kings of leon!
well, i finally got around to seeing my other favourite band. i've seen the killers four times (they're still part of my top three, even though i don't really listen anymore :|), i've seen franz ferdinand, and now i can say i've seen KINGS OF LEON!!!!
they were stellar. absolutely stellar.
Having one of my bands come to my state just makes me happy, plain and simple. Bands of this magnitude really don't come to Kentucky, but I suppose the fact that Kings of Leon are from Tennessee helped the situation quite a bit. I'd like to think that they felt a bit at home, with us being neighbours and awesomely Southern. Kings of Leon make me proud to be Southern. I've probably said that a million times. But honestly, having these guys that have the accents and are so cool all at once makes me feel not as...jaded toward my culture. I'm embracing it. For me, this gig was all about being what I truly am at essence, and that's a Southern rock n' roll loving girl with a bit of that Southern wild streak in my blood. That might sound ridiculous, but it's so true.
I arrived at Rupp Arena around three, after taking a beautiful scenic drive through the state, rather than taking the interstate. That drive set the mood for what was about to happen. Two hours of farms, barns, horses, and hills really got me into that country state of mind. So, with all that out of the way, I sat in line, in the cold, for what seemed like forever. I had on a leather jacket, motorcycle boots, and a scarf, but that really didn't help much. I shivered the entire time, but I just kept my eyes on the prize.
I decided I needed a bit of warmth, so I went inside Rupp to the food court, where I got a massive thing of Chinese carryout. I'm glad I went in, because I was able to catch a bit of soundcheck. At first I thought it was White Lies checking, but on the way back, it was definitely Kings of Leon. I heard that distinctive Caleb Followill voice. They were doing a song more like their first two albums. It was the twangy guitar, and that honky-tonk kind of beat. I'm so excited for their next album after catching a bit of the song. I adore all their albums, but I think the last one really is missing the rawness of the first two, and even the third album for that matter.
Once I got inside, I ran from the top of the arena, down the stairs to the floor, and landed front row in front of Jared. That was the scariest run I've ever had to do for a gig. Usually, it's outdoors or in a concert hall, but this was stair after stair after stair. If I fell, it would've been bad. Luckily, I have a bit of balance.
Everything went like clockwork, much to my surprise. You know how most gigs go. The opener comes out late, it takes centuries for the roadies to get everything set up for the main band, and then you have to wait another hour for them to come on. This wasn't the case. White Lies came on right at 8:00, on the dot. Let me say that I am a White Lies fan. I'm not a hardcore fan, but I do like their songs. Their show was absolutely solid. I was blown away. The crowd loved every minute of it. Few of them knew the songs, but they jumped and danced right along. The security guards were even mentioning how great they were. White Lies are just a good live band, even better than they sound of the album. If you get the chance to see them, go. Harry, the lead singer/guitarist, is beautiful as a side note. It's worth the trip to just see him.
Then it was time for the Kings. They opened the show with Closer, which was a fantastic opener. Kings of Leon have probably the most fluid set. Everything blends in together nicely, regardless of what album it came off of. The whining guitar intro in Closer has always given me chills, but live? It was crazy. Matt had the guitar held up to his face, and I assume he was playing with his mouth. Maybe his tongue. I have no idea, but I was amazed.
They did all of the songs from Only By The Night, with the exception of 17. I suppose it's common knowledge among alt rock fans that their newest album is more polished, more mainstream, all that jazz. Some people have written Kings of Leon off because of that fact. I was offended by that fact, but now I honestly pity those people. The songs from Only By The Night translate great live. They go to a completely different level. They're raw, unrelenting, and brazenly raucous. I Want You is my favourite track off Only By The Night. It's a down-and-dirty song. They didn't play it delicately. They didn't hold back. They played it just how it should've been. I danced accordlingly. Caleb pantomimed his way through the song. He flexed his muscles, did the "choke and a gag" bit...anything he could do a motion for, he did it. Caleb is an underrated showman. He doesn't move around a lot. When he does move, he struts. The boy's got an attitude. He gives these nasty little snarls. The fact he had a grungy beard going on made it even more fitting. I was so eager to see what he'd do next, because honestly, it was completely and totally sexy.
Since I'm already talking about the band members, I might as well go on about the rest. I was there for Jared at the beginning of the night. I just wanted to see Jared. I knew that he wasn't the most entertaining person in the band, but I didn't care. A song or two into the set, I realised that I did care. Jared was a snooze, and he isn't THAT hot in person. Crazy talk, I know. Accordingly, a song or two into the set I realised that I was there for Matt. Matt's beauty is so underestimated. He was unbelievably sexy and unbelievably rock n' roll. He had a giant fan in front of him that blew his hair back. He basically chain smoked through the whole set. The way the smoke blew and changed colour under light was mesmerizing. The entire set, I kept saying, "My GOD. Look at Matt!" He is fantastic. He is my favourite for the time being. When he'd smile, those dimples would show, and I nearly swooned. Some people in the bleachers were waving at him, and he'd wave back. He starting laughing, and I guess Caleb asked what was so funny. Matt pretended like he was smoking weed. Caleb laughed. It was adorable. Sadly, I couldn't see Mr. Nathan Followill too well. The drums covered his face and Caleb was always in the way. Next time, I'll stand on Matt's side, and get a better glimpse.
Of course the crowd went insane over Sex on Fire and Use Somebody. The boys might complain about their newfound fame and the people who just like Sex on Fire and Use Somebody, but there is definitely a bit of them that enjoy the enthusiasm. Matt and Caleb exchanged the biggest smiles during Use Somebody when the crowd broke out into screams and the iconic "oh-ohhhh-oh"s at the beginning of the song. They were glowing.
But, they were the happiest it seemed during songs like Four Kicks and Taper Jean Girl. As Caleb once said, those songs are "barn-burners". I suppose I kind of got what he meant before the show, but I wanted to know what it'd feel like. I found out. I felt like I was at some thrashing, drunken backwoods concert in...well, a barn. Four Kicks was the highlight of the set for me. It was brilliant. I can't really describe the emotion that came with hearing the song and letting it all loose to it. It was a divinely Southern kind of feeling. It was angry and white trash. Yes, white trash. Their energy was contagious. The harder Matt and Caleb played, the harder I moshed. I've never legitimately moshed before. It's usually just jumping. But this was jumping, hair everywhere, crashing into people and the barrier kind of thing.
Another highlight was Cold Desert. It was heart wrenching. The lyrics are painful to hear. Live, it's worse. Caleb sings like he's nearly reached the end of the line. The pain and suffering that comes through his voice translates straight to your heart. I didn't imagine myself crying at a Kings of Leon concert, but I cried. I looked around, and saw quite a few people wiping the tears from their eyes. It was that moving. It just wasn't over-emotional me. Knocked Up was a standout as well. Even though it's a seven minute song, I never wanted it to end. Caleb let us take over the "woah-woahhh-woah-woah-woah's" in the latter half of the song. Crowd singalongs are truly magical. I've always been amazed with the ability that music has to bring together so many people. For that moment, we were all seeing Kings of Leon, singing a simple little piece of refrain, and feeling the best natural high possible.
Before the show ended, Caleb told us all how much he and the guys love Kentucky. He wore blue just for the event (blue is the colour of the University of Kentucky, by the way). He also said that they were excited to get back home that night. Lexington is so close to Nashville, that they were going to hop on a plane, fly home in under an hour, and sleep in their own beds for a change. Even though I wanted them to stay so I could meet them, I was so happy that they could get back to their homes and their family. I'd rather them get back to Nashville than to see them. Maybe I'll see them next time, after a gig filled with new songs and that same familiar Kings of Leon swagger.
they were stellar. absolutely stellar.
Having one of my bands come to my state just makes me happy, plain and simple. Bands of this magnitude really don't come to Kentucky, but I suppose the fact that Kings of Leon are from Tennessee helped the situation quite a bit. I'd like to think that they felt a bit at home, with us being neighbours and awesomely Southern. Kings of Leon make me proud to be Southern. I've probably said that a million times. But honestly, having these guys that have the accents and are so cool all at once makes me feel not as...jaded toward my culture. I'm embracing it. For me, this gig was all about being what I truly am at essence, and that's a Southern rock n' roll loving girl with a bit of that Southern wild streak in my blood. That might sound ridiculous, but it's so true.
I arrived at Rupp Arena around three, after taking a beautiful scenic drive through the state, rather than taking the interstate. That drive set the mood for what was about to happen. Two hours of farms, barns, horses, and hills really got me into that country state of mind. So, with all that out of the way, I sat in line, in the cold, for what seemed like forever. I had on a leather jacket, motorcycle boots, and a scarf, but that really didn't help much. I shivered the entire time, but I just kept my eyes on the prize.
I decided I needed a bit of warmth, so I went inside Rupp to the food court, where I got a massive thing of Chinese carryout. I'm glad I went in, because I was able to catch a bit of soundcheck. At first I thought it was White Lies checking, but on the way back, it was definitely Kings of Leon. I heard that distinctive Caleb Followill voice. They were doing a song more like their first two albums. It was the twangy guitar, and that honky-tonk kind of beat. I'm so excited for their next album after catching a bit of the song. I adore all their albums, but I think the last one really is missing the rawness of the first two, and even the third album for that matter.
Once I got inside, I ran from the top of the arena, down the stairs to the floor, and landed front row in front of Jared. That was the scariest run I've ever had to do for a gig. Usually, it's outdoors or in a concert hall, but this was stair after stair after stair. If I fell, it would've been bad. Luckily, I have a bit of balance.
Everything went like clockwork, much to my surprise. You know how most gigs go. The opener comes out late, it takes centuries for the roadies to get everything set up for the main band, and then you have to wait another hour for them to come on. This wasn't the case. White Lies came on right at 8:00, on the dot. Let me say that I am a White Lies fan. I'm not a hardcore fan, but I do like their songs. Their show was absolutely solid. I was blown away. The crowd loved every minute of it. Few of them knew the songs, but they jumped and danced right along. The security guards were even mentioning how great they were. White Lies are just a good live band, even better than they sound of the album. If you get the chance to see them, go. Harry, the lead singer/guitarist, is beautiful as a side note. It's worth the trip to just see him.
Then it was time for the Kings. They opened the show with Closer, which was a fantastic opener. Kings of Leon have probably the most fluid set. Everything blends in together nicely, regardless of what album it came off of. The whining guitar intro in Closer has always given me chills, but live? It was crazy. Matt had the guitar held up to his face, and I assume he was playing with his mouth. Maybe his tongue. I have no idea, but I was amazed.
They did all of the songs from Only By The Night, with the exception of 17. I suppose it's common knowledge among alt rock fans that their newest album is more polished, more mainstream, all that jazz. Some people have written Kings of Leon off because of that fact. I was offended by that fact, but now I honestly pity those people. The songs from Only By The Night translate great live. They go to a completely different level. They're raw, unrelenting, and brazenly raucous. I Want You is my favourite track off Only By The Night. It's a down-and-dirty song. They didn't play it delicately. They didn't hold back. They played it just how it should've been. I danced accordlingly. Caleb pantomimed his way through the song. He flexed his muscles, did the "choke and a gag" bit...anything he could do a motion for, he did it. Caleb is an underrated showman. He doesn't move around a lot. When he does move, he struts. The boy's got an attitude. He gives these nasty little snarls. The fact he had a grungy beard going on made it even more fitting. I was so eager to see what he'd do next, because honestly, it was completely and totally sexy.
Since I'm already talking about the band members, I might as well go on about the rest. I was there for Jared at the beginning of the night. I just wanted to see Jared. I knew that he wasn't the most entertaining person in the band, but I didn't care. A song or two into the set, I realised that I did care. Jared was a snooze, and he isn't THAT hot in person. Crazy talk, I know. Accordingly, a song or two into the set I realised that I was there for Matt. Matt's beauty is so underestimated. He was unbelievably sexy and unbelievably rock n' roll. He had a giant fan in front of him that blew his hair back. He basically chain smoked through the whole set. The way the smoke blew and changed colour under light was mesmerizing. The entire set, I kept saying, "My GOD. Look at Matt!" He is fantastic. He is my favourite for the time being. When he'd smile, those dimples would show, and I nearly swooned. Some people in the bleachers were waving at him, and he'd wave back. He starting laughing, and I guess Caleb asked what was so funny. Matt pretended like he was smoking weed. Caleb laughed. It was adorable. Sadly, I couldn't see Mr. Nathan Followill too well. The drums covered his face and Caleb was always in the way. Next time, I'll stand on Matt's side, and get a better glimpse.
Of course the crowd went insane over Sex on Fire and Use Somebody. The boys might complain about their newfound fame and the people who just like Sex on Fire and Use Somebody, but there is definitely a bit of them that enjoy the enthusiasm. Matt and Caleb exchanged the biggest smiles during Use Somebody when the crowd broke out into screams and the iconic "oh-ohhhh-oh"s at the beginning of the song. They were glowing.
But, they were the happiest it seemed during songs like Four Kicks and Taper Jean Girl. As Caleb once said, those songs are "barn-burners". I suppose I kind of got what he meant before the show, but I wanted to know what it'd feel like. I found out. I felt like I was at some thrashing, drunken backwoods concert in...well, a barn. Four Kicks was the highlight of the set for me. It was brilliant. I can't really describe the emotion that came with hearing the song and letting it all loose to it. It was a divinely Southern kind of feeling. It was angry and white trash. Yes, white trash. Their energy was contagious. The harder Matt and Caleb played, the harder I moshed. I've never legitimately moshed before. It's usually just jumping. But this was jumping, hair everywhere, crashing into people and the barrier kind of thing.
Another highlight was Cold Desert. It was heart wrenching. The lyrics are painful to hear. Live, it's worse. Caleb sings like he's nearly reached the end of the line. The pain and suffering that comes through his voice translates straight to your heart. I didn't imagine myself crying at a Kings of Leon concert, but I cried. I looked around, and saw quite a few people wiping the tears from their eyes. It was that moving. It just wasn't over-emotional me. Knocked Up was a standout as well. Even though it's a seven minute song, I never wanted it to end. Caleb let us take over the "woah-woahhh-woah-woah-woah's" in the latter half of the song. Crowd singalongs are truly magical. I've always been amazed with the ability that music has to bring together so many people. For that moment, we were all seeing Kings of Leon, singing a simple little piece of refrain, and feeling the best natural high possible.
Before the show ended, Caleb told us all how much he and the guys love Kentucky. He wore blue just for the event (blue is the colour of the University of Kentucky, by the way). He also said that they were excited to get back home that night. Lexington is so close to Nashville, that they were going to hop on a plane, fly home in under an hour, and sleep in their own beds for a change. Even though I wanted them to stay so I could meet them, I was so happy that they could get back to their homes and their family. I'd rather them get back to Nashville than to see them. Maybe I'll see them next time, after a gig filled with new songs and that same familiar Kings of Leon swagger.