KASABIAN front man Tom Meighan reckons their doppelgangers, Kazabian, who return to Clitheroe’s Grand Theatre on Saturday, play so well they want them in one of their shows.

The real Kasabian will play a special homecoming gig in Leicester’s Victoria Park on mid-summer’s day to mark the 10th anniversary of their debut album of the same name and Meighan said: “I couldn’t believe it when I first saw Kazabian live — they produce a stunning act.

“I’ve been keeping tabs on them ever since because they sing our songs perfectly.

“I’d love to see them play with us or appear in one of our videos.

“ We love their stuff — they are frighteningly good.”

Kasabian penned a clutch of ferocious rock anthems, from Club Foot, Reason is Treason and Fire, and tribute drummer Lee Bulfield, from Kazabain, said: “It was the ultimate accolade when they said they liked us.

“There was a lot of talk last year of it happening and if it ever did we’d love that because I reckon they are the best band in the world.

“We were all desperate to go to the 10th anniversary show, with them going back home, but we’ve got a fake festival that weekend so we are committed to playing there.

“There’s a good vibe at the fake festivals and we love Glastonbudget. I’d definitely recommend them.”

Lee, whose love affair with Kasabian began when he saw them perform at Hull University a decade ago, said: “There’s a lot of snobbery on the tribute scene, but I don’t see anything wrong with playing another band’s music to fans who might not be able to go and see the real thing at a bigger venue because the gig is sold out or they can’t get there.”

White Striped will provide the support to Kazabian at the Grand and Lee added: “They are brilliant and any White Stripes fans should come and have a look.

“This is our first gig of the year and we wanted to start at Clitheroe because it was such a good vibe when we played there last time.

“The crowd were really up for it and it was one of our best gigs in 2013.

“Kazabian have been going four years now, spreading the word of the band we all love so that can’t be a bad way to earn a living.”

Kazabian, Clitheroe Grand, Saturday, January 25, support from White Striped and New York Tourists. Details from 01200 421599.