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Written by Bruce Matlock Friday, 08 August 2014 18:49

Caleb Followill quickly noted that if the birds did return they’d just have to “tough it out.”

Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre, Maryland Heights

Kings of Leon returned to St. Louis for yet another bird feces free show for the third time in a row. Seriously though, I don’t know why everyone feels the need to make fun of the band for what occurred that night. They returned a few months later for a makeup show. I’m pretty sure if anyone was doing their job and birds were using them for target practice we would all have an issue with that. Moving on, the Mechanical Bull tour in support of the album by the same name brought the first North American show to Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Maryland Heights.

The openers were as solid as KoL always brings along. South Africa’s Kongos were a little more restrained than expected from the “Come With Me Now” singing band that features an accordion and barefoot bass player. The band was solid however, and only has room for improvement after their first St. Louis show.

Young the Giant’s first album brought along an effect quite like the “Cough Syrup” their hit song refers to, in previous visits to town. Songs off of their latest release, Mind Over Matter, brought along a much appreciated injection of energy and excitement to their excellent sound. Lead singer Sameer Gadhia looked equally comfortable crooning through “I Got” and headbanging during “It’s About Time.”

One of the things most impressive over the course of the evening was the speed and efficiency of the crew. There wasn’t a break longer than 20 minutes between bands. For the first night of the tour, that is insanely quick. Kings of Leon would start about 5 minutes after their scheduled start time, only 15 minutes after Young the Giant. The boys from Tennessee are one of the best I’ve seen at putting together a setlist to please old fans and new alike. On this tour they’ve made it a point to make it even more special by promising to play one song a night that will not be played on any other date.

Starting off with the lead single from Mechanical Bull, “Supersoaker,” the band quickly showcased an impressive screen and light show. I would also like to add that the director handling the camera work did a great job. The editing was absolutely some of the best I’ve seen during a live show. The band would quickly get into older material with “Taper Jean Girl” and “Fans” as well as playing “Mary,” off the mostly forgotten Come Around Sundown, for the first time since 2011 live. On this night fan favorite “Slow Night, So Long” would be the choice to be singled out as not being played on the rest of the tour, which is a shame considering it absolutely rocked. Given the bands claim that they hadn’t played through it in a long time, it was a pleasant surprise.

The band seemed extremely happy to be back on American soil, and even in St. Louis, with lead singer Caleb Followill quickly noting that if the birds did return they’d just have to “tough it out.” If you’re a fan that for some reason still hasn’t listened to the bands excellent new album or are still angry about the band's 2010 show, well you probably weren’t ever much of a fan. | Bruce Matlock

Photo Galleries:

Kings of Leon/Young the Giant

Kongos