Nick Hodgson

The Kaiser Chiefs have successfully bounced back after the departure of drummer and primary songwriter Nick Hodgson, by taking the No.1 album spot with their latest effort Education, Education, Education & War. 

Kaiser Chiefs are No.1 in the album chart

Buoyed by the popularity of Ricky Wilson on The Voice, the Leeds rockers narrowly outsold X Factor winner Sam Bailey.

Continue reading: Despite Nick Hodgson's Exit, The Kaiser Chiefs Score No.1 Album

Oh My God: Nick Hodgson Has Announced His Departure From The Kaiser Chiefs

Kaiser Chiefs drummer Nick Hodgson has quit the band after 15 years. The drummer, backing vocalist and primary songwriting announced the news on Twitter on Tuesday (December 4, 2012), telling fans of the Leeds band, "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!"

His band-mates tweeted their support for Nick's decision and there doesn't appear to be any bad blood over his departure. Lead singer Ricky Wilson said, "@nickkaiserchief The door is on the latch and the key under the mat," while bass player Simon Rix said, "good luck to @nickkaiserchief with his plans. I can exclusively confirm we will still be collaborating on pints in pubs." Named after Kaizer Chiefs, the South African football team and onetime home of Leeds legend Lucas Radebe, the Kaisers formed after Hodgson met Wilson and guitarist Andrew White (firstly calling themselves Runston Parva, and then Parva). He played with the band for six albums in total and wrote a string of their biggest hits, including, Oh My God, I Predict A Riot and Ruby.

Continue reading: Kaiser Chiefs Founder Nick Hodgson Quits Band After 15 Years