Kings tour 'justice' for Glasto

United Kingdom | by Ross Purdie | 13 December 2004

Kings Of Leon have paid homage to their UK fans and described their determination to get it right on their current tour, following a disappointing Glastonbury performance in June.

Lead singer Caleb Followill said: "It's unbelievable. The British crowds are so humbling. They sing back every word so it doesn't matter if I get the words wrong! The crowds are so happy to be here. We feel we had a bit to prove because we didn't do Glastonbury much justice when we played there this year."

Kings Of Leon proved their point last night when they played a spectacular show in London's Brixton Academy, despite drummer Nathan Followill suffering from a serious kidney infection.

As the band left the stage, a triumphant and obviously relieved Nathan threw three sets of drum sticks into the crowd to huge applause. Highlights of the gig included the band's recent single 'The Bucket', a stunning, raw version of 'Trani', and crowd sing-along favourite 'Joe's Head'.

Discussing Nathan's condition, Caleb said: "He's doing OK. It's a real bad kidney infection that he's had for the past week...he's been in real pain. But the minute he walked on stage, he felt a lot better. The adrenaline of the show got him through it. Our guitar tech has been on stand-by in case Nathan's too ill to finish the tour. Hopefully Nathan will be well enough to finish these British dates."

During the band's Manchester gig last week, a car had to be put on stand-by in case Nathan fell ill and had to be rushed to hospital. Kings Of Leon continue their UK tour tonight with another show at Brixton Academy, before playing Cambridge Corn Exchange on Tuesday.