After a decade-long hiatus from Cheltenham Racecourse, the Kaiser Chiefs are set to make a vibrant return this May, ready to embrace the lively and enthusiastic south-west crowds. Fresh off their 20th anniversary tour celebrating their debut album, Employment, which took them across the globe—from Madrid and Mexico City to Sydney and Perth—the indie-rock band is gearing up for the festival season with a headline performance at Cheltenham’s Wychwood Festival on Saturday, May 30.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Wychwood Festival, and the Kaiser Chiefs will join a star-studded lineup featuring Craig David, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Feeder, The Twang, Levellers, Chesney Hawkes, and more. While Wychwood has seen familiar acts like the Levellers headline multiple times, this gig will be a debut for the Leeds-based band, who last performed at Cheltenham Racecourse in 2013.
Keyboardist Nick “Peanut” Baines shared, “Coming back to Gloucestershire is exciting. The crowds tend to get rowdier the further southwest you go, which I like. We’ve played at Cheltenham Racecourse before but never at Wychwood. It’s also our first gig of the summer, so it’s a great way to kick things off.”
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Nick explained that festival sets demand a dynamic approach since the audience might not always be familiar fans. “We’ve got a lot of big hits that keep the energy high, and we aim to win over the crowd from the first song. We usually include a cover from our musical influences—previous tours featured ‘Pinball Wizard’ and The Ramones’ ‘Blitzkrieg Bop.’ We might switch things up this time. Our goal is a punchy, entertaining set that leaves everyone feeling great.”
When asked about his favorite live song to perform, Nick highlighted “I Predict A Riot,” noting its enduring appeal across generations. “It’s amazing to see new fans connect with a track that’s over 20 years old. Personally, I enjoy playing the intro to ‘Everyday I Love You Less and Less.’”
The band’s impact extends beyond festivals; their influence reached iconic Somerset band The Wurzels, who covered Kaiser Chiefs’ hit “Ruby” in 2010. Nick reflected, “Crossing into different musical worlds feels like a real compliment. When artists cover your songs, it means you’re still resonating in mainstream culture.”
On the secret to the Kaiser Chiefs’ longevity, Nick emphasized friendship: “Our music, crew, and management may change, but the core bond between us remains strong. When we step on stage, it’s just us playing music together. That friendship keeps us grounded and connected through everything.”
Looking ahead beyond the summer festival circuit, the band has been busy writing new material in their Leeds rehearsal space. “We focus on writing when we’re off the road. We’ve been creating new sounds and starting to shape fresh songs. It’s an exciting phase, and we’ll see where it leads after summer.”
Catch Kaiser Chiefs headlining Wychwood Festival on Saturday, May 30. Tickets are selling fast, so secure yours soon to experience one of the season’s most anticipated live shows.