Kings of Leon exhibition

by Nicole Vanacore

As Kings of Leon celebrate their 10th anniversary, the Proud Gallery’s latest exhibition, Kings of Leon: 10 Year Reign, honour just this.

Music photographer Jo McCaughey followed the band on their 2004 European tour, and the exhibition shows the self-taught band from Nashville, behind the scenes and in intimate situations.

The rare and unseen photographs show the band from the start of their career right up to their super group status today, starting with the bands first UK appearance in 2003.

Pictures of them at Glastonbury in 2008 and T in the Park festival provide a sort of timeline to fame that the band have undergone in the past decade.

Despite their sell out concerts and influence over the past 10 years, shots of the four backstage, looking quiet and solitary show a more timid side the Kings of Leon.

As you walk round the gallery, it’s obvious to see the photographer had a good relationship with the band. A picture of the band on the tour bus, shows what a light hearted atmosphere was around at the time of the shots.

Other shots include scenes from the Aha Shake Heartbreak album promotion in Italy and snaps from touring in Paris. But the ones that definitely reveal the most, are the back stage photos of the foursome, as you get a sense of what performing means to them.

All the pictures are available to buy, but all come with pretty hefty price tags. The Proud Gallery is the perfect place to host such a rare collection dedicated to one of today’s most loved Indie/Rock bands, and a definite must see for any true Kings of Leon fan.

Kings of Leon: 10 Year Reign runs until December 6
 

The Proud Gallery

The Horse Hospital

Chalk Farm Road 

NW1 8AH

Free entry

Kings of Leon - King of the Rodeo (Aha Shake Heartbreak, 2005)