Kings of Leon Frontman, Caleb Followill, Calls for Faster Renditions of ‘Sex on Fire’ Covers
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Kings of Leon’s lead vocalist, Caleb Followill, is expressing his desire for a different take on the band’s hit song “Sex on Fire”. During an interview on Rolling Stone’s Nashville Now podcast on Tuesday, Nov. 11, Followill shared his opinion on the iconic track, suggesting that it should be enjoyed in a “dirty, raunchy, and quick” manner. Released in 2008, “Sex on Fire” featured on the band’s fourth studio album ‘Only by the Night’.
The 43-year-old musician and actor revealed that he sometimes reacts strongly to slower versions of the track, emphasising that it should maintain its original energetic and fast-paced vibe. Followill expressed his initial hesitation about including “Sex on Fire” on the album, stating, “I tried to not have it on the album. It was at the last second that we put it on. I was saying, ‘No, no, no. People are going to think it’s a pop song.’ Thank goodness I got outvoted on that.”
Despite his reservations, Followill acknowledged the enduring popularity of the song, noting that even after 17 years, the opening guitar chords still evoke a powerful response from fans. He humorously remarked, “We can play it at a funeral and the corpse would sit up.” However, he confessed that replicating the success of “Sex on Fire” has proven to be a challenging feat. “After it came out, I was like, ‘That was easy. I can write 50 of those.’ And here we are, still haven’t done it,” Followill admitted.
“Sex on Fire” catapulted Kings of Leon to international success, securing the group their first No. 1 singles in various countries, including Australia, Finland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Additionally, the track topped Billboard’s U.S. Alternative Airplay charts and garnered the band their inaugural Grammy nominations. In 2009, “Sex on Fire” received nominations for Best Rock Song and won the award for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group at the 51st Grammy Awards, solidifying Kings of Leon’s place in the rock music scene.
In a surprising move, on Friday, Nov. 7, Kings of Leon released a surprise four-song project titled EP #2, showcasing their continued creativity and musical prowess. As fans eagerly anticipate new music from the band, Followill’s candid reflections on the enduring legacy of “Sex on Fire” offer a glimpse into the creative process behind their chart-topping hits.
With Caleb Followill’s call for faster renditions of “Sex on Fire” covers, it is evident that the band’s iconic track continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. As Kings of Leon navigate their musical journey, fans can expect more electrifying performances and memorable songs from the talented rock group.