Take a bow, lads! Charity gig by Leeds's Kaiser Chiefs raises nearly £50k

Proceeds from the band’s show at the O2 Academy Leeds in December are being shared equally between the CLIC Sargent cancer charity and Leeds Children’s Charity.

And today it was announced that a total of more than £44,000 has been generated for the good causes by Ricky Wilson and co’s homecoming gig.

Phil Day, music co-ordinator at CLIC Sargent, told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “We were blown away by the amount raised by the concert and are very grateful for the support shown.

“Several of our young people attended the gig and were even given the opportunity to meet the band, which they really enjoyed. The money raised will provide vital funds to help us support many patients and their families.”

Kaisers bassist Simon Rix has previously helped CLIC Sargent by mentoring cancer-hit young people during musical workshops designed to improve their self-confidence and expression.

He said: “CLIC Sargent does brilliant work and it really helps in areas that people might not expect.

“Everyone knows about clinical support, but the social and emotional support that CLIC Sargent provides is so important and really helps these young people come out of the other side of cancer with a positive attitude.”

The show was a return to familiar territory for Simon and his bandmates as they had previously played the O2 Academy Leeds on its opening night in 2008.

Their setlist at December’s concert included tracks such as The Angry Mob, Ruby, I Predict A Riot, Everyday I Love You Less And Less, Coming Home and even a suitably seasonal cover of the Shakin’ Stevens hit Merry Christmas Everyone.

Young people who got the chance to meet the Kaisers before the gig included Sinead Broadbent – who has received support from CLIC Sargent – and her boyfriend Jamie Robson.

Leeds Children’s Charity runs trips for needy youngsters to the Silverdale holiday centre near Morecambe.