Kasabian

Formed in Leicester in 1999 and after originally being called Saracuse, they re-named themselves after Linda Kasabian, getaway driver-turned-state-witness with the infamous Charles Manson's murderous cult. The original line-up featured Chris Karloff, Serge Pizzorno, Tom Meighan, Chris Edwards and Ash Hannis and they played and recorded at the Bedrock Studios, where Edwards worked as an engineer. They released their first album in 2004 and built a loyal following with their raucous stage act, achieving their first hit with stage favourite Club Foot. Ian Matthews replaced Ash Hannis on drums in 2004 and guitarist/keyboard player Chris Karloff, also one of the main songwriters, left prior to the release of their second album Empire in 2006. Philadelphia-born guitarist Jay Mehler and keyboard player Ben Kealey became regular touring members of the band prior to the release of their third album West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum to assert their place as one of Britain's most charismatic and anarchic bands. And by 2010 they had won the approval of the masses when they received the BRIT Award for Best British Group.