CityLife

Kings of Leon

Kings Of Leon's Caleb

GAZING out at the enthralled throng before him, Caleb Followill lets his craggily cool exterior slip for just a minute.

“When we started this band we never dreamed 10,000 people would know who we were,” he mumbles in his Deep South drawl, shuffling his feet.

“I don’t know how many of you are out there but I think you all know who we are. We’re Kings Of Leon.”

Packed to the rafters of the M.E.N. Arena, the capacity crowd are only too well aware who they are lucky enough to be watching.

Since news of their impending arrival in town there’s been an almost religious fervour in the clamour to get into the sold out gig.

Outside touts pace outside with increasing franticness looking for anyone willing to sell while forlorn fans stand with cardboard placards begging for tickets.

The Followill clan – frontman Caleb, his brothers Nathan and Jared and cousin Matthew, have finally made it to an arena stage. And their faithful hordes can’t wait to welcome them.

Angelic strains

As the lights go down angelic strains of classical music announce the band’s arrival – and thousands of arms reach to heaven in adoration.

Born into a family of Pentecostal preachers, this group of rock music messiahs have finally made the full conversion from cool indie haunts to become stadium-sellers.

But there have been sacrifices along the way.

Having seen the shaggy haired ones before, at two similarly sold out gigs in Manchester – albeit a whole lot sweatier and rougher around the edges over at the Apollo – I was among those who wondered how their fast and filthily good sound would transfer to a bigger stage.

Only By The Night

The answer – their latest material was just born with those big venues in mind. Tracks from more recent albums Only By The Night and Because of the Times soar into the wide open spaces.

While hits including Use Somebody and Sex On Fire send the crowd into raptures, as Caleb’s hoarse vocals and the throbbing guitars produce the ultimate stadium sound.

They’ve smartened up, polished up and perfected that slick style that should see them survive on a bigger stage for years to come.

But the real highlights of the night were those early classics, such as the riotous Molly’s Chambers, which saw the band throw off that more corporate cool for five minutes of thrashing intensity.

Harking back to the days they first appeared in town, all long shaggy hair and beards, with a reclusive rockabilly air about them.

Those were the moments that really set the stage alight.

As the fervour for their latest material continues, let’s pray they never lose the sinfully good sound that first converted the masses.

What did you think of KOL's set? Have your say.

Kings Of Leon play the M.E.N. Arena again on Monday, June 22 and Tuesday, June 23. £32.50. Call 0844 847 8000 to check availability.