I Predict a Riot… and They Delivered! Kaiser Chiefs Set Temple Newsam Ablaze
- Phil Thorns
- Jun 3
- 4 min read
The Kaiser Cheifs - Temple Newsam - Leeds - 31st May 2025
WORDS / IMAGES PHIL THORNS
Leeds brought the heat, the hooks and the hangover. One day, seven bands, zero let-up
Ellur, Hot Wax, We Are Scientists, The Coral, The Cribs, Razorlight, Kaiser Chiefs
Temple Newsam, the sprawling 16th-century estate just outside Leeds, played host to an absolute belter of a one-dayer that brought sunshine, sweat, and a soundtrack loaded with indie firepower. Landscaped by none other than Capability Brown, the natural amphitheatre framed a perfect setup: bars and food outlets circling the crowd, sound carrying clean across the bowl, sun gods smiling down on it all. Leeds United shirts were dotted through the crowd like confetti, fresh from Championship glory and looking for a party. They found one.
Opening the show, Ellur (real name Ella McNamara) hit the stage with confidence and hooks to burn. Her blend of indie-pop with emotional punch landed perfectly in the sunshine. Tracks like 'Close to You' and 'Now I’m Alone' got the early crowd swaying, but it was her stage presence that really set the tone for the day. No nerves, just sharp songwriting and honest delivery. A strong opener who made it clear she wasn’t just there to warm the stage—she owned it.
Hot Wax stormed in next, and they didn’t hold back. Now based in Brighton, the trio—Tallulah Sim-Savage (vocals/guitar), Alfie Sayers (bass), and Lola Sam (drums)—brought an explosive, genre-bending set that fused raw punk energy with tightly delivered riffs. They played at Rebellion Punk Festival last year, a nod to their range, and after today’s nine-song set, there's no doubt they deserve a higher slot next time.
Their debut album Hot Shock dropped in March and they told me their personal favourite off it is 'Chip My Teeth For You'—a snarling, emotional ripper they absolutely nailed live. They closed with 'One More Reason', a final burst of gritty defiance that left the crowd breathless. One of the standout sets of the day by far. Do your best to catch them before they get even bigger.
Straight out of Berkeley, California, We Are Scientists brought some old-school indie charm with a side of west coast wit. Founding duo Keith Murray and Chris Cain were upfront about the band juggling promotion for 'Qualifying Miles'—due out July 18th—while marking 20 years since their debut.
They planned a 12-track set but had to cut one last minute, delivering 11 tight and polished songs. They wrapped with 'The Great Escape', a fan favourite that turned the whole crowd into a shouty, sweaty mess. That track’s all about getting away from the daily grind—ironic really, since no one wanted to escape this festival moment.
The Coral, formed in 1996 on the Wirral, delivered a psychedelic-infused set that gave the day a slight left turn—dreamy, melodic, but still grounded. James Skelly led with laid-back vocals that soared over jangly guitars. 'Pass It On' and 'In the Morning' got arms waving, but it was 'Dreaming of You' that fully connected, with the entire crowd giving it the full singalong treatment. A band that’s aged well and still knows how to dial in the vibes.
No one pulled in a more loyal crowd than The Cribs, hailing from just down the road in Wakefield. Gary, Ryan, and Ross Jarman brought full Yorkshire pride with them and the crowd responded in kind—singing every word, limbs flying in early mosh pits, proper rowdy energy. Their inclusion in the line up alongside other big names underscored the event’s celebration of Yorkshire’s rich musical heritage.
They hit hard blending fan favourites with deeper cuts in their performance with 'Hey Scenesters!' and 'Men’s Needs' tipping it into full chaos. It wasn’t just nostalgia—this was a love letter from the band to their people, and the people gave it right back.
Razorlight, formed in London in 2002 by frontman Johnny Borrell, hit the stage like a lit fuse. Charismatic, intense, and clearly still thriving in the spotlight, Borrell didn’t waste a second getting the crowd on side.
The set was hit-laden—'In the Morning', 'Golden Touch', and the monster singalong 'America' (which topped the UK charts back in 2006) landed like anthems, triggering serious moshing at the front. Björn Ågren was razor-sharp on guitar, and the band didn’t let up. This was a reminder that Razorlight can still bring the fire when it counts.
Then came the kings. Kaiser Chiefs, indie royalty from Leeds and one of the defining acts of the 2000s post-punk revival, made their entrance to a deafening hometown roar. Have 20 years really passed since they brought out their first album Employment???
Ricky Wilson was everywhere, constantly in motion, performing with total abandon, twirling his microphone stand around as if he was auditioning to be a majorette . Backed by Simon Rix, Andrew “Whitey” White, Nick “Peanut” Baines, and Vijay Mistry, the Chiefs launched into a set that was pure chaos in the best possible way.
They hammered through raucous indie anthems like 'Everyday I Love You Less and Less'—a bitter breakup banger with a punk edge—and 'I Predict A Riot', their now-iconic ode to nightlife madness in Leeds. 'Ruby', their only UK number one, had the whole field bouncing in unison. Catchy melodies, punchy rhythms, and singalongs that echoed over the hills—it was a headline set made for a summer stage. I cannot get enough of them and to top it all, Leeds United legend, Patrick Bamford, joined them on stage with a guitar for a cameo role.
Crowd surfing was on repeat, phones were forgotten, and it seemed like everyone knew every last lyric and belted it back like their lives depended on it. A full-blown homecoming celebration, and the perfect close to a killer day of music.
SET LIST
1/ Everyday I Love You Less and Less
2/ I Predict a Riot
3/ Modern Way
4/ Na Na Na Na Naa
5/ You Can Have It All
6/ Oh My God
(with Nick J.D. Hodgson) (First performance with Nick Hodgson since 2012)
7/ Born to Be a Dancer
8/ Saturday Night
9/ What Did I Ever Give You?
10/ Time Honoured Tradition
11/ Caroline, Yes
12/ Team Mate
13/ Take My Temperature
Encore:
14/ Blitzkrieg Bop
(Ramones cover) (The band brought out Leeds United’s Championship trophy)
15/ I Predict a Riot
(with Patrick Bamford)
16/ Never Miss a Beat
17/ Hole in My Soul
18/ Ruby
19/ Reasons to Stay Alive
(Not on printed setlist)
20/ Coming Home
(Not on printed setlist)
21/ The Angry Mob
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