In exciting news for indie fans across the region, Leeds’ very own Kaiser Chiefs have announced a massive hometown show to celebrate 20 years since the release of their iconic debut album, Employment. The band will take to the stage at Temple Newsam Park on Saturday 31st May 2025, joined by an incredible line-up of supporting acts, for what promises to be an unforgettable day of live music.
Released in March 2005, Employment became a landmark album in British music, going seven-times Platinum and earning numerous awards. With hits like ‘I Predict A Riot’ and ‘Oh My God’, the album is still the biggest ever selling record by a Leeds artist. For many, these songs are synonymous with the city’s culture, firmly intertwined with Leeds life, from football terraces to local festivals.
The band themselves are eagerly anticipating the show, marking not only the album’s anniversary but also their first performance at Temple Newsam in over two decades. The last time they played at the venue was in their earlier incarnation as Parva, back in 2002.
“Very excited to announce our biggest Leeds gig ever,” Kaiser Chiefs said. “Twenty years since Employment and twenty-three years since we last played at Temple Newsam – we are delighted to be back. Last time we played there (in Parva), we joked we were on after Guns N’ Roses, who had played the previous night, so it’s been a long wait to finally actually headline the park.”
They added, “We are a band that historically always looked forwards, but after 20 years of people telling us how important Employment is to them and how it soundtracked people’s lives, we felt we had to organise a celebration. We’ve managed to get a few of our old touring friends to come and celebrate with us, and of course, everyone is invited. Come celebrate the 2000s, Employment, and when Leeds took over the world. See you all in May.”
A Stellar Supporting Line-Up
The celebration doesn’t stop with Kaiser Chiefs. A stellar line-up of their peers from the mid-2000s indie scene will join the band, including Razorlight, The Cribs, The Coral, and We Are Scientists. Razorlight will mark the 20th anniversary of their own debut album Up All Night, while Yorkshire’s The Cribs will celebrate two decades since their classic sophomore album The New Fellas. Fans of indie rock can also look forward to Merseyside legends The Coral and US cult favourites We Are Scientists, who will commemorate the 20th anniversary of With Love And Squalor.
In addition to this wave of nostalgia, the event will also showcase the future of indie music, with performances from rising stars HotWax and West Yorkshire’s own Ellur, making it a true celebration of past, present, and future indie talent.
Tickets
Pre-sale tickets for the Kaiser Chiefs’ homecoming show are available now, with general admission tickets going on sale at 9am on Friday, 11th October. Fans can secure their spot for what’s set to be a momentous event by purchasing tickets here.
Get ready for a massive celebration of one of Leeds’ most iconic bands and a day filled with great music, both old and new. It’s an event no indie lover will want to miss!
