Last week, former Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan marked the opening of his highly anticipated UK tour with an unforgettable sold-out show at The Foundry in Torquay. This was no ordinary night. With two solo albums under his belt—The Reckoning (2023) and Roadrunner (2024)—Tom has officially left his Kasabian days behind and is forging a new chapter in his solo career. And what a chapter it’s shaping up to be.

Before Tom took to the stage, the night was jump-started by two stellar opening acts. First up, indie rock band The Rhodes played an immense set packed with infectious energy. Their catchy hooks and lively stage presence made an instant connection with the audience, setting a strong tone for the night ahead. The band clearly knew how to get the crowd hyped, and by the time their final track hit, The Foundry was buzzing.

Next, Annabel Allum stepped up and delivered a spellbinding performance. Annabel, already familiar to many in the crowd from her previous stint supporting Tom on his 'RAW 24' tour, showed exactly why she’s been invited back. Blending alt, pop, and rock with a tight, polished edge, Annabel’s set felt like the perfect bridge between the night’s early indie rock and Tom’s impending headline performance. Her raw energy captivated the audience and left us all wanting more.

The atmosphere inside The Foundry was electric as Tom finally took the stage. Launching into a set that leaned heavily on tracks from his latest album Roadrunner, he proved his mettle as a solo artist with undeniable stage presence and vocal power. Fans could tell he was in his element from the get go and he maintained this energy throughout the entire set.

Tracks like “Headcase” and “White Lies” from his latest release were highlights, showcasing a more introspective side to Tom’s songwriting. The crowd responded with equal enthusiasm to the heavier cuts from his debut album The Reckoning, including fan-favorites “Shout it Out” and “Don’t Give In”, which had everyone singing along.

But the most euphoric moments came when Tom dug into his Kasabian back catalogue. Classics like “Empire,” “Shoot the Runner,” and “Club Foot” unleashed a wave of nostalgia. These songs brought the crowd to life in a way that felt almost like muscle memory—minds switched off, and bodies just moved to the pulsating beats and familiar riffs. It was clear that, for many, hearing these tracks live again was a deeply emotional experience.

Then came the closing track. And if there was one word to describe “Fire,” it would be “carnage.” The iconic anthem ignited the venue, with fans crowdsurfing, creating a sprawling mosh pit, and letting loose with unbridled passion. The energy in the room was raw, visceral, and completely exhilarating, as if Tom had brought back the glory days of Kasabian and turned The Foundry into a festival for one night only. I was grateful to be on the safer side of the barrier when that explosion hit!

Interestingly, news broke recently across Tom’s socials that he’s had to postpone some of his upcoming shows due to illness. It’s remarkable that he delivered such a powerful performance despite feeling under the weather. Fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery so he can continue his tour and deliver more nights like this one.

Tom Meighan’s solo career is not just a shadow of his time in Kasabian—it’s a bold, evolving identity all its own. Last week at The Foundry, he proved he’s capable of bridging the gap between his past and future, while still delivering the electrifying performances his fans crave. Between his latest material and the timeless hits that defined a generation, Tom left no one disappointed. Here’s to a quick recovery, and many more nights where Fire burns bright.

Words and Pictures by Steve Muscutt