LAST time they came to York they played in front of a couple of hundred sweaty fans in a small rock club.

But it's a long, long way from Fibbers to Philly.

That was due to become clear today, with four songs from hotly-tipped musicians the Kaiser Chiefs set to be watched by an estimated two billion viewers worldwide.

For the high-flying newcomers - who seem to have more links to York than the Beatles had number ones - were opening the US leg of the massive Live8 concert.

The band are still pinching themselves, after Sir Bob Geldof confirmed they would be hitting the high notes on the same stage as megastars like Stevie Wonder, Bon Jovi and Destiny's Child.

Other legends booked for the debt-busting series of ten gigs taking place across the globe throughout Saturday included Sir Paul McCartney, U2, REM, Madonna, Sir Elton John and Pink Floyd.

Kaiser Chiefs guitarist Andrew White said it was "ridiculous" his band were lining up in such illustrious company.

The modest 30-year-old, who worked as an office temp and at a leather factory before the Chiefs hit the big time with hits I Predict A Riot and Everyday I Love You Less And Less, is a regular visitor to York.

He is a member of the York Inset Scooter Club, which regularly meets at the Victoria pub, Heslington Road. His girlfriend, Nesta Holden, works as a political assistant for City of York Council.

They may hail from Leeds, but the band's York ties do not end there.

Bassist Simon Rix studied maths at the University of York, while the parents of drummer Nick Hodgson live in Elvington.

"It's my plan to retire in York once I can afford it," said Andrew, nicknamed Whitey. "I love it - it's like all the best bits of London, but in a square mile."

Fresh from a triumphant set at a mud-drenched Glastonbury, the Chiefs are also preparing for a string of support slots on U2's world tour.

But their attention switched to Live 8 this week as they flew out to Philadelphia yesterday, where they opened today's bill in front of one million fans.

"It literally ridiculous that five lads from Leeds are going to be playing alongside these people," said Whitey.

"We've got 15 minutes and four songs so we will try and open the show with as much English passion as possible."

He said the band would not be star-struck by their meteoric rise from Fibbers to Philly.

But admitted he would be hankering after Stevie Wonder's autograph - during an after-show party hosted by movie star Will Smith.

POP fans have been promised "a stormer" of an event at a North Yorkshire theme park tonight (Saturday) despite its clash with Live8. Screams from thrillseekers on white knuckle rides were due to be drowned out by those of excited music fans, when soulful heartthrob Lemar and pop sensations Girls Aloud topped the bill at Flamingo Land Fun Park and Zoo, near Malton. Director Melanie Wood said: "Our event is for people looking for something very different."

Updated: 11:44 Saturday, July 02, 2005