Kaiser Chiefs show affinity to Golden Era legends

The Kaiser Chiefs almost caused a riot among 500 guests at a celebratory dinner held this week at Elland Road to commemorate the Leeds United stars of old winning the FA Cup 35 years ago.

The award-winning Leeds-based band were the surprise guests at the Real Affinity event, which was organised to pay tribute to the 11 surviving members of the Golden Era team and to remember that spectacular 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the 1972 Wembley FA Cup final.

The Chiefs, self-confessed United fans, were back in the city to grab a few days' break before embarking on a hectic UK and European tour schedule and to release their exclusive gatefold 7" single "Love's Not A Competition (But I'm Winning)".

Leeds United legend Paul Reaney said: "The Kaiser Chiefs are alongside some of the greatest songwriters of all time and for them to turn up was really unbelievable.

"It was a special night especially as we had all the players here - we even persuaded David Harvey to catch two boats and then drive the 400 miles from Orkney.

"Once again the Leeds fans turned out in force and proved they are still the best in the country".

Real Affinity Chairman John Ross was delighted to pay his own tribute: "It was an emotional evening when Leeds fans could acknowledge a truly great team.

"I supported them from the terraces as a youngster and to see them all under one roof was amazing.

"It is a memory that will live in the minds of all the guests for a long, long time".

The 1972 team, widely renowned for playing breathtaking football and often described as the greatest club side in the history of the game are rarely seen these days together as a full team.

The players who attended were David Harvey, Paul Reaney, Paul Madeley, Jack Charlton, Norman Hunter, Peter Lorimer, Allan Clarke, Mick Jones, Johnny Giles, Eddie Grey and Mick Bates.

The event was orgasnised on behalf of the Golden Era team by Real Affinity Events, which specialises in end-to-end exhibition, conference production and event management solutions, as well as venue sourcing for an impressive client base, including BP/Castrol, Diageo, Honda, MAN ERF, Mercedes-Benz, Royal Mail, Zurich, Zimmer and various Research Councils.

The events company is part of the well established integrated marketing group, Real Affinity, which has headquarters in Leeds and an annualised turn over of GBP20m.

The group has two service lines, Real Affinity Events and Real Affinity Agency, both of which work together closely to the benefit of all clients.

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