Kings of Leon have long been a band capable of transforming any stage into a sonic and emotional landscape, and their September 2014 performance at MGM Resorts Village in Las Vegas was no exception. This show, set against the glittering backdrop of Las Vegas, combined the raw energy of the band’s earlier garage rock days with the polished, stadium-ready anthems that propelled them to international fame. The night was a journey through the band’s discography, blending fan favorites, deep cuts, and explosive sing-alongs that made the desert venue feel intimate and electric at the same time.
From the moment the first chords of “Supersoaker” rang out, the crowd knew they were in for a night where nostalgia and modern rock converged. The band’s performance was tight, confident, and occasionally unpredictable, showing why Kings of Leon remain one of the most compelling rock acts of their generation.
Setlist
Supersoaker
Taper Jean Girl
Fans
Family Tree
The Bucket
Closer
The Immortals
Mi Amigo
Mary
Knocked Up
Pyro
McFearless (#SongForTheCity)
Notion
Temple
Radioactive
Molly’s Chambers
Don’t Matter
Cold Desert
Use Somebody
Encore:
Crawl
Black Thumbnail
Sex on Fire
Opening Energy: Supersoaker to Family Tree
The opening of the show with “Supersoaker” set the tone immediately. The track, with its driving guitar riffs and infectious rhythm, had the crowd jumping from the first note. Caleb Followill’s vocals were commanding, effortlessly cutting through the mix of pounding drums and intricate guitar lines. The band’s energy was palpable, and even in a large venue like MGM Resorts Village, their connection with the audience was immediate.
“Taper Jean Girl” and “Fans” maintained this momentum, with each song showcasing a different facet of the band’s sound. “Taper Jean Girl” leaned into their garage-rock roots, with a raw, stripped-down sound that contrasted beautifully against the more polished “Fans,” which encouraged mass sing-alongs. The crowd responded with unbridled enthusiasm, echoing every chorus and chanting along with the band.
“Family Tree” brought a slightly darker tone, with atmospheric guitar work and rhythmic precision. It was a moment that reminded the audience of Kings of Leon’s ability to balance introspection with high-energy rock, a duality that has always defined their work. The pacing of the early set was spot-on, easing the crowd into the experience while promising bigger, more explosive moments to come.
Mid-Set Dynamics: The Bucket to Mi Amigo
By the time the band launched into “The Bucket,” the arena was fully alive. This track, with its driving tempo and emotionally charged lyrics, is a cornerstone of Kings of Leon’s catalog, and it didn’t disappoint live. Caleb’s vocal delivery was raw and passionate, and the crowd’s response made it clear this song is a fan favorite for a reason. The live instrumentation added an edge that the studio recording only hints at, with Nathan Followill’s drumming providing a steady yet dynamic backbone.
“Closer” shifted the mood, offering a more atmospheric, almost hypnotic rock experience. The interplay between guitars and bass was intricate, highlighting the band’s musicianship while keeping the audience engaged. “The Immortals” and “Mi Amigo” followed, each bringing their own flavor—cinematic riffs, powerful choruses, and emotionally resonant lyrics. These tracks demonstrated Kings of Leon’s range, capable of moving seamlessly from explosive rock anthems to reflective, almost ethereal numbers.
“Mary” provided a quieter, more intimate moment. It was a chance for the audience to catch their breath and for the band to showcase the subtleties of their musicianship. The crowd swayed along, completely immersed in the melodic guitar lines and Caleb’s emotive vocals.
Emotional Peaks: Knocked Up to Notion
The latter half of the main set saw the band hitting some of its most iconic tracks. “Knocked Up” was a highlight, combining storytelling lyrics with a slow-building intensity that erupted in powerful guitar climaxes. “Pyro” followed, showcasing atmospheric textures and intricate arrangements that contrasted with the raw energy of earlier songs. It was a masterclass in dynamic pacing, keeping the audience on their toes while layering emotion and musical complexity.
“McFearless (#SongForTheCity)” was a standout, with the crowd clearly responding to both the energy and the lyrical depth. This song, rarely performed at larger arenas, felt like a special treat, emphasizing Kings of Leon’s roots in intimate storytelling and personal reflection. “Notion” brought the band back to a high-energy anthem, with its syncopated rhythms and catchy riffs igniting the audience once again. The mid-set flow was expertly managed, balancing moments of intensity with reflective, melodic passages.
Building Toward the Climactic Finish: Temple to Use Somebody
As the set progressed, tracks like “Temple” and “Radioactive” elevated the concert to another level. “Temple” showcased Caleb’s vocal range and the band’s ability to craft a song that is both expansive and immediate. “Radioactive” had a dramatic build-up that culminated in a massive, arena-filling chorus, eliciting a powerful sing-along from the audience. The Las Vegas crowd was completely engaged, reflecting the communal energy that Kings of Leon thrives on.
“Molly’s Chambers” and “Don’t Matter” brought the pace back slightly, allowing the audience to catch their breath while still enjoying high-quality musicianship. These tracks, with their intricate rhythms and melodic hooks, reminded fans why the band’s early work remains so beloved.
“Cold Desert” was a quiet, introspective moment, contrasting with the explosive energy of “Use Somebody,” the penultimate track of the main set. “Use Somebody” is a massive anthem, and live it reached a near-reverential level. The band’s execution was flawless, and the crowd sang every lyric in unison, creating a shared moment of rock euphoria that defined the night.
Encore: Crawl, Black Thumbnail, Sex on Fire
The encore began with “Crawl,” a slightly off-kilter track that felt fresh and energetic, a perfect warm-up for the grand finale. “Black Thumbnail” added a darker, more experimental edge, showcasing the band’s willingness to push beyond their most commercially successful hits.
Finally, “Sex on Fire” closed the night in spectacular fashion. The energy in the arena was palpable, with the audience fully immersed in one of Kings of Leon’s most iconic tracks. Caleb’s vocals were raw and emotive, the guitars screamed, and Nathan’s drumming drove the song forward with relentless power. It was a fitting end, leaving the audience exhilarated and completely satisfied. The collective sing-along during the chorus was deafening, a true testament to the band’s enduring appeal.
Stagecraft and Production
While Kings of Leon’s performance is largely about the music itself, the staging at MGM Resorts Village elevated the experience. Lighting was dynamic, shifting with the mood of each song, from stark and intimate for quieter numbers to explosive and colorful for the high-energy hits. Visual backdrops complemented the music without overshadowing it, creating an immersive atmosphere that enhanced the emotional impact of each track.
The band’s interaction with the crowd was genuine. Caleb often paused to speak to the audience, expressing gratitude and creating moments of intimacy despite the size of the venue. The stage setup allowed each member to shine, giving space for guitar interplay, drum solos, and vocal moments that showcased the band’s musicianship.
Audience Engagement
The crowd at MGM Resorts Village was electric from start to finish. Kings of Leon has a way of blending arena-scale rock with personal connection, and this show was no exception. Fans knew the lyrics to every song, and the energy was contagious. Whether in the front rows or high in the bleachers, the audience felt part of the performance, singing, swaying, and cheering in unison.
Moments like “Use Somebody” and “Sex on Fire” turned into communal experiences, where the energy of thousands of fans blended with the band’s performance to create a shared, almost transcendent experience. Kings of Leon’s ability to connect with their audience, balancing intimacy with arena-scale spectacle, was on full display.
Musicianship and Performance
Musically, the band was tight and confident. Caleb Followill’s vocals were strong, emotive, and perfectly suited to the arena environment. Nathan’s drumming was precise yet dynamic, anchoring the songs while allowing for subtle flourishes that added texture. The guitar work of Matthew and Jared Followill was intricate and powerful, ranging from driving riffs to melodic solos that elevated each track.
The band demonstrated versatility, moving effortlessly from high-energy rock anthems to intimate, slower numbers. Each song was performed with attention to detail, maintaining the essence of the studio recordings while adding live energy and nuance.
Conclusion
Kings of Leon’s September 2014 performance at MGM Resorts Village was a masterclass in arena rock. The setlist skillfully blended fan favorites, deep cuts, and anthemic hits, taking the audience on a journey through the band’s evolution. From the opening “Supersoaker” to the explosive finale of “Sex on Fire,” the show balanced energy, emotion, and musicianship with expert pacing.
Stagecraft, lighting, and production enhanced the performance without overwhelming it, and the band’s interaction with the audience created moments of intimacy in a massive venue. Musically, Kings of Leon delivered with precision and passion, proving once again why they remain one of the most compelling rock bands of their generation.
The night at MGM Resorts Village was not just a concert—it was an experience, a shared celebration of rock, melody, and the enduring power of Kings of Leon’s music. Fans left exhilarated, connected, and fully satisfied, reminded of why this band continues to resonate nearly two decades into their career.
Grade: B