2 hours ago
4
Kasabian's Serge Pizzorno has spoken about when lead singer Tom Meighan left the band following his assault conviction, admitting they've never spoken since.
Tom left the band in July 2020, the day before he pleaded guilty to assaulting his now wife Vikki Ager at their home, the April before.
Serge, 45, was urged by his bandmates to 'step up' into the role of lead singer but he says that time was 'dark, horrendous, you can't even imagine how tough it was.'
He admits that the band could have ended once and for all.
Serge and Tom, also 45, were once the best of friends and he told The Telegraph when asked if he misses him: 'I miss the old Tom.'
He confirmed that they are no longer in touch and that the last time they spoke was 'when it happened.'
Kasabian's Serge Pizzorno has detailed the 'dark and horrendous time' lead singer Tom Meighan left the band following his assault conviction and says they've never spoken again, (pictured together in 2018)
The current line-up consists of Tim Carter, Chris Edwards, Serge and Ian Matthews, (Pictured in 2023)
Serge said: 'We were left with no choice but to ask Tom to leave the band. There is absolutely no way we can condone his assault conviction.
Tom pleaded guilty to assault and the band released two statements. One came the day before the case reached Leicester magistrates' court.
They stated Tom was stepping down by 'mutual consent' due to unspecified 'personal issues.'
Tom was told to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and complete five days of rehabilitation.
After the case, the band released another to say they had made a joint decision to stop working with Tom as soon as they found out about the charges.
Serge and Tom, also 45, (pictured) were once the best of friends and Serge said: 'I miss the old Tom'. They have not spoken since his assault conviction against his now wife Vikki
Tom and Vikki married at Harbourgh Registry Office, Leicester, a year after his conviction, saying: 'Tom has worked so hard on himself, his health, family unit and his relationship with Vikki over the past year'
Tom continues to have a career as a solo artist and he previously said of the band's split to The Times: 'We were together a long, long time, we were a family, we grew up together. That's what's so... hurtful.'
In his latest interview, Serge was asked if he would have handled things differently and while he seems pained by what happened, he doesn't appear to say so.
'The thing is with this,' he said. 'It's too deep to go into the little ins and outs... It's happened. It's done.'
Tom issued a public apology after his conviction back in 2020, in which he said: 'I am very sorry and deeply regret my recent behaviour.
'In no way am I trying to condone my actions or make excuses. I am completely to blame and accept all responsibility.'
He went on to marry Vikki - one year after the wine-fuelled assault.
In a statement, the couple said: 'We are pleased to share the news that on Tuesday the 13th July 2021, Tom Meighan and Vikki Ager were married at Market Harborough Registry Office, Leicester.
'It was an intimate affair, in accordance with the latest Covid-19 guidelines, with the couple becoming husband and wife surrounded by their children, family and a few close friends.
'Tom has worked so hard on himself, his health, family unit and his relationship with Vikki over the past year.
'They are very much in love and looking forward to sharing the rest of their lives together.'
Kasabian will headline Boardmasters Festival on August 9 and Leeds Festival on August 27, Act III is released on September 4, via Sony.
English (US) ·