The British rock band Kasabian, known for their edgy music and electric energy, drew inspiration from one of the most infamous figures in criminal history when choosing their name.
The group’s origins trace back to 1997, with a lineup that included founding members Sergio Pizzorno, Chris Edwards, Tom Meighan, and Chris Karloff.
Their name, however, is far from a casual choice — it is linked to a notorious figure from the Charles Manson cult.
The Manson Connection
In a 2016 interview with Ukula, bassist Chris Edwards revealed the curious origins of the band’s name.
According to him, it was Chris Karloff, the band’s former guitarist, who suggested the name after hearing about Linda Kasabian, a member of the Charles Manson family.
Linda Kasabian, a crucial figure in the Manson murders of 1969, served as the getaway driver during the killing spree that shocked the nation.
Karloff apparently liked the sound of the name, and after mentioning it, the rest of the band quickly agreed.
Sergio Pizzorno, another founding member, echoed this in a conversation with Radio X, admitting the band’s fascination with serial killers at the time, which influenced their decision to adopt the name.
It wasn’t just a random choice; it was part of a broader trend in rock culture of drawing from dark, provocative sources.
Linda Kasabian’s Role in the Manson Murders
Linda Kasabian’s involvement in the Manson family remains one of the most chilling aspects of the notorious cult’s legacy.
While Kasabian didn’t directly take part in the murders, she played a key role by acting as the getaway driver during the killings.
At just 20 years old, she had fallen under Charles Manson’s sinister influence, following his commands without question.
Kasabian testified against the other members of the Manson family in exchange for immunity, making her the only member of the cult to avoid jail time.
Her testimony at the trial was instrumental in securing life sentences for Manson and his followers, bringing an end to one of the darkest chapters in American criminal history.
After the trial, Kasabian disappeared from the public eye, changing her identity and living in seclusion for years.
She passed away in February 2023 at the age of 73.
Kasabian’s Rise to Fame and the Band’s Evolution
Despite the controversial roots of their name, Kasabian became one of the UK’s most successful rock bands, achieving major hits like Where Did All the Love Go? and Shoot the Runner.
However, the band has experienced its own share of drama and lineup changes over the years.
Chris Karloff left in 2006, followed by Tom Meighan’s departure in 2020 after a highly publicized incident involving his fiancée.
Tom Meighan’s Controversy and Personal Struggles
In July 2020, Tom Meighan found himself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
The lead singer admitted to assaulting his fiancée, Vikki Ager, during a drunken altercation in their backyard.
He was convicted and sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid work.
The incident came during a difficult period for Meighan, who announced his departure from Kasabian just before facing charges in court.
His decision to leave the band was framed as a personal matter, with the official statement citing his desire to focus on “getting his life back on track.”
In the months following the scandal, Meighan seemed to work on his personal recovery.
He later updated fans, stating that he was in a much better place emotionally and physically.
In July 2021, he married Vikki, signaling a new chapter in his life.
A statement from the couple acknowledged Tom’s efforts to improve his health, relationships, and overall well-being.
Moving Forward for Kasabian
Despite the drama that has surrounded the band, Kasabian continues to thrive.
Their story, filled with highs and lows, remains a testament to the power of reinvention and the complexities of human behavior.
With new members and a reinvigorated focus, the band’s future looks promising, even as they maintain a connection to the dark past that gave them their name.