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Post by Jigglytuffy™ on Aug 29, 2009 4:54:24 GMT
In the wake of recent events, it's come to my attention that there seems to be a feeling or a lack of love. Those of us who consider ourselves "real fans" are able to look past the 3 minutes that is Sex on Fire. When this song first came out last year around this time, some of us were excited and some of us were weary. I was part of the former. I found the song to be catchy and just damn good. I was pretty naive when it came to what that song was going to mean and what it would do to our beloved band. I had spent the better part of four years waiting for them to make it huge in my home country, which so happens to be theirs as well, the United States. It wasn't until Sex on Fire came out that I actually heard them on the radio. It wasn't until that song came out that I saw them on video channels. Many people might snicker at those last sentences, but where I live, Kings of Leon just weren't on anyone's radar. When I saw my first show in November of 2008, the song wasn't as popular in the set list as it would later become. Again, I was ignorant and naive. Many fans, those who had been with the band since the very beginning, were starting to feel betrayed slightly. At the time I brushed it off, but as time wore on, I realized that they might have been justified. With that song came a new audience and with that audience came a new "feel". They weren't "our band" anymore and we all found ourselves trying to come to grips with that cold realization. Things that hadn't been so apparent before were now bright as day. Then a new word entered the Kings of Leon "lexicon": Sex on Fire fan. That phrase would come to mean more than anyone intended. That phrase is the reason we find ourselves here asking many questions. How did it get to this point and where are we going to go from here? 2009 has been a wonderful year for Kings of Leon. They played at Madison Square Garden, won a Grammy and even appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. Yet, something was slowly starting to change our little band. Perhaps those within the band were starting to feel the pressure. Although I was not in attendance, the concert at Reading appeared to be the tip of the iceberg. Maybe it was too much touring, the bands frustrations with one another, or perhaps their frustrations due in part to the success of one song. It seems that so many people only come to hear one song and yet the boys probably feel obligated to play it. Every band or artist has that song that they hate but are required to play. For Kings of Leon, this might be it. How does a band go from there, when they perhaps think that the only people who go to see their shows only appreciate one song? The truth is this. There are millions of Kings of Leon fans around the world who loved them before Sex on Fire came out and who will love them when that song is no longer relevant. I'm speaking from bias when I say this, but maybe it's time to let Sex on Fire go. Sure, they might lose a few fans, but in all honesty, were these people really fans to begin with? I know this was the song that "broke" them, but it also seems to be the song tearing them apart, at least from the outside. After all this rambling, it comes down to this. Would you be willing to tell the boys that you still support them, even when they are at their lowest? Would you be there for them even when the hype of Sex on Fire (and perhaps Use Somebody) dies down? I know this is a bold post coming from someone who hasn't had much to say on this site in some time, but as a fan, I owe it to them to let them know how much I appreciate their music. I still like Sex on Fire, but even I know that the song needs to die. Maybe this is when they bring back King of the Rodeo.  -Jasmine aka Jigglytuffy |
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Post by NikLovesLeb on Aug 29, 2009 4:59:09 GMT
Yes, and yes.
Thanks for the good post, Jasmine.
(Havent seen you on here for a while.)
But well said and it's time to let Sex on Fire die a slow death. Perhaps it will happen naturally with the end of this tour and with the release of a new album.
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Post by rockchick26 on Aug 29, 2009 5:04:11 GMT
Continuing the love and support.... Caleb, Matt, Nathan and Jared: I am about to admit something that you guys and most of the fans will probably cringe at. Sex on Fire made me a fan. But it was ALL your songs that has KEPT me a fan. The explosion of new fans may have brought you more fame and fortune, but when they go chasing after the next big band, we will still be here, on the ground, ready to catch you. You're the same guys no matter what song is currently #1, no matter how many records you sell, no matter how loud your audience is, no matter what perks the rock and roll life gives you or takes away from you. Your fans can brag about how true they are, but it doesn't change who YOU are. If the crowd isn't loud enough or the records aren't selling enough or this isn't enough or that isn't enough, remember that you are not your success or lack of, you are musicians underneath all the shallow petty things that happen to you. |
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Post by beplumcrazy on Aug 29, 2009 5:05:11 GMT
That's written beautifully! It's exactly what's been going through my mind all night. They are almost done touring and will be working on #5 soon and even if album #5 isn't #1 on itunes I'll still love them just like I did with albums 1-3 AND 4! I can understand the bands frustration when they worked hard for all those years and then play in front of a crowd of people who were "frozen" as Nathan himself put it except for one song! SOF doesn't define Kings of Leon... it isn't who they are and I wish more of the "sof fans" would either realize that or go away! who goes to see a band for one song anyway? edit: i'll always be proud to say that i always have been, i am, and i always will be a kings of leon fan Dear SOF, You were great at first but please go die now! You are gonna ruin my band and that will break my heart! Carrie |
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Post by lilappleshaker024 on Aug 29, 2009 5:11:56 GMT
^ditto to shelly's
i admit SOF made me fan only b/c they play shit music here where i'm from nad its the forst one i'd heard on the radio, so i looked up you guys and saw RML and molly's and recognized them from commercials (didn;t know who sang them but i'd loved those songs) so i went and bought all the albums and they also kept me a fan, loved how they were so different from one another. despite only being exposed to SOF and US in the beginning, my favs were and still continue to be the older stuff! but no matter what you guys write or play i'll love it because you put soooo much effort and heart into your albums and performances and i/we really appreciate it.
from the bottom of my heart, love ya'll!!!
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Post by roro on Aug 29, 2009 5:12:11 GMT
Jasmine, you're a genius.
That's exactly what I've been thinking and when I saw the Reading video I just thought it was time to let it go.
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Post by CrazyNess488 on Aug 29, 2009 5:48:45 GMT
the true fans aren't going to letcha go! Can't wait for album five and to see if the devil song makes the cut, do as the lyrics say, don't sell your souls, dont get on that level
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Post by evil on Aug 29, 2009 6:21:56 GMT
Wow, Jasmine! That was well thought out and I appreciate you taking the time to write that. Karma!
I was first drawn to Kings of Leon because of SOF, but what really brought me in was the article I read about them in Rolling Stone. I found that their story and their history as a band was very intriguing. After reading about them I spent days and nights researching past articles, and watching videos. I got to see how they developed as a band literally over night...and inevitably so, I became a huge fan of their music! All I got to say is that their music has to be laced with a rhythmic drug, because I am hooked! Every single note that is played and lyric that is sung affects me in the hugest way. Their overall sound makes me want to do great things, and in turn I hope great things keep happening for them!
KOL keep doing what you are doing! I'm not going anywhere, because your music has jump started my life, and I'm ready to roll!!!
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Post by Teagan on Aug 29, 2009 7:30:54 GMT
That was written really beautifully Jasmine! My vote: let it die.  |
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Post by kultbert on Aug 29, 2009 9:19:53 GMT
let it fucking DIE and burry burry burry burry burry it DEEEEEEP DOWN somewhere!!! i can easily live without this song!  |
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Post by tamtam on Aug 29, 2009 9:23:03 GMT
Great post Jasmine! My opinion on this is kinda complicated, and I'm not very good at explaining things on the internet so bear with me  I didn't know about KOL until after BOTT had been out for a loooong while..(West Virginia radio didn't catch on until SOF was released  ) so I still think of myself as a new fan. I don't consider myself a "sexsomebody" fan but I do understand them...I have been to many concerts where I only knew the "popular" songs but the band playing would be so good that I left the show a HUGE fan and went home and bought everything I could find on that particular band. I really, really hope that this is what's happening to KOL right now. (if not and they are truly there for just SOF and US then I agree with Caleb...FUCK THEM!!) I think that the next album/tour will bring out the TRUE fans. The SOF fans will either love this band and realize how great their older music is and grow to love them as much as we do or they will just fade away. No matter what though, I am I fan for life...I will still love them no matter what! |
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Post by Nashville on Aug 29, 2009 9:28:27 GMT
the true fans aren't going to letcha go! Can't wait for album five and to see if the devil song makes the cut, do as the lyrics say, don't sell your souls, dont get on that level DON'T SELL YOUR SOULS ......this is the best part...... And that's what have our boys to do......not to sell herself for the big deal! We all love you without a grammy,MTV Awards, Cover on the Rolling Stone and stuff like that! We love you for yourself and for the great music and the sexy shows! SO PLEASE DON'T PLAY NO MORE SEX ON FIRE......I'll never miss it |
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Post by bah-dah on Aug 29, 2009 11:44:52 GMT
Wow lads..Well said! Jas you're soo right! I'm glad you came back to post that, it was needed!!
I think the lads know they have the most amazing fans ever and I think it was just lacking at Reading..I suppose a lot of the non-SOF fans didn't make it to Reading havening went to a lot of their shows at the start of the summer. Also, I think they can't really expect all festivals to have a large amount of just their fans...There must have been a tonne of Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys and the other bands' fans there who won't know there music as well as their own fans, and so they'll only know their bigest hits. I thought the crowd were good for Molly's Chambers and On Call as well as their recent hits because of all the coverage they've received over here.
So I think ya it was a bit ott but understandable. And I won't mind if we don't see another album for another 2 years as long as they're well rested and over this very very long tour!!
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Post by rachee on Aug 29, 2009 11:54:12 GMT
Caleb, Matt, Nathan and Jared: I am about to admit something that you guys and most of the fans will probably cringe at. Sex on Fire made me a fan. But it was ALL your songs that has KEPT me a fan. I am completely the same. Sex On Fire made me sit up and take notice of the Kings, buts its the last three albums that have made me stick around Sex On Fire isnt a bad song, to quote Zane Lowe 'its probably the best song you've ever written', but you hit the nail on the head Jasmine, it does seem to be tearing them apart. Just drop it from the setlist. Then they will find out for definate who their true fans are. Ill always be a KOL fan, during AND after Sex On Fire. Beautifully written Jasmine |
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Post by seaurchin on Aug 29, 2009 11:57:45 GMT
I wouldn't go as far as to say these songs need to die, after all they created them in the same way they created all their others and they have no control over which songs are popular and which ones aren't - even amongst their biggest fans (ie.on this forum) people's favourite songs vary widely! I just think they should stop putting them on EVERY setlist when they start touring the next album, and give some of their other songs a chance to shine!! It must be hard though, having made OBTN and having it be so commercially successful to stop playing SOF and US, since they probably think that thats what most people want to hear and they probably feel obliged to play them. However i sincerely hope they know when they're making their 5th album that all of the people who supported them before OBTN and its success, will still be there to support them after it too!! In fact, id much rather see them go back to playing slightly smaller venues again with an electric atmosphere than big stadiums with half-hearted crowds, and i hope they do to!! I hope they don't feel scared about losing public approval/huge commercial success on the next album, since now they've had it it must be hard to lose it. I actually think they didn't know how good they had it before OBTN, when every single member of their audience adored them - i just hope they know that all of those same people are still huge fans and will always support them |
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Post by Elly on Aug 29, 2009 12:04:03 GMT
I was a majorly obsessed fan before "sex on fire" and i will continue ta do so even after its been played ta death by near every dj known ta man!! .. I was here at the beginning and il be here till the end! So guys .. do what u thinks right..even if it does mean smashing guitars and yelling at ppl along the way! .. cos we were here b4 shit hit the fan and we'll be here after!! .. Luv yas forever!! ♥ |
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Post by Ems on Aug 29, 2009 13:00:08 GMT
Nice to see you again Jas, very well put post there!  In a nutshell, I definately WILL be there for the band, even after all this. I am a bit angry/upset for how they reacted to things last night, as I've said in other posts there may have been mostly SOF fans in that crowd, but they play it all the time & get the same reaction with other crowds, I just don't know what it was that made them snap like that. I started being a fan after I heard Four Kicks, but it didn't really start to become a big obsession until just after the release of BOTT, so I wouldn't say I'm an old-school fan but not a new one either. I've never really liked SOF, but its been so overplayed here that I can't bare to listen to it anymore. I just wish they'd go back to sounding how they used to, that's why I loved their music. But as many of you have said - if they stay true to their word & are going to go back to sounding like they used to - I am a true fan & I will be there no matter what. But I feel that they really need to take a break, even if they do get bored sitting around at home doing nothing, they can't swear at people that have come to see them play & throw a strop & smash their guitars... even if they weren't proper fans, its just not cricket. I know I'm rambling & my post is totally pointless, and I'm sorry. But I guess what I'm trying to say is: I WILL ALWAYS BE HERE FOR KOL, but I think for now they (and, admittedly, me) need to take a seriously long break until album number 5. It may not sell as well as OBTN but I hope they know & understand that the true fans are still going to be with them. |
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Post by CalebsMonaLisa on Aug 29, 2009 13:55:18 GMT
I love KOL and always will. They gave me three beautiful albums that I will love forever. I think last night's antics were them trying to 'save face' and show us they're still rockstars at the end of the day.
OBTN, IMO, is not a true Kings of Leon record. It's the result of manipulation to fit into a market. As much as they try to deny it, it's true. I will still be here, long after the 'sex sombody' fans have fallen off the bandwagon, even if I don't post here in the future.
I know they say we've had enough of them, but TBH, I think they had enough of us. Their new focus is on the US and I dont blame them for that. But, how can you get upset to play song that you've created because people embrace it.
I hope they make 'sex somebody' as rare as King of the Rodeo or Day Old Blues is, now. Play it once in a blue moon.
Caleb's speech left me disheartened. I felt like it was a big 'fuck you' to England. But I think he need to remember that his UK/US indie audience will always be here for him. One song people, dont always stay for the ride of the second album.
I want them to take a break and make an album that they are truly happy with. Use some of the anxiety and put it into the new album. OBTN, had no grime, he didn't even do his trademark scream.
Look at Pearl Jam, Radiohead, The strokes, White stripes. You don't have to change to be mainstream.
Roll on album number 5............
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Post by kim111 on Aug 29, 2009 14:06:39 GMT
i cant really agree sorry jasmine i think sof has every right to be in every setlist its a massive hit and clearly lots of people like it, i hate that there is now kol fan snobbery (i dont mean you) and that liking sof and use somebody makes someone less of a fan. Do we really believe caleb and the other guys care if we like sof or the older stuff? (the stuff most of kol admit to not liking) Do we really believe that kol think im a bigger/better fan cause i like the b-sides? even if i havnt been to a show this year? surely all the "sof fans" who have put their time and money into following the band's tour this year are better fans than i am?
I think the boys need a break and to then move their music in whatever direction feels good to them, if its huge and brings them new fans who jump on board for a year then move on to the next big thing then great, lets not kid ourselves that the guys care who is putting money in their pockets and lets not be so predjudiced against people who didnt catch on in the early days.
being a kol fan isnt some exclusive group that you have to prove your membership to by being a fan for a long time or by only listening to the more obscure releases not the hits.
as for what happened last night it seems it was just an off night all round, the crowd, the setlist, the musical timing and maybe caleb was just feeling pissed off.
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Post by handsintheair on Aug 29, 2009 15:11:53 GMT
I love KOL and always will. They gave me three beautiful albums that I will love forever. I think last night's antics were them trying to 'save face' and show us they're still rockstars at the end of the day. OBTN, IMO, is not a true Kings of Leon record. It's the result of manipulation to fit into a market. As much as they try to deny it, it's true. I will still be here, long after the 'sex sombody' fans have fallen off the bandwagon, even if I don't post here in the future. I know they say we've had enough of them, but TBH, I think they had enough of us. Their new focus is on the US and I dont blame them for that. But, how can you get upset to play song that you've created because people embrace it. I hope they make 'sex somebody' as rare as King of the Rodeo or Day Old Blues is, now. Play it once in a blue moon. Caleb's speech left me disheartened. I felt like it was a big 'fuck you' to England. But I think he need to remember that his UK/US indie audience will always be here for him. One song people, dont always stay for the ride of the second album. I want them to take a break and make an album that they are truly happy with. Use some of the anxiety and put it into the new album. OBTN, had no grime, he didn't even do his trademark scream. Look at Pearl Jam, Radiohead, The strokes, White stripes. You don't have to change to be mainstream. Roll on album number 5............ Completely agree. Like i said in the Reading thread, great live bands know how to take a lacklustre festival audience and whip them into a frenzy in the first few songs. That's what separates them from everyone else and makes them great. Because especially at festivals, you can't count on having a hardcore fan audience, even if you're the headliner. The point is knowing how to read the crowd and adjust your set accordingly to win them over. It's clear from watching the Reading set that KOL haven't learned how to do this yet. But they're gonna have to if they're serious about moving to the next level and becoming the great band they aspire to be. Blaming it on the popularity of one song is a complete cop out. Very disappointed in them right now. Here's hoping guys like Eddie Vedder, Ed O'Brien, etc will sit them down and give them some sound advice. Cos they're far too talented as songwriters and musicians to voluntarily implode like this. |
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