Monday 26 May 2008

Kaiser Chiefs: 'Just like Leeds United we're going up'

Kaiser Chiefs have claimed that their gig this weekend (May 24) at Leeds United's Elland Road stadium will secure the band's place in history � making them the first hometown band to perform at the city's home football ground.

The five-piece have revealed that they are likely to lose money by staging the 37,000-capacity gig � which also features The Enemy, Kate Nash, The Young Knives and Friendly Fires - but are ploughing on with the "special" show regardless.

The band told NME.COM that they initially planned to play at the stadium in 2007, but because the gig took so long to organise plans didn't materialise until this year.

Drummer Nick Hodgson said that the hometown show was a huge deal for the band � and not just because of the number of people who will attend. "It's massive because it's Elland Road, not because of the size," he said.

"Just like Leeds United [who may be promoted from the League One play-off final a day after the gig (May 24)] we are going up a division," added singer Ricky Wilson. "We're going up to be a stadium band."

Guitarist Whitey said that the Kaiser Chiefs were likely to lose money by staging the gigs, so associates had advised them against playing the huge show.

"We're doing it because we want to," added bassist Simon Rix.

When asked what surprises the band had planned for the show, they revealed that they had a fitting football theme lined up for the day's entertainment � although the idea of having huge footballs bouncing around the crowd had to be scrapped because they cost �1,900 each.

"We're going to have programmes like football programmes, though," said Hodgson, while Whitey added: "And we've booked the date deliberately � we've made sure that it won't clash with the play-off final!"

NME.COM will be bringing you unique, unrivalled access of the Kaiser Chiefs'giant homecoming. In fact the only way you'll get any closer to the Elland Road gig is by being in the band, so make sure you're here on Saturday (May 24) from 3pm (BST), plus get next week's issue of NME on newsstands from May 28 for a special souvenir edition.




May 24, 2008 at Elland Road, Leeds -
More Kaiser Chiefs tickets