Before the release of their sixth album, Mechanical Bull, last year, Kings of Leon were suffering from some pitfalls that come with rock stardom. Shows were cancelled while lead singer Caleb Followill dealt with alcoholism, undercutting the band’s frenetic live performances that made them famous in the first place. Now, after spending the better part of this year on the road, the Followill cousins are closing out the American leg of their tour in Irvine with a bill that includes an opening set from Young the Giant. Like the hit-laden catalog of the band’s recent past, songs like the rockin' “Supersoaker” and the more deliberate “Wait For Me” shot up the charts, not only proving that the Kings are back after a few tumultuous years, but are ready to reclaim their place as modern rock royalty.
Sun., Oct. 5, 7 p.m., 2014
Daniel Kohn is a writer based in Southern California. With bylines in an assortment of outlets, Kohn primarily specializes in music with other interests ranging from sports to food. As a transplant, Kohn loves the beautiful weather and is glad he no longer has to deal with brutal winters. If you see him, say hi and of course, he’s always willing to down a beer or two…if you’re paying.