The Kaiser Chiefs' frontman has suggested the band could follow Coldplay's example and pen a song about Luton — but only if the town's airport eases its short‑stay charges.
Ricky Wilson made the remarks during an interview on BBC Three Counties Radio while discussing the band's upcoming performance at Stockwood Park on 12 September. The show forms part of a one‑day concert featuring other nationally known groups and local artists.
Condition attached to a Luton song
Wilson joked that Coldplay had raised expectations by performing a piece for the town in 2024, and said he would consider writing his own Luton‑themed number if the charge to drop someone at London Luton Airport was reduced. He referenced a recent £10 fee for a two‑minute drop‑off.
"If they reduce the stop‑off fee at the airport, then I'll do it. 'Ten quid the other day just for two minutes dropping my wife off, 10 quid!'"
The airport responded by pointing out that free parking for up to two hours is available in its long‑stay car park and suggested visitors, including Wilson, should choose the appropriate car park on future trips.
What to expect at the Stockwood Park concert
The event on 12 September will take place at Stockwood Park, the same venue that hosted Radio 1's Big Weekend. The bill includes national acts alongside local performers, and Radio 1 personalities with Luton links will be involved in hosting and DJ duties.
- Headline act: Kaiser Chiefs
- Other national acts: The Feeling, The Hoosiers
- Local performers: JW Paris, Olivia Lynn
- Hosts/DJs: Rickie Haywood‑Williams and Melvin Odoom (University of Bedfordshire alumni)
| Date | Venue | Notable acts |
|---|---|---|
| 12 September | Stockwood Park | Kaiser Chiefs; The Feeling; The Hoosiers; JW Paris; Olivia Lynn |
Wilson also referenced a local connection within the band: the Kaiser Chiefs' guitarist studied at the University of Bedfordshire and, in Wilson's words, "knows his way around" Luton after learning to use surveying poles in local streets. He told the Luton audience he intended to sample local food during the visit and mentioned a recommendation from his wife for a town‑founded chicken outlet.
The interplay between visiting artists and local infrastructure has drawn attention in recent years, particularly where high‑profile figures comment on transport and access. For Luton residents, the exchange highlights both the town's cultural pull and practical everyday concerns about airport charges and parking options.
The concert offers a chance for local music fans to see national bands in a familiar setting and for the town to feature in national cultural conversation — whether or not a new song about Luton follows.
