Kaiser Chiefs are marking the 20th anniversary of their groundbreaking debut album, Employment, with a special reissue that honors the record’s enduring impact.
Celebrating two decades since its release, the band has cleverly dubbed the anniversary editions the ‘China Anniversary’ range. Fans can choose from several formats: a 1LP white vinyl edition that includes the bonus track “Take My Temperature”; a 2LP set packed with 15 extra tracks, including B-sides, CD single bonus tracks, and two previously unreleased songs exclusive to this format; and an expansive 3CD collection featuring 40 additional tracks. The 3CD set offers a treasure trove of unreleased demos, remixes, radio sessions, and live performances, capturing the band’s meteoric rise from small club gigs in Leeds to headlining major festivals.
The album, celebrated for hits like “I Predict A Riot,” “Oh My God,” and “Everyday I Love You Less And Less,” has been remastered at the famed Abbey Road Studios to bring a fresh, vibrant sound to these classic tracks.
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Reflecting on the milestone, the band shared, “20 years ago, a brand-new song by a brand-new band was released. ‘I Predict A Riot’ was the start of something really special for some musicians from Leeds. ‘Employment’ changed our lives and has soundtracked millions of others since 2005. In 2025 we’re saluting 20 years of that album with everyone invited to celebrate.”
To complement the reissue, Kaiser Chiefs are embarking on a series of live shows, featuring performances across the UK and Europe. Highlights include major concerts in Leeds, Bristol, Edinburgh, London, Brighton, and Newquay, alongside international festival appearances.
Frontman Ricky Wilson lightheartedly remarked on Virgin Radio about the anniversary, “I don’t think I’ve changed much. I do get a Hello Fresh box and brush my teeth twice a day, but apart from that, I haven’t changed at all. I promise you that!”
Employment originally peaked at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart, spent over 17 months in the Top 40, and earned a 7× Platinum certification, cementing its place in British indie rock history.
Kaiser Chiefs 2025 Tour Highlights:
- May 23: In It Together Festival, Port Talbot, UK
- May 31: Temple Newsam, Leeds, UK
- June 22: Pinkpop Festival, Amsterdam, NL
- June 28: Glastonbury Festival, Somerset, UK
- July 4: Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, UK
- July 19: Alexandra Palace Park, London, UK
- July 27: Brighton Beach, Brighton, UK
- July 31: Kendal Calling, Cumbria, UK
- August 8: Boardmasters, Newquay, UK
With the anniversary reissue and extensive tour, Kaiser Chiefs invite fans old and new to revisit Employment and celebrate a landmark moment in their career and indie music history.