Kings of Leon Biography

Kings of Leon is an American rock band with a special Southern feel that was able to break into the mainstream’s pop charts.

Early Formation

The Followill brothers and their cousin Matthew were formed in 2000. The Guitarist Caleb, the drummer Nathan, and the bassist Jared would go traveling in America with their father and perform in churches. They moved to Nashville and discovered the wonders of rock music. Their cousin, a guitarist joined and they started playing as a Southern garage rock band.

Career Beginnings

RCA Records signed the group and released the debut EP Holy Roller Novocaine in 2003. While on tour in the UK, they released the debut album Youth & Young Manhood. Aha Shake Heartbreak the second LP entered several European charts thanks to three singles. The following year, the band released the album in the US and toured with U2.

Breakthrough

Kings of Leon’s biggest release to date was the darker third LP Because of the Times. It debuted at number 25 in the US and at the top of the charts in the UK. Only by the Night was their most popular release spawning number 1 hits like Sex on Fire. Very successful in the UK, the album received love from America as well, debuting at number 4. It was platinum certified in 8 countries which enabled them to tour from 2008 to 2009. They prepared for a fifth studio release but went back on the road in 2010. Come Around Sundown was revealed the same year reaching worldwide commercial success.

Hiatus and Comeback

During another tour, the band took a forced hiatus, following a bad concert in Texas. Jared and Caleb focused on their own careers, however, returned as Kings of Leon with new material, Mechanical Bull. The album arrived in 2013 reaching number 2 on Billboard and a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album. They supported the album with a tour and a follow-up was presented as WALLS. 

Photo credit: Kings of Leon