Kasabian Rocks Melbourne’s Forum with an Unforgettable, High-Energy Set

By Olivia Burns

After seven long years, UK rock band Kasabian made their highly anticipated return to Australia on their Happenings Tour. It was their second show of the Australian run, following the previous night’s performance at the same iconic Melbourne venue, The Forum. The sold-out crowd warmly welcomed the band, with fellow UK indie rockers Blossoms and Melbourne’s own Pisco Sour opening the night.

As the rain poured outside, concertgoers rushed into the venue, seeking refuge. Some made their way to the front of the stage, while others grabbed drinks and merchandise before Pisco Sour took the stage. From the moment they started, the five piece band’s energy was electrifying. Lead singer Nich Marchase kicked off the performance with a daring handstand, before dramatically collapsing to the ground, only to spring back up and take center stage. Their performance was a powerful showcase of the incredible local talent emerging from Melbourne’s music scene, highlighting the importance of supporting local shows in an industry that faces ongoing challenges, yet continues to thrive with talent.

Next up were Blossoms, who quickly had the mosh pit packed with fans singing along or bopping to the music. The band as a whole exuded a cool energy, blending synth-pop vibes with an 80s-inspired sound. Lead singer Tom Ogden’s dramatic dance moves and captivating stage presence added a playful energy to the performance. Their fan base is growing rapidly, and I wouldn’t be surprised if their popularity leads to an Australian headline tour in the near future. Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed their performance, and it became a highlight of the evening. Blossoms is undoubtedly a band to keep on your radar.

Then came Kasabian, and with their 28 years of musical history, many in the crowd were there for a night of nostalgia, finally experiencing live renditions of songs they hadn’t heard in years, along with a change in lead singer, having Sergio Pizzornino joining the band in 2020. They kicked off the show with Call, instantly igniting a wave of energy that spread through the entire venue. During III Ray, Sergio got up close and personal with the fans along the barricade. Sergio commanded the stage with an unmatched intensity, and the crowd’s response was electric. The energy in The Forum was unlike anything I’d ever seen before—packed and buzzing with excitement.

The crowd was encouraged to hoist people on their shoulders, and soon enough, around 20 fans were up, passionately singing along. One lucky fan even received a thank you and dedicated song from Sergio after handing him a pint. Kasabian’s 17-track setlist spanned their entire discography, giving fans a taste of every era. The crowd was absolutely wild, singing along to every word. Fan favorites like Underdog and L.S.F. brought the venue to life, proving that these classic hits continue to captivate audiences long after their release. The band closed the night with a three-song encore, wrapping up with their most popular hit, Fire, bringing the evening to an unforgettable high.

Kasabian’s performance brought an energy out of the crowd that I haven’t witnessed in a while. It’s absolutely criminal that Australian fans have been deprived of their live show for so long. We were promised that it won’t be as long before they return, and judging by the crowd’s reaction, they were sorely missed.