Kaiser Chiefs Bring 20 Years of Employment to Life with Electrifying Alexandra Palace Performance

Alexandra Palace Summer Festival Series, London - 19th July 2025

WORDS / IMAGES ALAN BRYCE

The Kaiser Chiefs

Ricky Wilson, Andrew White, and Nick Hodgson formed a band in 1996 called Runston Parva, later renamed Parva with the addition of Simon Rix and Nick Baines. After releasing one album and three singles, they were dropped when their label folded, prompting a rebrand to Kaiser Chiefs, named after a South African football club. Managed by James Sandom, they signed with B-Unique Records and released their successful debut album Employment in 2005, followed by the chart-topping Yours Truly, Angry Mob in 2007 and the well-received Off with Their Heads in 2008. After touring through 2009, the band took a two-year break, returning in 2011 with a fourth album and releasing the compilation Souvenir in 2012. Drummer Nick Hodgson left in late 2012 and was replaced by Vijay Mistry in 2013. Their 2014 album Education, Education, Education and War hit No. 1 in the UK, followed by Stay Together in 2016, which incorporated electronic elements and produced two Top 40 hits. Their seventh album, Duck (2019), was promoted with a special Leeds United centenary concert. In 2024, they released Kaiser Chiefs Easy Eighth Album, praised for blending funk-pop with their signature indie rock style and featuring co-writers including Nile Rodgers.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Employment, the Kaiser Chiefs’ seminal debut album that helped redefine British indie rock in the mid-2000s. To commemorate the occasion, the band launched a special anniversary tour, performing the album in its entirety for the first time since its 2005 release. The tour began with a festival appearance in Hong Kong, followed by energetic stops in Dubai, across the UK, and throughout Europe. One of the most memorable moments came on 19 July at London’s iconic Alexandra Palace, where the band headlined the final night of the summer festival series — and I was lucky enough to witness it firsthand.

The Coral kicked off the evening with a polished and enigmatic set that perfectly complemented the nostalgic energy of the Kaiser Chiefs’ Employment anniversary celebrations. Drawing on their signature brand of melodic psychedelia, they delivered a tight performance that leaned heavily on fan favorites like “Pass It On,” “In the Morning,” and “Dreaming of You,” James Skelly’s distinctive vocals and the band’s shimmering harmonies struck a perfect balance between laid-back charm and stirring indie rock flair, setting a warm, inviting mood for the evening.

The atmosphere at Alexandra Palace was electric. Nestled on a hill overlooking the London skyline, with Canary Wharf shimmering in the distance, the venue offered the perfect backdrop for a nostalgic yet thrilling performance. The sloped festival layout gave everyone a clear view of the stage, and the event was well-organized, with a great selection of food and drink and surprisingly short queues — a rare bonus at major gigs. As the sun set over London, the crowd buzzed with anticipation, ready to relive the album that brought tracks like "I Predict a Riot" and "Oh My God" into the mainstream.

The band opened with the punchy “Everyday I Love You Less and Less,” immediately whipping the audience into a frenzy. From there, they launched into track after track from Employment, including fan favorites “Na Na Na Na Naa,” “Modern Way,” and “You Can Have It All.” Each song was performed with a mix of polish and passion, balancing refined musicianship with the raw energy that first made them famous. Ricky Wilson, ever the dynamic frontman, prowled the stage with boundless enthusiasm, leaping onto speakers and constantly interacting with the crowd. His charisma and intensity were infectious, keeping the audience singing and dancing throughout the night.

After completing the album setlist — including extended renditions of “Oh My God” and “Team Mate” — the band returned for a brief but explosive encore. A raucous cover of The Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop” kicked things off, followed by hits from across their discography like “Never Miss a Beat,” “Hole in My Soul,” and the anthemic “Ruby.” The concert concluded on a powerful note with “Coming Home” and a rousing version of “The Angry Mob,” sending fans home exhilarated.

The production was top-tier, with crisp sound, creative lighting, and immersive visuals that elevated the experience without overshadowing the band’s performance. It’s clear that two decades on, the Kaiser Chiefs remain not only relevant but essential to the British music scene. Their combination of infectious choruses, clever lyrics, and magnetic stage presence continues to draw crowds, old and new. As they celebrate this major milestone, it’s evident they’re not just riding the wave of nostalgia — they’re still pushing forward, full of energy and ambition. I left Alexandra Palace that night with my voice hoarse and my heart full, eagerly awaiting whatever comes next from one of Britain’s most enduring rock bands.

Setlist:

Employment (Full Album):

Everyday I Love You Less and Less

I Predict a Riot

Modern Way

Na Na Na Na Naa

You Can Have It All

Oh My God (Extended outro)

Born to Be a Dancer

Saturday Night

What Did I Ever Give You?

Time Honoured Tradition

Caroline, Yes

Team Mate (Extended outro)

Take My Temperature

Encore:

Blitzkrieg Bop (Ramones cover)

Never Miss a Beat

Hole in My Soul

Ruby

Coming Home

The Angry Mob

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