Tennessee rockers Kings of Leon have spent the greater part of 2007 supporting their latest release Because of the Times, an effort often praised, as well as criticized, for its polished, matured sound and content. And with a personal, grown up decision made by band sticksman Nathan Followill, it seems life imitates art. According to Ireland’s Independent, Nathan has recently proposed to girlfriend Jessie Baylin, and lead singer Caleb Followill is harboring objections to his brother’s decision. Nathan — following in the footsteps of this soon-to-be wed rocker — requested Baylin’s hand in marriage the night before the band’s sold out show at New York City’s Roseland Ballroom last month, and Caleb wasted no time in commenting on the band’s future and his brother’s heightened relationship. He laments, “We started this band. We’ve bought land and houses together. We’ve been best friends since we were little biddy boys. I don’t want him to make mistakes… if he doesn’t get a pre-nuptial agreement, he’s an idiot.”
Caleb seemed most worried about how Nathan’s imminent marriage could affect the quartet’s musical dynamic, stating his brother’s commitment to one girl will “water down” their content. He speaks from personal experience, though, explaining, “I’ll have girls come to the show who are beautiful and are in love with me, but as soon as I let them in, they start to try to change me… This is my life.” But Nathan defended his decision to marry as he is “pushing 30” and recognized Caleb’s concerns: “It’s always hard when big brother starts devoting time to a girl that would normally be devoted to little brother.” A date for Nathan’s wedding to Baylin has not yet been set, but Kings of Leon are due to play an array of festivals throughout the summer, including Lollapalooza, Bumbershoot, and Monolith.
On the Web:
kingsofleon.com
Talk: Nathan Followill’s forthcoming nuptials: a reason for worry or just sibling rivalry?
