Kaiser Chiefs

{{Short description|English indie rock band}} {{About|the band|the South African football club the band is named after|Kaizer Chiefs F.C.}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2022}} {{Use British English|date=March 2012}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Kaiser Chiefs | image = Jaguar XE - Arrival in London (14999312137) (cropped).jpg | caption = the Kaiser Chiefs at the launch of the Jaguar XE in 2014 {{break}}From left: Andrew White, Simon Rix, Ricky Wilson, Nick Baines, Vijay Mistry | landscape = Yes | background = group_or_band | origin = Leeds, England | years_active = 1996–present | genre = Indie rock<ref name=AllMusic/> | label = MCA Music, Inc., B-Unique, Fiction, Polydor, Drowned in Sound, Mantra, Liberator, Caroline International, ATO, V2 Benelux | alias = * Runston Parva (1996–2000) * Parva (2000–2003) | website = {{URL|kaiserchiefs.com}} | current_members = * Ricky Wilson * Andrew White * Simon Rix * Nick Baines * Vijay Mistry | past_members = Nick Hodgson }} The '''Kaiser Chiefs''' are an English indie rock<ref name=AllMusic>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/kaiser-chiefs-mn0000932328/biography|title=Kaiser Chiefs|work=Allmusic|access-date=30 November 2014}}</ref><ref name=bbc1>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/sevenages/programmes/what-the-world-is-waiting-for|title= BBC – Seven Ages of Rock "What the World Is Waiting For"|year=2007|work=Seven Ages of Rock|access-date=2 March 2011}}</ref> band from Leeds who originally formed in 1996 as '''Runston Parva''', before shortening their name to '''Parva''' in 2000, and releasing one studio album, ''22'', in 2003, before renaming and establishing themselves in their current name that same year. Since their formation, the band has consisted of lead vocalist Ricky Wilson, guitarist Andrew "Whitey" White, bassist Simon Rix, keyboardist Nick "Peanut" Baines and since 2013 drummer Vijay Mistry, who replaced founding drummer Nick Hodgson following his departure from the band in late 2012.<ref name=guardian-songwriter-leaves>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/dec/05/kaiser-chiefs-songwriter-leaves-band |title=Kaiser Chiefs songwriter leaves band |newspaper=The Guardian |last=Michaels |first=Sean |date=5 December 2012 |access-date=5 December 2012}}</ref>{{efn|One-off reunion as co-guitarist and backing vocalist: 2025}}

Primarily inspired by new wave and punk rock music of the late 1970s and 1980s, the band has released eight original studio albums: ''Employment'' (2005), ''Yours Truly, Angry Mob'' (2007), ''Off with Their Heads'' (2008), ''The Future Is Medieval'' (2011), ''Education, Education, Education & War'' (2014), ''Stay Together'' (2016), ''Duck'' (2019), and ''Kaiser Chiefs' Easy Eighth Album'' (2024), one EP: ''Lap of Honour'' (2005), one compilation album: ''Souvenir: The Singles 2004–2012'' (2012) and numerous singles, including the number one hit song "Ruby" (2007).

Their album ''Employment'' enjoyed critical and commercial success with over three million copies sold.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kaiserchiefs.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070911220758/http://www.kaiserchiefs.co.uk/index.php?s=bio|url-status=dead|title=KAISER CHIEFS &#124; DUCK|archive-date=11 September 2007|website=Kaiser Chiefs}}</ref> It has won the band three Brit Awards, including the award for Best British Group,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4600150.stm|title=Brit Awards 2006: The winners|date=15 February 2006|publisher=News.bbc.co.uk|access-date=27 September 2014}}</ref> a NME award for Best Album,<ref name="NME 2">{{cite web|title=ShockWave NME Awards : Full List of Winner 2006 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/nme-awards/22318 |website=Nme.com |access-date=15 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112160423/http://www.nme.com/news/nme-awards/22318 |archive-date=12 January 2012 }}</ref> and was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize.<ref name="allmusic">Heather Phares. [{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r730702|pure_url=yes}} "Employment > Review"]. Allmusic. Retrieved 14 September 2007.</ref><ref name="prize">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4217140.stm|title=Antony and Johnsons win Mercury|website=News.bbc.co.uk|date=7 September 2005|access-date=27 September 2014}}</ref>

Their UK hit singles include 2004 and 2005 number 9 hit "I Predict a Riot", 2007 UK number 1 hit "Ruby", which has sold over 461,000 copies,<ref name="Official">{{cite web|last=Official|title=Official charts|website=Official Charts |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/reading-and-leeds-2012-official-top-40-biggest-selling-singles-revealed-1544/|access-date=23 August 2014}}</ref> from their platinum album ''Yours Truly, Angry Mob'' plus a further two Top 20 singles in 2007 with "The Angry Mob" and "Everything Is Average Nowadays". Their singles "Ruby" (2007), "I Predict a Riot" (2004), "Everyday I Love You Less and Less" (2005), "Never Miss a Beat" (2008) and "Oh My God" (2004) had sold a combined total of 1.1 million up to August 2012.<ref name="Official"/>

==History== ===Runston Parva (1996–2000)=== When they were around eleven years old, Nick Hodgson, Nick Baines and Simon Rix met in the same class at St. Mary's Catholic High School, Menston, West Yorkshire.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/leeds/content/image_galleries/music_musical_map_of_leeds_gallery.shtml?10-|title=BBC Leeds – Musical Map of Leeds|publisher=Bbc.co.uk|access-date=27 September 2014}}</ref> After leaving school, Rix and Baines left for university in 1996 whereas Hodgson remained in the Leeds area, meeting both Andrew White and Ricky Wilson. Hodgson, White and Wilson formed the band Runston Parva, a deliberate misspelling of a small East Riding of Yorkshire hamlet called Ruston Parva. After Runston Parva failed to secure a record deal, the group re-formed as Parva upon the return of Rix and Baines from university.

===Parva and ''22'' (2000–2003)=== Parva's career went beyond the boundaries of Leeds, and the band was able to obtain both a record and publishing deal. However, after Beggars Banquet closed the Mantra label, Parva were dropped and without any direction after the release of an album (''22'') and three singles ("Heavy", "Good Bad Right Wrong" and "Hessles").

According to manager James Sandom in an interview with HitQuarters, as a dropped band they had become damaged goods, "No one would touch them because they had a history. A lot of people used their history against them."<ref name="hitquarters.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_James_Sandom_Interview.html |title=Interview with James Sandom |publisher=HitQuarters|date=28 May 2007 |access-date=17 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720114859/http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_James_Sandom_Interview.html |archive-date=20 July 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The band decided that they would aim for a longer-term record deal and started afresh with new songs and a new name: Kaiser Chiefs. The new name was taken from South African football club Kaizer Chiefs, the first club of ex-Leeds United captain Lucas Radebe.<ref name="Kaiser Chiefs Interview">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/southyorkshire/content/articles/2005/04/14/kaiser_chiefs_interview.shtml|title=BBC - South Yorkshire - Entertainment - Kaiser Chiefs interview|website=Bbc.co.uk}}</ref>

Manager James Sandom was tipped off about the band by Drowned in Sound founder Sean Adams, who persuaded him to go and see them live. Sandom said: "I went to see a couple of shows and you were just bombarded by a series of potential hit singles." Soon after Sandom became their manager, Kaiser Chiefs signed to B-Unique Records. Atlantic Records had also made an offer for the band.<ref name="hitquarters.com"/>

===''Employment'' (2004–2005)=== [[File:Ricky wilson lollapalooza.jpg|thumb|upright|Ricky Wilson performing at Lollapalooza in 2005]] In July 2004, while still relatively unknown inside the UK, Kaiser Chiefs performed their first festival outside the UK at a festival in Moscow.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/7580 |title=The Ordinary Boys/Kaiser Chiefs : Liquid Rooms, Edinburgh, Wed, Oct 6 |last1=Sterry |first1=Mike |date=6 December 2004 |publisher=NME |access-date=9 March 2013}}</ref> headlined by UK band Goldblade. One of the major factors in the band's breakthrough in 2005 was their involvement in the NME Awards Tour at the beginning of the year.<ref name="NME">{{cite web|title=SHOCKWAVES NME AWARDS 2005|url=https://www.nme.com/news/nme-awards/19257|website=Nme.com|access-date=15 June 2011}}</ref> Like Coldplay and Franz Ferdinand before them, their position as opening act proved an influential one, attracting a lot of positive media attention.<ref name="hitquarters.com"/>

The group's debut album ''Employment'' was released in March 2005, being primarily inspired by new wave and punk rock music of the late 1970s and 1980s.<ref name="allmusic"/> The album was well received by music critics, described as "thrilling from beginning to end" and "quintessentially British, without pretension and most importantly, a whole lot of fun".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/kaiserchiefs/employment|title=Employment by Kaiser Chiefs|publisher=Metacritic.com|access-date=27 September 2014|archive-date=1 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100501121008/http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/kaiserchiefs/employment|url-status=dead}}</ref> It reached number two on the UK albums chart,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://acharts.us/album/13799|title=Employment Music Charts: Kaiser Chiefs|publisher=Acharts.us|access-date=27 September 2014}}</ref> and was certified five times platinum.<ref>[http://www.bpi.co.uk/platinum/platinumright.asp?rq=search_plat&r_id=32536 British platinum certification for ''Employment''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071018124557/http://bpi.co.uk/platinum/platinumright.asp?rq=search_plat&r_id=32536 |date=18 October 2007 }}. British Phonographic Industry. 17 February 2006. Retrieved 14 September 2007.</ref> In 2005, ''Employment'' was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize, an annual music prize awarded for the best British or Irish album from the previous year. Bookmakers made it favourite to win the award, but they eventually lost out to Antony and the Johnsons.<ref name="prize"/> In 2006, ''Employment'' won the Ivor Novello award for 'Best Album'<ref>{{cite web|title=Ivor Novello|url=https://www.nme.com/news/kaiser-chiefs/23163|website=Nme.com|access-date=15 June 2011}}</ref>

The first single released from the album was "Oh My God" in 2004, which reached number six on the UK singles chart when it was reissued in February 2005. In 2007, the song was covered by Mark Ronson and Lily Allen for Ronson's album ''Version''; the band had a cameo appearance in that version's music video.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oh My God Lily Allen and Mark Ronson |url=http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/2007/oh-my-god-lily-allen-and-mark-ronson/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100307150209/http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/2007/oh-my-god-lily-allen-and-mark-ronson/ |archive-date=2010-03-07 |access-date=2025-10-04 |website=theinspirationroom.com}}</ref> "I Predict a Riot" soon followed as the album's second release. In 2007, the song was ranked number thirty-six on the ''NME'' "Greatest Indie Anthems Ever" countdown.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/28031 |title=The Greatest Indie Anthems Ever – countdown continues |website=Nme.com |access-date=27 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115192800/http://www.nme.com/news/28031 |archive-date=15 November 2014 }}</ref> The top twenty singles "Everyday I Love You Less and Less" and "Modern Way" followed in late 2005. The band opened and performed several of their singles at the Philadelphia Live Eight concert in 2005.

In 2006, the band received NME awards for 'Best Album' for Employment and 'Best Dressed' for Ricky Wilson.<ref name="NME"/>

===''Yours Truly, Angry Mob'' (2006–2007)=== Kaiser Chiefs' second album ''Yours Truly, Angry Mob'' was released in February 2007. The group recorded the album throughout the September and October 2006 at Hookend Recording Studios in Oxfordshire, England. The group took inspiration from Led Zeppelin and American rock music, and recorded over twenty-two songs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/kaiser-chiefs/24815|title=The Kaiser Chiefs discuss new album|date=20 October 2006|website=Nme.com|access-date=27 September 2014}}</ref>

''Yours Truly, Angry Mob'' reached number one on the UK albums chart and number forty-five on the ''Billboard'' 200 albums chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://acharts.us/album/14927|title=''Yours Truly, Angry Mob'' Music Charts: Kaiser Chiefs|publisher=Acharts.us|access-date=27 September 2014}}</ref> The album went on to be the band's second Million Seller including the UK and European #1 Airplay Hit of 2007 "Ruby".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/kaiserchiefs/yourstrulyangrymob?q=kaiser%20chiefs|title=Yours Truly, Angry Mob by Kaiser Chiefs|publisher=Metacritic.com|access-date=27 September 2014|archive-date=22 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122114301/http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/kaiserchiefs/yourstrulyangrymob?q=kaiser%20chiefs|url-status=dead}}</ref>

"Ruby", the album's lead single, became Kaiser Chiefs' first UK number one single<ref name="ruby">{{cite web|url=http://acharts.us/song/11990|title=Ruby Music Charts: Kaiser Chiefs|publisher=Acharts.us|access-date=27 September 2014}}</ref> and received the 2007 'Q Award' for 'Best Video'.<ref name="Q Magazine">{{cite web|last=Q Magazine |title=Q Awards 2007 |url=http://www2.qawards.co.uk/2007/10/kaiser_chiefs_best_video.html |work=Kaiser Chiefs Best Video |publisher=IPC |access-date=15 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810045148/http://www2.qawards.co.uk/2007/10/kaiser_chiefs_best_video.html |archive-date=10 August 2011 }}</ref> "Everything Is Average Nowadays" was released as the album's second single, and reached No.&nbsp;19 in the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://acharts.us/song/26066|title=Everything Is Average Nowadays Music Charts: Kaiser Chiefs|publisher=Acharts.us|access-date=27 September 2014}}</ref> The album's third single "The Angry Mob" peaked at number twenty-two in the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kaiserchiefs.co.uk/index.php?s=press-view&press_id=95|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013143344/http://kaiserchiefs.co.uk/index.php?s=press-view&press_id=95|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 October 2007|title=Kaiser Chiefs - Press|date=13 October 2007|access-date=15 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://acharts.us/song/27479|title=The Angry Mob Music Charts: Kaiser Chiefs|publisher=Acharts.us|access-date=27 September 2014}}</ref> The fourth single, "Love's Not a Competition (But I'm Winning)", was released on 12 November as a collector's edition 7" only single via their website. In October 2007, the band contributed a cover of the Move's "Flowers in the Rain" as the opening track for the covers compilation album ''Radio 1: Established 1967'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC - Radio 1 - Established 1967 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/established1967/feature/40artists.shtml |access-date=2025-10-04 |website=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> in celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the launch of BBC Radio 1, the Move's original famously the first song to air on the station upon its launch.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Radio Rewind - History - Launch day 1967 |url=https://www.radiorewind.co.uk/radio1/radio_1_launch_day.htm |access-date=2025-10-04 |website=www.radiorewind.co.uk}}</ref>

In December 2007, Kaiser Chiefs played two sold-out shows at Earl's Court in London<ref>{{cite web|last=Click Music News|title=Kaiser Chiefs add second London date|url=http://www.clickmusic.com/news/article/Kaiser-Chiefs-Add-Second-London-Date|work=Click Music News- Kaiser Chiefs add second London date|access-date=15 June 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817120347/http://www.clickmusic.com/news/article/Kaiser-Chiefs-Add-Second-London-Date|archive-date=17 August 2011}}</ref> to a capacity crowd of 30,000.<ref>{{cite web|last=Earl's Court Public Event|title=ECO Public Event Space|url=http://www.eco.co.uk/p/public-event-space/157|access-date=15 June 2011}}</ref>

===''Off with Their Heads'' (2008–2009)=== [[File:KC stage Elland Rd 240508.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The stage at Elland Road stadium on 24 May 2008.]] On 4 August 2008, the band confirmed the name of their third album as ''Off with Their Heads''.<ref name="offwiththeirheads">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a118969/kaisers-reveal-off-with-their-heads-lp.html |title=Kaisers reveal Off With Their Heads LP |access-date=4 August 2008 |date=4 August 2008 |work=Digital Spy}}</ref> It was released on 20 October 2008. The first single "Never Miss a Beat" was released on 27 August 2008.

The band also released a DVD of their live performance at Elland Road from 24 May where they played to a sold out capacity crowd of 40,000 people.<ref name=Amazon>{{cite web|last=Amazon|title=Live At Elland Road|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kaiser-Chiefs-Live-Elland-Road/dp/B001IBCY36|work=Kaiser Chiefs Live At Elland Road|date=25 November 2008 |publisher=Amazon|access-date=15 June 2011}}</ref> The DVD contains the full set from the home of Leeds United as well as highlights from the Kaiser Chiefs performance for the 2007 BBC Electric Proms.

Kaiser Chiefs set out on a UK tour in October 2008 with Castle Donington band Late of the Pier and The Hair. The tour started at Leeds Academy, a new venue where they were the first headlining band to play. Other dates included Manchester Academy, Southampton Guildhall, Reading Rivermead, Glasgow Barrowlands, Leicester De Montfort Hall and London Forum.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2008-08-18 |title=Kaiser Chiefs announce UK tour |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/music/newsid_7568000/7568312.stm |access-date=2026-04-03 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Kaiser Chiefs headed out on a UK Arena tour between February and March 2009, kicking off in Nottingham and ending in London. The tour visited Sheffield, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Newcastle, Manchester, Liverpool, Cardiff and Dublin. This was the new album tour to promote ''Off with Their Heads''. The band featured on several shows over Christmas 2008 including performing "Never Miss a Beat" with Girls Aloud on their TV Special and playing the same song on the Christmas Day edition of ''Top of the Pops''.

On 16 July 2009, they played at Marés Vivas in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal as headliners on that day. They, along with Republic of Loose, opened for U2 in Croke Park in Dublin on 25 July 2009. They then opened for Green Day from 27 July to 7 August 2009, and the final shows before their 2-year hiatus were performed at Reading and Leeds Festival 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsfestival.com/ |title=Home – Leeds Festival 2011 |publisher=Leedsfestival.com |access-date=21 July 2011}}</ref>

=== ''The Future Is Medieval'' (2010–2011) === Following a hiatus, Kaiser Chiefs announced that they expected to release their fourth studio album in mid-2011. The album was recorded over a period of eighteen months at various locations including drummer Nick Hodgson's self-built east-London studio.<ref>{{cite news|last=Paphides|first=Peter|title=Kaiser Chiefs But Under Your Control|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/jun/03/kaiser-chiefs-the-future-is-medieval|work=Kaiser Chiefs The Future Is Medieval|publisher=The Guardian (www.theguardian.com)|access-date=15 June 2011|location=London|date=3 June 2011}}</ref> The album's producers included Tony Visconti, Ethan Johns and Owen Morris, in addition to Nick Hodgson himself.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Kaiser Chiefs Self-Release 'The Future Is Medieval'|url=http://www.sentimentalistmag.com/2011/06/04/the-kaiser-chiefs-self-release-the-future-is-medieval/|work=The Sentamentalist Magazine|access-date=15 June 2011}}</ref> On 3 June 2011, Kaiser Chiefs launched their new album from their website. Using a create-your-own album technique, fans were able to choose 10 out of 20 songs to create "their album" for £7.50; the band provides streams of roughly one minute to preview each track before selection. Many celebrities including, Radio One DJ Chris Moyles, The Guardian Newspaper, and frontman Ricky Wilson, created their own version of the album, donating the £1 reimbursement for each copy sold to the Alzheimer's Society.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kaiser Chiefs support Alzheimer's Society with the launch of their new album|url=http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/news_article.php?newsID=982|publisher=Alzheimer's Society|access-date=15 June 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110919062548/http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/news_article.php?newsID=982|archive-date=19 September 2011}}</ref>

On 27 June 2011, Kaiser Chiefs released an official track listing for the album, featuring 12 of the 20 available tracks and including a previously unheard track 'Kinda Girl You Are' which did not make the initial launch as it was not ready in time.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kaiser Chiefs New |url=http://www.kaiserchiefs.com/home/BandNews |work=Kaiser Chiefs Band News |publisher=Kaiser Chiefs.com |access-date=15 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606033359/http://www.kaiserchiefs.com/home/BandNews |archive-date=6 June 2011 }}</ref> They played two sell out comeback gigs at Falmouth Princess Pavilion. Then followed by appearances at Germany's Hurricane and Southside Festivals in June, Switzerland's Gurten Festival, Pinkpop in The Netherlands, Belgium's Rock Werchter, Portuguese festival Optimus Alive! in July, V Festival in August, Hard Rock Calling in June, the Isle of Wight Festival in June and at Terres Rouges Festival in Luxembourg in September. They also played at Tennants Vital in Bangor, Northern Ireland and in September they played two sold-out home town shows at Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds. They also be played in October in Festa das Latas, Coimbra – Portugal.

On 6 March 2012 the album was re-released under the title ''Start The Revolution Without Me'' for the US market. The track list differs significantly from the initial release, including the track "On The Run", which is exclusive to the US album and served as its lead single in early 2012.<ref name="UK tour"/>

===''Souvenir'', Hodgson's departure (2012–2013)=== [[File:Kaiser Chiefs London 2012.jpg|thumb|right|The Kaiser Chiefs performing "Pinball Wizard" at the London Summer Olympics closing ceremony in August 2012]] [[File:KaiserChiefs-Greenville-Festival-2013-9.jpg|thumb|right|Ricky Wilson in concert in Germany in 2013.]] In early 2012, Kaiser Chiefs played a 20 date tour of the United Kingdom, followed by a tour of North America.<ref name="UK tour">{{cite web|title=Kaiser Chiefs Announce US Album/Tour|url=https://www.nme.com/news/kaiser-chiefs/61479 |website=Nme.com|access-date=23 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Kaiser Chiefs Announce UK Tour|url=https://www.nme.com/news/kaiser-chiefs/58726 |website=Nme.com|access-date=23 January 2012}}</ref>

Kaiser Chiefs released their first compilation album, ''Souvenir: The Singles 2004–2012'', in the UK on 4 June 2012. The album features all of the singles released by the band from 2004 to 2012, as well as a new track titled "Listen to Your Head".

Drummer Nick Hodgson announced on 4 December 2012 that he had left the band to concentrate on other projects.<ref name="guardian-songwriter-leaves"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thisisfakediy.co.uk/articles/news/drummer-nick-hodgson-leaves-kaiser-chiefs/ |title=Drummer Nick Hodgson Leaves Kaiser Chiefs |publisher=Thisisfakediy.co.uk |access-date=13 December 2012 |archive-date=7 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121207072107/http://www.thisisfakediy.co.uk/articles/news/drummer-nick-hodgson-leaves-kaiser-chiefs/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The band later issued a statement on their website confirming this.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kaiserchiefs.com/news/band-statement-on-nicks-departure |title=Band statement on Nick's departure &#124; News |publisher=Kaiser Chiefs |access-date=13 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121207034940/http://www.kaiserchiefs.com/news/band-statement-on-nicks-departure |archive-date=7 December 2012 }}</ref> On 7 February 2013 it was announced that Vijay Mistry from the band Club Smith would be joining the Kaiser Chiefs as their new drummer.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vijay Mistry is Kaiser Chiefs' new drummer |url=https://drummerszone.com/news/vijay-mistry-is-kaiser-chiefs-new-drummer/music-news-2-11657/article/?language=4 |website=DrummersZone.com |date=February 8, 2013 }}</ref> Hodgson later opined in a February 2025 retrospective interview with the ''Daily Mirror'' that the band should have disbanded instead of replacing him.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bird |first=Daniel |date=2025-02-21 |title=Kaiser Chiefs star says band should have 'stopped whole thing' over 10 years ago |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/kaiser-chiefs-star-admits-band-34708186 |access-date=2026-01-07 |website=Daily Mirror |language=en}}</ref>

The band were one of two support bands for Green Day's one-off concert at the Emirates Stadium in London on 1 June 2013 along with All Time Low. The band's UK tour included 13 shows, beginning at Carlisle Sands Centre on 11 February and ending at London's O2 Academy Brixton on 1 March. The run of shows also includes gigs in Glasgow, Dunfermline, Manchester, Bridlington, Newcastle, Preston, Cheltenham, Wolverhampton, Southampton, Margate and Cambridge. They then went on to headline one of the Eden Sessions at the Eden Project, Cornwall. They played a hometown concert at the First Direct Arena in September 2013, being one of the first artists to perform at the new venue.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2012-11-27/leeds-kaiser-chiefs-return-home-to-play-leeds-arena/ |title=Leeds Kaiser Chiefs return home to play Leeds arena &#124; Calendar - ITV News |publisher=Itv.com |date=27 November 2012 |access-date=13 December 2012}}</ref>

===''Education, Education, Education & War'' (2014&ndash;2015)=== The band's fifth studio album, titled ''Education, Education, Education & War'' was released on 31 March 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/education-education-education/780584347 |title=Education, Education, Education & War by Kaiser Chiefs |date=January 2014 |publisher=iTunes |access-date=6 January 2014}}</ref> ''Education, Education, Education & War'' is the first album featuring the new Kaiser Chiefs drummer, Vijay Mistry, after Nick Hodgson left the group in December 2012.<ref name="Digital Spy"/> The album was produced by Ben H. Allen III (who has previously worked with Gnarls Barkley, Animal Collective, and Deerhunter), and recorded at The Maze Studio in Atlanta. Three songs were co-written with Fraser T Smith (CeeLo Green, Adele).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/kaiser-chiefs/74190 |title=Kaiser Chiefs announce new album – watch |work=NME |date=3 December 2013 |access-date=3 January 2014}}</ref><ref name="Spin release">{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2013/12/kaiser-chiefs-education-war-album-trailer-track-list/ |title=Kaiser Chiefs Preview Fifth Album 'Education, Education, Education & War' |work=Spin |first=Chris |last=Martins |date=3 December 2013 |access-date=3 January 2014}}</ref> It was mixed by Michael Brauer (My Morning Jacket, Coldplay) at Electric Lady Studios in New York City in November 2013.<ref name="ATO Records">{{cite web|url=http://atorecords.com/featured/kaiser-chiefs-announce-new-album-out-april-1st/ |title=KAISER CHIEFS Announce New Album Out April 1st. Pre-Order Now |publisher=ATO Records |date=3 December 2013 |access-date=6 January 2014}}</ref> On 5 December 2013, Kaiser Chiefs released a song titled "Misery Company" onto their SoundCloud account. The song had previously been performed live during the band's 2013 summer tour.<ref name="Digital Spy">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a537116/kaiser-chiefs-debut-new-song-misery-company-listen.html |title=Kaiser Chiefs debut new song 'Misery Company' - listen |publisher=Digital Spy |first=Lewis |last=Corner |date=10 December 2013 |access-date=6 January 2013}}</ref><ref name="Misery">{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/kaiser-chiefs/74333 |title=Kaiser Chiefs unveil new track 'Misery Company' – listen |work=NME |date=10 December 2013 |access-date=6 January 2013}}</ref> On 3 January 2014, "Bows & Arrows" premiered on ''Rolling Stone'' magazine's website.

''Education, Education, Education & War'' was toured across Europe and the Americas throughout 2014 and 2015.

In 2015, they supported the Foo Fighters during the South Africa, South America and Ireland legs of their Sonic Highways World Tour. They also released stand alone single 'Falling Awake' on 27 January 2015 via their YouTube channel.

=== ''Stay Together'' (2016–2017) === ''Stay Together'', the band's sixth studio album, was released on 7 October 2016. It was co-written and produced by Brian Higgins, whose production company Xenomania has worked with the likes of Girls Aloud and Pet Shop Boys. The album's name is a reference to the song "We Stay Together".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.radiox.co.uk/artists/kaiser-chiefs/music/listen-kaiser-chiefs-unveil-parachute-single/#hOwt3Dfjk7RI9FQ3.97|title=LISTEN: KAISER CHIEFS UNVEIL PARACHUTE SINGLE {{!}} Radiox.co.uk/|last=Radiox.co.uk|website=Radiox.co.uk|language=en-GB|access-date=13 June 2016|archive-date=9 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009084350/http://www.radiox.co.uk/artists/kaiser-chiefs/music/listen-kaiser-chiefs-unveil-parachute-single/#hOwt3Dfjk7RI9FQ3.97|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/kaiser-chiefs/91644|title=Kaiser Chiefs working on new album of love songs |website=Nme.com|language=en-GB|access-date=7 May 2016}}</ref> The first single from the album, "Parachute", was released on 14 June 2016. The second single, "Hole In My Soul" was released 18 August 2016 and the third and final single, "We Stay Together" was released on 9 December 2016.

This welcome return to the limelight saw ‘Stay Together’ push new boundaries to "take this nondescript sound and stuff it impressively full of sing-a-long hooks, covering topics including monogamy (We Stay Together) and shagging (Good Clean Fun)" as it marked an entirely new direction for the band, who went for a more dance-oriented sound.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/oct/06/kaiser-chiefs-stay-together-review-caroline|title=Kaiser Chiefs: Stay Together review – nondescript but still full of hooks|website=The Guardian|date=6 October 2016|access-date=17 May 2017|last1=Aroesti|first1=Rachel}}</ref> While ''Education, Education, Education and War'' was more focused on politics and the perils of war, the Kaiser Chiefs made the album with a focus on love and relationships. Wilson elaborated further on the stark contrast between this last album and 'Stay Together': "The thing about writing a protest album is it's straightforward. Only an idiot would disagree with you. You're just saying war is bad. But when you start talking about relationships like on this record it's harder because there's a lot more blurred line. There's no right or wrong."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Trefor|first1=Cai|title=Kaiser Chiefs' Ricky Wilson Opens Up About New Album Stay Together|url=http://www.gigwise.com/blogs/108272/kaiser-chiefs-stay-together-new-album-parachute-hole-in-my-soul|website=Gigwise|access-date=13 October 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161014061046/http://www.gigwise.com/blogs/108272/kaiser-chiefs-stay-together-new-album-parachute-hole-in-my-soul|archive-date=14 October 2016}}</ref>

The band performed a string of best of forest shows in the summer of 2016 as part the ''Forestry Commission'''s ''Forest Live'' series. Stay Together was toured across Europe in early 2017.

===''Duck'' (2018–2021)=== The band signed with their original label Polydor Records for their seventh studio album, ''Duck'', which released on 26 July 2019. For the album the band reunited with Ben H. Allen, the producer who worked on the band's 2014 album ''Education, Education, Education & War''. The album was preceded by a UK tour in January and February, including concerts at London's O2 Academy Brixton and O2 Academy Birmingham, where several new songs from the album were premiered. The band also played a homecoming show at Elland Road in Leeds on 8 June 2019, which was also to celebrate 100 years of Leeds United.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kaiser Chiefs To Celebrate 100 Years Of Leeds United With Elland Road Gig |url=https://www.radiox.co.uk/artists/kaiser-chiefs/celebrate-100-years-leeds-united-elland-road-gig/ |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=Radio X |language=en}}</ref>

The first single from the album, "Record Collection", was released on 23 May 2019, with "People Know How To Love One Another" released as a second single on 6 June 2019. "Golden Oldies" was released as the third single in October 2019. The album entered at number three in the UK album charts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/15414/kaiser-chiefs/ |title=Kaiser Chiefs |website=Official Charts|access-date=28 March 2020}}</ref> ''Duck'' was later toured around arenas in the UK and Europe in early 2020, with all further touring cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

===''Kaiser Chiefs' Easy Eighth Album'' (2022–present)=== In October 2022, the band announced the single "How 2 Dance", the first for V2 Records, which was released on 4 November. The song is part of their eighth album, ''Kaiser Chiefs' Easy Eighth Album'',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://propermusic.com/products/kaiserchiefs-kaiserchiefseasyeighthalbum|title=Kaiser Chiefs|website=ProperMusic|access-date=24 October 2023}}</ref> produced by Nile Rodgers and Amir Amor.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/kaiser-chiefs-how-2-dance-single-ricky-wilson-interview-new-album-nile-rodgers-rudimental-3342260 |title=Kaiser Chiefs share new single 'How 2 Dance' and talk new album: "No-one's stopping us" |website=NME|date=4 November 2022 |access-date=4 November 2022}}</ref> The second single, "Jealousy", was released on 11 April 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CqnmEgDqg4e/ |title=Kaiser Chiefs |website=Instagram|access-date=10 April 2023}}</ref> The third single, "Feeling Alright", was released on 25 October 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://soundcloud.com/kaisersofficial/feeling-alright-1/s-h8e0FSRytSKsi=224f818f69f64ed5b6a8788640e82810 |title=Kaiser Chiefs |website=Soundcloud|access-date=24 October 2023}}</ref> The album was released on March 1, 2024. On 31 May 2025, during the band's 20th anniversary tour for ''Employment'' at Newsham Park, former drummer Nick Hodgson reunited with the band for a one-off performance of "Oh My God"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-04 |title=Live review: Kaiser Chiefs enjoy rowdy Yorkshire homecoming in front of 30,000 fans |url=https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/live-review-kaiser-chiefs-enjoy-rowdy-yorkshire-homecoming-in-front-of-30000-fans-5160737 |access-date=2026-01-07 |website=Doncaster Free Press |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=I made a little reel from a load of clips from my cameo with @kaiserchiefs. Thanks to everyone who captured it and everyone who sang along and cheered. Major thanks to those Kaiser Chiefs, I’ll never forget this moment. 13 years in the making. 😍 Well done @patrick_bamford too! |url=https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKW0czgNuXr/ |access-date=2026-01-10 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref> as a co-guitarist and co-vocalist, with the band performing as a six-piece, Hodgson's first performance with the band in thirteen years.

==Awards and nominations==

{{Awards table|5}} |- | 2005 | MTV Europe Music Awards | Best New Act | Themselves | {{nom}} | |- | 2005 | MTV Europe Music Awards | Best UK & Ireland Act | Themselves | {{nom}} | |- | 2005 | MTV Video Music Awards Japan | Best New Artist Video | "I Predict a Riot" | {{nom}} | |- | 2005 | Mercury Prize | Album of the Year | ''Employment'' | {{nom}} | |- | 2005 | NME Awards | Phillip Hall Radar Award | Themselves | {{won}} | |- | 2005 | Popjustice £20 Music Prize | Best British Pop Single | "Everyday I Love You Less and Less" | {{nom}} | |- | 2005 | Q Awards | Best New Act | Themselves | {{nom}} | |- | 2005 | Q Awards | Best Album | ''Employment'' | {{nom}} | |- | 2005 | Žebřík Music Awards | Best International Surprise | Themselves | {{nom}} | <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.anketazebrik.cz/historie/2010-2004/ |title = 2010-2004 – Anketa Žebřík}}</ref> |- | 2006 | Brit Awards | British Rock Act | Themselves | {{won}} | |- | 2006 | Brit Awards | British Live Act | Themselves | {{won}} | |- | 2006 | Brit Awards | British Group | Themselves | {{won}} | |- | 2006 | Brit Awards | British Breakthrough Act | Themselves | {{nom}} | |- | 2006 | Brit Awards | British Album of the Year | ''Employment'' | {{nom}} | |- | 2006 | Ivor Novello Awards | Album Award | ''Employment'' | {{won}} | |- | 2006 | Ivor Novello Awards | Best Contemporary Song | "I Predict a Riot" | {{nom}} | |- | 2006 | Meteor Music Awards | Best International Group | Themselves | {{won}} | |- | 2006 | Meteor Music Awards | Best International Album | ''Employment'' | {{won}} | |- | 2006 | NME Awards | Best British Band | Themselves | {{nom}} | |- | 2006 | NME Awards | Best Live Band | Themselves | {{nom}} | |- | 2006 | NME Awards | Best Track | "I Predict a Riot" | {{nom}} | |- | 2006 | NME Awards | Best Video | "I Predict a Riot" | {{nom}} | |- | 2006 | NME Awards | Best Music DVD | ''Enjoyment'' | {{nom}} | |- | 2006 | NME Awards | Best Album | ''Employment'' | {{won}} | |- | 2006 | NME Awards | Best Dressed | Ricky Wilson | {{won}} | |- | 2006 | Silver Clef Awards | Best British Act | Themselves | {{won}} | |- | 2007 | Antville Music Video Awards | Best Narrative Video | "The Angry Mob" | {{nom}} | |- | 2007 | MVPA Awards | Best Narrative Video | "The Angry Mob" | {{nom}} | |- | 2007 | Q Awards | Best Album | ''Yours Truly, Angry Mob'' | {{nom}} | |- | 2007 | Q Awards | Best Track | "Ruby" | {{nom}} | |- | 2007 | Q Awards | Best Video | "Ruby" | {{won}} | |- | 2007 | TMF Awards | Best International Rock | Themselves | {{nom}} | |- | 2007 | TMF Awards | Best International Live | Themselves | {{nom}} | |- | 2007 | Nickelodeon's UK Kids Choice Awards | Best Music Video | "Ruby" | {{nom}} | |- | 2008 | Brit Awards | British Group | Themselves | {{nom}} | |- | 2008 | Brit Awards | British Live Act | Themselves | {{nom}} | |- | 2008 | ECHO Awards | Best International Group | Themselves | {{nom}} | |- | 2008 | Ivor Novello Awards | Most Performed Work | "Ruby" | {{nom}} | |- | 2008 | NME Awards (USA) | Best International Alternative/Indie Live Act | Themselves | {{nom}} | |- | 2008 | NME Awards | Best Live Band | Themselves | {{nom}} | |- | 2008 | Q Awards | Best Live Act | Themselves | {{won}} | |- | 2008 | UK Music Video Awards | Best Rock Video | "Love's Not a Competition (But I'm Winning)" | {{nom}} | |- | 2009 | MTV Australia Awards | Best Rock Video | "Never Miss a Beat" | {{nom}} | |- | 2009 | NME Awards | Best Music DVD | ''Live at Elland Road'' | {{nom}} | |- | 2009 | UK Music Video Awards | Best Music AD | ''Off with Their Heads'' | {{nom}} | |- | 2011 | BT Digital Music Awards | Best Artist Promotion | Kaiser Chiefs' ''The Future is Medieval'' album launch | {{won}} | |- | 2011 | Q Awards | Q Innovation in Sound | Themselves | {{won}} | |- | 2012 | D&AD Awards | Digital Solutions & Use of Social Media | ''The Kaiser Chiefs Bespoke Album Creation Experience'' | {{won|place=Gold|Yellow Pencil}} | |- | 2012 | D&AD Awards | Integrated | ''The Kaiser Chiefs Bespoke Album Creation Experience'' | {{won|place=Gold|Yellow Pencil}} | |- | 2014 | Q Awards | Best Track | "Coming Home" | {{nom}} | |- | 2015 | MTV Europe Music Awards | Best World Stage Performance | Themselves | {{nom}} | {{end}}

==Band members== {{col-begin}} {{col-3}}

'''Current members''' * Ricky Wilson – lead vocals, auxiliary percussion (1996–present) * Andrew White – guitar, backing vocals (1996–present) * Simon Rix – bass, backing vocals (2000–present) * Nick Baines – keyboards, synthesizers, piano, organ (2000–present), guitar (2000–2003) * Vijay Mistry – drums, percussion (2013–present)

{{col-3}}

'''Touring musicians''' * Benjamin Witt – guitar (2025 Australian tour; substitute for Andrew White)

{{col-3}}

'''Former members''' * Nick Hodgson – drums, percussion, acoustic guitar, backing and occasional lead vocals (1996–2012, 2025) {{col-end}}

;Timeline {{#tag:timeline| ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:20 PlotArea = left:90 bottom:100 top:0 right:10 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy Period = from:01/01/1996 till:{{#time:d/m/Y}} TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:3 ScaleMajor = increment:3 start:1996 ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1996

Colors = id:Vocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals,_auxilary_percussion id:BVocals value:pink legend:Backing_vocals id:Guitar value:green legend:Guitar id:AGuitar value:teal legend:Acoustic_guitar,_occasional_lead_vocals id:Bass value:blue legend:Bass id:Keyboards value:purple legend:Keyboards id:Drums value:orange legend:Drums,_percussion id:Lines1 value:black legend:Studio_albums

BarData = bar:Wilson text:"Ricky Wilson" bar:White text:"Andrew White" bar:Rix text:"Simon Rix" bar:Baines text:"Nick Baines" bar:Hodgson text:"Nick Hodgson" bar:Mistry text:"Vijay Mistry"

PlotData= width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4) bar:Wilson from:01/01/1996 till:end color:Vocals bar:White from:01/01/1996 till:end color:Guitar bar:White from:01/01/1996 till:end color:BVocals width:3 bar:Rix from:01/01/2000 till:end color:Bass bar:Rix from:01/01/2000 till:end color:BVocals width:3 bar:Baines from:01/01/2000 till:end color:Keyboards bar:Baines from:01/01/2000 till:28/09/2003 color:Guitar width:3 bar:Mistry from:06/02/2013 till:end color:Drums bar:Hodgson from:01/01/1996 till:04/12/2012 color:Drums bar:Hodgson from:28/09/2003 till:04/12/2012 color:AGuitar width:7 bar:Hodgson from:01/01/1996 till:04/12/2012 color:BVocals width:3

LineData= at:24/02/2002 color:lines1 layer:back at:07/03/2005 at:26/02/2007 at:20/10/2008 at:03/06/2011 at:31/03/2014 at:07/10/2016 at:26/07/2019 at:01/03/2024 }}

==Discography== {{Main|Kaiser Chiefs discography}}

* ''22'' (as ''Parva'', 2003) * ''Employment'' (2005) * ''Yours Truly, Angry Mob'' (2007) * ''Off with Their Heads'' (2008) * ''The Future Is Medieval'' (2011) * ''Education, Education, Education & War'' (2014) * ''Stay Together'' (2016) * ''Duck'' (2019) * ''Kaiser Chiefs' Easy Eighth Album'' (2024)

==Tours== *''Employment'' Tour (2005–2006) *''Yours Truly, Angry Mob'' Tour (2007–2008) *''Off With Their Heads'' Tour (2008–2009) *''The Future is Medieval'' Tour (2011–2012) *''Souvenir Tour'' (2012–2013) *''Education, Education, Education & War'' Tour (2014–2015) *''Stay Together'' Tour (2016–2018) *''Duck'' Tour (2019–2021) *''All Together'' (2022) *''The Easy Eighth Tour'' (2024) *''20 Years of Employment'' Tour (2025)

==References== {{Reflist}} {{Notelist}}

==External links== {{commons}} * {{official website|http://www.kaiserchiefs.com/}} *{{Discogs artist}}

{{Kaiser Chiefs}} {{Navboxes |title = Awards for Kaiser Chiefs |list = {{Brit British Group}} {{Brit Rock/Alternative Act}} }} {{Authority control}}

Category:Kaiser Chiefs Category:Indie rock groups from Leeds Category:English power pop groups Category:Brit Award winners Category:Britpop groups Category:Ivor Novello Award winners Category:Fiction Records artists Category:Long Branch Records artists Category:Musical groups established in 2000 Category:English musical quintets Category:Universal Motown Records artists Category:ATO Records artists Category:2000 establishments in England