When you hear the names Kasabian and The Streets on the same bill, you know you’re in for an eclectic blend of gritty British rock and quintessential UK garage. And in their 2024 arena tour, these two stalwarts of the UK music scene have teamed up to bring an adrenaline-packed show. With dates spanning major venues like Birmingham’s bp Pulse Live, London’s O2, and Manchester’s Co-op Live, this tour has been one of the most anticipated events of the year. So, what makes this collaboration such a hot ticket? Let’s dive into the action.
The Setup: A Tour Decades in the Making
Kasabian has long been the poster band for swaggering rock infused with electronic beats, a combo that made them arena-fillers for the better part of two decades. With the release of Happenings in 2024, they’ve fully embraced their comeback after the departure of former frontman Tom Meighan. Serge Pizzorno, stepping up to lead vocals, has breathed new life into the group, adding his own touch of unpredictability and charm. Meanwhile, Mike Skinner of The Streets is no stranger to the arena stage, with his narrative-driven rap and UK garage sound serving as the perfect juxtaposition to Kasabian’s bombastic beats.
The moment you step into the venue, it’s clear the energy is dialed to 11. Fans of both acts—some dressed in retro streetwear, others donning old Kasabian tour tees—are antsy for what’s to come. The night’s atmosphere crackles with anticipation.
The Streets: Mike Skinner’s Social Commentary and Beats
The Streets kicked off the show with their signature mix of spoken word, rap, and garage beats. Mike Skinner, the voice behind The Streets, opened the set with the iconic “Fit But You Know It,” sending the audience into a frenzy. It’s a masterclass in delivering raw, unpolished music, mixing humor and biting social commentary. The crowd, mostly Kasabian fans, might have been unsure how a garage act would slot into a rock-heavy event, but by the third track, it was clear: The Streets weren’t just filler. Skinner had everyone in the palm of his hand, commanding the stage with the same bravado he’s always had.
“Blinded by the Lights” struck a particularly poignant chord, with the audience swaying and singing along to every word, proving that nostalgia is a powerful thing. Skinner’s banter with the crowd was as sharp as ever, with quips about TikTok, the rise of AI, and even Brexit (because, of course, it’s Mike Skinner).
What made The Streets’ performance stand out was their ability to craft an intimate experience in such a massive venue. Even amidst the thundering beats and Skinner’s playful delivery, there was a sense of connection. His signature tracks felt like anthems for the everyman, resonating deeply with an audience that knows all too well about the struggles Skinner so often writes about.
Kasabian: The Electronic-Infused Rock Juggernauts
And then there was Kasabian.
From the moment Serge Pizzorno bounded onto the stage in his bell-bottomed pants and wild mane of hair, it was evident: this was not going to be a by-the-numbers rock concert. Opening with Happenings’ electrifying lead single, “Darkest Lullaby,” the band set the tone early—a mix of nostalgia for the old days and a sharp pivot towards the future. Pizzorno has fully embraced the frontman role, adding a new dynamic to Kasabian’s live performances. His voice, raw yet commanding, adds a personal touch that wasn’t as present in earlier days.
Kasabian’s set was a whirlwind of hits, from “Club Foot” to “Underdog,” each accompanied by dazzling light shows that perfectly matched the thumping bass and synths. And let’s not forget their penchant for mixing in clever musical references—The Streets’ “Blinded by the Lights” seeped into the intro of “Vlad the Impaler,” while snippets of The Prodigy’s “Breathe” and Fatboy Slim’s “Praise You” gave longtime fans a reason to cheer.
Their latest material from Happenings slotted effortlessly into the mix. Tracks like “Call” with its punk-rave vibe, or “GOAT,” a motivational anthem of sorts, kept the energy high. The band’s electronic experimentation has paid off. These new songs feel fresher, sharper, and full of life, showing a band that’s not content with resting on their laurels.
The chemistry between Pizzorno and the crowd was undeniable, whether he was jumping into call-and-response chants or diving headfirst into the audience (literally). There’s something almost chaotic in the way Kasabian performs live these days—a kind of controlled madness that draws you in and doesn’t let go.
The Magic of the Collaboration
Kasabian and The Streets share a certain underdog mentality that has allowed them to carve out unique identities in the British music scene. Both are distinctly “of the people,” making this pairing feel natural despite their stylistic differences. Where Kasabian is all stadium-sized rock infused with dance beats, The Streets provide a street-level view, grounded in gritty realism. Together, their contrast was a musical yin and yang.
But make no mistake—this wasn’t a battle of who could one-up the other. Instead, it felt more like a collaborative experience, with both acts feeding off the crowd’s energy and giving back in spades. Kasabian’s polished, high-octane performance paired perfectly with The Streets’ laid-back, conversational vibe, creating an immersive night of music that kept the audience glued from start to finish.
Production: Lighting and Sound Spectacle
One can’t talk about this tour without giving a nod to the sheer production value on display. Kasabian’s signature light show was a spectacle in itself, with lasers slicing through clouds of smoke as each beat landed. And The Streets? Skinner’s minimalist setup provided a stark contrast, but it worked. The focus was on him, his words, and the stories he weaved, proving that sometimes less is indeed more.
The sound quality was equally impressive. Whether it was the thumping basslines of Kasabian or the rolling beats of The Streets, everything was crystal clear, even in massive venues like the O2. Both acts managed to fill the arena with sound without drowning in their own noise, a feat many arena tours fail to accomplish.
Final Thoughts: A Show for the Ages
So, was it worth it? Absolutely. The Kasabian and The Streets 2024 tour has cemented itself as one of the standout concert experiences of the year. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Kasabian’s hard-hitting rock anthems or a sucker for The Streets’ clever lyrical flow, there was something for everyone.
The show wasn’t just a musical journey—it was an exploration of two very different approaches to British music. Kasabian, with their futuristic rock sound, stood as a testament to reinvention, while The Streets’ grounded, gritty realism reminded everyone of the power of simplicity.
If you’re lucky enough to catch them in one of their remaining dates, don’t miss out. Just make sure to bring your dancing shoes—because with Kasabian and The Streets in the same room, standing still simply isn’t an option.
