ROCKIN' world report #2: Details concerning the lifesaving, car-flipping stage jump of Kaiser Chief Ricky Wilson

This noticed at www.stereogum.com/archives/002644.html

May 24, 2006

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"You may have heard that Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson was hit by a car while crossing the street in Leeds the other day (he'll be okay). According to the band's website, it was Ricky's patented stage jump that saved his life."

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From the band's website:

"He's the luckiest man alive--because he's STILL alive. It sounds daft, but a well-timed 'Ricky trademark leap' probably saved his life. The jump meant he was flipped over the top of the car, hitting the windscreen, rather than getting trapped below the car."

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FYI, the Kaiser Chiefs are a British indie, post-punk rock band from Leeds. Initially formed in 1997 by school friends Nick Hodgson, Simon Rix, and Nick Baines, they were subsequently joined by Andrew White and art school grad Ricky Wilson (who they spotted singing with a Rolling Stones tribute band).

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They won three Brit Awards for 'Best Group,' "Best British Rock Act,' and 'Best Live Act' in 2006. Their second album, entitled "Yours Truly, Angry Mob," was released this past weekend (February 25, 2007). They were named after the South African Kaizer Chiefs Football Club, the former team of long-serving former Leeds United captain Lucas Radebe. The band is a huge supporter of Leeds United.

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Wilson told the BBC earlier this year that the Kaiser Chiefs songs are about "life in Leeds, and being British, young, and hip." He continued, "Our music is quirky and spooky--and you know the British have always done that best, from Franz Ferdinand all the way back to The Beatles."

Wilson has made a reputation as one of the best live performers on the British rock circuit, with his wild jumps. The antics of the entire band have made them favorites at annual festivals like Glastonbury.