Kings of Leon to Keep Playing New Songs Despite Management Warnings

Kings of Leon say they won't stop playing tracks from their forthcoming, as-yet-untitled fifth album, despite protests from their record company and management, reports Billboard.

"If we were to go out there and play a concert and not play new music, it would feel like we had our hands tied, and I think we would be bored with the show," said frontman Caleb Followill.

"We didn't want to go back out there and give 'em the 'Only by the Night' tour, part two. It's inspiring to be able to go out there and play new songs. Not only are you testing the songs out on the crowd, but we have that, 'Oh, s***!' moment when we're looking at each other. Are they gonna like this? Are they gonna sit down because it's not 'Use Somebody'?"

The band played four new songs at their sold-out concert in London's Hyde Park last month (June 30). Far from being indifferent, the audience warmed to 'Immortals,''Mary,' 'Radioactive' and 'Southbound' instantly. "The crowd response has been unbelievable," Followill added.

Clarifying previous comments that the new album would have a "beachy" feel, drummer Nathan Followill said that it wouldn't feature steel drums, but instead had a "kind of a chilled, laid-back vibe, something you just beach-out to."

The band are due to headline the V Festival at Hylands Park in Chelmsford on August 21 and Weston Park in Staffordshire on August 22, and have not ruled out playing more new material.

Other acts on the bill of the sold-out bash include co-headliners Kasabian, plus Paul Weller, Prodigy, Doves, Pet Shop Boys and Calvin Harris.