemorate the 10 years since the release of your debut album?

We played the iTunes Festival in London and we played the first album front to back. The crowd found it very fucking strange, but we enjoyed it! Ten years. How times flies by. It’s very nice to go back, reminiscence and stuff.

You’ve been nominated for four Q Awards, headlined the Glastonbury Festival, and you’re now starting a huge international tour. Is there anything you still strive to do in your career?

I want to break into America. That’s what I want to do! That’s all I want to do. I want to break [into] the States! It’s the one thing that’s nagging me a bit. It’s going to be very difficult for us. There’s not much radio anymore and you’ve got to travel across this huge fucking country, with so many states and every state is different. I want to break into America, please. I want to!