Menu Close

Tom Meighan: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Rebirth

Tom Meighan likens his new album ‘Roadrunner’ to a runaway train – “it’s full throttle – pure rock and roll. It’s about looking forward not back,” says the former Kasabian frontman…

He’s buzzing about the release, and rightfully so. Roadrunner, out on January 24th, is his second solo album since parting ways with the legendary Leicester band he was in between 1997 and 2020.

Picture credit: Linda Stulic

But this certainly hits different to his first offering – 2023’s ‘The Reckoning’.

It’s Tom; upbeat, back on his feet and back to his best.

“Making that record was just fun. I said: ‘right, we’re not gonna do anything too deep – I’ve done all the crying, the shame – reflecting on life and everything I’ve been through’. I did that on the first album with tracks like ‘Scared’ and ‘Would You Mind’. So with this I’m just like ‘let’s have some fun!’” he says.

I wanted a pure rock and roll record and this is a beast – I’m thrilled by it. It knocks spots off the first album. It just does everything I wanted it to do and more…

The album’s opener ‘Use it or Lose it’ hits the listener like a sledgehammer. It’s loud, lairy and anthemic – the sort of music Kasabian were synonymous with during Tom’s 23 years at the helm.

Other tracks like ‘Exorcist’ and ‘White Lies’ also pack a hefty punch.

Although Kasabian continue to operate as the most successful band from Leicester, there are some who believe that they are missing a vital ingredient. ‘No Tom, no party’ is the battlecry of some fans who miss his unique, unpredictable brand of showmanship. Like a runaway train, he was known and loved for his crazy and commanding presence on stage.

However, he derailed in 2020, causing a controversial departure from the band.

As a solo artist, after plenty of soul searching and help with his mental health, he’s essentially had to start from scratch, rebuilding his reputation and honing his songwriting craft.

Last summer he played a homecoming gig at Aylestone’s Party in the Park – a relatively humble affair, but a treat nonetheless for fans of this masterful showman.

Picture credit: Pukaar News

“It was a bit of a celebration, we tested the water and it was fantastic” he says, recalling the event.

“We had about 1,200 people there which was great. The whole vibe of the thing was beautiful. It wasn’t a massive spectacle, but I loved it. It was quite emotional actually – so many people I knew staring out from the audience. In fact I think I went to school with half of them!”

Tom Meighan grew up in Blaby. He attended the former Leysland High School and later, Coutesthorpe College.

He wasn’t particularly academic, but made an impression in other ways with teachers quickly noting his loud personality and ‘star quality’.

“I had a music teacher called Mrs Smart. She always said to my Mum ‘he’ll end up on stage that boy will’. I didn’t take any music lessons but I was always very musical,” he tells Pukaar.

“I didn’t do too good on my grades, but it is what it is, ain’t it!?

“I did alright with things like Art and Drama, but some of my other subjects were ungraded. I’d get letters home and just rip ‘em up before my parents could see them!

If I didn’t go down the rock and roll route, who knows what would have become of me. You just don’t know do you? I could have been managing director of Walkers Crisps factory!

However, Tom joined Kasabian at the age of 21 and the rest is history. With the band, he headlined Glastonbury, sold four million albums, and even modelled for Burberry. Last year he toured with Noel Gallagher and he has performed with Richard Ashcroft – two of his idols who he also counts as friends.

In 2014, Kasabian played their legendary Summer Solstice gig at Leicester’s Victoria Park in front of 55,000 people.

“Vicky Park 2014 – you won’t never top that – everyone knows it,” says Tom proudly.

Summing up his career and his eventful journey in life so far, he says: “I’ve been to the big top ain’t I?! I’ve had some beautiful, amazing moments but I’ve also had lows – some very strange days… However, it’s behind me now and I’m staying focused, staying positive.

“I’ve been hit with a hammer—like one of those fairground games where you hit the bell and it goes up. I’ve hit the bell and come back up.”

Picture credit: Linda Stulic

Now 43, Tom’s looking forward to the future and continuing to do what he loves – singing and playing live.

“I feed off the crowd – it’s all about the crowd, it always has been with me,” he said.

“As long as I can still sing and I’ve got a heartbeat, then I’ll carry on doing what I’m doing – putting out music and having a good time!”

Roadrunner is available at: www.crashrecords.co.uk

By Louise Steel

RAF Advertisement