There was an interesting crowd at Kings of Leon, now that the band has broken through to the mainstream and become a "boy band." There were lots of girls dressed in next to nothing with ridiculously high heels. Really, why would anyone go to a three hour long, standing room only show in four inch heels? Even more odd, there was also a lot of straight boy love for KOL. There were pockets of frat-like "bros" so super psyched for the show that they were dancing emphatically (that’s the best way I can describe it), shouting towards the band, throwing their arms around each other, really, REALLY into it!! I pegged them as boys raised on hip hop and pop who didn’t know rock and roll could be like this. It was like they heard Kings of Leon on the radio and suddenly their penises reacted primally to the sound and they were converted to rock and roll. Those boys were hysterical to watch! Not surprisingly a lot of the crowd was there strictly for the radio hits and once Sex on Fire was played they cleared out. No loss there.
The band put on a great show as usual. This was my fourth time seeing them live and they are always top notch. You can tell that they have more money now because their production design is really cool with lots of video screens and lights. Lead singer Caleb Followill did have a bit of a hissy fit during the show when it appeared that his monitor wasn’t working. At one point he slammed down his mic stand after a song and had some very heated words with the stage crew. He went on to sincerely apologize to the audience making sure we understand that when he gets angry at technical issues it’s because he wants to ensure we have the best experience possible. I thought that was quite nice.
They played a good mix of new and old tracks, the highlight for me being Four Kicks, a great song to dance to! There were a ton of people taking pictures and even filming the show. I’m posting all my photos here (taken with my iPhone) and also various video I could find on youtube. Enjoy!
Revelry:
Caleb chatting: “The best fans in the whole world”:
More Caleb chatting: “Want you to have the best experience”:
Milk:
Kings of Leon are quite big over here...like Interpol, The White Stripes, The Strokes...all those kinds of bands. I like some of the songs...but I can't get into their sound the way I admire Interpol's.
ReplyDeleteWasn't the Joint (the old version) there when I was still in Vegas (mid 90s)? I have memories of it, I think!
ReplyDeleteThe only thing that has changed in live music is all the cell phones! They come in handy. David (my boyfriend) got some good shots of Terri Nunn when we saw Berlin a few months ago. Love it!
Good review. I like these guys, but only have one CD, and don't ask me what it's called. I got it a few years ago. I had no idea they had become very popular. Hmmm.
Amanda, yes the old Joint opened sometime in the 90s. The new Joint is about double the size.
ReplyDeleteThe cell phone phenomenom cracks me up! Instead of hands in the air throwing devils horns or peaces signs or lighters being raised, all arms in the air have a cell phone help up to take pictures or video! And obviously, I'm not immune.
Oh and yes this band is HUGE now, although they've been even more huge in England for years.
Martyn, I agree with you, I dig Interpol. KOL are a great rock n roll band, but I liked their earlier raw sound way more than their new, polished, anthemic sound.