Kaiser Chiefs have never hidden their passion for Leeds United; they played the club's stadium as recently as 2008. But now, unhappy with controversial chairman-owner Ken Bates, they are touring the country with "Bates out!" banners draped across their stage.
"The Leeds manager, Simon Grayson, came to our gig in Llandudno," explains bassist Simon Rix. "He knew the team hadn't been playing well but he was positive about things. So I renewed my season ticket – and then he got sacked."
So, at the instigation of guitarist Andrew "Whitey" White, up went the banners. "We put 'Bates' on his amp and 'Out!' on mine," chuckles Rix, who reveals that with Leeds having such a national following, audiences in cities such as Sheffield have been chanting "Bates out!" as well.
This isn't the first such campaign – Stone Roses bassist Mani lent his support to FC United rather than his beloved Manchester United, in opposition to the Glazers. Still, Bates loves a ruckus. So will Kaiser Chiefs find themselves banned from Elland Road?
"It's the best thing that could happen for the campaign," sniggers Rix.
