Kings of Leon
Biography
Kings of Leon is an American rock band that formed in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1999. The band consists of brothers Caleb Followill (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Nathan Followill (drums), and Jared Followill (bass), along with their cousin Matthew Followill (lead guitar). The brothers' father was a United Pentecostal Church preacher, and they spent their early years traveling with him throughout the Deep South.
Formation and Early Years
After their parents' divorce, Nathan and Caleb moved to Nashville and initially pursued country music. They soon met songwriter Angelo Petraglia, who helped them hone their songwriting skills and introduced them to rock music. In 1999, their younger brother Jared and cousin Matthew joined them in Nashville, and Kings of Leon was formed. The band was named after their grandfather, Leon.
The band's early sound was a blend of Southern rock, garage rock, and blues. They released their debut EP, "Holy Roller Novocaine," in 2003, which garnered them significant attention. Their first full-length album, "Youth & Young Manhood," was released later that year and found immediate success in the UK and Ireland.
Mainstream Success
Kings of Leon's fourth studio album, "Only by the Night" (2008), propelled them to international stardom. The album featured the hit singles "Sex on Fire" and "Use Somebody," which both topped the charts. "Use Somebody" went on to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 2010. "Only by the Night" became their first platinum-selling album in the United States and was the best-selling album of 2008 in Australia.
Subsequent Albums
Following the massive success of "Only by the Night," the band released several more albums:
- "Come Around Sundown" (2010)
- "Mechanical Bull" (2013)
- "Walls" (2016)
- "When You See Yourself" (2021)
- "Can We Please Have Fun" (2024)
"Walls" became the band's first album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
Musical Style and Evolution
The band's early music was characterized by a raw, gritty sound that blended Southern rock and garage rock influences. Over the years, their sound has evolved to incorporate a more alternative and arena rock style, while still retaining their Southern roots. Their music often features driving rhythms, punchy basslines, and Caleb Followill's distinctive vocals.
Recent Activity
In May 2024, Kings of Leon released their ninth studio album, "Can We Please Have Fun". The band had to cancel their UK and European tour dates for June and July 2025 after frontman Caleb Followill sustained a serious foot injury.