IW Festival 2022-Weekend Headliners.

Saturday headline act Kasabian were formed in Leicester in 1997 by their then lead vocalist Tom Meighan.  When he departed in July 2020, guitarist Sergio Pizzorno took on the role.

Currently, their lineup features, In addition to the aforementioned member, Chris Edwards on bass, Ian Matthews (drums) plus lead guitarist Tim Carter. When on tour they recruit Ben Kealey on keyboard, Gary Ashebrook (trumpet) and Robert Harris on guitar and synthesizers.

Previously known as Saracuse, they first came to prominence in 2004 with three hit singles and a top 10 eponymous album. Kasabian actually refers to Linda Kasabian, who belonged to the Charles Manson cult but then testified against him at his trial.

They have released six studio albums- five of which reached number one- two live albums and four compilations. There were also six EP’s and 22 singles- four reaching the top 10- with ’Fire’ hitting number three in 2009 and being voted ‘Song of the Year’ in the 2010 Mojo Awards.

Kasabian have several ‘Best Live Act’ accolades plus a Brit Award in 2010 for Best British Group. They were headliners at Glastonbury in 2014.

This will be their fourth slot at the Isle of Wight Festival, having previously performed In 2007 Saturday, 2011 Sunday and 2018 Friday.

Sunday headliner Muse is a British rock trio from Teignmouth, Devon, formed in 1994. In an early incarnation as Rocket Baby Dolls, they had a goth- glam look.

They were awarded a Prince’s Trust grant for gear and won a local battle of the bands contest. Subsequently, they quit their jobs and became Muse.

Under the leadership of Matt Bellamy (lead vocals, guitar, and keyboards) with able support from bass player Chris Wolstenholme and drummer Dominic Howard Muse experienced initial chart success albeit minor in mid1999. To date the group have released eight studio albums, two live collections and a compilation.

When on tour Muse are joined on stage by Morgan Nicholls and have won a reputation for excellent life performances as a major stadium act.

Muse secured 6 consecutive #1 albums from Absolution in 2003 through to Simulation Theory in 2018. Their next collection ‘Will of the People’ is due to be released on the 26th of August 2022.

Singles- wise they have secured 30 hits of which four reached the top 10.

In 2008 Muse were honoured with an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Plymouth for their contribution to music.

‘Survival’ was the official song of the 2012 London Olympics, the same year that they were honoured with an Ivor Novello Award for International Achievement.

Further recognition came in the form of two ‘Brits’ as best live act in 2005 and 2007, 2 Grammy Awards,5 MTV Europe Music Awards and eight NME gongs.

Matt Bellamy’s father George was a member of the Tornados who were Billy Fury’s backing band.

As well as appearing at Seaclose, Muse have dates in Europe playing in Athens, Berlin, Florence, Madrid and Odessa. However, there is a question about Odessa now with the Ukraine situation.