Feature Photo: Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0
A spark of musical camaraderie flickered in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1999, when Kings of Leon first came together. The lineup featured three brothers—Caleb, Nathan, and Jared Followill—alongside their cousin, Matthew Followill. They built their early reputation by touring extensively and earning a devoted following with their distinct approach to American rock. Over the years, they have released eight full-length studio albums, each reflecting their evolving style and demonstrating their consistent presence in the rock music scene.
Their debut album, Youth & Young Manhood, arrived in 2003, followed by Aha Shake Heartbreak (2004), Because of the Times (2007), Only by the Night (2008), Come Around Sundown (2010), Mechanical Bull (2013), WALLS (2016), and When You See Yourself (2021). Their music has garnered attention on the charts, particularly “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody,” which became worldwide hits. Kings of Leon have not experienced major lineup changes or high-profile breakups, which is notable for a band with such longevity and success.
Over the course of their career, Kings of Leon have received multiple awards, including Grammy accolades. Their consistent membership and varied discography have yielded a series of standout rock anthems that have seen success on both sides of the Atlantic. They maintain a solid reputation for energetic live performances and remain engaged with their fan base through touring and festival appearances.
Caleb Followill
Caleb Followill, born Anthony Caleb Followill, has served as Kings of Leon’s lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist since 1999. As one of the founding members, he has been featured on every album, beginning with Youth & Young Manhood in 2003. On that debut, Caleb’s raw vocal style contributed to the group’s initial recognition in the rock world. With subsequent records like Aha Shake Heartbreak and Because of the Times, Caleb’s voice became increasingly central to the band’s evolving sound, helping them gain traction internationally.
On Only by the Night, Caleb’s vocals anchored the successful tracks “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody,” both of which garnered the band critical accolades and helped earn them multiple awards. Outside of the band, Caleb has occasionally collaborated with other artists on songwriting projects and has been featured in various charitable efforts, particularly those related to music education and disaster relief. He remains the band’s main songwriter and continues to shape Kings of Leon’s musical direction through his lyrics and vocals.
Nathan Followill
Nathan Followill, the band’s drummer and percussionist, also joined in 1999 and has contributed backing vocals on all Kings of Leon albums. His drumming style was introduced on Youth & Young Manhood, providing a rhythmic foundation that propelled songs like “Red Morning Light.” Throughout albums such as Aha Shake Heartbreak and Because of the Times, Nathan refined his technique, blending alternative rock beats with elements of Southern-inflected grooves.
On Only by the Night, his percussion work fortified hits like “Use Somebody,” helping the song achieve radio success worldwide. Nathan’s notable outside pursuits include session drumming on select collaborations and his involvement in philanthropic events, particularly ones that support arts and music education. His commitment to dynamic percussion remains one of the band’s defining traits, giving their tracks a recognizable drive and character.
Jared Followill
Jared Followill, who handles bass and occasional keyboards, also came on board in 1999. His bass lines on Youth & Young Manhood contributed a melodic flair that added depth to their debut tracks, and by Aha Shake Heartbreak, his playing became more pronounced, a development evident in the record’s tighter compositions. On Because of the Times, Jared incorporated subtle keyboard elements, further diversifying the band’s sound. By the release of Only by the Night, his inventive bass work on tracks like “Closer” helped shape the album’s moody tone, and his technique carried into the band’s later albums, including Mechanical Bull and WALLS. Away from Kings of Leon, Jared has occasionally worked on side projects and made guest appearances with other artists. His foundational bass playing remains integral to the band’s dynamic, bridging the gap between melodic guitar lines and driving percussion.
Matthew Followill
Matthew Followill, a cousin to the other three members, also joined Kings of Leon in 1999 and serves as the lead guitarist while sometimes contributing keyboards and backing vocals. His guitar riffs on Youth & Young Manhood established the raw, bluesy element that would become a signature for the band. Through releases like Aha Shake Heartbreak and Because of the Times, Matthew introduced a variety of guitar textures, expanding Kings of Leon’s sonic palette. His melodic leads played a pivotal role in the successes of “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody” on Only by the Night, as those riffs became instantly recognizable. He has occasionally contributed to other artists’ studio sessions, showcasing his skill as a guitarist. On Come Around Sundown, Mechanical Bull, WALLS, and When You See Yourself, Matthew remained a vital creative force, ensuring that lead guitar parts continued to complement Caleb’s vocals and evolve with each new recording.
Liam O’Neil
Liam O’Neil has served as a touring musician for Kings of Leon since 2015, playing keyboards, percussion, and providing backing vocals. He does not appear as an official studio member but supports live shows, broadening the band’s onstage sound and allowing them to recreate the layered arrangements heard on their albums.
Timothy Deaux
Timothy Deaux began touring with the band in 2016, adding rhythm guitar, percussion, and backing vocals. From 2021 to 2022, he also handled lead guitar duties as needed. Though not credited on studio recordings, Deaux bolstered the band’s performances by filling out multiple instrumental parts, ensuring continuity for audiences across various tours.
Christopher Coleman
Christopher Coleman was a touring musician from 2010 to 2014, contributing rhythm guitar, keyboards, trumpet, percussion, and backing vocals for live renditions of songs from Come Around Sundown and early Mechanical Bull performances. His role ensured the band’s sound matched the fuller production of the studio recordings during that period.
Ethan Luck
Ethan Luck toured with Kings of Leon between 2014 and 2016 as a rhythm guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist, and backing vocalist. He was part of the live support during the later Mechanical Bull era and left just prior to WALLS. Outside Kings of Leon, he is known for his involvement in various punk and rock projects, emphasizing his versatility as a touring and studio musician.