I Predict a Riot
Encyclopedia
"I Predict a Riot" is a song by Kaiser Chiefs
, appearing on their debut album Employment
. It was originally released as their second single on 1 November 2004, and was the band's first release on the B-Unique
label. It entered at #22 on the UK Singles Chart, a move which started the band's rise to popularity. It was re-released on 22 August 2005 as a double A-side with a new song, "Sink that Ship". This time, it peaked at #9 in the chart.
with members from the former band Black Wire
, "I Predict a Riot" is possibly the group's best-known song, as well as being their signature hit. It is one of the three tracks the band played when they opened Live 8
in Philadelphia, alongside "Everyday I Love You Less and Less" and "Oh My God". The song makes a reference to John Smeaton
("an old Leodiensian"), A Civil Engineer, born in Austhorpe
, Leeds after whom the school house
of Ricky Wilson was named, as well as the East Leeds school; John Smeaton Community High School
. The song thrives on its Yorkshire heritage with the use of pronouns such as "thee", a nod to the band's origins, for "thee" and "thou" survived in Yorkshire dialect, and are still used to an extent today . Both "I Predict a Riot" and "Sink that Ship" were featured on the soundtrack
to the video game Gran Turismo 4
. "I Predict a Riot" appeared in Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock as downloadable content alongside present from the start, "Ruby". It has also been confirmed for released for Rock Band. "Take My Temperature", a B-side on the initial release, is a live favourite, notably at earlier gigs. Also, the guitar riff after "who doesn't want to be out there" is overdubbed with Hammond organ
, played by Peanut. In live performances, the song begins with a drum solo played by Nick and Ricky around the same kit. This song is heard at Madison Square Garden
when the New York Rangers
are losing the hockey game.
Played in a scene of Las Vegas (TV series)
second season, episode 16 titled "Can You See What I See?".
have also covered the song on Radio 1
's Live Lounge
. More unusual cover versions have included a choral version from The Cheshire Chord all female choir and a salsa version (Predigo un alboroto) from The Swanvesta Social Club
. The song was also covered by Girls Aloud
on their 2006 Chemistry arena tour. They changed the lyric "borrow a pound for a condom
" to "borrow a pound for the bus home", which the band appeared to take offence to. Furthermore, The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band covered the song on their 2007 reunion album Pour l'Amour des Chiens
. In 2006, New Zealand
radio broadcaster "The Joint" mixed excerpts from financial analysts Max Keiser
and Stacy Herbert's radio programs to produce a version of the song reflecting the trillions of dollars of derivatives
in the shadow banking system
which they correctly predicted would cause a financial meltdown
. On 2011, Irish pop group Westlife
performed the song as part of their medley for their Gravity Tour
.
and drawing unfavourable comparisons with "White Riot
" by The Clash
(Daily Telegraph, 12 January 2006).
In May 2007, NME
magazine placed "I Predict a Riot" at number 36 in its list of the 50 Greatest Indie Anthems Ever.
Notably, the video contains Ricky Wilson wearing a Nevile house tie, from the Leeds Grammar School.
However, it was the second video, directed by Swedish collective StyleWar, that earned more attention. The main plotline for the sepia promo features the band wandering and performing in an Edwardian town, catching the attention of a mysterious freak show owner. The climax of the features the band performing on the stage of a crowded replica of The Globe Theatre
.
Kaiser Chiefs
Kaiser Chiefs are an English indie rock band from Leeds who formed in 1996. They were named after the South African football club Kaizer Chiefs....
, appearing on their debut album Employment
Employment (album)
Employment is the debut album by English indie rock band Kaiser Chiefs, released in March 2005 on B-Unique Records. Employment takes its inspirations from the Britpop and New Wave movements, 70s'-era punk rock and Beach Boys-esque West Coast music...
. It was originally released as their second single on 1 November 2004, and was the band's first release on the B-Unique
B-Unique Records
B-Unique Records is a London-based record label, founded in 2001 by Mark Lewis and Martin Toher.B-Unique has been a division of Atlantic Records UK since February 2008...
label. It entered at #22 on the UK Singles Chart, a move which started the band's rise to popularity. It was re-released on 22 August 2005 as a double A-side with a new song, "Sink that Ship". This time, it peaked at #9 in the chart.
About the song
Portraying a rowdy night out in their native LeedsLeeds
Leeds is a city and metropolitan borough in West Yorkshire, England. In 2001 Leeds' main urban subdivision had a population of 443,247, while the entire city has a population of 798,800 , making it the 30th-most populous city in the European Union.Leeds is the cultural, financial and commercial...
with members from the former band Black Wire
Black Wire
Black Wire were an English indie rock band formed in Leeds, England.-Members:*Daniel Wilson *Si McCabe *Tom Greatorex *Danny Prescott -History:...
, "I Predict a Riot" is possibly the group's best-known song, as well as being their signature hit. It is one of the three tracks the band played when they opened Live 8
Live 8
Live 8 was a string of benefit concerts that took place on 2 July 2005, in the G8 states and in South Africa. They were timed to precede the G8 Conference and summit held at the Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder, Scotland from 6–8 July 2005; they also coincided with the 20th anniversary of Live Aid...
in Philadelphia, alongside "Everyday I Love You Less and Less" and "Oh My God". The song makes a reference to John Smeaton
John Smeaton
John Smeaton, FRS, was an English civil engineer responsible for the design of bridges, canals, harbours and lighthouses. He was also a capable mechanical engineer and an eminent physicist...
("an old Leodiensian"), A Civil Engineer, born in Austhorpe
Austhorpe
Austhorpe is a civil parish in east Leeds, West Yorkshire, England that is situated between Pendas Fields to the north, Whitkirk to the west, Cross Gates to the north-west and Colton to the south-west....
, Leeds after whom the school house
House system
The house system is a traditional feature of British schools, and schools in the Commonwealth. Historically, it was associated with established public schools, where a 'house' refers to a boarding house or dormitory of a boarding school...
of Ricky Wilson was named, as well as the East Leeds school; John Smeaton Community High School
John Smeaton Community High School
John Smeaton Community College is a state college for 11–18 years olds in between Scholes, Cross Gates, Barwick-in-Elmet, Pendas Fields and Swarcliffe, in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England....
. The song thrives on its Yorkshire heritage with the use of pronouns such as "thee", a nod to the band's origins, for "thee" and "thou" survived in Yorkshire dialect, and are still used to an extent today . Both "I Predict a Riot" and "Sink that Ship" were featured on the soundtrack
Soundtrack
A soundtrack can be recorded music accompanying and synchronized to the images of a motion picture, book, television program or video game; a commercially released soundtrack album of music as featured in the soundtrack of a film or TV show; or the physical area of a film that contains the...
to the video game Gran Turismo 4
Gran Turismo 4
is a racing simulator for the Sony PlayStation 2 which was developed by Polyphony Digital. It was released on December 28, 2004 in Japan and Hong Kong , February 22, 2005 in North America , and March 9, 2005 in Europe , and has since been re-issued under Sony's 'Greatest Hits' line...
. "I Predict a Riot" appeared in Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock as downloadable content alongside present from the start, "Ruby". It has also been confirmed for released for Rock Band. "Take My Temperature", a B-side on the initial release, is a live favourite, notably at earlier gigs. Also, the guitar riff after "who doesn't want to be out there" is overdubbed with Hammond organ
Hammond organ
The Hammond organ is an electric organ invented by Laurens Hammond in 1934 and manufactured by the Hammond Organ Company. While the Hammond organ was originally sold to churches as a lower-cost alternative to the wind-driven pipe organ, in the 1960s and 1970s it became a standard keyboard...
, played by Peanut. In live performances, the song begins with a drum solo played by Nick and Ricky around the same kit. This song is heard at Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
when the New York Rangers
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the...
are losing the hockey game.
Played in a scene of Las Vegas (TV series)
Las Vegas (TV series)
Las Vegas was an American television series broadcast by NBC from September 22, 2003 to February 15, 2008. The show focuses on a team of people working at the ficticional Montecito Resort & Casino dealing with issues that arise within the working environment, ranging from valet parking and...
second season, episode 16 titled "Can You See What I See?".
Cover versions
McFly and Bedouin SoundclashBedouin Soundclash
Bedouin Soundclash is a Canadian band currently based in Toronto. Their sound can be described as reggae and ska.-History:The band's current lineup consists of vocalist and guitarist Jay Malinowski, and bassist Eon Sinclair with Sekou Lumumba on drums. Their debut album, Root Fire, released in 2001...
have also covered the song on Radio 1
BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...
's Live Lounge
Live Lounge
The Live Lounge is a segment on the British radio station BBC Radio 1. Originally hosted by Jo Whiley on her mid-morning radio show and now hosted by Fearne Cotton, it exhibits well-known artists usually performing one song of their own and one by another artist, in an acoustic format...
. More unusual cover versions have included a choral version from The Cheshire Chord all female choir and a salsa version (Predigo un alboroto) from The Swanvesta Social Club
The swanvesta social club
Swanvesta Social Club were founded in St Albans, and are a British Cuban-influenced group.-Career:They released a salsa version of "I Predict a Riot" in 2008, on their first CD release the mini album, Never Mind the Bongos, which featured a mixture of traditional Cuban songs, originals and Latin...
. The song was also covered by Girls Aloud
Girls Aloud
Girls Aloud are a British and Irish pop girl group based in London. They were created through the ITV1 talent show Popstars The Rivals in 2002. The group consists of Cheryl Cole , Nadine Coyle, Sarah Harding, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh. They are signed to Fascination Records, a Polydor...
on their 2006 Chemistry arena tour. They changed the lyric "borrow a pound for a condom
Condom
A condom is a barrier device most commonly used during sexual intercourse to reduce the probability of pregnancy and spreading sexually transmitted diseases . It is put on a man's erect penis and physically blocks ejaculated semen from entering the body of a sexual partner...
" to "borrow a pound for the bus home", which the band appeared to take offence to. Furthermore, The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band covered the song on their 2007 reunion album Pour l'Amour des Chiens
Pour l'Amour des Chiens
Pour l'Amour Des Chiens is the first all new studio album by The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band in 35 years...
. In 2006, New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
radio broadcaster "The Joint" mixed excerpts from financial analysts Max Keiser
Max Keiser
Timothy Maxwell "Max" Keiser is an American broadcaster, film-maker, and former equities broker. Keiser is the host of On the Edge, a program of news and analysis hosted by Iran's Press TV. He also hosts Keiser Report, a financial program broadcast on RT - formerly Russia Today...
and Stacy Herbert's radio programs to produce a version of the song reflecting the trillions of dollars of derivatives
Derivative (finance)
A derivative instrument is a contract between two parties that specifies conditions—in particular, dates and the resulting values of the underlying variables—under which payments, or payoffs, are to be made between the parties.Under U.S...
in the shadow banking system
Shadow banking system
The shadow banking system is the infrastructure and practices which support financial transactions that occur beyond the reach of existing state sanctioned monitoring and regulation. It includes entities such as hedge funds, money market funds and Structured investment vehicles...
which they correctly predicted would cause a financial meltdown
Late 2000s recession
The late-2000s recession, sometimes referred to as the Great Recession or Lesser Depression or Long Recession, is a severe ongoing global economic problem that began in December 2007 and took a particularly sharp downward turn in September 2008. The Great Recession has affected the entire world...
. On 2011, Irish pop group Westlife
Westlife
Westlife are an Irish boy band established on 3 July 1998. They are to disband in 2012. The group's line-up was Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, and Brian McFadden . The group are the only act in British and Irish history to have their first seven singles peak at number one...
performed the song as part of their medley for their Gravity Tour
Gravity Tour
The Gravity Tour is the eleventh concert tour by Irish boy band, Westlife. The tour will support their eleventh studio album, Gravity. The tour visits Europe, Asia and Africa. -Background:...
.
Critical response
The song is played in many clubs across Britain, and receives a generally enthusiastic response. However, the timorous tone of the lyrics led to the group being dubbed "the weeds from Leeds" by Boris JohnsonBoris Johnson
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson is a British journalist and Conservative Party politician, who has been the elected Mayor of London since 2008...
and drawing unfavourable comparisons with "White Riot
White Riot
"White Riot" is a song by English punk rock band The Clash, released as the band's first single in 1977 and also featured on their debut album. There are two versions: the single version , and a different version on the UK album...
" by The Clash
The Clash
The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. Along with punk, their music incorporated elements of reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap, dance, and rockabilly...
(Daily Telegraph, 12 January 2006).
In May 2007, NME
NME
The New Musical Express is a popular music publication in the United Kingdom, published weekly since March 1952. It started as a music newspaper, and gradually moved toward a magazine format during the 1980s, changing from newsprint in 1998. It was the first British paper to include a singles...
magazine placed "I Predict a Riot" at number 36 in its list of the 50 Greatest Indie Anthems Ever.
Music video
There have been two videos produced for "I Predict a Riot". The first, made for the original release, was directed by Charlie Paul, and features the band performing in front of a crowded audience, who appear to start a "pillow fight".Notably, the video contains Ricky Wilson wearing a Nevile house tie, from the Leeds Grammar School.
However, it was the second video, directed by Swedish collective StyleWar, that earned more attention. The main plotline for the sepia promo features the band wandering and performing in an Edwardian town, catching the attention of a mysterious freak show owner. The climax of the features the band performing on the stage of a crowded replica of The Globe Theatre
Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre was a theatre in London associated with William Shakespeare. It was built in 1599 by Shakespeare's playing company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men, and was destroyed by fire on 29 June 1613...
.
Initial release
- "7 BUN088-7:
- "I Predict a Riot"
- "Take My Temperature"
- CD BUN088CD:
- "I Predict a Riot"
- "Take My Temperature"
- "Wrecking Ball"
- "I Predict a Riot" (Enhanced Video)
Re-issue
- 7", CD:
- "I Predict a Riot"
- "Sink that Ship"
- Maxi CD:
- "I Predict a Riot"
- "Less is More"
- "Everyday I Love You Less and Less (Boys NoizeBoys NoizeBoys Noize is the stage name of Alexander Ridha, a German electronic music producer and DJ. It is similar to the name of Ridha's label, Boysnoize Records, which he established in 2005...
Remix)" - "I Predict a Riot" (2005 Version, Enhanced Video)