Nick Hodgson reunites with his former Kaiser Chiefs bandmates as they perform for the first time together in over a decade
Nick Hodgson has reunited with his former Kaiser Chiefs bandmates as they perform for the first time together in over a decade at Leeds Newsham Park on Saturday.
The former drummer and songwriter, 47, quit the band in December 2012 in order to 'pursue new challenges'.
When he announced his departure from the Leeds collective via Twitter he insisted he had no hard feeling towards his former band mates.
The rocker posted: 'I can confirm I have left Kaiser Chiefs after 15 spectacular years. I'm moving on. I wish the rest of the band the very best!'
During his time with the famed band, the musician wrote the songs Ruby, I Predict A Riot and Oh My God.
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When Nick first announced his departure he later said in a statement that he wanted to turn his attention to avenues of music.
He said: 'After 15 years with the band and having achieved such amazing things thanks to the support and loyalty of our fans, I have decided to leave and turn my attention to other areas within the world of music and to pursue new challenges.
'It has not been an easy decision and one that the boys and I have discussed throughout this year. The band have been incredibly supportive of my decision. I wish them all continued success.'
The group's three remaining members were quick to respond, with frontman Ricky Wilson replying: 'The door is on the latch and the key under the mat. X'
Guitarist Andrew 'Whitey' White wrote: 'Gonna miss you @nickkaiserchief......can I have your bunk? X'
Bassist Simon Rix also joked: 'Good luck to @nickkaiserchief with his plans. I can exclusively confirm we will still be collaborating on pints in pubs.'
The I Predict a Riot hitmakers then issued an official statement insisting Nick's departure wouldn't affect their plans as a group and their scheduled UK tour in February and March 2013 will still go ahead.
The band's performance comes after Ricky reflected on his huge career change and how getting into radio has helped him following the success of the rock band.
The Kaiser Chiefs frontman, 46, opened up about the highs and lows of fame admitting radio is now 'not only a joy' but also a 'three-hour mental workout, five days a week' for him.
The singer discussed how he forged a new career in TV and radio after living it all up with the multi-platinum selling band - firstly joining The Voice for three seasons.
Meanwhile last year, he came second on The Masked Singer where he was disguised as Phoenix, and also presented an art show on CBBC.
But the rock star admitted that despite remembering the band's heyday fondly, he does not miss the fame and feels very at home while doing radio.
Speaking to Sunday Times, Ricky explained he has been juggling between work duties and fathering two-year-old twins.
He previously appeared on Radio X and Radio 2, but has now been a regular for 18 months hosting Virgin Radio's weekday drivetime show.
Recalling how his first approach to radio was, he said: 'At first I found it terrifying. There's no one to bounce off — just me telling stories and musing on my life. The magic is in connecting with an audience.
'TV doesn't do that as much any more, but radio still has a strong community spirit. It's much my preferred place to be.'
The Kaiser Chief frontman, 46, opened up about the highs and lows of fame admitting radio is now 'not only a joy' but also a 'three-hour mental workout, five days a week' for him (pictured in 2019)
Ricky didn't hide the fame during Kaiser Chief's peak was 'terrific', although he doesn't miss it.
Unveiling an ace up his sleeve, the TV personality revealed wearing 'cheap jeans' has always been his secret to not be recognised in public.
Ricky's confidence with the spotlight must have been smooth also thanks to his father who was director of It's A Knockout, a family-friendly TV game show watched by millions in the 1970s.
'Only recently I realised that it must have massively affected what I do today. I am a nepo baby! Not because my parents' past got me a job but because I saw what was possible. I've always been comfortable on sets. Nothing in the entertainment industry has felt out of reach to me. Hey, we used to have Su Pollard hang out at our house.'
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