Oh, Kings of Leon, how I wish things were different.
As of today, Kings of Leon have officially announced the cancellation of the remainder of their U.S. tour after what drummer, Nathan Followill, described as a "fiasco" of a show in Dallas, TX Friday night. Unfortunately, like so many artists in the spotlight, singer Caleb Followill is reported to be suffering from "exhaustion." Blah, blah, blah. How many times are us fans supposed to believe the "exhaustion" excuse? I didn't buy it when it happened to Lindsay Lohan and I certainly don't buy it now. I'm exhausted all the time, that doesn't mean I get a vacation from my job. Let's dig a little deeper.
Kings of Leon skyrocketed to fame after the release of their fourth major studio album "Only By the Night" - home to Billboard hits "Sex on Fire" and "Use Somebody." Prior to these radio sensations, Kings of Leon was a substantial band with a hard core following, but nobody expected them to become a high-profile rock act, adorned with smash hits and a few Grammys. Needless to say, Kings of Leon deserved all the fame they have gotten. But that doesn't mean this small-townm family band was up for the task.
Frontman Caleb Followill has admitted to having identity distortion issues and a history of anorexia. He felt unworthy and incapable of living up to the expectations of himself, as lead singer of Kings of Leon. It has also been found that all members of Kings of Leon have experience of habitual drug use. Do they really expect us to believe that Caleb Followill is merely suffering from "exhaustion?"
Call it something else. Call it depression or anxiety. But don't call it EXHAUSTION. Surely, the crazy life of a rock and roll star may exhaust you, but that is not an excuse. It's time to let the real issues come to surface here. People don't just cancel months of their lives because they are exhausted.
I, for one, am incredibly disappointed that I will not be seeing Kings of Leon at their remaining shows. They are an incredible band with so much talent and my thoughts are with all of them. I hope they can break through this rough patch and continue on as the amazing musical act they are. As for everyone else, what do you think about this so-called "exhaustion?"
