Kings of Leon brought their signature brand of bluesy, gritty rock to Scottrade Center last evening in a very highly anticipated show. The four piece band from Nashville came in to do just what they have done to crowds all over the world, put on a stellar show that was second to none. And they delivered in a big way. A decent sized and very boisterous crowd packed in for a night of rock anthem hits and dark classics from the Followill boys in a tight, career spanning 90 minute set.

The band, consisting of brothers Caleb, Nathan and Jared Followill and cousin Matthew came to town riding high off the commercial success of their fourth studio effort Only By The Night. Not until this album and the success of “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody” has the band gained much “mainstream” notoriety in the US. They have been wildly popular in Europe for a number of years. Lead singer Caleb put their recent success in prospective - “What a dream come true, we have had a hell of a year. It did take us 7 years to get here. Now that we are here, I feel like a fucking king.”

And rule like Kings they did, for 22 songs.

A set of many ups and downs, a lot of dancing and even a spilled beer or 2 started off with a howling version of “Crawl” and “Charmer” led by lead singer Caleb's trademark screaming growl and the strong, driving bass of Jared Followill which remained consistent through the set. This brought a nice tone for the evening that these guys let their music do the talking and leave the stage theatrics to Poison. Crowd participation was ramped up at with “Be Somebody” which had the willing audience singing back the chorus note for note. Blistering versions of “Taper Jean Girl” (off their 2nd album Aha Shake Heartbreak ) and “Molly's Chambers” were next up and even this early in the set were definitely highlights of the night.

Old school KoL favorites like the very sonic “Fans” and “Milk” were played to perfection with the crowd favorite “Revelry” in between. “The Bucket” and its light hearted riff and rhythmic drums led a nice bit of energy back into the room. There should be mention of drummer Nathan Followill as he is most certainly the backbone of this band. His spot on slamming drums and great background vocals really accent the songs well and is definitely a big part of their success.

To the delight of KoL newbies, the radio sensation “Sex on Fire” was up and met with quite an ovation. The floors were literally shaking and it seemed the crowd got what they came for and so much more. The boys seemed to pace the show very well and balance their mix of blues rock and more ballad-y songs like “Notion” & “On Call” and a simple, yet VERY strong version of “Cold Desert”. The low tones of “Trani” closed out the set with quite a crescendo. The Kings left the stage with roaring approval form their court.

As the boys came back to the stage, the crowd roared with approval and the band seemed to genuinely soak it in. The 4 song encore started up with “Closer” and guitarist Matthew Followill strumming with his teeth and doing it quite well. The walking beat and twang of “Knocked Up” was next and the 8 minute version could not have been performed more spot on. The radio fans then got their second dose when the band exploded into “Use Somebody” much to the delight of every drunk 25 year old in the arena who had been waiting all night for this track. It was like a bomb went off and the chorus could have probably been heard in Union Station. Many folks began heading to the exits after this and clearly the Kings noticed. Lead singer Caleb said “To all those who are leaving, see ya later. Glad you got to hear your favorite song....but this is my favorite song.” Then the band ripped into an electric version of “Black Thumbnail” with wailing guitars and explosive drums to close out the set and say goodnight.

Last night's show really displayed why these 4 Kings are considered by many to be one of the biggest bands in the world right now. A great show that displayed both emotion and unbelievable talent in a marriage that was a perfect storm from the start. You had the Kings to yourself long enough hipsters, now it is time to share them with the rest of the world. Go check this band out live or grab one of their discs, you will not be disappointed.

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September 30, 2009
Scottrade Center, St. Louis, MO

1. Crawl
2. Charmer
3. Be Somebody
4. King of the Rodeo
5. Taper Jean Girl
6. Molly's Chambers
7. Fans
8. Revelry
9. Milk
10. I Want You
11. Four Kicks
12. The Bucket
13. Sex on Fire
14. Notion
15. Manhattan
16. On Call
17. Cold Desert
18. Trani

Encore:
19. Closer
20. Knocked Up
21. Use Somebody
22. Black Thumbnail