Kings of Leon at BST Hyde Park

London’s annual music festival returns to Hyde Park with Kings of Leon headlining the first Sunday, supported by class acts.

One of the first bands of the day on the main stage is Los Angeles group Cannons. Their brief but sultry set begins with Heartbeat Highway, leading into Bad Dream. Infused with seductive synthesiser beats, it is no wonder the songs feel highly nostalgic and a perfect soundtrack for driving down the LA boulevards. With Purple Sun, the style is ska, vocalist Michelle Joy highly reminiscent of Gwen Stefani during the No Doubt days. One of the band’s biggest hits, Hurricane, stands out as anticipated, catchy and breezy, while Fire For You is the crème de la crème.

It is worth mentioning Keo, a gifted four-piece from London. Many fans and new listeners alike are gathered at the Rainbow Stage, and it is not hard to see why, as the band’s sound does not disappoint. Despite the group not having been together for very long, their 90s grunge style is strong (think Nirvana, Pearl Jam and a lesser-known New York band, The Morning Code.) After seeing Keo live, they may just have a very bright future ahead, and are definite ones to watch.

The Great Oak Stage is looking very intriguing for Paolo Nutini’s set, with a red telephone and pineapple present. The Scotsman is on top form, too. Beginning with a darkly atmospheric and gorgeous rendition Afterneath, the frontman speaks verses into the phone; the song has a surprising writing credit by Quentin Tarantino, as Nutini samples from the director’s 1993 film True Romance.

Nutini’s vocals are spine-tinglingly good, emotionally raw and still incredibly powerful after an eight-year hiatus. Another song from the latest album, Acid Eyes, is a sweet track, and demonstrates Nutini’s great command of the stage, followed by the audience singing along with Through the Echoes, done in Nutini’s signature Americana style. Perky number Petrified in Love befits a 70s kitchen sink drama, while one of the singer’s most recognised and loved tunes, Candy, starts off acoustic, the rest of the band joining in, a true ballad that pulls on the heartstrings. Completing his set with Iron Sky, (ironically we are also under one) screens show indeterminate warzones and scenes of strife, leaving fans deeply introspective.

The kings of Nashville, Tennessee, arrive slightly early on stage, to raucous applause, Caleb Followill the first to appear, with the rest of the band soon to follow for Ballerina Radio, the first track of their ninth album, Can We Please Have Fun, with stunning colourful visuals. The thrumming bass of On Call gets the crowd going, its catchy chorus repeated with passionate flair. Another classic, The Bucket, is a jovial jam, while Taper Jean Girl – apparently a tour debut – captures the band’s fervent nature. One of the surefire absolute standout is Manhattan, encapsulating the summer vibes with sparkling guitar melodies, and proving the timeless talent of Kings of Leon. During Nothing to Do, the cameramen are right up to the band’s faces and guitars, giving us a unique and intimate perspective. The Nashville rockers know how to capture fans with hits like My Party and the hugely anthemic Sex on Fire, making it clear why the Followill family are headlining.

Intriguingly, for a couple of the songs tonight, they screen the lyrics, helping fans to sing along; there is definitely something for everyone in this excellently curated set. Another gorgeous track, Milk, is played to perfection, while Caleb sings to fans to the left of the stage, after previously performing to the right – with the sun gently setting over us, this is both a faultless tune and moment. Hearing Fans live on the day England is playing the Euros feels significant, complete with the London lyric; drummer Nathan dons an England t-shirt at the end of the first set too.

There are innumerable highlights in the Kings’s set, whether it’s the thrilling King of the Rodeo or newer tracks like Nowhere to Run and Split Screen, the latter an exquisite synth-backed beauty. The hauntingly beautiful and unforgettable Closer is another key festival moment; a full moon and a sheeted ghost add a stunning illustrative element.

After a brief break, Use Somebody closes the set, a perfect end to an exhilarating and emotionally rendered gig through the Kings’s extensive musical history. Fans will be sure to “come around sundown” to see the Tennessee rockers kicking it again.

Selina Begum
Photos: Virginie Viche/Dave Hogan/HP van Velthoven/Ellie Koepke

For further information and future events visit Kings of Leon’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Actual Daydream here: