Review: Kings of Leon at Co-op Live, Wednesday 10 July

I always describe Kings of Leon as my ‘gateway’ band to heavier music. I know their music isn’t heavy, but hear me out.

When I was about ten years old, my aunt Vicky - the cool aunt, we all have one (and if you don’t, you probably are one) - used to play CDs in her car when picking me up from school. 

She’d just gotten KoL’s third studio album Because of the Times (undeniably their best album and I’ll fight anyone who says otherwise). McFearless came on and I was utterly mesmerised. 

The distorted guitar, the raspy vocals, the slightly tinny-sounding riffs that scratch your brain just right. I was hooked.

After this, my aunt and I continued to bond over bands as she gradually introduced me (much to my mum’s dismay) to heavier and heavier artists; Metallica, Marilyn Manson, Ingested, and so on. 

We still share new bands we’ve discovered with each other to this day. But one that’s always remained a constant is Kings of Leon. 

I’d seen them twice before, once at Sheffield Arena as a youngster and another time at Liverpool’s Sefton Park for an open air event, so when I was given the opportunity to see them at Manchester’s new Co-op Live arena, I jumped at the chance. 

To make the night even more special and exciting, I was treated to the VIP experience at the venue’s Decibel Lounge - an exclusive premium lounge with pre-bookable private booths, table service food and drinks and its very own DJ spinning tracks until 2am to keep the party going long after the gig has finished. 

Elegantly designed and well laid-out, the swish and stylish Decibel Lounge provides the perfect space for relaxing before, in between and after sets. It’s spacious enough that it doesn’t feel overcrowded, but can host enough people to kick that pre-gig buzzing energy into swing. 

Those feeling a bit peckish can take advantage of the Asian fusion restaurant and enjoy restaurant-quality dishes in the comfort of their seats. 

We took our seats in The Amp Club section of the venue, a section that offers premium features including a mezzanine level where there’s plenty of seating, kiosks for sweets and snacks and bars. With less hustle and bustle, this calm and collected section of the venue is ideal for those looking to beat the crowds and enjoy the ultimate live music experience in comfort.

Support for the gig came from London-born indie rockers The Vaccines who warmed the crowd with Tumblr era tunes including Post Break-Up Sex, If You Wanna and I Always Knew along with some newer tracks from their 2024 album Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations.

Once suitably warmed up, the Tennessee four - Caleb, Nathan, Jared and Matthew Followill - were welcomed to the stage with thunderous applause as they kicked off their set with Ballerina Radio from new album Can We Please Have Fun (2024) before taking us back in time with euphoric hit On Call from my absolute favourite album (Because of the Times, 2007). 

Caleb and the boys got everyone up on their feet dancing with The Bucket and Taper Jean Girl from 2004 album Aha Shake Heartbreak before jokingly saying “It’s a Wednesday night. Y’all need to settle down.” and slowing things down with Revelry (Only By The Night, 2008). 

The Nashville lads continued to work their way through their discography with songs Nothing To Do and My Party, both of which received an excellent reception from the audience. 

“This might be the best Wednesday night we’ve had yet,” said Caleb before asking the crowd to “sing along with this one.”

The arena erupted as Caleb played the first riff of 2008’s guaranteed party starter Sex on Fire, sending fans into a frenzy. The Followills continued to ramp up the energy with tracks from unmistakably Southern-sounding 2010 record Come Around Sundown. 

A few floorfillers later, they returned to the Aha Shake Heartbreak album with Milk - a song which they put the lyrics on screen for, instilling a choir-like effect to reverberate from the 23,500-strong venue.

Caleb told the room of adoring admirers that the band realised they had “a second home” when they first came over to the UK, having received more support here than they had back home at the time. He explained that, when they returned back to the US, they decided to write Fans as a result of this, which they then played to the arena.

They took a short break to thank the audience for taking the time to come out to their show on a weekday, acknowledging that the Euros semi finals between England and Netherlands was on at the same time, adding “Here’s an update on the football…we’re still in it.”

During new single Nowhere To Run, England scored their winning goal and the audience broke out into hysteria, cheering and chanting in unison. 

“Wow, I like it. It’s coming home right?” chuckled Caleb before the screens swiftly changed to a crudely mocked up message saying ‘Final Score - Netherlands-1, England-2’. Drummer Nathan Followill quick-changed into an England shirt and the band continued, only adding to the pure elation the crowd felt at that moment.

A handful more tracks later and the band played Closer, a clear crowd favourite with its eerie visuals and distorted, echoey guitar. 

Returning for their encore with Rainbow Ball, Waste A Moment and Knocked Up, a beautiful song I hold dear to my heart (and clearly a lot of others in the room did, too). They finished their set with Use Somebody - their second most streamed song on Spotify - before giving the crowd what they wanted and playing themselves off with British football favourite Sweet Caroline. 

To see other upcoming gigs at Co-op Live, visit cooplive.com.

Follow Harley Young on X @Harley__Young

(Header and thumbnail image by Nick Flynn)

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