Kings Of Leon biography
Kings of Leon are a Grammy-nominated American rock band from Nashville, Tennessee. The band is made up of three brothers – Caleb Followill (b. 1982) (lead singer/rhythm guitar), Nathan Followill (b. 1981) (drums/backup vocals), Jared Followill (b. 1986) (bass guitar/backup vocals/synthesizer) – and their first cousin Matthew Followill (b.1984) (lead guitar/backup vocals). The band's sound derives from southern rock, garage rock, hard rock and blues. They have released four full-length albums. The group's name is derived from Nathan, Caleb and Jared's father and grandfather, both named Leon. In terms of chart positions the band has been far more popular in Europe (notably in the UK and in the Republic of Ireland) than their homeland.
Kings of Leon's first release, The Holy Roller Novocaine EP came out in 2003. Four of its five songs would later be released on Youth and Young Manhood, with the songs "California Waiting" and "Wasted Time" being remade. The EP also contained the B-side "Wicker Chair". All the songs were co-written by Angelo Petraglia.
Their debut album, Youth and Young Manhood, was a success, particularly outside the United States where they were dubbed one of the driving forces behind the so-called "new rock revolution" by the European press. Their stakes rose when they were chosen by popular rock bands The Strokes and U2 to tour with them. According to Jared, the title of the album was taken from their father's Bible. All songs were again co-written by Petraglia, who also contributed guitar and co-produced the album with Ethan Johns. The songs "Molly's Chambers", "Red Morning Light", and "Holy Roller Novocaine" were used in various video games, movies, and TV advertisements. "Holy Roller Novocaine" was also used in the films Stuck on You, and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby . The first single, "Molly's Chambers" became a hit overseas.
Aha Shake Heartbreak: 2004-2005
The band's second album
Aha Shake Heartbreak was released in the United Kingdom in October 2004 and in the United States in February 2005. Building on the southern-infused garage rock of their first album, the album broadened the band's domestic and international audience. "The Bucket", "Four Kicks", and "King of the Rodeo" were all released as singles, with the "The Bucket" rising into the Top 20 in Britain. "Taper Jean Girl" was used in the 2007 movie,
Disturbia. The band also garnered accolades from several of their rock peers, including Isaac Brock (musician) of Modest Mouse, Chris Naughtly, Owen Plant, Noel Gallagher of Oasis, Kelly Jones of Stereophonics, Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, Radiohead, and Bob Dylan. The band toured with Pearl Jam and Bob Dylan for much of 2005 and 2006. The album was produced by Angelo Petraglia and Ethan Johns with Jacquire King handling the recording and mixing duties.
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