KAISER CHIEFS: LIVERPOOL, UK
KAISER CHIEFS
at M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, UK
words and photos by Andrew Giddings
Kaiser Chiefs are undeniably one of the UK’s biggest and most influential acts, but before the gig in Liverpool a few people asked the question “Have they lost their edge?”. Well after this performance the answer to that question is undoubtedly “NO”, they are phenomenal live!
The stage was set with a “No Ball Games” sign, and backdrop of garage doors, tastefully graffitied with some of the bands most successful songs. As the lights go out the band saunter to their positions, with Lead singer Ricky Wilson appearing on a raised platform above the stage, silhouetted by a large projection of the moon.
‘Born to Be a Dancer’ is the opening song of the evening, and perfectly illustrates why Ricky Wilson is such a charismatic frontman, he struts from one side of the stage to the other, demanding the full attention of the onlooking spectators.
Kaiser Chiefs have a back catalogue to be proud of, and the atmosphere in the arena was electric. The enthusiastic audience were treated to a night full of nostalgia, but also plenty of newer music too, including recent single ‘How 2 Dance’ and 2016 single ‘Hole in my Soul’. However, it was the older songs that received the loudest reaction, especially when the band belted out ‘Na Na Na Na Naa’, ‘Modern Way’ and ‘Love’s Not A Competition (But I’m Winning)’ in quick succession.
Between songs Wilson was continuously interacting with the crowd, chatting, laughing and swaying side to side before blasting out more hits like ‘Every Day I Love You Less And Less,’ then seamlessly transitioning into number one single ‘Ruby’, which produces another huge reaction from the watching masses.
As the set drew to its conclusion iconic tracks, ‘I Predict A Riot’ and ‘The Angry Mob’ were played, before the band ended the show with their debut single ‘Oh My God’.
Ultimately, on this night, Kaiser Chiefs gave the audience a sensational musical production. When the band are on form, and none of their well document demons are visible, there aren’t many acts that can compete with their perfectly polished live performance.
