Festival Review: BST Hyde Park Kings of Leon
Kings of Leon electrify BST Hyde Park with a stellar 29 song set.
The second day of American Express presents BST Hyde Park maintained the exhilarating momentum set by SZA's spectacular opening. This time, the stage belonged to Tennessee rockers, Kings of Leon, who delivered a powerful 29-song set, seamlessly blending their biggest hits and hidden gems.
Caleb Followill's enthusiastic greeting, “How you all doing tonight? You look amazing out there. This is fantastic!” set the tone for the evening, as a sold-out crowd eagerly awaited the performance. The band's 105-minute set kicked off with “Ballerina Radio” and “On Call,” instantly igniting the audience's excitement. A vibrant backdrop featuring waterfalls and volcanoes added an earthy dimension to their performance, enhancing the immersive experience.
Nathan Followill, proudly sporting an England football shirt in celebration of the team’s win against Slovakia, kept the energy high on the drums. Caleb's genuine joy was evident as he remarked, “I was hoping we’d have fun tonight... Didn’t have any idea we’d have this much fun.” This sentiment resonated throughout the evening, especially during their iconic “Sex on Fire,” where the music paused to let the audience passionately sing along before the Followill vocals resumed.
Tracks like “Don’t Stop The Bleeding” and “Comeback Story” provided a perfect contrast, allowing for moments of reflection amidst the high-energy performance. Caleb’s heartfelt connection with the crowd was clear when he expressed, “It’s such a joy to be here. We haven’t been here for seven years. It’s one of my favourite places to be and be a part of.”
The night continued with a rich tapestry of songs, including “Pyro,” “Mustang,” “Molly’s Chambers,” and “Fans.” The band delved deep into their back catalog, culminating in an epic encore featuring “Rainbow Ball,” “Waste A Moment,” and a soaring rendition of “Use Somebody,” with the entire Hyde Park audience singing in unison.
Earlier in the evening, Paolo Nutini made a triumphant return to Hyde Park, his first appearance since the London 2012 Olympic Games. Showcasing tracks from his four chart-topping albums, Nutini’s extraordinary vocals shone through, particularly on highlights like “Iron Sky,” “New Shoes,” and “Shine A Light.” His casual rapport with the audience, including a nod to musicians like Mae Muller and George Ezra, added a personal touch to his set.
The Vaccines, celebrating their sixth studio album, "Pick-up Full of Pink Carnations," brought their dynamic ‘West Coast’ sound to the Great Oak Stage. Their set, packed with fan favorites from their six Top 5 UK LPs, had the crowd energetically singing along to “I Can’t Quit” and “If You Wanna.”
Grammy-winner Gary Clark Jr. captivated the audience with his masterful blend of rock and blues, highlighted by his standout performance of “Bright Lights” and the soulful “Habits.” His decades of experience were evident in every note, showcasing his remarkable talent.
Opening the main stage, Cannons drew a large crowd with their infectious indie-pop sound. The Californian trio, on their first UK tour, expressed their delight at the enthusiastic reception and shared their joy of experiencing London.
On the Rainbow Stage, Dublin's Somebody’s Child, led by Cian Godfrey, brought their unique Irish energy to the festival. Their breakthrough debut album has clearly resonated with fans, evident in the lively response from the crowd.
Merseyside rockers, Red Rum Club, and London four-piece, KEO, further energized the audience with their eclectic sets. Red Rum Club's latest album, "Western Approaches," and KEO's grunge-inspired sound were particular highlights of the day.
The Essex punk duo The Meffs, TikTok sensation Daydreamers, and Shropshire-born singer Nieve Ella rounded out another brilliant day of music at BST Hyde Park. The festival continues with Open House events and more exciting performances in the coming days, promising an unforgettable summer of music.
