It was the quote heard around the world — in a manner of speaking, of course — although, for those in tune with the music world, the shockwaves could be felt almost immediately thanks to smartphones and YouTube. The aftershock to it all, however, came in the form of the possible implications for the band.
“I’m going to go backstage and I’m going to vomit, I’m going to drink a beer and I’m going to come back out and play three more songs.”
Caleb Followill, lead singer of Nashville-based band Kings of Leon, did not return to the stage that July night in Dallas after his now infamous parting words of wisdom. Soon after, brothers Jared (bass) and cousin Matt (lead guitar) were onstage apologizing as best they could to the crowd who had spent their hard earned money to see the band on what was another hot and muggy night in Texas.
A few days later, the entire U.S. tour was scrapped, citing “vocal issues” and “exhaustion” as the main culprits. The band is still holding on to their Canadian and European dates.
Fans and supporters of Kings of Leon know all too well of the band’s love of drinking. Many of the group’s earlier works are rooted in drunken debauchery and tales of drunken spats between band members have been reported almost as long as they have been making music.
While the band is maintaining that the end is not near, fans cannot help but hold their breath. American bands don’t typically stay together for extended periods of time, especially in today’s instant gratification world. Dating as far back as one can try to remember, we have seen a large number of U.S. bands throw in the towel. Groups like The Smashing Pumpkins, Rage Against the Machine, Talking Heads, Velvet Underground, Guns N Roses, The Pixies, Soundgarden — even N.W.A — all called it quits seemingly before their time.
Most recently, The White Stripes decided to part ways. Even The Strokes, though still together, took a considerable hiatus themselves with the separate band members “doing their own thing,” and now this bump in the road befalls Kings of Leon. Some of these bands get back together or make quasi-sentimental appearances at award shows, but it’s never quite the same.
Reportedly, the band is not only taking some time to rest, but to also reevaluate what’s important: having a good time or honoring their commitments to a fan base that have allowed them to pursue their dream as a source of income.
It has been estimated that the cancellation of just their U.S. dates could cost them as much $15 million. This might seem like chump change to the Tennessee-native rock stars, but the real cost could come in the way of fan allegiance. Having taken some time to warm up to the Kings of Leon style in the first place, a hiccup like this sure doesn’t help much.
It will be some time before any U.S. dates are set in stone again, but it remains to be seen if time does in fact heal all wounds. One can only hope that the demons and vices that have obviously had their way with the band are conquered — or are at least quelled to some degree — before something worse develops. Knowing when to say when might seem cliché, but it’s also rather fitting in this case.
Reach the reporter at jbfortne@asu.edu
