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Kings of Leon

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Band Timeline

1999

Formation of Kings of Leon

Kings of Leon was formed in 1999 in Mount Juliet, Tennessee by three brothers Caleb, Nathan, and Jared Followill, along with their cousin Matthew Followill. Coming from a musical family with a preacher father, the band members began developing their sound with a blend of Southern rock, garage rock, and blues influences. They named the band after their grandfather Leon, honoring their familial roots. This marked the beginning of what would become a successful and evolving rock band.
2002

Band Signed to RCA Records

In 2002, after gaining interest from several labels, Kings of Leon signed a recording contract with RCA Records. Despite initial industry expectations to create a duo, the band insisted on performing as a four-piece group, including the youngest brother and their cousin. This signing set the professional foundation for their recording and touring career, allowing them to move forward with producing music and building their fanbase.
2003

Debut EPs and First Album Release

Kings of Leon released their debut EPs 'Holy Roller Novocaine' in February and 'What I Saw' in May 2003, leading up to their first full-length album 'Youth and Young Manhood' in July. The debut album peaked at number 113 on the US Billboard 200 and number three on the UK Albums Chart, signaling early international success. It featured singles such as "Molly's Chambers" and solidified the band's gritty Southern rock style.
2004

Release of Second Album 'Aha Shake Heartbreak'

In November 2004, Kings of Leon released their second studio album, 'Aha Shake Heartbreak.' The album continued their momentum, peaking at 55 on the Billboard 200 and again reaching number three in the UK Albums Chart. Singles like "The Bucket" marked the band's first entry into US charts. The album received double platinum certifications in both the UK and Australia, demonstrating growing international acclaim.
2007

Release of Third Album 'Because of the Times'

March 2007 saw the release of Kings of Leon's third album, 'Because of the Times,' which became a commercial breakthrough. The album topped charts in the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand and reached number 25 on the Billboard 200. Singles such as "On Call" and "Fans" charted well in the UK. The album's platinum certifications in several countries marked the band’s rising popularity and critical recognition.
2008

Breakthrough Success with 'Only by the Night'

In September 2008, Kings of Leon released their fourth studio album, 'Only by the Night,' which became a global commercial phenomenon. The album reached number one in several countries and was the best-selling album of 2008 in Australia. Hit singles "Sex on Fire," "Use Somebody," and "Notion" topped US Modern Rock charts and broke into mainstream radio, vastly increasing the band's US presence. The band won two BRIT Awards this year, cementing their international status as a leading rock act.
2010

Release of Fifth Album 'Come Around Sundown'

Kings of Leon released their fifth album, 'Come Around Sundown,' on October 18, 2010. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and topped charts in countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. The lead single "Radioactive" achieved success on the Billboard Hot 100 and Alternative Songs chart. 'Come Around Sundown' continued the band's streak of commercially successful albums with strong sales and tour support.
2013

Release of Sixth Album 'Mechanical Bull'

On September 24, 2013, Kings of Leon released 'Mechanical Bull,' their sixth studio album. The album marked a mature phase in the band's sound with a more polished rock approach. It was well received by critics and fans alike and supported by extensive touring. 'Mechanical Bull' demonstrated the band's ability to evolve sonically while maintaining their distinctive style that had brought them global success.
2016

Release of Seventh Album 'Walls'

Kings of Leon's seventh album 'Walls' was released on October 14, 2016. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, marking a career milestone as their first chart-topping album in the US. 'Walls' reflected introspective themes and showcased the band's continued growth and resilience, maintaining their relevance in the rock music scene more than 15 years after their formation.
2021

Release of Eighth Album 'When You See Yourself'

On March 5, 2021, Kings of Leon released their eighth studio album 'When You See Yourself.' This album marked a continuation of the band's evolution, embracing new sounds and production techniques. It was the first album released after a significant gap during which the band members pursued individual projects. The album was noted for its introspective lyrics and was supported by innovative promotional strategies, including a unique experience in the metaverse.
2024

Release of Ninth Album 'Can We Please Have Fun'

Kings of Leon released their ninth studio album 'Can We Please Have Fun' on May 10, 2024. This album represents the latest chapter in their over two-decade-long career, continuing to explore themes of identity, growth, and resilience in their music. With this release, the band affirms their enduring place in the rock music landscape and their ability to connect with both longtime fans and new audiences.

Albums

kings-of-leon_1st_album
Youth & Young Manhood
11 tracks
2003
kings-of-leon_2nd_album
Aha Shake Heartbreak
13 tracks
2004
kings-of-leon_3rd_album
Because of the Times
13 tracks
2007
kings-of-leon_4th_album
Only by the Night
11 tracks
2008
kings-of-leon_5th_album
Come Around Sundown
13 tracks
2010
kings-of-leon_6th_album
Mechanical Bull
13 tracks
2013
kings-of-leon_7th_album
WALLS
10 tracks
2016
kings-of-leon_8th_album
When You See Yourself
11 tracks
2021
kings-of-leon_9th_album
Can We Please Have Fun
12 tracks
2024
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Matthew Followill

N/A

Nathan Followill

N/A

Caleb Followill

N/A

Jared Followill

N/A

Story of Kings of Leon

Kings of Leon: From Southern Roots to Global Stardom

Hailing from the heart of Tennessee, Kings of Leon emerged in 1999, a family affair featuring brothers Caleb, Nathan, and Jared Followill alongside their cousin Matthew. Their early sound was a potent cocktail of Southern rock grit, garage rock energy, and bluesy swagger. But Kings of Leon weren't content to stay in one lane. As their career progressed, they embraced a more diverse musical palette, venturing into alternative rock territory while still retaining their signature raw energy.

The band's initial breakout came in the UK, where they racked up nine top 40 singles and two BRIT Awards in 2008, solidifying their status as international rock royalty. Their first three albums stormed the UK charts, with Because of the Times claiming the coveted No. 1 spot.

Then came the monumental Only by the Night in 2008, catapulting Kings of Leon into the stratosphere of American music. The album's anthemic singles, "Sex on Fire," "Use Somebody," and "Notion," dominated the Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart, reaching the pinnacle of rock radio airplay. Only by the Night achieved platinum status in the US, cementing their position as a global force and becoming the best-selling album of 2008 in Australia, achieving a staggering nine-times platinum certification.

Kings of Leon continued their winning streak with their fifth album, Come Around Sundown, released in October 2010, proving their staying power and solidifying their legacy as one of the most important and enduring rock bands of the 21st century.

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