Coachella 2012: Kaiser Chiefs and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, in the rear-view mirror
Kevin Bronson on
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Who: Kaiser Chiefs and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds on the main stage
In 3 or Fewer Words: For lifers only.
Forgettable Because: I’m not sure when, exactly, Kaiser Chiefs jumped the shark, but before I mention how forced and overwrought and thoroughly 2007 their set on the main stage was, I’d like to thank them for their hits. “I Predict a Riot,” “Oh My God,” “Everyday I Love you Less and Less,” “Ruby” and “Modern Way” never fail to pump the blood. All translated energetically to the early-evening faithful. Beyond that (and beyond the snippet of Dire Straits’ “Money for Nothing” that off-puttingly opened their set), frontman Ricky Wilson seemed to be trying awfully hard. As if no one remembers 2007. Or no one would remember 5 o’clock by the time the Shins rolled around at 8. Which, considering the new songs Kaiser Chiefs unleashed, might be true. As for Noel Gallagher, nothing his High Flying Birds did would make you think this was anything more than a second career, a bummer considering his first one and a bigger bummer considering the Coachella seemed ready to be fully engaged. Didn’t happen. Next project: Noel Gallagher and the Laurels.
What I’d Tell My Friends Who Were at Andrew Bird or Laura Marling: If it’s all about relevance, you win.
– K.B. (Concert photography by Scott Dudelson)
Maybe if the crowd wasn’t a collection of wet noodles they would have been more relaxed. I saw them in a club in Baltimore a few days prior and I can assure you they haven’t jumped the shark.