Kings of Leon is an American (United States) rock (rock music) band that formed in Nashville (Nashville, Tennessee), Tennessee, United States in 1999, consisting of brothers Anthony Caleb Followill (Caleb Followill) (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Ivan Nathan Followill (Nathan Followill) (drums, percussion, backing vocals) and Michael Jared Followill (Jared Followill) (bass (bass guitar), backing vocals), with their cousin Cameron Matthew Followill (Matthew Followill) (lead guitar, backing vocals). Each member of the family group is known by his middle name (second given name) as opposed to his first given name.

The bands early music was an upbeat blend of southern rock and blues influences but the band has gradually expanded their sound to include a variety of genres and a more alternative rock or arena rock sound. Kings of Leon achieved initial success in the United Kingdom with nine Top 40 singles (UK Singles Chart), two BRIT Awards in 2008, and all three of the bands albums at the time peaking in the top five of the UK Albums Chart. Their third album Because of the Times also reached the #1 spot. After the release of Only by the Night in September 2008 they finally achieved chart success in their native United States. The singles "Sex on Fire", "Use Somebody" and "Notion (Notion (song))" all peaked at #1 on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks (Alternative Songs). The album itself was their first ever platinum (List of music recording sales certifications)-selling album in the United States. It was the best selling album of 2008 in Australia, being certified nine-times Platinum.