Tuesday 23/09/08 Kings Of Leon @ Webster Hall New York, NY

It has been written about time and again that Kings of Leon are a much bigger band overseas than they are on their home soil. Overseas they fill arenas with ease and tonight in New York they were filling the 1,800 capacity Webster Hall. The show was beyond sold out, hoards of people waiting outside to see if there might be a faint chance of a ticket. Adored by men and women alike (granted probably for different reasons) they could have easily three times the size.

Once inside, the energy was electric and opening the show with ‘Crawl’, Caleb Followill growled, “you broke… my mouth…” in his uniquely southern husk. Kings of Leon seemed a little nervous - the usual New York show anxiety one can assume. Their opening set continued on with their latest single ‘Sex on Fire’ and the guitar stomper ‘My Party’. By the time they gauged just how excited the audience was, they eased up as if New York was their hometown.

Kings of Leon are not a band of many words, but really, with a back catalogue like theirs - who needs talking. They have always been a quality band but they have grown into musicians who don’t just perform songs, but anthems. The crowd knew every word to older songs such as ‘Four Kicks’, ‘On Call’ and ‘Taper Jean Girl’.  The newest material, including ‘Revelry’ and ‘Use Somebody’ was welcomed with the same reception. Each song appeared to have its own cult following, with each new one getting louder cheers than the previous.

After a little over an hour set, they re-appeared for an encore and as might be expected, the crowd brought the house down. As a reward they were treated to the brilliant ‘Knocked Up’, ‘Charmer’ and finally, the quieter ‘Manhattan’. While questioning their choice of last song I was informed, “well we are in Manhattan”… fair point Kings of Leon. For those who weren’t able to get a ticket this time around, thankfully, they show no signs of slowing down.