KASABIAN’S ALCHEMIST OF SOUND BECOMES DOCTOR OF THE ARTS

“To anyone who’s ever felt too creative, too chaotic, or just too much for the system: Keep going. Believe in your brain, even if it colours outside the lines. Turns out, that’s where all the interesting stuff happens anyway.”

Last week, Leicester University’s graduates heard an inspirational and retrospective speech from the new Dr. Sergio Pizzorno as he received his honorary doctorate in music. The Kasabian frontman described this experience as “surreal” and told followers he is “truly honoured” that his contributions to the arts and the city had been recognised in such a grand manner. It was both a celebration and a homecoming.

His speech was a testament to resilience and determination, a moving account of his personal growth that speaks directly to those who struggle to find their place in the world. He detailed his school career- one formal guitar lesson and an eventual E in music. “I swear one of my old teachers is somewhere shouting ‘how is this humanly possible?!’’ – But it is, and his empowering (albeit humorous) story’s beginning embraces the chaos of taking alternative routes, believing in your passions and believing in yourself.

“I didn’t know where I fitted in. And I’m sure some of you feel that too. That feeling of being a little off-script.”

Kasabian’s members met at Leysland High School and Countesthorpe Community College, both in Leicester, before completing the lineup with Bristol’s Ian Matthews in 2005. They rose to fame with their self-titled debut album in 2004, featuring hits like ‘Club Foot’and ‘L.S.F’ before cementing their legendary status with seven UK number one albums and a Glastonbury headline. Sergio Pizzorno, the creative force behind the band, stepped up as frontman in 2020. His transition into frontman solidified his position as the heart of Kasabian, and his vision has kept the band evolving ever since.

In his speech, he spoke on his daunting journey to centre stage- “A few years ago, I became a frontman. It wasn’t in the plan. But stepping into the spotlight changed everything. I nearly ran. But I didn’t. I leaned in. And I discovered a version of myself I didn’t know existed.” This personal account was followed by a plea to “embrace the scary stuff- [because] that’s where the magic lives.”  Pizzorno’s reflection gives us a sentiment that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the choice to step into uncertainty- and grow.

Kasabian has been more than just a band from Leicester; they are cultural ambassadors helping shape the city’s identity on a national and global level. University of Leicester President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Nishan Canagarajah explained that “Sergio has undoubtedly helped put the city of Leicester on the map and this accolade today is our way of acknowledging [both] this and our sense of pride in his achievements.” From massive gigs like Victoria Park 2014 and many a proud shoutout to their city, the band have kept Leicester in the spotlight authentically since the word go, making this accreditation a beautiful full-circle moment for the band and for Leicester itself.

I spoke with Tom O’Callaghan, drummer of Leicester bands The Clarendons and Shall I Be Mother, to gauge the local scene’s reaction. Tom described Sergio as Leicester’s “King”, as he explained it’s hard to think of anyone more publicly and authentically ‘les-tah’. The local musician backed Pizzorno’s recognition wholeheartedly by saying, “He’s not a local celebrity- he’s far too big, too successful to ever be labelled that- but he is a local. One of our own, doing more for Leicester than almost anyone of his stature- the city, its institutions and its people recognising that feels as natural as calling a cob a ‘cob’.”

It’s evident that Sergio has, and will continue to, inspire the aspiring and serve as a beacon of hope for those whose creativity colours outside the lines. His honorary doctorate is far from just a scroll or a title; it’s a triumph for the arts, the artist and the city of Leicester. His speech was an inspiring journey through vulnerability, change and identity that will remain a calming reminder to immerse yourself in things you love and enjoy.

“Play with ideas, play with failure, play like it matters and sometimes play like it doesn’t. The outcomes will arrive, the joy is in the process, and that’s where the real gold is.” – Dr. Sergio Lorenzo Pizzorno.