The inspiration for this Leeds, England-based outfit's unusual name came from soccer player Lucas Radebe, who before joining Leeds United played for the leading South African team Kaiser Chiefs. Andrew White (b. England; guitar), Ricky Wilson (b. Charles Richard Wilson, 17 January 1975, Keighley, West Yorkshire, England; vocals), Nick Baines (keyboards), Nick Hodgson (b. Nicholas Hodgson, 20 October 1977, England; drums) and Simon Rix (b. James Simon Rix, 18 October 1977, England; bass) formed the band in early 2003, having originally played garage rock under the Parva moniker. Their energetic brand of post-millennial guitar rock, which would have been branded "indie" in previous decades, quickly found favour on the local gig circuit. The quintet issued their debut, the XTC-soundalike "Oh My God", before they had even signed a proper recording contract, teaming up with the Drowned In Sound website in May 2004 for a limited edition release. A contract with the B-Unique label followed and the band began to attract wider interest at the end of 2004 with the release of their storming "I Predict A Riot". The topical lyrics, concerning alcohol-fuelled violence in small English towns, attracted as much attention as the band's anarchic update on late 70s post-punk.
The Kaiser Chiefs' career took off in 2005 following high profile appearances at the Glastonbury Festival and more importantly, in Philadelphia, representing the UK contingent at the USA Live 8 concert. Their highly enjoyable debut album Employment took up residency in the upper regions of the charts, while a reissued "Oh My God" and "Everyday I Love You Less And Less" reached the UK Top 10. In February 2006 the Kaiser Chiefs won three Brit Awards for Best Group, Best British Rock Act and Best Live Act. The band also notably run their own club night, "Pigs".
