Kasabian share ‘ALYGATYR’, their first new single since Tom Meighan’s departure

Kasabian have released ‘ALYGATYR’, their first new track since Tom Meighan left the band in July 2020.

On ‘ALYGATYR’, strained guitars bend and snap, giving the track a classic Kasabian feel. It sees guitarist Serge Pizzorno, who released his solo music under the pseudonym The S.L.P. in 2019, take up the mantle as lead singer. 

Meighan’s departure from the group was confirmed in July 2020, only 24 hours before he was convicted of assaulting Vikki Ager. At the time, the band said they could “no longer work with him”, while Meighan pled guilty and was sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid work. 

Earlier this month (October 14), Meighan shared a teaser for his upcoming single, ‘Would You Mind’, describing music as his “therapy”. Meighan is also due to release his debut solo album. 

The former frontman has also recently released a blog post about his struggle with alcohol abuse, and the aftermath of the assault. In the post, he spoke about “consequence culture” and his ADHD diagnosis, as well as his sobriety.

He has since married Ms Ager.

Kasabian are currently on tour, and held their first gig since Meighan left the band, on October 13. As Pizzorno switched roles and took his place as the band’s new frontman, The Music’s Rob Harvey provided backing vocals. 

Fans have awaited their return to the stage patiently, with questions raised over how their new dynamic would work. Their first live shows have received relatively strong reviews, with Manchester Evening News awarding their Manchester show at O2 Victoria Warehouse four stars.

The band will continue to perform at venues across the UK until early November this year, and are set to perform at next year’s Isle of Wight Festival. The band will also support Liam Gallagher’s return to Knebworth in June 2022.