Serge Pizzorno, guitarist and co-frontman for the band Kasabian, has spoken about the challenging period following the exit of lead singer Tom Meighan. Meighan left the band in July 2020, just before pleading guilty to assaulting his now-wife, Vikki Ager. Pizzorno described the time as "dark, horrendous, you can't even imagine how tough it was," admitting that the band's future was uncertain.
Pizzorno stated that the band had "no choice" but to ask Meighan to leave, citing that they "can[not] condone his assault conviction." Kasabian initially released a statement saying Meighan was stepping down due to unspecified "personal issues," but later issued another confirming a joint decision to cease working with him after learning of the charges.
Meighan was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and five days of rehabilitation following his guilty plea. He has since pursued a solo career and married Vikki Ager in July 2021, a year after the assault. A statement released at the time of their marriage indicated Meighan had "worked so hard on himself, his health, family unit and his relationship with Vikki."
Pizzorno, who once considered Meighan his best friend, told The Telegraph that he misses "the old Tom" and confirmed they have not spoken since Meighan's departure. Reflecting on the situation, Pizzorno commented, "It's too deep to go into the little ins and outs... It's happened. It's done."
Meighan issued a public apology in 2020, stating, "I am very sorry and deeply regret my recent behaviour. In no way am I trying to condone my actions or make excuses. I am completely to blame and accept all responsibility."
Kasabian is scheduled to headline the Boardmasters Festival on August 9 and Leeds Festival on August 27. Their new release, "Act III," is set for September 4 via Sony.