Kasabian

Originally named Saracuse, British band Kasabian renamed itself for Linda Kasabian, a member of the Manson family and Charles Manson’s getaway driver. The band also has more positive 1960s influences, however, which informs its psychedelic Brit-pop sound. Founded in 1997 in Leicester, Kasabian is currently made up of Tom Meighan (vocals), Sergio Pizzorno (guitar, vocals), Chris Edwards (bass), Ian Matthews (drums), and Jay Mehler (guitar). Kasabian's eponymous album was released in 2004 to modest success, leading to an appearance at the Glastonbury Festival, while the band's third single, “Club Foot,” was its first big success, charting on the UK Singles Chart. Kasabian followed with the albums Empire and West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum, with hit singles “Me Plus One,” “Vlad the Impaler,” “Empire,” and “Shoot the Runner.” The band started working on the album Velociraptor! in 2011 and headlined various festivals, including the Reading and Leeds Festivals. In 2010, Kasabian received a Brit Award for Best British Group.