Latest news with #SergioPizzorno
BBC News
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Kasabian frontman receives honorary degree in Leicester
Kasabian frontman Sergio Pizzorno has been awarded an honorary degree from the University of Leicester. The 44-year-old co-founder of the Leicester indie band accepted his honorary doctorate of music at a graduation ceremony held at the city's De Montfort told the audience at the graduation ceremony receiving the degree in the city he grew up in was "surreal" and an "incredible honour". Kerry Law, deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Leicester said Pizzorno's story was "woven into the fabric of the city" and he was in the mould of "many of the university's great innovators". Pizzorno has been with Kasabian since 1997 with highlights including a 2014 Glastonbury headline spot, alongside seven UK number one receiving his award, Pizzorno said: "I'd like to give a huge thank you to the university for this incredible honour, and all of you graduating today, nice one, let's have a round of applause for you all."Pizzorno told the BBC the city meant "everything" to him and all the "major things" that happened in his life - from meeting his wife to being in a band - took place in Leicester."The city is in the blood, so it was the most beautiful thing to be honoured in your hometown at such a prestigious university," he said. Kerry Law told the audience at De Montfort Hall that like many graduates in attendance Pizzorno had "overcome barriers". She said: "At school he felt at odds with a formal approach to music education, and when he told his careers advisor he wanted to be a footballer, he was urged to be more realistic."'Fine', he said, 'I'll be a rock star'. A joke perhaps, but also a promise." 'Just enjoy it' The singer told the BBC it was "mad" that after nearly 20 years they were still able to go out and perform in front of thousands of people all over the world. "Usually you're on your way out 20 years in, everyone's kind of going 'oh thanks, move along', but it's kind of getting bigger and better than ever," he if he had any advice for those graduating today, he said: "Just try and enjoy life because it goes like that."So don't sweat the big stuff, the small stuff - just enjoy it."
Daily Mail
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Bone-chilling inspiration behind iconic rock band Kasabian's name REVEALED
British rock band Kasabian looked to the murderous Charles Manson cult for inspiration. Formed in 1997, the group's original line up consisted of Sergio Pizzorno, Chris Edwards, Tom Meighan and Chris Karloff. The band's name is said to be inspired by Linda Kasabian, who was part of the bizarre killer cult that participated in the two-day rampage that took the lives of multiple people across LA. In an interview with Ukula, bassist Chris revealed how former guitarist Karloff picked the moniker. 'He [Karloff] just thought the word was cool, it literally took about a minute after the rest of us heard it… so it was decided,' he told the publication. Guitarist and founding member Sergio allegedly also spoke to Radio X about the band's name. 'We were definitely into our serial killers,' he is reported to have told the publication. 'We liked that name, so we chose that.' Linda Kasabian played the role as getaway driver and lookout during the heinous Manson murders in 1969. While she was connected with the infamous family, she did not directly harm any of the victims during the tirade. She was 20 at the time, and previously admitted she fell under Charles Mason's 'spell' and wanted to do anything he demanded of her. Kasabian dodged jail by testifying against the other members of the cult. Over the two nights of mayhem in 1969, the gang murdered seven people. They were convicted of two additional murders, which took place afterwards. Roman Polanski's pregnant wife Sharon Tate was among the victims butchered during the ordeal. During the trial in 1970 and 1971, Kasabian was granted immunity in exchange for acting as a key witness for the prosecution of Manson. She told the trial how the massacres took place under his direction. She admitted to being the driver on the second night - in which Leno and Rosemary LaBianca were killed at their homes. It was thanks to her testimony that Manson, and those who directly acted in the murders, were sent to prison with life sentences. She was the only member of the murderous gang who escaped jail. Afterwards, she disappeared, changing her name and moving from state to state with her four children in a bid to avoid attention. Kasabian died in February 2023 aged 73. The band Kasabian went on to have huge hits over the decades, including Where Did All The Love Go? and Shoot The Runner. Karloff left the group in 2006, with lead singer Tom following him 14 years later, while percussionist Ian Matthews joined in 2005, and Tim Carter in 2021. In July 2020, Tom admitted to attacking his fiancée and dragging her by the ankles in a wine-fueled lockdown assault during the pandemic. He appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court and pleaded guilty to beating Vikki Ager in their back garden on April 9. A judge sentenced him to 200 hours unpaid work. Tom quit Kasabian one day before he was due in court after being accused of beating his former girlfriend. At the time, he broke the news of his exit in a statement saying he was dealing with 'personal issues' and wanted to concentrate on 'getting his life back on track.' The band's official Twitter account posted: 'Tom Meighan is stepping down from Kasabian by mutual consent. 'Tom has struggled with personal issues that have affected his behavior for quite some time and now wants to concentrate all his energies on getting his life back on track. We will not be commenting further.' Meighan later wrote on his page: 'Following today's announcement I just wanted to let you all know that I am doing well. 'I'm in a really good place now. Thanks for all your love and support. I'll be seeing you all very soon. TM x.' Tom married his partner Vikki in 2021, one year after pleading guilty to attacking her. The couple tied the knot at Harbourgh Registry Office in Leicester in July 2021 and released a statement reading: 'Tom has worked so hard on himself, his health, family unit and his relationship with Vicki over the past year.'
