Photo Copyright © Jo Forrest
Despite awful weather throughout the day, nothing was going to stop Elland Road rocking as Leeds United celebrated their centenary year in style with a massive gig headlined by local heroes the Kaiser Chiefs. Those hardcore fans who braved the rain were treated to an afternoon of great music from Skinny Living, The Marsicans and Gaz Coombes before The Sherlocks and The Vaccines turned things up a gear in preparation for the headliners although, wuth no disrespect to any of the bands who performed before them but, really, these centenary celebrations were all about the homecoming heroes and a stadium packed full of friends, family and fans who were out in force to welcome them home.
The Kaiser Chiefs were introduced on stage by Leeds United legend Chris Kamara who, prior to them coming on had the entire crowd singing the LUFC song ‘Marching On Together’ and, as the indie band bounced onto the stage, it was obvious the band and in particular frontman Ricky Wilson, were just a little bit happy to be home for this high profile local gig.
Opening with People Know How to Love One Another, the band rocked through a twenty-song set including all the favourites like Na Na Na Na Naa which saw the crowd drenched in streamers. Taking time out to inform fans about their upcoming new album, Wilson was a ball of energy on stage as Parachutes saw the frontman take a wander through the crowd before performing Modern Way and Target Market perched on top of the sound tower. It was an impressive sight but when the band followed that up with the big hitters Every Day I Love You Less and Less, Ruby and I Predict A Riot, the party really kicked up a gear and these centenary celebrations ended up being a night that for not only the Kaiser Chiefs and thousands of their closest fans, the whole city of Leeds will remember for a long time to come.
With support from Skinny Living, Gaz Coombs, The Marsicans, The Sherlocks and The Vaccines, Chris Kamara was the Leeds legend that introduced The Kaiser’s on www.
