Kasabian and Planet Funk

This is the second time I have since Kasabian in the last twelve months. A year ago I watched them in a smallish venue in Amsterdam (Paradiso) and managed to stand right at the front. That was a great gig. The Summer Solstice gig in Leicester was on a whole different level - it was awesome. The band absolutely killed it. The countdown on the back screen added to the anticipation, then as Shiva started up it intensified even more. As soon as Bumblebeee started the crowd went mad. We stood in front of the first barrier so pretty close to the stage but out of the moshpit. It was absolutely rammed in this area but all very good natured. Every song was full-on energy. Everyone was bouncing (some dancing but not much room to do it). The playlist was a brilliant mix of old and new tracks - everyone a killer (and there are other fantastic tracks which could have been included). The white backdrop to the stage ensured that you could easily see the group. The lighting and lasers added to the effect without overkill. The pink and white effect a total contrast to the (unfounded) view that they are just a lad's band. The crowd was a mix of young and old, male/female, and many family groups. At the end it was clear how much it meant to all of the band who constantly thanked the crowd. It was the best gig I have ever attended and I was still buzzing the following day. I highly recommend Kasabian gigs to anyone. It is difficult to pick out a highlight as the whole setlist was brilliantly put together.

The Planet Funk guys are talented beyond belief. As well as being great music producers, they are incredible multi-instrumentalists. You will see one of them nailing it on guitar, then before you know it, they’ll have swapped or picked up another instrument. This is something that you really can’t appreciate on a recording of their music, and I only understood fully their insane talent when I saw then live.
Chase The Sun, arguably their most famous song, is catchy, fun, and great to dance to with it’s electro vibe hitting home in the best way. I’ve listened to it time and time again on CD, iPod, phone, you name it, but seeing a rendition of it performed by the band themselves live was incredible. The venue was huge, and filled up nicely before the support act took to the stage. In the break before Planet Funk, there was a massive set change, and for the start of their set, the lighting, smoke, and sound all balanced and complimented each other perfectly to give the ultimate live performance set up.
The guys played for well over an hour and a half, and they maintained their stamina throughout. They were playing, singing, and dancing full out, and their quality of performance didn’t dip at all, if anything it kept rising. Their studio recordings are great, but to hear them perform live is something off the scale that needs to be see, go and get tickets now!