Having released a cluster of new material earlier in the year, Tom Meighan recently headed out on a tour across the UK promoting the records. We were hoping that he could bring some festive cheer to Manchester’s O2 Ritz this evening. Being Christmas Eve the drinks are in full flow inside The Ritz, as the festivities begin and we’re sure they would continue well into the evening.
As the stage plunged into darkness, a Star Wars theme tune marked the arrival of Meighan and his band. Thundering almost instantly into the Kasabian classic, Underdog. With the crowd suitably warmed up, Meighan debuted his latest release Headcase. A thunderous offering displaying similarities to the Kasabian track eez-eh. The natural charisma that Meighan possessed throughout his time in Kasabian is evident from the very beginning of the show. He brings it by the bucket load across the evening.
“Hello Manchester, let’s fucking do this alright! I can feel it already, twenty third of December with Tom Meighan, this is insane Manchester! Come on!” Addressing the crowd and beginning Don’t Give In from his 2023 album The Reckoning. The distinctive vocals and bold personality that served him so well in Kasabian are visible in abundance tonight. Nonetheless, with the exception of a few lively fans at the front who have obviously listened to the recent releases, the current material is relatively unknown by the majority of the crowd.
Kasabian classics continue to pepper the set list, with Where Did All The Love Go? and III Ray (The King) proving popular choices amongst a now boisterous crowd. Meighan mentions the relentless tour schedule which finishes in Manchester. Using his infectious energy he enthusiastically mentioned that in four weeks he has played twenty three different shows. And seemingly, by tonight’s performance, seemed to love every second.
In between the chaos the Kasabian tracks are causing down below us, Meighan dedicated a song to his wife, who is in the venue this evening. “This songs for my wife Vicky, she’s up there somewhere tonight (Making reference to the balcony at The Ritz). This one’s called Better Life,”. We were treated to a display of Meighan’s full vocal range during this ballad.
It is older crowd tonight that make up majority of the punters at The Ritz. Many of whom have probably followed Meighan throughout his entire career. As he remarks “I was 25 when this came out (referencing the hit, Empire), and I’m now 43,”. As well as being a nostalgic moment for the vocalist, we’re sure many people tonight also feel nostalgic hearing the very first Kasabian tracks. Meighan continued to keep the crowd engaged throughout the performance, asking for more energy which he continued to thrive off.
Continuing to belt out the Kasabian classics, L.S.F (Lost Souls Forever), and Empire receive the only reactions they are fit for. Nearing the end of the set, Meighan delivers perhaps the most cathartic moment of the night by providing a stunning rendition of Would You Mind?. An ode to his now estranged band mates perhaps?
Shoot The Runner fittingly brings festivities to a close, before an encore that features foot stomper Movin’ On and Meighan and his band end the evening with a crowd pleasing rendition of Kasabian classic, Fire.
A set full of sing-along hits, all delivered with a healthy dose of charisma and a sprinkle of festive cheer on top. 8/10
Written by: Ben Gilligan
