Kasabian's Tom Meighan says new bands don’t work hard

Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan believes rock ’n’ roll bands risk dying out because newcomers are not prepared to put in the hard work.

The group have enjoyed one of their most successful years to date after a chart-topping fifth album, headlining Glastonbury and two Q Awards.

Meighan, 33, told the Standard: “We’re a band that are getting kids back into playing guitars. I love what Johnny Marr said — you want to be 18 and f***ing fearless. That’s what we were. We were 18 when we started. We were fearless.

“I think in rock ’n’ roll there will always be a band that breaks through. But with the internet there’s so much information out there. Bands form now, put some music out and expect it to happen. We got on a tour bus and just toured. We were kids. But look where we are now.”

The star was speaking at a Kasabian show in Fulham to launch voting for the NME Awards 2015 with Austin, Texas. He said that despite some bust-ups, the band remain a solid unit, adding: “I think it’s because we were in it as friends from the beginning. We gave up our youth for rock ’n’ roll and it was worth it.”

North London band Wolf Alice were also in attendance and provided the entertainment with a DJ set before Kasabian took to the stage.

Charlie XCX who was working a tiger print fur coat, indie rock quartet Peace, South London band Hidden Charms and five piece group Lonely the Brave were also posing for photos on the red carpet.

The NME Awards 2015 with Austin, Texas take place on February 18 2015 at London's O2 Academy Brixton.

To vote, head to nme.com.