The anticipation for Kings of Leon’s second headline tour has been growing for months, ever since the release of their fourth and most commercially successful studio album, Only by the Night. With two Rod Laver Arena shows sold out in a matter of minutes, the Kings undeniable force over Australian music fans was proven with their latest album sitting for ten weeks at #1 on the ARIA charts, having gone platinum seven times (and counting). There was an undeniably strong sense of excitement, adrenalin and a shared passion for the boys from Nashville, Tennessee that cold Saturday night.

A warm up support act by The Stills was a fine way to begin the night, as they performed songs from their latest album, Oceans Will Rise, adding an aura of anticipation to the already amazing atmosphere inside Rod Laver Arena. As the crowd waited for what seemed like an eternity, it felt like nothing was going to happen. The stage was bare, the fans were getting anxious. Then, at approximately 9:15, the lights dropped to pitch black, the screams of frenzied excitement filled Rod Laver Arena, and the moment we had all been anticipating had arrived. Kings of Leon appeared on stage to the cheers of a standing crowd who were in for the night of their life! There were no fancy gimmicks, nor were there descending stages. No, Kings of Leon simply walked on stage, looked at each other, and jumped right into the action, unleashing hit single Charmer upon the crowd of 14,000+ fans. With every screech of Caleb’s voice, large screens displayed a B-grade horror victim, screaming for her life, a surprisingly effective way to compliment the opening song.

Next in line was the irresistible Crawl, an instant classic on Kings of Leon’s set list. Seconds later, the Kings played previous crowd favourites My Party, Mollys Chambers and King of the Rodeo to a thunderous reception, filling the arena with classic Kings of Leon for fans both long-time and new. Within the space of about fifteen minutes, and five songs later, we were already reassured why Kings of Leon are so successful in with their music: they emit a huge amount of passion and dedication into each and every song. Slowing things down a bit, the lights dimmed, and Closer , the opening track on Only by the Night eerily echoed throughout the arena. A haunting but amazing song, it showed the true talents of the young men who grew up sheltered from most modern music of the times. Next on the set were the feel good Fans and the mellow Revelry, followed by a sombre rendition of Milk, just to take things down a level, because the next few songs were going to raise the roof.

Four Kicks and Wasted Time got the crowd going, the perfect entree for what had seemed like an eternity for many fans; the acclaimed Sex On Fire, the song that introduced a new range of fans to Kings of Leon’s music, and without a doubt, their most successful single. It was a marvel to both see and hear the entire Rod Laver crowd sing each word of Kings defining single and something I will never forget being a part of. Hit after hit followed, with The Bucket, On Call and the crowd pleaser Use Somebody, erupting in a round of momentous applause. Things were starting to wind down, as Cold Desert, the final song on from Only By The Night began to play. It seemed like an eternity, but the night was coming to an end. As the final song finished, Kings of Leon bid the crowd farewell and departed the stage.

Cheers of ‘More’ and ‘Kings! Kings! Kings!’ chanted through Rod Laver arena, and within minutes, they were with us again, doing what they do best: bringing the crowd to its feet, singing, and sometimes dancing to hit after hit. The epic seven minute long Knocked Up and the beautiful Manhattan were strong points for the night, as the entire crowd sang along, but with two songs left in the set, Kings of Leon rocked away into the night with Slow Night, So Long and the brilliant Black Thumbnail. Over the course of twenty hit songs, Kings of Leon proved to Melbourne, that they have the sound of legends, and that they are easily worthy of being called leading pioneers of modern rock.

The real highlight for the night came not from any particular song, but rather, from Caleb himself. Right before Kings performed the long awaited Knocked Up as their first encore, front man Caleb stood before the adoring crowd, telling us of his love for Australia, and what a privilege it was to play for the Sound Relief concert earlier that day, finally declaring to the crowd, ‘I know I may receive some criticism for this, for we have fans all over the world, but I think it’s safe to say Australia has now become our favourite place to be’. It’s fair to assume, Kings of Leon have certainly cemented themselves as one of Australia’s most loved international bands, and they are welcome back to rock Melbourne to its core anytime.