Kings of Leon w/ Phantogram
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA
08.29.24
The world was a much different place the last time the Kings of Leon performed in Seattle proper. Barack Obama was still President, we were years away from a world of Covid, and TikTok hadn’t been founded. Sure, they’ve played The Gorge and White River in the years between, but their fans in the Emerald City were primed for a performance by the Followill brothers in their town. Well into their “Can We Please Have Fun” world tour, and flanked by the lauded NYC duo Phantogram, the fans turned out in droves, navigating the barriers in place for Bumbershoot’s upcoming weekend, to witness the spectacle. It did not disappoint.
Phantogram kicked off the evening with their signature blend of electronic beats, indie rock, and stage-filling lights and smoke. From the moment they appeared, the duo of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter captivated the audience with their presence, Barthel’s hypnotic head banging countered by Carter’s more reserved presence. Fresh off performing in studio KEXP earlier in the day, their set was a perfect mix of their classic hits like “Black Out Days” and “Mister Impossible” and brand new tracks like the bouncy “Happy Again.” The closer, “When I’m Small” was the perfect ending to an energetic, entrancing set, the lights perfectly syncing with Barthel’s angelic vocals until the song’s crescendo.
When it came time for Kings of Leon to take the stage at the Climate Pledge Arena, Caleb Followill entered solo in a timelessly retro suit. His first strums on the guitar and beginning notes he belted out in his trademark sound got the crowd roaring. Once flanked by his brothers, cousin, and the rest of the touring crew, they let loose. The Tennessee band, known for their high-energy performances, delivered exactly what fans hoped for. Opening with “Ballerina Radio,” a single off their newest album “Can We Please Have Fun” they quickly grabbed the crowd’s attention, their sound rich and full, filling the arena with its presence.
Their setlist was a journey through their greatest hits, set against the backbone of their newest tracks. “Sex on Fire” and “Pyro” were clear highlights with the audience, sparking enthusiastic sing-alongs and a strong sense of connection. Caleb Followill’s vocals were compelling as ever, and the band’s tight musicianship was evident, with each member contributing seamlessly to the overall sound. Caleb playing a track to each side of the arena made for a nice, intimate moment, and Matthew Followill’s guitar solos were especially impressive, adding an extra layer of intensity that had the crowd cheering.
A standout moment of the night came during the end of their pre-encore set, as the unmistakable first guitar notes of “Closer” bellowed into the rafters. Beautiful, haunting, and riveting, Kings of Leon gave the fans what they came for.
The encore, featuring a heartfelt performance of “Use Somebody” brought the evening to a satisfying close. The crowd’s enthusiasm never wavered, and the band’s final moments on stage were met with resounding applause. The entire night was a testament to the lasting appeal of both Phantogram and Kings of Leon, and their ability to deliver performances that leave a lasting impression.
While there’s no telling how different the world will be the next time Kings of Leon come through Seattle, one thing’s for certain: if they keep performing at this level, the fans will be there.
Photos and Review by Sattva Photo
