They’re finally smiling. If you’ve followed Kings of Leon for the last two decades, you know that’s not exactly their brand. For years, the Followill brothers (and cousin Matthew) were the poster children for Southern rock stoicism—serious faces, leather jackets, and a vibe that felt like they were carrying the weight of the entire music industry on their shoulders. But something shifted recently.
Maybe it was the 2024 release of Can We Please Have Fun. Or maybe it’s just the perspective that comes with being a "legacy" act that still actually likes each other. Whatever it is, the Kings of Leon concert tour hitting the road in 2026 feels less like a contractual obligation and more like a victory lap.
The 2026 Schedule: Where They’re Heading
Honestly, the 2026 routing is a bit of a wild mix. It’s not your typical "start in New York, end in LA" grind. They’re kicking things off in Florida on January 31st at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa. If you’re a superfan, you’ve probably noticed they’re spending a lot of time in the Sunshine State this time around, including a back-to-back residency style run at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood on April 17th and 18th.
What’s really interesting is their partnership with Zach Bryan. They aren't just doing solo headlining slots; they’re joining Bryan for massive stadium dates, like the April 11th show at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville and the April 25th gig at Nebraska Memorial Stadium.
Then, the tour flips the script and heads across the Atlantic. We're talking Tallinn, Berlin, Milan, and a heavy-duty UK run in July.
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- June 18: Zitadelle Spandau, Berlin
- June 20: Fiera Milano Live, Milan
- July 3: Bellahouston Park, Glasgow
- July 4: Co-op Live, Manchester
- July 6: First Direct Arena, Leeds
The Leeds show on July 6th is particularly notable because it’s a city the band has historically obsessed over. They’ve gone on record saying the energy there is unlike almost anywhere else in the world.
Why "Can We Please Have Fun" Changed the Live Show
When the band went into the studio with producer Kid Harpoon—the guy behind massive hits for Harry Styles—fans were a little nervous. Would the grit disappear? Would Caleb start singing about watermelons and sugar?
The opposite happened. Working on the new record seemed to give them permission to stop overthinking. On this Kings of Leon concert tour, the setlist reflects that looseness.
They’re opening with "Ballerina Radio," a track that’s atmospheric and weird in all the right ways. Jared’s bass lines are more prominent than they’ve been since the Aha Shake Heartbreak days. During the 2024 and 2025 legs, fans on Reddit and fan forums noted that Caleb looks "happier than he's ever been." He’s engaging with the crowd, laughing at missed cues, and actually seems to enjoy singing "Sex on Fire" for the ten-thousandth time.
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The production has leveled up, too. We’re seeing a lot of "Song for the City" moments where the band plays a deep cut or a request specifically for that night's audience. It breaks up the "slickness" that sometimes made their mid-2010s tours feel a bit robotic.
The Zach Bryan Connection: A New Audience
Seeing Kings of Leon as a "special guest" on a Zach Bryan tour might feel odd to some old-school fans. Why would the guys who headlined Glastonbury be opening for a country-adjacent newcomer?
It’s actually a brilliant move. There’s a massive overlap between the raw, heart-on-sleeve songwriting of Zach Bryan and the grit of early KOL. When Caleb joined Bryan on stage at MetLife Stadium to cover "Atlantic City" by Bruce Springsteen, it went viral for a reason. Their voices together sound like gravel and velvet.
If you’re catching them on one of these 2026 dates (like the September 18th show at The Woodlands in Dover), expect a shorter, punchier set. They’ll likely lean into the hits—"The Bucket," "On Call," and "Use Somebody"—to win over the younger crowd that might only know them from their parents' Spotify playlists.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Seeing Them Live
The biggest misconception? That they’re "boring" performers.
Look, Kings of Leon are not going to do backflips. They aren't going to have thirty backup dancers or a pyrotechnics display that rivals a Michael Bay movie. They are a musician’s band.
The value is in the sound. Caleb Followill’s voice is one of the few in rock that actually sounds better live than it does on the record. It’s got this raspy, strained quality that feels like it’s going to break at any second, but it never does.
A Quick Tip for Ticket Buyers
If you're looking at the UK dates, specifically Manchester or Leeds, the "standing floor" is where you want to be. The band feeds off the movement. However, be aware of the "Song for the City" segments—they often poll fans on social media a day or two before the show. If you want to hear "Trani" or "Arizona," that's your chance to be loud online.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning to catch the Kings of Leon concert tour in 2026, don't wait on the Hollywood or Manchester tickets. Those specific venues are smaller than the stadiums they’re doing with Zach Bryan, and they will sell out through secondary markets quickly. Check the official band website for the "Song for the City" voting links about 48 hours before your show date to have a say in the setlist. Finally, if you're attending one of the festival dates like New Orleans Jazz Fest or Mad Cool in Madrid, arrive at least two acts early; their fans are notorious for camping out at the barricade to catch a glimpse of Nathan’s drumsticks.