**Kaiser Chiefs to Mark 20 Years of ‘Employment’ With Special Anniversary Edition and Major Tour**
Two decades after bursting onto the scene with their all-conquering debut, British indie favourites Kaiser Chiefs have announced a comprehensive 20th anniversary reissue of their seminal 2005 album, ‘Employment’. The album, which remains a cornerstone of the mid-2000s indie revival, will be celebrated with a raft of exclusive new formats and a string of headline shows across the UK and beyond.
Fans are set to be treated to what the band is calling the ‘China Anniversary’ collection – a playful nod to the traditional gift for 20 years. The anniversary package comes in several distinct versions: a 1LP pressing in striking white vinyl featuring the standout bonus track ‘Take My Temperature’, a special 2LP set showcasing 15 additional songs (including B-sides and CD single rarities, alongside a pair of previously unreleased tracks unique to this edition), and a sprawling 3CD boxset. The latter includes the original album alongside an impressive 40 extra tracks, among them unreleased demos, remixes, radio sessions and a rich selection of live recordings charting Kaiser Chiefs’ swift ascent from upstarts in Leeds’ indie clubs to festival headliners.
Following its initial release, ‘Employment’ quickly cemented itself as a defining album of its era, launching hit singles such as ‘I Predict A Riot’, ‘Oh My God’, and ‘Everyday I Love You Less and Less’. For this special release, the album has been freshly remastered at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, ensuring a crisp sound for both loyal fans and new listeners discovering it for the first time.
Reflecting on the anniversary, the band expressed their appreciation for the transformative impact of their debut. In a joint statement, they remarked: “Twenty 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. The album that followed, ‘Employment’, changed our lives and has soundtracked the lives of millions of others since 2005. In 2025, we are saluting 20 years of that album and everyone is invited. Come celebrate the 2000s – loving everything less and less, and stripey blazers taking over the world.”
The anniversary celebrations are not limited to just new music releases. Kaiser Chiefs will embark on a series of high-profile concerts throughout 2025, making stops in some of the UK’s and Europe’s most notable venues and festivals. Dates kick off with Live at Argyle Home Park in Plymouth and the In It Together Festival in Port Talbot, before culminating in stadiums and outdoor gigs across Leeds, Edinburgh, London, Brighton, Cumbria, Newquay, and further afield in cities such as Amsterdam, Madrid and Barcelona.
Frontman Ricky Wilson has also reflected on the journey since ‘Employment’s’ release. Speaking with trademark humour on Virgin Radio during the album’s 18th anniversary, Wilson, now 47, mused: “I mean, I don’t think I’ve changed too much. I do get a Hello Fresh box, and I brush my teeth at least twice a day, but apart from that, I haven’t changed at all. I promise you that!”
Commercially, ‘Employment’ proved to be a phenomenon, peaking at number two on the UK Albums Chart and maintaining a presence in the Official Top 40 for well over 17 months. Its overwhelming popularity was underscored by a multi-platinum certification, solidifying its status as a touchstone for British indie music.
Music industry observers have noted that the resurgence of early-2000s nostalgia shows no signs of slowing, with reissues like this offering fans an ideal blend of memories and fresh content. The addition of unreleased material and remastered tracks ensures that the anniversary edition of ‘Employment’ remains relevant in an ever-evolving music landscape.
With tickets expected to be in high demand, fans are encouraged to secure their places early for what promises to be a stirring celebration of both Kaiser Chiefs’ legacy and the enduring vibrancy of the British indie scene. For many, this reissue is not just a trip down memory lane, but an invitation to relive the energy, optimism and distinctive sound that defined an era.
As the Kaisers prepare to revisit their past with fans both old and new, the echoes of those early anthems promise to ring out louder than ever in 2025.