Nashville-based alternative rockers Kings of Leon closed their 2008 North American tour on Nov. 19 with a red-hot homecoming performance in Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium. The band’s ambivalence toward their hometown is well-documented, and many in attendance couldn’t help but wonder if the boys would take this show seriously or toss it off as the last hoorah before crossing the pond to reunite with their “true” fans.
After all, let’s be honest ― after selling out a series of summer ’09 concerts in London’s famed O2 arena in just four minutes, it wouldn’t have surprised anyone if KOL returned to Nashville with chest-pounding bravado or, at the very least, walked on-stage completely inebriated for the closing night of their successful North American tour. But far from appearing proud or under the influence of anything other then pure adrenalin, KOL remained humble and poised, choosing instead to pour 100 percent of their energy into a near-perfect performance, proving once and for all to their discriminating hometown audience that they are no flash in the pan.
The 90-minute set included a smattering of songs from all four records — 24 total, and after being on the road for nearly two months, the Followill boys were in top form. Singer Caleb Followill sent the audience into a frenzy with the opening song “Crawl,” then followed up with a thumping triple-shot of old favorites “Taper Jean Girl,” “Razz” and “Molly’s Chambers.” After “Molly’s Chambers” Caleb diffidently stated: “This is the last show of this tour ― we ended it here because it’s just a short drive home. So if y’all don’t mind we’re gonna mix it up a lot ― we’re gonna play some new stuff and some old stuff.” And mix it up they did, delivering a balanced and choice sampling of new and old material with a blend of energy, passion and humility.
“It’s been a fun tour,” said frontman Caleb, “And I’m kind of happy it’s over for a few days but I’m really gonna miss this tour. It’s the first one where America’s really kind of looked at us and said, ‘All right, we’re with you now.’” Rather than following in the footsteps of many arrogant rock-star predecessors, KOL’s warm Nashville reception brought forth reciprocal appreciation.
In a poignant moment after the first encore “Knocked Up,” Caleb addressed the audience in what appeared to be an impromptu moment of inspiration, “I’m gonna say a couple of things here. I just want y’all to know that me and my brother, we started writing songs in this town a long time ago. And we weren’t very good at it either and everyone in town told us that too. But I think we got better at it, so … I’d like to thank y’all for coming on the journey with us. We really appreciate y’all. God bless you all, y’all drive safe … God bless America. We’re Kings of Leon.” The band then kicked into a perfect version of “Manhattan” followed by the insanely brilliant “Charmer” and finally closing out the encore set with a version of “Black Thumbnail” that rivaled the best that the history of rock and roll has to offer. 
It’s worth noting that Gibson guitars have also been a part of the KOL journey, and they continue to play a key role in the KOL sound. Guitarist Matthew Followill played the same Heritage Cherry ES-137 that he’s been using on this tour, and his lead guitar-work was nothing short of phenomenal. Matthew’s signature tone has evolved into a pastiche of controlled ambient feedback, punk power chords and screaming bends — a style demonstrated beautifully during one of the set’s highlights, “Arizona.” Bassist Jared Followill, whom critics are calling the band’s MVP on their latest release Only By The Night, rocked his Classic White Thunderbird IV during the entire set. And Caleb continues to play his beloved ’70s-era Gibson ES-325 that producer and longtime collaborator Angelo Petraglia gave him during the writing of their first EP Holy Roller Novocaine, and this night was no exception.
The set list from start to finish:
- Crawl
- Taper Jean Girl
- Razz
- Molly’s Chambers
- My Party
- Sex on Fire
- King of the Rodeo
- Fans
- Revelry
- Milk
- Four Kicks
- McFearless
- The Bucket
- Arizona
- Closer
- California Waiting
- Use Somebody
- On Call
- Cold Desert
- Slow Night, So Long
Encore
- Knocked Up
- Manhattan
- Charmer
- Black Thumbnail
Photo Credit: Heather Byrd