Kasabian's Serge Pizzorno says firing frontman Tom Meighan was 'heartbreaking'
Serge Pizzorno has opened up on Kasabian's decision to sack frontman Tom Meighan after he was convicted of assaulting his fiancé.
Meighan announced his departure from the popular rock group in 2020, just one day before his conviction.
Pizzorno has now elaborated on the decision to part ways with Meighan in an interview with The Guardian and also addressed the emotional toll of the decision.
Read more: Kasabian unveil first album since Tom Meighan's exit
Pizzorno said: “The summer when Tom left was absolutely heartbreaking."
He added: “It felt like leaving home and coming back and seeing it burnt down, walking round the ashes, seeing old pictures and artefacts and picking things up and sifting through the destruction. It was an intense time.”
Pizzorno, who has taken over lead singer duties since Meighan's sacking, also talked about the whole thing happening publicly: “Over the years, we’ve dealt with a lot. When it all came out, you’d see things being said and written that were hard to take because you’ve lived it – you know the true story.”
Read more: Tom Meighan marries partner a year after assault
He also said that Meighan 'crossed the line' with the assault of his partner and added that the two had been through a lot with Meighan being open about his ADHD and alcohol abuse.
Pizzorno also said he had not spoken to Meighan since his departure from the band.
Meighan received community service after being convicted of assaulting his then fiancé and current wife.
The court was told of the details of Meighan's assault which included hitting his partner, repeatedly pushing her over, holding her by the throat and threatening her with a wooden pallet.
Video footage also emerged of Meighan dragging her by the ankles around their garden.
The incident was witnessed by a child who phoned for the police.
In a statement at the time, Meighan apologised for his actions and has since gone to rehab for his alcohol problems.
He has also stated an intention to perform as a solo act.
Kasabian singer Tom Meighan admits assaulting ex-fiancé
