Hugely talented Kings of Leon played their sell-out UK tour at O2 in Greenwich this week. This has been one of most anticipated gigs of the year, the small-time Tennessee band who broke the UK before they made it big in the US with their much-acclaimed album Only by the Night (2008).

The 20,000 strong crowd at the O2 were buzzing. Followill brothers Caleb, Nathan, Jared and their cousin Matthew started their set with Be Somebody from their latest album - probably to please fans who have recently heard of the band. For older fans the set list was followed up with bluesy tracks from Youth & Young Manhood (2003).

Kings of Leon commanded the stage. There was no running around or crazy light show - this was really just about the music. The band showed that they are coming into their own after five years of touring. They have not only headlined Glastonbury, they have supported U2, Bob Dylan and Pearl Jam. Nathan Followill (drums) has been quoted as saying 'We definitely wanted the songs to sound good in a 15,000-seat venue, but we also wanted them to have the kind of intimacy that would get the point across at a club show for 300 kids.' This was definitely achieved atmospherically with their razor-sharp sound and intensely emotive rock.

Half-way through the set, lead singer Caleb Followill ripped into Sex on Fire with his gravely Southern twang. This was followed by The Bucket, one of the singles released from Aha Shake Heartbreak (2004). On Call was next, from third album Because of the Times (2007).

Best moment of the evening had to be Use Somebody, written by Caleb Followill, about being lonely on the road and far from home - perfect for an arena crowd to sing back at the band. Most crowd members at this point were capturing the moment on there mobile phones - probably to upload on Facebook next day to show anyone who couldn't get a ticket what they were missing. The band's sultry, mean and moody exterior broke when they came back for their encore with smiles. The night was finished with an intense rendition of Black Thumbnail, leaving the crowd cheering for more.

Nathan Followill has said 'Basically we got the point where we realised that we can be known as a band that hit it hard for three records and disappeared, or be a band that was smart enough to realise that not very many bands get to make four records, so let's make the most of this.' Kings of Leon have achieved full stadium rock credentials - they're going to be around for a long time. No gimmicks, young, incredibly talented.

Band Credits: (alpha order): Caleb Followill - lead vocals, rhythm guitar. Jared Followill - bass. Matthew Followill - lead guitar. Nathan Followill - drums.

Company Credits: Writer - (the band). Director - uncredited. Lighting Designer - uncredited. Sound Designer - uncredited. Technical Operator - uncredited. Label - RCA Records, a unit of SonyMusic Entertainment. Producer - uncredited. Company - Kings of Leon. Website - www.kingsofleon.com.

END

(c) Rebecca Talbot 2009

reviewed Tuesday 16 June 2009 / O2 Arena, Greenwich, London UK

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

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